4 Tips for Promoting an Android Mobile Game
According to statistics, the Android operating system commands 72% of the global OS market. The US alone has more than 129 million android smartphone users despite the country being predominantly an iPhone market. This means Android mobile games have the potential of reaching more people if marketed right.
But how do you ensure your game reaches the masses with more than 449,000 mobile gaming apps available for download in the Google Play Store? Here are five practical strategies you can use to promote your Android mobile game.
Enable App Installs Via Targeted Ads
The ultimate goal of any mobile game marketing campaign is to get as many installs as possible. And there’s no better way to achieve that than leveraging the power of paid ads on Facebook and Twitter. Paid ads on these platforms allow you to tailor your ads according to age, mobile OS, and location—and other relevant factors that can prompt users to click on them.
Another option is to promote your game through email ads. Do it strategically and only send your email ads to specific people based on their age and demographics. Some android games also allow game developers to promote their games on their platforms but charge a fee for every installation.
Use a Gorgeous Icon
Glamor and bliss are the top two features leveraged by all great games. Research shows that an app’s icon can increase the number of downloads by up to 9.6%. Use a great icon that invokes a gamer’s interest to click, download, and install your game.
For example, if you’ve created a racing car game, use awesome car images that clearly show the aerodynamic features. This will prompt people to download your game. Hire a mobile game expert to optimize it so that it appears at the top of search results. The game icon should be clear and have an easy-to-understand theme.
Work on Your Android Game ASO
Just like any other web-based content, optimization is key to getting a lot of traffic. Work on your game app store optimization (ASO) to gain more app store traffic and organic downloads. There are several things you can do to ensure your game ranks top on app store results.
- Create a complete app with a superb interface
- Use a descriptive title
- Include an app preview video
- Focus on the icon design
- Use keywords in the title
- Add quality screenshots of your app
- Encourage positive reviews
Proper game optimization will make your android game go viral and get loads of organic downloads without you spending a lot of money on marketing.
Cross-Promote
Producing and marketing a game can be expensive. But there are free strategies you can use—such as cross-promotion—to make your game stand out in an overcrowded market, even on a shoestring budget. Cross-promotion has two major benefits: It will impact your existing customers—if you already have other games—and attract new users to try out your games.
Here’s how to do it.
Partner with other developers and let them share your game with their audiences. Join the International Game Developers Association or search for other developers on gaming forums online and ask if they would be interested in a partnership. Alternatively, you can promote your new game on some of your existing games. It’s a sure way to get downloads from loyal gamers who already love your games.