The most efficient, effective way to get your app to be downloaded and used by the general population is to make it available in the Google Play Store. Though the competition there is intense (there are more than 1.3 million apps there competing for downloads), it is the biggest market (by far), and actually makes it easier for developers to get their apps accepted than some of the competing app stores do.
The process begins by registering with Google Play. The process takes only a few moments, but there is a $25 USD fee for registering. If you intend to sell the app (as opposed to make it available for free download), you will also need to establish a Google Wallet Merchant account. It's much easier to publish your app if you've already completed the store listing beforehand. Have at the ready:
- A name (title) for your app
- A description of your app (4,000 characters or fewer)
- A high-resolution icon (512 X 512, 32-bit PNG -- with alpha)
- A minimum of two screenshots of your app (up to 8 -- JPEG or 24-bit PNG -- no alpha)
Publishing Your App on Google Play
After registering, you can log into your developer's account at Google Play and start publishing your app. Locate and click the button marked "+Add new application". This will open a dialog box, which will ask for the default language and the name (title) of your app. You will then need to choose either "Upload APK" or "Prepare Store Listing". Though you can choose either, it's best to begin by uploading.
Completing Your Store Listing
Next, you will need to go back and finalize your Store Listing. This is what your users will see when they locate your app in the Google Play store. It includes the details of your app, and it involves submitting a variety of important information, including all of the things listed above, plus the privacy policy. Some of the items requested are optional, so don't assume you have to submit everything they ask for to publish your app.
Alternatively: Just Turn to the Pros at AndPlus
Or, you can forego the above process and opt to get AndPlus to do it for you. We can get your app uploaded and accepted, so that users can be downloading your app before you know it.
The above process is lengthy, time-consuming, and, if any step is wrong, the whole process has to be done all over again - from the beginning - until it's right. In addition, if the app is rejected, you have to start the entire process over. There is a better way. Reach out to AndPlus. We are experts at getting your app uploaded and accepted on Google Play (as well as the Apple App Store, too!), and we can get it done without all the hullabaloo. Contact us today.
