The App Store and the Play Store have some strict guidelines to adhere to. Many applications have to face rejections due to the ignoring or lack of understanding of these guidelines. Talking about the App Store, it rejects around 35% of apps submitted. As scary as this may sound, it is quite easy to pass through the App Store verification processes. Keep in mind that the app does not have to be perfect, but it has to be flawless.
The app submission guidelines for the App Store and the Play Store are mentioned in the App Store Guidelines and Developer Policy Content, respectively. For a startup without the necessary technical expertise, these can be difficult to understand, creating more startup challenges. In this blog, we have explained the most common mistakes in startup applications and how they can be easily avoided.
Common App Submission Errors
Both the App Store and Play Store have different guidelines, but most of the rules are the same. In the end, both of them want to provide only the best to their consumers.
1: Presence Of Broken Links In the App
This is a major reason for app rejections. The App Store has grudges against apps with broken links.
2: False App Description
There is a difference between marketing and lying. If an app has misleading information in its description, it will be rejected.
3: Violating Intellectual Property
Both app stores are serious about clones. Having dozens of apps doing the exact same thing serves no benefit to them.
4: Poor Functionality
No one uses apps with tons of bugs and crashes. Any poorly developed app is sure to get rejected.
5: Incompatible With Devices
Submitting to the App Store means that the app has to be compatible with all iPhones and iPads. The same goes for Android. While ensuring compatibility with all Android phones is just impossible, the app has to work on most of them.
6: Incomplete Information
In cases where the title, description, contact details, and other required information are missing or incomplete, there is a high chance of app rejection.
There are many more reasons why an app can be rejected. However, these were the most critical reasons we have come across in our 23+ years of experience in the field. Fixing these substantially increases the chance of acceptance.
“It is not rejection itself that people fear, it is the possible consequences of rejection. Preparing to accept those consequences and viewing rejection as a learning experience that will bring you closer to success, will not only help you to conquer the fear of rejection, but help you to appreciate rejection itself.”
Robert Foster Bennett
How to Avoid App Submission Errors
This is not as confusing as it may seem. By following startup application best practices, getting your app through the bouncers of the app stores can be smooth as butter.
Here are some tips for successful startup applications and to avoid startup application errors.
1: Review The App From Start To End
It is always good to double-check and leave no stone unturned. Focus primarily on all the links. Check if all of the links are working or not, as the App Store is strict about it.
Secondly, check if there is any content that is offensive or inflammatory. It will not go well with the app stores. If it cannot be removed, add a disclaimer in the age rating section.
Also, make sure the app is complete. If the app stores find any placeholder content in the app, it is doomed to be rejected.
2: Conduct Rigorous Testing
Test the entire app for bugs on as many devices as possible. Fix these bugs before submitting the app. Ensure that the app is clearly visible on multiple screen sizes by making the UI design as responsive as possible.
Next up, find out about vulnerabilities in the app by using ethical hackers. Make sure the app is secure before submission.
It is smart to reach out to third-party testers, and they will be able to analyze the app from a neutral perspective.
3: Create Attractive And Genuine Metadata
The title, subtitle, and description are what compel users to download the app. They have to summarize the app precisely, marketing its USPs, without any misleading information for clickbaiting. More importantly, they have to be optimized for the app stores. This will help them rank higher in search results, leading to more downloads. Having a strong App Store Optimization (ASO) expert comes in handy here.
4: Get All Documents Ready
The Copyright Notice, Privacy Policy, End User Licence Agreement, and Postal Address will be required while submitting. It is good to get them ready beforehand.
Following the above-mentioned tips can significantly reduce the problems faced by startups during app submission.
Best Practices for Startup Application Success
Once all of the cards are in place, it is time to finally hit the submit button. Create accounts in the respective app stores and fill in the required details. In the case of a paid app, sign a contract that covers the terms of payment in the app store. Archive and upload your app using Xcode to the App Store, and upload the APK file to the Google Play Store.
1: How WDI Can Help You
When you bring your idea to WDI, your app development agency, we nurture it for success from the first line of code. Right from the scope of work, our business analysts figure out ways to make the app stand out in the market. We work with the latest technologies, such as Flutter and Laravel to ensure the best possible development for our clients.
2: Testing At Every Stage
We conduct testing on every stage of the app, making sure it runs flawlessly across multiple devices and screen sizes. Before submitting, we conduct a final round of testing to leave no stone unturned.
3: ASO
Our dedicated ASO team creates catchy and compelling metadata for the app, along with recommendations for the images and trailer video.
We are here to guide you on how to avoid startup application errors.
Conclusion
Making mistakes is part of the game, and identifying them beforehand is what sets successful startups apart.
To sum it up:
- Review your app as much as possible. Make sure everything is perfect.
- Do not go easy when it comes to testing.
- Create app store optimized metadata
- Have all the documents ready before submission
At WDI, our mobile app developers know the ins and outs of getting apps through the app store verification process. When you choose us, you get a team of skilled developers, experienced project managers, talented UI designers, and the latest technology.
Contact us today to kickstart your development project.
Let us build something innovative together!
