The right way to ask users to review your app and Jack Dorsey's advice at Startup School 2013

The right way to ask users to review your app and Jack Dorsey's advice at Startup School 2013

In today's digital age, where apps have become an integral part of our lives, app ratings hold significant importance. They not only impact search results but also determine an app's position in the top charts. However, asking users to review your app is not as simple as it sounds. There are certain guidelines and best practices that need to be followed to ensure a positive response from users.

The first and most important step is to build a great app. Users are more likely to leave positive reviews if they have a seamless and enjoyable experience with your app. Pay attention to the user interface, functionality, and overall performance of your app. Take the time to test and iron out any bugs or issues before releasing it to the public.

Another crucial aspect to keep in mind is not to annoy your users. Interrupting someone's experience with constant pop-ups or notifications asking for an app rating can be frustrating and may even lead to negative reviews. Instead, find the right moment to ask for feedback. For example, wait until the user has opened the app at least 10 times over the course of 3 distinct days. This way, you can ensure that the user has had enough interaction with the app to provide constructive feedback.

It's also important to ask nicely and not beg for ratings. Users appreciate a polite and non-intrusive approach. Instead of bombarding them with requests, consider integrating a rating option within the app itself. This allows users to scroll past it without having to interact with it if they don't wish to leave a rating. By giving users the choice, you show that you respect their preferences and value their opinion.

One company that successfully implemented this approach is Circa. They decided to place an integrated rating in the middle of their list of news stories. This way, users could easily skip over it if they didn't want to rate the app. This approach helped Circa reduce negative app reviews significantly.

In addition to these guidelines, it's always beneficial to gain insights and advice from industry leaders. One notable figure is Jack Dorsey, who shared valuable insights at Startup School 2013. One key takeaway from his talk was the importance of not falling into the conventions established by others. While it's important to learn from the past, it's equally crucial to create your own unique path.

Dorsey also emphasized the significance of building a team with a shared sense of purpose. Without a common goal, it becomes challenging to achieve success. He highlighted the idea that the great artists of the future will use fewer words and copy fewer things. This notion resonates with the current trend of minimalism and meaningful content.

Furthermore, Dorsey stressed the importance of starting with an idea and philosophy of purpose before seeking others to implement it. Having clarity about your mission and purpose allows you to attract the right people who align with your vision.

Another valuable piece of advice from Dorsey was the concept of creating a daily "do" and "don't" list. The "do" list contains tasks that you want to accomplish each day, while the "don't" list includes things you want to avoid. This practice helps in staying focused and productive.

In conclusion, asking users to review your app requires a thoughtful and considerate approach. By building a great app, not annoying your users, and asking nicely, you can significantly increase the chances of receiving positive reviews. Incorporating insights from industry leaders like Jack Dorsey can also provide valuable guidance. Remember to always strive for uniqueness and to create your own path in the ever-evolving app industry.

Actionable advice:

1. Prioritize building a great app by focusing on user experience and functionality.
2. Find the right moment to ask for feedback, ensuring that users have had enough interaction with the app.
3. Implement an integrated rating option within the app to give users the choice and respect their preferences.