With more than 1.50 million apps on Google Play Store and around 2 million on Apple’s App Store, you don’t have a large window for your new app. Similarly, you don’t have many chances to make an encouraging first impression on your prospects and future users. This is because most people choose the app that they will download through a basic search.
So it is vital and somewhat necessary for you to pick the perfect and short name for your app. A name that represents your brand forever.
But adapting to a shorter app name for the app store or Play Store is not that easy as it looks. Below in this read, we will talk about how to pick the best possible and other related info to make your app stand out from the rest.
Table of Contents
What is New in App Store?
As per the recent statistics by Statista shows that Apple’s App Store has around 2 million apps. Taking this into account, last year, Apple announced that the platform needs some necessary improvements. One of the major improvements is they want only high-quality apps.
Similarly, Apple wants to keep the platform clean, so the apps that follow the market’s rules and guidelines will only remain on the platform; otherwise, authorities will remove the app.
The other significant change that the officials made is in the app name’s limit on the App store. According to this new change, the length or limit of your app name is 30 characters.
Besides, we know that most users look for apps just by a simple search, nothing fancy. And Apple wants to assist its users, and by reducing the characters in app names, it is actually helping the users. This is because many app developers were using lengthy phrases in their app name, and that practice was affecting the search results.
Many evidence show that people were using whole descriptions in the app name, and most of them were totally irrelevant to the app. This was irritating for users in many ways, and hence the change was needed.
Furthermore, all the apps on App Store that crash on the initial launch will be removed from the platform immediately. Similarly, if your app doesn’t fulfill the platform’s requirements, you will receive a notification from the App Store team to update the app within a month or 30 days.
However, in this case, you can use the app’s name, and it will remain in your account so that no one can use that name.
Remember that during the course, your app will not be available for download on the app store; only the existing users can use the app. To make your app functional for new consumers, you will have to update the app within thirty days.
Pick a simple and short name
People can easily remember clear and easy names, or else it will be difficult for them to download the app and spread the word about it with others.
There is no problem in adding one or two features to the app’s title. But keep in mind that users don’t have that much time to view or read all these properties of your fantastic app, and there are only 23 characters before users press the famous “More” button
Never use pieces of other famous apps in your app’s title or name
In this case, your app’s name will be much longer than the others, and your users might not like this mixture. And, above all, by doing so, you will be inviting the official to remove your app from the App Store.
Find the best and relevant keywords using the third-party tools
Always use the appropriate and best keywords in your app’s name but don’t overlook the characters limit. Various researches and studies have proven that keywords are vital not only in the description but also in the app’s name.
We will advise you to utilize reputable tools for this purpose, such as Sensor Tower, Search Man, and many others. Use them to find the best keywords, and it will boost your chances when users search for an app on Apple’s app store.
Don’t use special characters in your app’s title
Apart from users, Apple also uses the app’s name for many purposes, but the primary usage is to make the app’s URL.
Don’t overlook Synonyms When going for localization
If you are planning to localize your new mobile app, you need to search short and relevant synonyms of your app in those local languages. It’s beneficial to have a localized app but keep in mind that word’s length in those local languages. Don’t opt for complex or hard to pronounce words; instead, keep the title short and sweet.
Stick with the title you selected
Don’t frequently change or play with the app’s name as it can affect its reputation significantly. Similarly, by doing so, your mobile app will never be famous among users. So, pick the name wisely and then stick to it and enjoy the results.
Keep in mind ASO
App Store Optimization is vital for any product that is listed on the App Store or Google Play Store. So never ever neglect ASO when creating a marketing strategy for your app, and this thing starts with the title or name of your app.
Use Your Chosen Keywords appropriately
Earlier, we talked about how you can find relevant keywords for your app’s name, but it’s about how to use them and take benefit from those phrases.
Always assign relevant keywords to your App when submitting it to the App Store. Use those keywords in the metadata field, as well as in the app’s name to get incredible and higher search results. But here is the things.
If you blindly stuff keywords or overuse them, it will result in immediate rejection or removal of your app from the App Store.
That’s why it’s vital for you to understand how keywords work and how you can boost your search rankings via them. The simple rule is to use the words or terms that your target audience will likely use to search the apps.
