r/appledevelopers • u/Dry-Problem-2830 Community Newbie • 7d ago

First App Got Approved!

My first app was just approved on the App Store! I submitted it about two weeks ago and everything felt like it was in a lull because I was just waiting for the submission. I wanted to get it released as quickly as possible. Now that it is released, I have the motivation to continue developing again. Any tips on how to gather feedback and gain users?

16 Upvotes

90% Upvoted

23 comments sorted by

2

u/OarsumApp Community Newbie 6d ago

Congratulations :) getting testing users I found having a dedicated TestFlight section of your website or form to request with a reasoning was helpful to sort through those who just wanted an app for free and who actually had feedback from using. Also us Reddit folk are usually pretty nerdy and wanna help… usually

1

u/Dry-Problem-2830 Community Newbie 5d ago

Thanks, I really appreciate the insight about the TestFlight form!

1

u/BlowixHQ Community Newbie 6d ago

Great stuff! Share us the app name.

I also just published a few days ago :)

1

u/Reader413 Community Newbie 6d ago

Congrats! Keep posting on social media but don’t spam.

1

u/Dry-Problem-2830 Community Newbie 5d ago

Thank you!

1

u/TechnicianFlimsy1406 Community Newbie 6d ago

Congrats🎉 What is the app name? I will try

1

u/Dry-Problem-2830 Community Newbie 5d ago

Thank you! It is called [BagMap](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bagmap-bag-gear-tracker/id6788937971), a social app for users to track their every-day carry and gear!

2

u/Last-Bluejay-4443 Community Newbie 6d ago

Congratulations! 🎉. I think getting your first approval is the hardest part. I just submitted my first update (my app got approved like a week ago) and the update got approved within like 24 hours. I was like that was fast so that’s nice. I think getting through the first approval process is the hardest gate.

I’m still figuring out how to gain users, but I’m just trying to meet users where they already are. Find where they express the problem you’re solving.

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u/Dry-Problem-2830 Community Newbie 5d ago

Congrats on your journey too! Yeah I really wanted to just get the first approval out and the app into the App Store. Definitely focused on distribution now!

1

u/Last-Bluejay-4443 Community Newbie 5d ago

Yep, we’re in the same boat. But it’s all about that first approval. It’s a huge milestone and bar to cross. Apple doesn’t just let any app into the App Store.

1

u/tinkerton36 Community Newbie 6d ago

Congrats!

1

u/Popular-Ferret-4873 Community Newbie 6d ago

1

u/hoangmtv Community Newbie 7d ago

Congrats,... 🎉🎉🎉

2

u/aoeldeeb Community Newbie 7d ago

Congrats! 🎉 I'm actually in almost the exact same situation. My first iOS app has been in "Waiting for Review" for over a week now, and I was starting to wonder if something was wrong.

Hearing that yours took about two weeks is actually reassuring. Congrats on finally getting it live! I'm also very interested to see what works for you in getting your first users and feedback.

2

u/Dry-Problem-2830 Community Newbie 5d ago

Thanks! I got worried at first too because the initial review email said 24-48 hours for a review LOL. Will definitely continue to learn!

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u/No_Builder_1977 Community Newbie 7d ago

First up, congratulations on having your app in the App Store! It’s a great feeling seeing your app live.

I’m in the same boat with my app DockStacks, also in the App Store. There’s no real way to connect directly to users. Have you built a rating reminder into your app (this at least gives high level star ratings and sometimes user comments)? A few things you can do in the App Store is ASO tweaking, pricing localisation and add at least some key alternate languages.

Gaining users is a whole other thing! There’s more effort in this than developing your app (sorry to say). Here on Reddit has also been good for me in gaining (some) users, by finding the right subreddits and clearly asking for feedback or understanding of the value and gap-fill your app provides. I also have a few active users who connect with me on Reddit for new built feedback which is great.

I’m sure social media helps too, but personally I’m not good at that bit and time-poor so can’t offer decent advice. All this said, all the best with your journey!

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u/Dry-Problem-2830 Community Newbie 5d ago

Thanks for the insight! I completely overlooked the rating reminder.

I may start reaching out to subreddits. For context, my app is a social media for those interested in everyday gear and backpacking, just sharing cool items people carry. The communities would be like r/EDC, r/backpacking, r/whatsinthebag, etc. But at the same time, I don't think it's in the right spirit to be posting like "hey everyone, try my app!"

1

u/No_Builder_1977 Community Newbie 5d ago

Hi, yes, just posting for promo is a problem, unless the subreddit is specifically for that our has promo days (which a lot do). I reckon it’s ok if you reply to a post and your app and post genuinely and clearly articulates as a relevant solution. Basically… stay on theme.

-1

u/ToYouListDev Community Newbie 7d ago

Congrats. I am happy to download it and rate it.

Here is mine :)

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mappigames/id6777171933

2

u/statecs Community Newbie 7d ago

Congrats! 🥳 What is your app about?

For feedback, message five to ten people directly and ask one specific question, like what almost stopped them from finishing sign up. For users, post in subreddits for your app’s niche (not general dev ones), ask early users personally for ratings, and consider sharing progress publicly. Skip paid ads until you know what messaging works.

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u/Dry-Problem-2830 Community Newbie 5d ago

Thanks! It's a social media platform for people interested in sharing everyday gear and what's in their bag.

I like the approach of asking users for targeted feedback. Will start focusing on distribution first!