App Review Sites Worth Trying

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In a previous article, we discussed the benefits and setbacks of app review sites. But since you’re already reading this article, it seems that the benefits outweigh these setbacks. If you still have doubts, here’s a little secret: you can offset almost all the setbacks by just selecting the right app review site. That’s right. The setbacks are commonly dependent on how the site handle the app review.

 

In this article, we made a list of dedicated app review sites and sites that feature app reviews. Several of these are niche sites that cater for children’s apps or gaming apps. The intention of this list is not to rank these sites, though. There are other more popular sites but the intention here is to discover new avenues for app exposure. So prepare to learn about hidden gems and sites you never thought can actually feature your app.

 

Exclusive App Review Sites

  1. Games Finder. This app review site has a database of games that are similar to popular games. You can either search similar apps by platform or browse through their expansive ‘Games Like’ directory. This directory is manually curated and reviewed by an in-house team. Each featured app has a concise and direct to the point review, screens, video previews, a site score and average score from users, and download links.
  2. Best Kids App. This site exclusively caters to apps for children from 0-12. According to the site, they have over 100,000 visitors every month, the majority being parents. Apps are classified through device type (iPhone, iPad, and Android). They then sort apps for each device into categories under a bestsellers list, and ‘Lists of Bests’.  The review itself is brief and is more of a recommendation than a real review. Rightfully so, since moms write these reviews.
  3. TouchArcade. This site is considered as the biggest portal and forum for iOS games. There are app news stories that dissect an app’s features. Then there are the extensive reviews and walkthroughs. Despite being written by different authors, the reviews seem to conform to a format driven by an analytical and descriptive voice.
  1. SlideToPlay. This is another gaming portal. It caters to iOS and Android games. The site’s main goal is to curate mobile and connected TV game markets. Their landing page boasts of eye-catching, scrolling navigation spreads of app review snippets and app video previews. Interestingly, they only deliver 1-5 handpicked games every day.
  2. State of Tech. This site features video reviews (via YouTube) for iOS and Android apps. These video reviews are actually demos of the app. These demos are often straightforward, without any personal opinions except for some recommendations on the video’s accompanying text.
  3. App Apes. The site guarantees that all app submissions receive a feature with an App Apes Verdict (comprised of a four bar rating criteria) and a pros and cons list. Your app can only qualify for a concise written review if you follow App Apes on Twitter.
  4. 148 Apps. This site requires apps to have excellent graphical assets, a unique or original concept, and well-organized supporting materials (app store link, descriptions, video preview, etc.). As they say “Quality always trumps marketing strategy.” The review itself provides a detailed walkthrough of the app’s main features and mechanics. You can also avail of review badges you can show in your app’s landing page.
  5. Pocketgamer. Pocketgamer is the global authority when it comes to anything mobile. The site has a dedicated team that is responsible for the aggregation of gaming apps. They provide in-depth observations, advice, gameplay tips, and curated lists of games that often end up ignored in app stores.
  6. Gamezebo. This site does not only review but also feature latest stories about gaming apps to watch out for. They also cover stories about game developers and gaming culture in general. There are walkthroughs, tips, cheats, curated lists, and of course, detailed reviews. Even before the review begins, they will present ‘The Good’ and ‘The Bad’ features of the game.
  7. Appolicious. This app review site exclusively caters to iPhone apps and is one of the pioneering app review sites. Appolicious provides an exclusive and unbiased free review that isn’t a duplicate of any other review or part of an app description. These free reviews can appear as part of a curated list in the form of ‘Best Apps/Games for’ and the like. But if you want an assured review, the site also features expedited reviews for $80. Your app will get a thorough review that they will publish within five working days.

 

Featured App Reviews

The following sites feature app reviews as a separate category or as a part of the category on mobile devices. Unlike exclusive app review sites, app review can appear sporadically in some of these sites.

  1. Commonsense Media. This is a digital content review site. It has a comprehensive age-based rating system. This system helps and educates parents in selecting digital content for their children. There’s also an emphasis on educational value. Each content assessment is based on the academic subjects and extracurricular skill sets that it can help children develop.

Common Sense Media Screengrab

  1. Android Authority. This site has about 30 million monthly readers. These readers are mostly enthusiasts that are into Android news, features, reviews, and product recommendations. App reviews are succinct and detail-rich.

