How to Get Your App Reviewed? A Step-by-Step Guide & Tips

If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering how to get your app reviewed. App development is a process that requires great skill, time, and effort. Developing a great product is only half the job. Not all apps share the success of Apex Legends which had 2,4 million players in the first 24 hours of the initial release. That’s why marketing is as important as developing a great product.

So, one method for acquiring new users is getting your app reviewed by a relevant website, blogger, or influencer. If you’re not one of the “big guys”, you need to be persistent and ask for it. And you need to do it in the right way.

Getting a free review is far from easy. Your pitch needs to be well crafted and you need to serve it to the right people. In that way, you’re presenting your app to the relevant audience as well as getting some backlinks to improve your higher ranking on SERPs (search engine results pages) as well.

If You Haven’t Published Your App – Think about App Promo Codes

App promo codes are a powerful tool that lets you show what it is all about. It could be a promo video or a trailer that shows other users the key features of your app. This provides you the ability to start marketing even before the launch of your app.

You can promote your free apps and if you have a paid app this is a great way to let users try your app for free before launch. App promo codes have been available on the App Store forever, but now Google has also made them available for app developers.

How to Get Promo Codes in the App Store?

After you log into the App Store you can generate promo codes in the Promo Codes section. Apple gives you the ability to give away 100 promo codes per release.

Each code you get is valid for 28 days, so don’t request too many codes if you are not going to use them right away, that way you improve your efficiency and don’t lose any of those promo codes. Also, when you release an update for your app, all of the previous promo codes become invalid, and also promo codes cannot be used for in-app purchases.

How to Get Promo Codes in the Google Play Store?

Google also added promo codes for Google Play apps. The good thing about these promo codes is that they can be used for in-app purchases and are very flexible but cannot be used for inactive in-app purchases and subscriptions. Google allows 500 promo codes to be distributed per quarter.

Those codes can be used in various combinations, for example, use 500 promo codes for a paid app, 250 for a paid app and 250 for in-app purchases, and so on.

To acquire promo codes for your Android app you need to go to your Developer Console and create your promo codes, you need to create your promotion for which you can find Google instructions on how to do that. When you create your promotion, you will need to define the number of codes that are going to be used in your promotion.

What to Include When You’re Pitching Your App?

It might be obvious, but you need to include all the important details about your app. And we mean, ALL of them. If you forget something in your first email, make a mistake or just send a generic email to the wrong person, forget about the review.

The elements are the same as when you’re writing a press release, just a bit shorter. Imagine the email message as a “short press release”.

• App Name (Exactly as it is written in the Play Store/App Store)
• Description of the app, what it does, why it is different from all the apps before
• Is it free? (or price if it’s paid)
• Link to your product page
• Link to the iTunes product page and/or Google Play product page
• A short video (30 seconds to a minute long) describing your app  
• Contact information – What is your email, website and how to get in touch with you if anybody has some other questions about the app.
• Links to your social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram…)

Should I Still Write a Press Release?

There is no point in writing a press release if you’ll just send it to bloggers and journalists. Press releases are meant to be sent to major websites, magazines, or PR sites. A press release is a must-have in your app kit. Even some bloggers could request a press release from you, so it’s great if you have it prepared.

It all comes down to who you’re writing for. Who will be reading the review? If you’re trying to get your app reviewed by a blogger, think about who is his audience?

 

1. But be careful…

No matter how well the email is crafted, you need to send it to the right person. If a blog is writing about mobile games, it probably won’t be interested in your calendar app.

2. Be polite and honest. Don’t promise what you or your app can’t deliver. You’re probably writing to somebody who you never spoke to before. Introduce yourself, know who you’re talking to and explain why. Don’t try too hard, but don’t be pretentious either.

3. Networking in your niche will go a long way. It would be great if you already had some contact with the blog editor. Follow a blog you like on social media and engage with them on social media. The chances are, they will probably remember you when you ask for a review later on.

