Looking for creative ways to promote a mobile or desktop app?
Unlike physical products, promoting a digital product on social media requires some extra creativity.
But with the right strategy, you can see huge returns. Here are five ways to drive downloads and secure those all-important sign-ups:
Build A Strong Community
Offer Exclusive Tips and Tricks
Encourage User-generated Content
Work With Influencers
Optimize Your Link in Bio
#1: Build A Strong Community
Holding a strong focus on building community is one of the best ways to accelerate your downloads.
For Sarah Boland, Founder and CEO of LifeLapse, creating and fostering community on social media is everything, especially since it’s not possible to communicate directly with her users on the app.
And they focus on building community across all social platforms — not just on one. We’re talking Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok.
“We see how excited our community gets when we leave a comment on their post or when we reply to their Stories,” explains Sarah. “We really love building those connections.”
When you take the time to foster (and retain) real relationships with your current users, you create a group of brand advocates.
When you have a group of people advocating for your brand, engaging with your content, and organically sharing it with their circles, that’s when you know you’ve started something special.
#3: Encourage User-generated Content
User-generated content (commonly referred to as UGC) is a great way to spread the word and encourage downloads. Plus, it makes for a nicely padded out content calendar.
TL;DR: UGC is any type of content that is created by your community. It can be videos showcasing your product in action, photos using filters from your app, or an organic post talking about your app and its great features.
Not only does UGC help save you time and money, but it also helps build community (hello tip #1!).
Whatever the case may be, UGC is a great way to get the conversation going. In addition to spreading your app to further audiences, it also helps your audience feel a part of something.
Reposting UGC is one of LifeLapse’s main Instagram tactics on Instagram.
“Many people follow us on Instagram for inspiration to see what other users are creating with our app,” Sarah explains.
“We like to share UGC, especially from first-time creators, because not only does it encourage people to try and create their very own stop motion, but our users love to see their work on our page.”
TIP: As you’re building out your calendar with UGC, use a visual planner to ensure all of your content is cohesive.
Later’s Visual Instagram Planner shows you exactly what your Instagram feed will look like with your future posts (both images and videos) in it — it’s a game-changer when it comes to nailing your aesthetic.
It lets you easily rearrange or swap out your posts, so you can find the perfect balance for your Instagram feed.
#4: Work with Influencers
Another way to promote an app and encourage downloads is through influencer marketing — especially because 61% of consumers trust influencer recommendations over the brands themselves.
Influencer marketing removes the barriers of traditional advertising because customers are introduced to your brand from a trusted source (the influencer) on an authentic, casual platform (Instagram).
By partnering with relevant influencers who have an engaging and authentic voice, your app is placed in front of people who are already interested in your niche, so it’s easier to make a real, lasting impression.
When searching for relevant influencers, take a look at your existing community.
“We usually see a spike in downloads when an influencer creates a video with our app and they tag us.” explains Sarah.
It’s a good idea to find someone who is already interested and engaging with your brand. Look through your DMs, comments, and tagged photos to see if there’s anyone who is already a fan.
When you work with influencers who are already talking about your app organically, it's a perfect match.
#5: Optimize Your Link in Bio to Drive More Downloads
Since there’s no way to use product tagging on Instagram for a digital product, it’s more important than ever to take advantage of the link in your bio.
Since there’s only one link in your Instagram bio, we recommend using a link in bio tool, like Later’s Linkin.bio, so you can direct your audience to an unlimited amount of resources.
Do you want to link to the app download page? You can do that. To your website? Easily. To a YouTube video explaining why your app is the best? Yes, it can do that too.
And the best news? Linkin.bio by Later‘s core features are free for all users — no credit card details required.
Not only is promoting your app on social media a great way to drive downloads, but know that it’s also great for growing and nurturing the community that already uses your app, encouraging word of mouth, and retention.
It’s a win-win strategy!
Turn Instagram into a traffic-driver for your mobile app with Later’s Linkin.bio feature — available for free!