Android Authority Screengrab

  1. IGN.com. IGN is the internet leader for video game and entertainment enthusiasts. The site has over 68 million monthly users. They have 16 million fans on social media and 9 million YouTube subscribers that count on the site’s authority. App reviews come in the form of a summary, features, and game editions.

IGN.com Screengrab

  1. Android Central. This site reviews all things Android. The site’s reviews for software like apps, games, and Android OS are in-depth and present new perspectives. These app reviews’ target audience are average Android users, which is always a plus. The site seldom cover individual apps though, and if they do, it’s mostly in ‘The Best’ type lists.

Android Central Screengrab

  1. PCMag. PC Mag delivers more than 2,500 product reviews every year. This site offers hands-on reviews for apps from all mobile platforms. Aside from that, reviews include ‘Pros’, ‘Cons’, and ‘Bottom Line’ to give the audience a better picture of the app. There is also a product comparison, wherein your app is stacked against similar apps.

App Review Sites PC Mag Screengrab

  1. Wired. This site is a vital source of information in the ever-changing field of technology. It covers how technology is changing every aspect of life. About 30 million people visit not only the site but also their magazine and social media accounts. The site’s app reviews are insightful. You can learn of the apps’ backstories directly from its developers and founders.

App Review Sites Wired Screengrab

  1. Business Insider. The site uses a fun, concise and informative format of storytelling that heavily leans on positive themes. The site’s ‘Apps Of The Week’ page features lists of best iPhone and iPad apps of the week. It can also include best apps missed that week and app recommendations based on topic. If you think that it’s difficult for you app to get a feature, there’s advertisement option. With this option, the site will feature a full-length article about your app.

App Review Sites Business Insider Screengrab

  1. CNET. CNET offers advice, information, and tools for tech consumers. The site gets about a million visitors every month. The app review process comes in two parts: the first part is a review from a CNET staff and the second part is a user review.

App Review Sites CNET Screengrab

  1. Top Ten Reviews. This review site reviews products from a vast array of categories. They have reviewers and editors that specialize in different products and services. They don’t only review the products, but also research marketplaces for the best options available.

App Review Sites Top Ten Reviews Screengrab

  1. Destructoid. This site is a community for gamers. The site’s audience is almost exclusively gamers and geeky people.An in-house editorial team provides personal and opinionated game critique.  Therefore, reviews are often honest and based on real gaming experience.

App Review Sites Destructoid Screengrab

Viral Loop: The Whys and Hows

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User acquisition is becoming more and more expensive. The top 5 CPI countries range from $2.95-$3.37. Also, for an app to reach US top 25 on the iOS charts, an estimated amount of $200,000 need spent on ad expenditures. Therefore, it is safe to say that it is quite expensive to climb up the ranks – that paid promotion is the only way to roll, or is it?

 

Visibility is still gold but organic downloads seem not enough. Well, unless organic downloads to your app just keep on growing right? That’s when “viral loop” comes in.

 

So, what is a Viral Loop?

A viral loop is basically a cycle of one app user driving other people into the app. The loop is only considered successful if a.) It is self-fueling, b.) User engagement increases, and c.) Active users increases. Not only does a viral loop drive exponential growth for your app in terms of user acquisition, it also lowers user acquisition costs through viral advertising. But the viral loop won’t just happen overnight. In order for the loop to roll, each of its stages should be properly executed

 

Viral Loop Stages

Source

  1. See. First, the app needs to have high discoverability. A web presence, specifically social presence is important.
  2. Install. Enticing users to download using rewards or other incentives can be great for the initial downloads and can even get the viral loop rolling but this may not be sustainable in the long run. A great ASO strategy and strong app branding would create a more sustainable way of increasing organic downloads.
  3. Desire to share. An app’s desirable for sharing hinges on two main things: shareable content and achievement-based sharing options. They can share level-ups, share scores to compare with their friends, etc. There should be a social drive in sharing – that sharing would either reward them with social proof or bragging rights. Another great motivation for sharing is in-app incentives (lives, extra moves, power-ups, etc.) that they can receive after sending requests or invitations to friends or contacts.
  4. Share. The viral loop still hinges on the users’ willingness to share in-app content. Aside from providing easy ways for in-app sharing, the app should be engaging enough for the user to have a desire to share whether it be for in-app progress or in the hopes that the in-app action would soon become a trend even among the users’ circle. Unless there’s a two-way engagement between the sharer and the desired audience, the loop won’t go anywhere.
  5. Repeat. Viral loops can either fizzle out, turn to spam or fatigue users. The reason for the first may be the lack of engaging content; the second could be an over-enthusiastic/shrewd approach; or it could be too much, too fast. The goal is to prolong the viral loop’s expiration. Jonah Berger, a Wharton Professor explained: “…things that catch on faster tend to die out faster.”

