10 Proven Ways to Improve Ratings on Apple App Store

The good ratings is quite hard to get in App Store.

Achieving high user ratings requires several actions to ensure that users are happy beyond the initial download. Although, the process is not necessarily a difficult one but it requires several steps and consistent action. Luckily, the steps aren't complicated; however, they require follow through and focus when it comes to ensuring that users are satisfied with an app and feel heard when they do run into glitches and problems while engaging with an app. When users give feedback on an app, smart developers know that it's in their best interest to respond and follow the needed improvements. Additionally, there are more steps to follow.

Welcome Both Positive & Negative Feedback

Most developers understand that all their feedback will not be good. Some of it may be negative. However, the best way to combat negative feedback is to assess whether or not the feedback can be used to improve the app. If not, don't take it too personally. Let the negative feedback be a reminder that you need to encourage as much feedback as possible, particularly from people that are happy with the app. This is truly the best way to offset negative feedback. Push more positive feedback.

Develop a Quality App

The most successful apps have clear & user-friendly functions that either solve a problem or meets a need. In fact, quality apps have all that reveals the true worth value of it in a clear and concise fashion. Nevertheless, the measure of quality doesn't stop after the installation. A successful app is well-maintained and also updated frequently. Bugs and other problems are consistently addressed as well. In fact, it's worth to say that a quality app is never concluded because it is constantly being improved.

Graciously & Consistently Ask for Feedback

Apple rankings are determined by user ratings and reviews. Make sure you are making a consistent practice of graciously asking for both ratings and reviews. There's no need to strong-arm users into giving you either, however, a gentle and consistent reminder should be effective enough to encourage users to both rate and review your app. Target satisfied users and use timing to your advantage. However, the worst thing to do is wait for your users to provide reviews and ratings without being prompted. Some will, however, it's a gamble.

Target Happy & Engaged Users

Most developers would agree that they don't want the bulk of their reviews to come from unhappy customers. Most want the satisfied and most engaged users to be the ones racing to give glowing reviews and high ratings. However, as an app developer, you must be proactive when it comes to bringing about this outcome. You must identify your most satisfied and engaged users and provide them with ample opportunities to sound off and sing your praises.

Utilize Timing and Ask Users to Rate Your App When they are Most Satisfied

After the initial download of your app, users need time to experience and test it out. As a developer, you must be patient with this process. The best way to determine when to ask for a review or rating is generally after some task or win has been successfully completed with your app. If you ask during these key moments the likelihood of receiving a positive rating or review is high.

Express the Value of User Ratings & Reviews

There are simple ways to tell your users how much value their ratings and reviews hold for your product. Let them know their opinion goes directly in the favor of your service. You could either choose to thank them through a professional mail or directly send an appreciation message letting them know the positive impact their reviews have created.

Be Proactive to Prevent Negative Ratings

Of course, no one wants negative ratings to make it to the app store. However, there are proactive ways that this can be handled. Make sure that users have a platform to express their grievances and difficulties with an app and get the feedback they need. This should be in the form of an in-app customer support function that allows them to get help. If unsatisfied users don't have an effective avenue to reach you and get the help they will be more compelled to venture to the app store to voice their problems.

Use Gamification Rewards to Encourage Reviews

Most of the user ratings center around games because they are highly engaging and entertaining, however, even if you don't have a game app you can create incentives for ratings by offering some sort of reward, discount, or another incentive to dangle a carrot and encourage users to rate your app. You could even present the reward as if it was a prize.

Use A/B Testing for Your Prompts

Although you may have confidence that your message is clear and users understand what you are asking them to do when you request a rating or reviews, it's a good idea to test this first. The results will let you know if your message needs to be clarified or if it's clear enough for users to understand what you are asking.

Use Social Media as an Avenue for Ratings & Reviews

Utilize your existing customers on your social media presence and ask them to rate your app and share their thoughts. This will build more positive ratings and reviews and also expand the reach of your audience, not to mention promote more installs. Plus, word of mouth is a powerful tool and positive ratings on your social media platform encourages more trust and engagement.

Most developers understand that the most important focus factor should always be the user. The user's experience with your app and engagement determines its success. This is why it's important to always keep the user at the forefront of all your priorities when it comes to developing an engaging profitable app. User ratings have a significant impact on app store optimization, ranking algorithms, charts. In essence, user ratings and reviews are the substance of your apps reputation. An app with poor ratings doesn't have a good reputation and this has a direct impact on page visits and downloads. Make sure that you are doing all you can to encourage positive ratings and address the negative ones.