Similarly, remember that searching and using keywords is a continuous process. Whether you want to rank on Google Play Store or App Store, keywords are the primary factor in search rankings.
Make the name searchable
As mentioned above in the post, a large number of downloads are due to the simple search made by users. The ideal way to gain organic traffic is to come up with short and simple phrases that your target users are likely to use when searching for that particular product or service. Then you need to align the title with the shortlisted keywords.
Make the app’s name stand out
We hope you understand how important it is to adapt to a shorter name for your App on the App Store but remember that a shorter term alone might not work for you.
Instead, try to add uniqueness in the name to make your app stand out from the rest and instantly grabs your potential users’ attention. According to a survey, about 31% of users download an app because its name is exciting or sounds funny.
Play with on words
Often, playing with words pays off really well, and you can come up with a flawless app title. Maybe you have to compromise on the exact word that defines your app, but distinguishing the title can give you that much-needed twist, and you may have multiple options. But don’t cross the limits. Your prospects still find your new mobile app.
Create meaning
Your app’s name usually carries a meaning. If you can’t find the word that truly reflects your app, try to merge the words or use compound words such as noun + noun, noun + adjective, etc. It will help you to craft a more comprehensive title for your app.
Another handy tip is to use capitalization or lower-case alphabets but keep it simple as it will overwhelm your potential users.
Use Two-part head
Experts recommend using an app name containing a two-part head. In simple words, choose a name that describes both the purpose of your new mobile application and its’ functionality. Think about Evernote, for example.
If going international
If you plan to launch your mobile application across the globe, ensure to check that your app’s name is easily pronounceable in other languages. Similarly, don’t use names that might sound awkward in other countries.
Check the availability
Ensure that your app title or even part of the title are not in use. Furthermore, this is not applicable to the App store but also to your business website and social media accounts.
Keep the title as per the App Stores guidelines
It’s always wise to play according to the rules. So we recommend you to read the instructions provided by the App Store and then act accordingly.
For example, it will not affect you to learn that selecting a title is related to the content and functionality of your mobile app. By doing so, you will be a step ahead of your competitors and save your app from rejection.
Specific case: If you are developing an app for an established brand
Things will be much different when you are developing or launching an app for an already established brand or organization. In this case, naming your app is the simplest thing to do because you can stick to the brand name, or you have the choice to add the prominent features of your app.
However, you need to consider the App Store’s requirements when doing so. Apple’s App Store allows you to utilize a maximum of 30 characters, while Google Play Store allows you to use 50 characters for the app’s title.
Hence, choosing a title that remains within the limit and reflects the brand or business makes complete sense. Besides, also remember that it will be shortened. Users might not be able to view the full name. In some cases, users can only view the first ten characters of your app’s name when exploring the stores.
Now, do you realize how important it is to adapt to a shorter name for your app on the app store? Similarly, also think about how the name will look like on the phone’s screen.
Besides, you need to understand that the name of your App will be visible on the home screen of your consumer’s device; hence it should look nice.
Last but not least, consider how you will utilize your mobile app’s title within your app. For example, in the splash screen. Here you need to ensure that you don’t lose those precious keywords that describe the features and functions of your app.
Some additional tips:
Here are a few nuggets of advice to pay attention to:
- Keep things simple and easy.
- Ensure that others can easily spell the app’s name.
- Stay away from adverse or inappropriate meanings.
- Ensure that the name doesn’t mean anything awkward in other languages.
- Consider using a verb if possible, as people often use it in their routine conversations.
- Don’t add “r” to the end of the name, such as Flickr, Grindr, Tumblr, as many companies and brands are already using the same.
- Don’t copy the words “Google.” The randomness of the words “Google” is quirky & cute and theory, but this will not be the case with your app. Instead, try to be practical. Besides, Google’s original title was BackRub.
- Don’t hesitate to seek suggestions from others.
Final Thoughts
It’s a good thing that Apple is looking and making new improvements and up-gradations for its App Store. Similarly, the process will not end, and things will continue to improve in the future.
Those who understand the benefits of adapting shorter names for their app on the app store and those who play by rules will remain on the platform. While those who throw random apps with stuffed keywords and titles will be removed from the platform.
So, stick to the rules and enjoy!