 

Viral loops can actually come in many different forms and implementations. You can see it in almost all of the hit apps. The best examples are Candy Crush Saga, Timberman, Snapchat, and much more. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to viral loop implementation. But once implemented right, you’ll find that virality is a force of its own.

 

The Importance of an App Landing Page

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The Importance of an App Landing Page or App Website

 

An app landing page is so important that some experts suggest that you create one even before writing the app’s first line of code!

 

The importance of an app landing page evolves with the app itself from concept to post-launch. It’s more than just a destination. And as you read further, you’ll realize there are  lots of benefits in having a dedicated app website.

 

Pre-launch App Landing Page

An app landing page has promotional power even before the product is out in the market. This allows you to create buzz about the app and includes your potential app users into the development process. The concept of your app may catch the interest of several people. Intrigue them with a promise of more information along the way. Over time, they can become invested in your app and download it once it goes live. Furthermore, you can make the most out of the other benefits of having a pre-launch app landing page:

  • Building an email list. Ask people to subscribe to updates about your app’s progress or its release date. You can also ask for information about your app’s potential users during the sign-up process. These can include things like the reason for their interest in the app (for work or leisure), monetization preferences (in-app purchases or ads), and  features they want to see on the app. This is basically a peek on your user demographics!
  • Get a head start on SEO. It’s important to position your app in the SERPs early on. This would also give you ample time to test keywords that you could use in your app title and description.
  • Test branding strategies. Your app’s pre-launch landing page should shape its identity as a brand. Here, you can get initial feedback to your app’s design especially the color palettes and typography. The app landing page should evolve according to the app’s stage of development. More and more design elements and features should be revealed at each stage.
  • Easily branch out to social media channels. A social media presence is a must for marketers nowadays. But it’s also important for these channels to lead to one landing page where you can establish a solid grounding for the app’s web presence.

 

App Landing Page for a Live App

Once the app goes live, all information about its features should be presented on the landing page. The app descriptions on the app stores are sometimes not enough for some and the presence of an app landing page can also serve as an assurance that the app came from a reputable source with avenues for technical support and inquiries.

 

Aside from that, an app landing page or app website should contain elements that can help increase the app’s discoverability outside the app stores and increase conversion. These important elements are:

  • App name and icon – create recall using a memorable app name and icon. Create a strong brand experience from the beginning, as if you are marketing a tangible product.
  • App pitch and call to action – it still all boils down to selling your apps to potential users. Just like any product, it should have a slogan and strategically placed calls to action. Download calls to action would now replace subscription calls to action.
  • Device compatibility – this is mostly to remove the ambiguity that most mobile app landing pages or mobile app websites present. State from the very beginning that your product is a mobile app.
  • Feature presentation (screenshots and video previews) – you can creatively present app features using a trailer or demo. It should be more extensive than the screenshots and video previews available in the app store.
  • Social media channels – as your app landing page is evolving, your social media presence should too. Build a community around your app through social media channels and make sure that users are aware of this community. This way, it is important to engage users and receive real-time feedback from them.
  • Contact and support information – It is important to assure users that they will get answers for their questions and problems with your app. Aside from the contact information you provide for the app stores, set aside another contact channel.
  • Social proof – showcase any user or expert testimonial about your app, including any contests and awards that it won (or been nominated to).
  • Press Kit – organize essential information about your app for ease of access in case a journalist or blogger want to feature your app.

 

These elements all contribute not only to an app’s discoverability but also in engaging users and prospective users into sharing and talking about your app. An app landing page or a full on mobile app website is just another way to gear up your app for success. As your app evolves, so should your marketing strategies and in turn, your app landing page.