4. And don’t send mass emails!

Take time and personalize emails for the blogs and journalists you’re writing to. There is a greater chance that your email will be overlooked if it is not personalized.

Advice from Pocket Gamer for Pitching Your App

The most important thing is to have an interesting game. If you got that covered, PocketGamer lists a few important things important when pitching your app.

• Include trailers, screenshots, and all the relevant information.

• Send the promo codes before your game goes live on the App Store so the editors have enough time to review it before the app goes live. The same goes for the .APK file if you have an Android app.

• Share everything that could be interesting. That could be previously published articles, your significant industry experience…

• Write an interesting email. This may be obvious, but no matter how good your app is if you send them a generic, spammy mail, it is highly unlikely that your app will be selected for a review.

---

Try App Review Sites

Another way to get app reviewed is by submitting it to app review sites.

These sites usually get a nice amount of organic traffic. If you get your app to appear on multiple app review sites, this should bring you a decent audience. 

It will increase the app viewability and the review will help future users to determine if the app is right for their needs. Another benefit is that you will probably get a backlink to your App Store or Google Play page. This may help your app to get better search engine rankings. 

You’ll need to submit the app for review. If there is no option to submit the app directly, contact the site’s admins via email or a contact form. 

Include the details like app description, App Store/Play Store URL, screenshots of the app, videos of the user experience…

Besides this, highlight your app’s best features and explain to the person reading it why they should even take time and review your app. 

Popular app review sites

Here’s a list to help you choose the best app review site(s) and get some users! 

AppBrain

• AppBrain is your to-go website for all the stats about Android and Google Play, and even though it is currently focused on monetization and advertising services, you’ll be able to get your app reviewed and advertised on their website.
• Pricing: campaigns are starting from $100
• Submission form: https://www.appbrain.com/info/addapp

---

Appolicious

• Appolicious is another great option if you’re looking to get your app reviewed. Their editors review apps they consider of value to potential users. But if you want to be sure your app will be reviewed, pick one of their services that range from $80 for an expedited review to $120 for an expedited video review.
• Pricing: $80 – $120
• Contact: https://appolicious.com/contact-us/

---

AppAdvice

• AppAdvice is an app review website for iOS apps. You’ll need to contact the editor to write a review for your app. They don’t guarantee they will review your app, but they will consider it. You will have a better chance for a review if your app hasn’t hit the app stores yet. 
• Pricing: N/A
• Contact: https://appadvice.com/page/contact-info-developers

---

App Picker

• This app review site claims to have 200k monthly visitors, 50% of which are from the U.S. and the rest is from all over the world. The website features “staff reviews” “hot apps” “top 100” and other categories. Their editorial team doesn’t accept payments. Instead, they pick out apps to review based on their quality. 
• Pricing: free
• Contact: https://www.apppicker.com/site/contact  

---

FeedMyApp

On this review site, you can submit any type of mobile app. On their homepage, they have tags for different categories. If you see your app category is popular, this is a good reason to pay and submit it to the site. 

• Pricing: $1.90 – Standard submission, $9.00 – Express Submission, $49.00 – Express Submission + Guaranteed Review
• Submission form: https://feedmyapp.com/submit/

---

Mashable

• You’ll need to write an informative post related to the app and contact the Mashable editorial team to get featured. This website has a huge audience and covers a variety of topics related to tech, science, entertainment… It will be hard to get featured on Mashable, but if you have a great pitch, you’ll be more likely to be selected.
• Pricing: N/A
• Contact form: https://mashable.com/submit/?europe=true

---

MobileAppDaily

• If you’re looking for organic leads from a dedicated audience, this is the place. Sometimes, it’s not all about traffic, but also about the traffic quality. MobileAppDaily is a popular media outlet in the mobile industry. It also allows app publishers to show what exactly their apps have to offer. If you’re ready for an honest review of your app, make sure to submit it here. 

