If you’re developing an iPhone application, have gone through the process, or just barely getting your toes wet, knowing what you’re getting into is always a good idea. The folks at Ars Technica have put together some good information that may help ease the insanity of waiting for Apple to communicate.
Getting your application approved is step one. However, once Apple has flipped the switch on your application and the status says “Ready for Sale,” it still might not be time to send out the press releases and spread the word. Normally, it can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours for an app to be pushed through to the App Store (go live). “I have heard of apps taking even 48-72 hours,” Erica Sadun explains for Ars. Erica is right, not only have we heard from angered developers that have had no communication during those first 24 to 48 hours, but even worse is after your app first gets “approved” the status changes and you’re back to square one. Or even worse, you’ve released an application, have a user base, issue an update and then get rejected.
Well, what should you do after you’re application has been approved? As Ars points out, a good starting point would be to make sure your text and information is perfect. Login to iTunes Connect and and examine everything with a fine tooth comb. This is your last chance to make final revisions for the public has access to your application. As with any press release or public unveiling, it’s important to make sure you’re not rushing an explanation, so as to misrepresent your vision or end goal.
As has been the case in the past, do not wait to tell the community about udpates that are in the works. Often times not openly discussing what is coming may result in some bad reviews and frustrated downloaders. A common practice should be to avoid bad reviews and generally communicate with the community and the people that may potentially be downloading your application. If you are waiting on a few updates to be pushed through by Apple, say that in your description. Of note, updates can be pushed through randomly by Apple and without mention to the developers. Sadly, Apple’s communication has been that great, so there’s no saying your experience should be any different.
Next, check the date you’ve set to go live in iTunes Connect. If you are planning on releasing some fixes, or including any major features that you’ve left out until now, make sure the live date you’ve set lines up with your development schedule. If your date is set too soon, you may not get the updates pushed through. As long as your live date allows you the necessary time to perfect your launch, you should have a smooth experience.
Pricing strategies can be different for all. It’s a much debated topic, and the best situation for each individual application may vary significantly. Make sure to review your pricing strategy and make sure your plans are in place. Whether you’re releasing your app for free and plan on charging in the future, or you charge for your app right away, make sure your decisions are in place.
As you prepare to unveil your application for public consumption, this is the time to make sure all of your marketing is perfect. Make sure your website is live, the content is descriptive, and users can easily figure out what it is you’ve set out to accomplish. As Ars concludes, the gap between Apple setting your status to “Ready for Sale” and the time it actually gets pushed to the App Store is a great time to review and prefect your product.
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