The Science behind Addictive Apps

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The smartphone is a recent invention – not even a decade old yet its use is ingrained into our daily routine. It’s almost unthinkable to end the day without even using it once and true enough, individuals peek at their smartphones an average of 110 times a day. This not extreme, normal even; but about 89% of this time is spent on mobile apps and not on normal phone utilities. More than 176 million smartphone users access apps over 60 times a day. Interestingly, app users do not access more than 30 apps every month. This can mean that they are accessing the same app over and over, day after day. Is it safe to point accusing fingers to addictive apps? Or is our obsession with the very concept of having apps the root of the problem?

 

What Makes an App Addictive?

 

Addictive apps are designed to be just that.

 

It is said that app addiction is “built into the mindset of app development”. This is the same mechanism that makes the user return to an app to bust boredom. To learn more about the concept and design of these apps, read our previous article.

 

It is a common consensus that these types of apps target the brain’s reward center the same way addictive drugs do. Actions that cause happiness or pleasure trigger the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine also aids in regulating our movement and emotional responses. It enables us to identify rewards (in this case the use of apps) and boosts our desire to achieve said rewards.

 

Addiction begins when we continually succumb to the desire for rewards. The brain would begin to associate the apps (or the actions within the apps) with the rewarding feeling. But then, we want more and more of this good feeling that soon enough, a small dose is no longer enough – it no longer satiates us like before.  This then creates a cycle of dependence. Dopamine levels lower when we don’t get “the fix”, that is the reward. Withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, depression, focus issues and even nausea kick in.

 

There are constant reminders of their presence.

 

“It’s definitely addicting when you have this thing in your pocket, attached to your hip, that’s buzzing all the time,” said Devon Ryan (IEEE Young Professionals representative and co-founder of Lion Mobile) in his interview with The Kernel.

 

User engagement is undeniably one of the most important app performance metrics. So it stands to reason that app developers would want users to access the app often and what better way to do it than to give them the option to receive notifications on important events within the app? User behavior trends surface through machine learning and A/B testing. These trends guide app developers and marketers into driving more user engagement.

 

This is especially true with social media feeds since every notification gives the illusion of new information.  According to a 2011 study dubbed “Unplugged”, volunteers who abstained from using their phones and other technological devices experienced withdrawal symptoms within just 24 hours.

 

We take the bait because of some subconscious need

 

What is really the reason why we can’t do without checking our apps? After all, we can decide to ignore them. But it seems that we can’t stop ourselves even if we try. It turns out that we compulsively check our apps, not because of the pleasure it brings, but because we want to shake off anxiety and stress.

 

Dr. Larry Rosen is a research psychologist and an expert on the psychology of technology. According to him, what is going on isn’t just purely addiction. There are two processes that make it appear that we no longer make conscious choices. Also, factors like sleep deprivation, mood, and anxiety disorders seem to also influence the way we interact with technology.

Then it becomes a habit – an obsessive habit

 

But when does addiction/dependence on apps begin? Nir Eyal’s formula for habit formation explains a sequence called “the hook.” The hook begins with a trigger that persuades someone to try out something. This trigger is almost certainly a negative emotion. This conforms to Dr. Rosen’s study, stating that the overuse of apps springs from feelings of anxiety and stress.  The person is first “hooked” by subconsciously going through the sequence repeatedly. It becomes a habit that whenever the person remotely anticipates the trigger, his/her instant reaction is to go through the hook sequence.

 

Moreover, it is easier displace and existing behavior than to create a new one. “Pinterest replaced the habit of bookmarking and in fact the people who are avid Pinterest users, they install this PinIt button on their browser geographically very close to the old bookmark button. That’s not by coincidence. That’s the old trigger,” Eyal said. Therefore, even before addictive apps came along, people were going through the hook sequence using another tool.

 

The psychology behind addictive apps and app addiction isn’t as straightforward as expected. But at the same time, there are solid parallels between substance abuse and app addiction. A majority of substance abusers have difficulty coping with negative emotions so they use the reward of escape from reality to shake off these emotions. App addicts are the same, but instead of committing socially unacceptable actions, they cope using the escape of virtual reality. The only difference is that our idea of “reward” is something coveted in of itself because of the “good feeling” it brings but in reality, addicts actually seek this “reward” to feel less of a negative emotion.

