Now that we know what ratings and reviews are and the importance of managing them, it is time to learn how to improve them. Here are the 14 best tips to remember.
- Create the best app to get more rating and reviews
The features and functionalities of your app would primarily determine whether users would be happy or not. When your app meets the needs and preferences of your users, you can almost be sure that they will give you a high rating and positive review.On the other hand, if your app sucks, then you will not only see your uninstall rate soaring to the roof, but you’ll also receive a lot of negative feedback.So, the first thing you need to do when managing your ratings and reviews is to start with your app first. Make sure it is bug-free. It doesn’t crash and it has the features that your users need.
- Don’t buy reviews
If you have the money and you know the importance of reviews, then why not buy them, right? Well, not too fast. You should think twice before doing it.For one, buying reviews is considered a blackhat app store optimization (ASO) strategy. Blackhat means that you are trying to take advantage of a loophole in the rulebook and sometimes, it is a direct way of breaking the rules. When you buy reviews, you are taking a huge risk.If you get caught, you can be penalized or banned from the App Store. So, it’s better to gather ratings and reviews the natural way.
- Ask for rating and reviews
As they say, “Ask and it shall be given to you.” Who knows, all you need is simply ask and they will really give you your much-needed review.The problem is sometimes, people would readily give you bad comments, but not good ones. That’s why asking is very important and effective in gathering positive reviews. So, don’t be shy. Ask. Who knows, all your users need is just a simple push and they will readily give you nice reviews and ratings.
- Use great timing
Think about it, if someone calls you in the middle of the night for no reason at all, you would either be grumpy when you answer the call or you simply ignore your ringing phone.In the same way, perfect timing is important when asking for reviews. Never ask for reviews when your user is in the middle of a game or when they are actively using the app.Instead, ask for reviews when they have just completed a level, task, or action. Just make sure you don’t interrupt their app activities.Moreover, make a request during a time when you feel your user is most likely happy and satisfied. Don’t ask for a review when they just started using your app.Most importantly, don’t be too demanding. They will give you ratings when they are ready. You don’t have to bother them with review requests every now and then.
- Use the SKStoreReviewController API
The SKStoreReviewController API is an awesome way to request app store ratings and reviews with certain codes. There are different codes for different purposes.For example, you can use the “requestReview()” method to tell the app store when is the best time to ask a review from your user. That’s one example and depending on what you want to accomplish, you can choose from a list of other codes.The best thing about SKStoreReviewController API is that it will allow your users to submit ratings without even leaving your app. Moreover, this is Apple’s own way to request for ratings and feedback. So, you can be sure that it is approved by Apple.
- Display your support contact information
It is super important that you let your users know how to contact you. Not only that, but you should also encourage them to get in touch with you when they experience some glitch or difficulties in your app. This saves you a lot of bad ratings, too.Instead of users expressing their dismay on your app review, you give them a chance to contact you first.Your contact information should be displayed on your App Store product page. It should easily be seen and found.
- Respond to users’ feedback
Users love it when they know they are being heard. You can do this when you respond to them. It is not enough to simply receive feedback, you need to give a response regardless they left a positive or negative review.A simple “thank you” and acknowledgment for positive reviews would go a long way. For negative reviews, you can always assure your user that you are looking into their issue and constantly improving your app.
- Aim to change negative rating and reviews
Responding to your user can be done in the App Store Connect page. The best thing about this is that every time you respond to your users, they will get a notification. So, if you are able to address their concern and solve them, your user can change their initial comment based on the action you took.This is a great opportunity for you to convert irate users into satisfied users. When that happens, they may even change their mind and give you a better rating and reviews.In the App Store Connect, you can also update your response. The latest version of your response would be displayed instead of the old one.
- Respond reviews properly
It is not enough to just give any response, but you need to give a proper response.What this means is that your response should be clear and concise. Stop beating around the bush. Directly address your user’s issue and provide immediate solutions.
- Prioritize your most urgent users
Now, there are times when you can’t keep up with the many reviews you receive. In this case, prioritize users who have given you the lowest feedback and those reviews that have something to do with your app’s performance. Positive reviews can wait, but don’t ignore them altogether. What we are saying here is learn to prioritize and attend to the most urgent concern. Once you have released a new app update, make sure to tell users you have fixed the issue they have raised. Again, this is a great strategy to convince users to change their given app store rating and reviews and let other users see that you are indeed concerned for all your users no matter what their issue may be.