• Pricing: N/A
• Contact: https://www.mobileappdaily.com/app-review  

---

TechCrunch

• TechCrunch is popular among tech geeks and you can get a super boost of the app. It can be easy if the app stands out, otherwise, it will be hard to pitch.
• Pricing: N/A
• Contact: advertise@techcrunch.com

---

148apps

• You can pitch your app, but only the best will be reviewed. Editors at 148apps listed what factors are important to them when picking which apps will they review. They look at the quality and uniqueness of the app. They currently only review iOS apps.
• Pricing: N/A
• Submission info: http://www.148apps.com/about/submit-app-review/

---

PreApps

• This app review website covers almost every app category. This includes book apps, mobile games, lifestyle apps, etc. PreApps promises they will help you get a successful app launch, millions of target users, and worldwide recognition. 
• Pricing: N/A
• Contact: contact@preapps.com

---

PocketGamer

• You can send your app to the email listed on the PocketGamer website. They also mention that they can’t review every app sent to them, but it will be considered.
• Pricing: N/A
• Contact: reviews@pocketgamer.co.uk

---

Reviewlancer

• This website offers you unlimited reviews for your Apps and websites. The process is easy. After you’ve signed up, you add your website or apps you wish to get reviewed. Your review different users’ apps/websites so you can receive reviews from different community members.
• Pricing: Free
• Contact: https://reviewlancer.com/contact

---

Product Hunt

• Product Hunt is a tech product review website and it is one of the best platforms to showcase your product to tech enthusiasts. It is free, but getting a feature on the front page isn’t an easy task. Read about how Producthunt’s algorithm works. After you’ve submitted an app to the website, it appears in the newest selection. Only if the community members upvoted your product and it ranked high on the top lists, it will be featured on the homepage. 
• Pricing: Free
• Submission info: https://help.producthunt.com/posting/how-to-post-a-product

---

The Startup Pitch

• If you’re just starting or your app is currently in beta testing, this is a great place to pitch your app. Only new apps that are also startups will be reviewed and featured on this website.
• Pricing: Free
• Submission form: https://thestartuppitch.com/post-a-beta-pitch/

---

Appspirate

• This daily active blog reports on everything relevant that is happening in the iOs and Android universe. That includes everything from news, in-depth guides to software updates. If you pitch your app to this site, you can expect an original and entertaining review. 
• Pricing: N/A
• Submission form: http://appspirate.com/contact/

---

GetApp

• GetApp is a recommendation platform aimed primarily at businesses looking for apps to integrate into their daily operations. They give professionals advice on finding mobile solutions that will fit their business needs best. They not only cover Android and iOs apps, but also software and web app solutions. Their services include a free comparison tool and detailed app specifications. 
• Pricing: N/A
• Submission form: https://www.getapp.com/about 

---

Appnoodle

• If your app is for Android phones, Appnoodle is a great option. This review site features apps from different categories – from games to shopping and utility apps. Their reviews are comprehensive and objective. 
• Pricing: N/A
• Contact: dan@appnoodle.com

---

BetaList

• If you’re looking for early feedback and reviews on your startup app, BetaList is an ideal place for it. Gathering an engaging community, your app will get early feedback and potential users. In order to submit your app, you will need to connect using your Twitter account.
• Pricing: N/A
• Submission form: https://betalist.com/submit

---

AppAddict

• We’re closing the list with AppAddict, a site that reviews iOS and MAC apps, as well as software. They highlight their reviews are detailed, honest, and they refuse to participate in any form of advertising. When you submit an app, their expert review team will list its pros, cons and give improvement suggestions. 
• Pricing: Free
• Submission form: https://appaddict.net/contact-us/ 

Next Steps for Your App

Consider submitting your app to popular app review websites. We listed some of the top app review websites as well as their contacts. Start with your press kit and take the time to write an interesting email. Include all the important facts about your app as well as screenshots & videos.

The process is quite simple and we made it easier for you by listing all the relevant app review sites in one article.

Of course, it will all come down to the editor, but if you followed our advice, we’re sure you’ll get your app reviewed.