Developing Apps for Kids 101

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It is estimated that 56% of children aged 8-12 and 21% of younger children own a smartphone. On the other hand, 70% of households with children own a tablet. So it’s not a surprise that 70% of the children from these households have access to said tablet. 77% of these children downloaded game apps, while 57% used educational apps for kids. Over 50% of these children are adept in using smartphones and similar devices. With all these statistics, it can’t be denied that this demographic has a lot of untapped potentials.

 

It is also undeniable that developing apps for kids that grew up with the technology is challenging, especially with the 8-12 demographic. Add several more factors like the educational value of the app, and of course, the kid and parents’ reception. But is it really a monumental task? Nope. Just keep these things in mind:

 

Tips in Developing Apps for Kids

1.     Define your target audience.

Saying that you want to develop “apps for kids” is quite a generalization. There are apps for toddlers, apps for preteens and then assorted children’s apps considered as “educational”. Defining your target audience is important in terms of marketing, especially in targeting parents searching for age-appropriate apps for their children. Target a two-year age range at the maximum.

2.     Understand their needs and demands.

It’s bad to spoil children or so they say. But if the main goal is to entertain, we should give it all. Though parents refure the rule of mobile devices as “digital babysitters”, it can’t be denied that  a lot of apps can capture a child’s whole attention – longer and better. In order for the app to deliver this desired effect, pay close attention to these details:

 

Interactivity.

A research conducted by the University of Wisconsin found that toddlers are more perceptive to interactive stimulus compared to something they can just stare at. So it stands to reason that animation and audio/visual feedback would immediately catch their attention.

 

Let children use their creativity by requiring their input. You can turn your app into an interactive story-telling platform or activity-centric like drawing and painting. But be careful with having interactive elements. These elements should be defined as affordances. This is to spare the kids from the frustration of tapping each element.

 

UI and UX design.

The layout of the app is not a big issue for older children since it is easier for them to learn the inner workings of an app as they go. Younger children, on the other hand, may need step-by-step instructions. Minimal use of textual  instructions is recommended but if it can’t be prevented, break down these textual instructions into parts and pair each part with a visual presentation.

 

Keep the menu simple with all the menu options just a tap away. Icons and symbols don’t need to be standard since children are more inclined to pictorial representations.

 

Another issue is the settings option. Make sure that if the child accidentally taps on a setting that there won’t be any drastic changes on the app, like the wiping of cached data. Also, touch target ranges should be wider to anticipate the kids’ clumsy hands. Gestures should also be basic and natural for them like swiping and tapping.

 

It is also important for the app to have the right “feel”. Aside from using bright and vibrant colors, the layout and character design should be age appropriate. The characters should also express the right personality and are relatable to the kids.

 

Speed.

Kids are impatient, especially when asked to wait. App loading times should not exceed 10 seconds. There should be music or animation to keep the kids entertained if a longer loading time is necessary.

 

Rewards.

Rewards can come in the form of in-app items or positive reinforcement. Progress can also be a reward in of itself. For this to happen, the app should be challenging but not so difficult that kids would lose patience with the app.

 

3.     Understand the stance of the parents.

Parents actually play a big role in the decision on what apps their children can access. According to a 2014 data, 57% of parents of children below eight years old review media content before their children can have access; on the other hand, 25% of parents allow their children to browse for media content themselves. Nevertheless, parents still have a say (especially with paid apps) if an app gets downloaded or not. Here are some of the common concerns from parents:

  1. The app’s educational value. Apps need not labeled “educational” in order to be of value for parents. It can also help develop certain skill sets (hand-eye coordination being the most common) through an innovative approach.
  2. Responsible use of in-app purchases. Some apps have become the bane of parents for their trap-like approach to in-app purchases. Be upfront on the use of in-app purchases and especially on the way you present them to your young audience. Banners and icons for in-app purchases shouldn’t distract kids from the flow of the app.
  3. Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is a US federal law regulating the collection of information from kids below thirteen years old. It stipulates that content providers should include a privacy policy with information about content or actions that need parental consent. The law prohibits marketing to children below thirteen years old. Other countries also have similar laws.
  4. Feedback channels. Parents want to know who or where to complain to in case something goes wrong with the app. A lot of parents also want to learn of other parents’ experience/opinion about the app. Online and offline help should be available within the app or app website.