According to a 2018 local consumer survey, 86% of buyers read reviews about a local business. More than half of them consider making transactions with a company that has more than four stars.

The same thing goes with mobile apps.

We are less likely to trust apps with mediocre to negative reviews. Otherwise, it can compromise our safety.

This also explains why we emphasize security and user reviews at Sytian Mobile App Developer Philippines. Without it, do not expect people from going crazy to download your app.

Mobile app security can be a cumbersome topic to discuss. For now, let's talk about how you can garner a lot of positive reviews for your app.

Make Your App Worth Reviewing

Of course, you cannot get feedback from your users if your app is not worthy of review.

The key lies in your app's user interface (UI) and user experience (UX).

The interface is how your app looks and feels like. A visually-appealing mobile app entices a person to keep on using it. Meanwhile, the UX is pretty straightforward. It deals with the user's experience of tinkering through your app.

Think of it this way: You have a pretty-looking mobile app (that's UI). However, it took you a while to figure out how to use its features. It means the app has poor UX.

Often, poor UX and UI will compel users to uninstall your app and forget all about it. An excellent UX and UI, on the other hand, will make it easier for you to encourage users to leave a review.

Take Advantage of Social Media

Social media is more than just building awareness around your mobile app. You can also use it to encourage your fans and followers to review your app.

It can be as simple as making a social media post, reminding them to review your app. You can also use your platforms to run contests and giveaways in exchange for reviews.

Another tactic is to treat old feedback as user-generated content. That way, you have more social media content to share, and it also encourages your followers to leave an app review.

Related: 8 Significant Reasons Mobile Marketing is Important for Your App

No matter what social media tactic you use, never buy fake reviews.

Encourage In-app User Feedback

Have you seen a pop-up notification while using your app? Usually, those pop-ups ask you to rate the app. This is an example of in-app user feedback.

This tactic is a common practice, but it is also integral if you want to drive user reviews for your app. In-app user feedback also allows you to get quick and honest reviews for your mobile app.

Use an App Review Plugin

Here's the thing: Facilitating in-app user feedback can be time-consuming. Thus, you can use an app review plugin instead to save time.

Plugins like WP Product Review Lite, WP Review, and Appirater make asking for user reviews straightforward. Regardless, you should not trigger the review plugin too soon.

Timing is essential when asking for user reviews. You do not want to ask users to rate your app early on. That's because they have not explored your app yet.

You do not want to wait for days either, as your users may have forgotten the experience.

Apply Gaming Mechanics

Gamification is a great way to motivate users to review your mobile app.

It can be as simple as running a contest or hosting a giveaway. For instance, leaving a review can give the user a chance to win a discount code or voucher.

Keep in mind, though, that Google Play Store and Apple App Store have rules when it comes to contests and giveaways. That's because it can lead to an unnatural accumulation of positive reviews. It would be best to read the fine print about it.

Respond to User Feedback

Whether you receive a positive or negative review, you must respond to them.

Doing so showcases that you pay attention to your users' needs and that you care about them. That's because responding to user feedback means that you are listening to what they have to say.

When you receive positive feedback, it is imperative to make users feel that you appreciate them.

As for the negative comments, you do not have to retaliate. Instead, it would best to consider the feedback. Who knows? Your next million-dollar idea might be from one of these user comments.

Conclusion

Reviews can make or break the success of your mobile app. Nonetheless, encouraging users to review your app can be an arduous process.

Hence, it would be ideal to put the following tips in place if you want to generate more app reviews:

  1. Make your app worth reviewing
  2. Take advantage of social media
  3. Encourage in-app user feedback
  4. Use an app review plugin
  5. Apply gaming mechanics
  6. Respond to user feedback

These tips do more than increase the number of user reviews for your app. It also impacts your app store optimization efforts, as it can affect your app's online visibility.

Hence, encouraging users to review your mobile is a step closer to success.

Originally published on Live Positively.