Mobile applications provide several benefits to small business owners and their customers. As most web-based traffic moves to mobile and handheld devices, it’s more important than ever that your small business has a functioning app. Submitting applications to app stores can prove difficult if you’re starting from scratch, though. In this article, we’ll provide you with what you need to know to successfully submit an app to the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
Apple App Store
Design for Functionality
Apple prefers apps that provide users with a specific, unique function. An app that purely drives traffic to a website is unlikely to meet Apple’s criteria. In addition, if your app has minimal functionality, it may not get approval either. So, make sure your app provides users with value.
Follow Human Interface Guidelines
Apple provides strict Human Interface Guidelines that help developers build acceptable applications. These guidelines cover a spectrum of different design and architecture rules. Apple does this to provide its users with a harmonious user experience across all available apps.
These guidelines cover app architecture, user interaction, system capabilities, visual design, controls, extensions, and plenty of other crucial components. Not following these guidelines may result in rejection.
Don’t Include Price in the App Description
A simple mistake that a lot of users make when submitting their first app to the App Store is including a price in the description. The Apple App Store sets different prices for different regions, so don’t assume the price remains the same across the board. This is especially true if you plan on submitting your app internationally.
Meet Ethical Standards
Apple provides app developers with content guidelines – certain forms of content are not tolerated. This includes discriminatory and defamatory content, pornographic material, false features, encouragement of the illegal use of weapons, realistic portrayals of violence or death, and more. Make sure you review these guidelines before submitting.
Google Play Store for Android Apps
For those who use Android devices, the Google Play Store provides a separate set of challenges and requirements.
Follow Developer Program Policies
Google provides Developer Program Policies to help you understand the type of applications and methods it accepts. These policies dictate guidelines on restricted content, intellectual property, monetisation, store listing, privacy, and more. Make sure this your first stop when you start developing a new app.
Follow Quality Guidelines
On top of Google’s Developer and Program Policies, there are also Quality Guidelines that your app developers must follow. You can test your app’s core quality before submitting it for approval.
Provide Compatibility Information
Make sure you provide compatibility information to your users. Your app description should include what systems and devices the app is compatible with.
Provide Pricing and Distribution Locations
If your app costs money, you need to set the pricing and the various distribution locations. You will also need to set prices for the different locations. You can restrict your app from various regions if you only want it available in certain countries.
Final Thoughts
As a small business owner, you can save significant time and money when your app meets the requirements of each app store. Redesigning an app after a rejected submission will delay your project and inflate the price of development. Following the guidelines above will help secure app store approval.
