Optimizing your app information for the app stores

App name

This is the "full name" of your app that will appear in the App Store and searches within the App Store.

✓ Choose a simple and descriptive name to look more professional.

✓ Remember that a maximum of 30 characters is allowed. Please note that if you have already entered an app name that is longer than that, the name is truncated.

✓ Keep in mind that only the first 19 to 30 characters (including spaces) of an app name are displayed in the App Store, depending on the page.

Display name

This name appears under your app icon on the home screen of an iOS device.

✓ Remember that a maximum of 13 characters is allowed, and the last 3–5 characters may be clipped on your home screen. To fit the most characters, spell your app name without a space.

✓ Keep in mind that this is purely for branding purposes and not for App Store Optimization purposes, so don't think about App Store search results when you choose it.

Subtitle

You can add an app subtitle to be shown with the app name in the App Store.

✓ Be short, but thorough. A maximum of 30 characters is allowed, so try to briefly summarize the purpose of your app and what makes it special.

Promotional text

This text, limited to 170 characters, is shown above the app description on the App Store for customers using iOS 11 or later.

✓ Promote immediate downloads by using this space to share urgent, time-sensitive information about your shop. Use it to notify App Store shoppers of new products, features, and limited-time sales so they feel like they can't miss what you're offering.

✓ Changes to the promotional text field does not require an app update.

Description

This does exactly what it sounds like: it describes your shop, your products, and the features that make your shop memorable and irreplaceable.

✓ Describe the most important information in the first 3 lines. This is for two reasons: first, you can use up to 4000 characters, so you don't want to bury the most vital info in the wall of text. Second, the rest of the text is hidden under the "Read More" buttons. Many users won't be compelled to "read more," so you should sell them immediately.
✓ Explain what you sell and why should people buy from you. What makes you different? Why are your products of a higher quality than other shops? Do you have any loyalty programs or other incentives to earn their trust?
✓ List the features and benefits your app provides.

Please note: you will need to request an app update to change your description.

Keywords

These are used to match the words searched in the App Store or a search engine like Google. Remember: selecting fitting keywords and categories are crucial to making your apps visible in searches and rankings.

✓ Remember that there is a 100-character limit.
✓ Separate your keywords with commas; spaces are not necessary.
✓ Use single words instead of phrases.
✓ Use the singular form of a word instead of the plural form (e.g. use banana instead of bananas).
✓ Use numbers instead of words.
✘ Don't use app name or company name as keywords - they are automatically added.
✘ Don't add the word "free" - this is automatically added for Shopgate mobile apps.
✘ Don't use names or brands from existing apps or third party companies.
✘ Don't use offensive words.
✘ Don't use irrelevant keywords.

Category

Categories are used to match the words searched in the App Store or a search engine. Selecting fitting keywords and categories are key to get your apps found.

✓ Your main category will be displayed in the App Store - make sure to select the best category as your main category.
✓ Your secondary category will be displayed in the iTunesConnect.

Year and your company

Enter the current year in 4 digits, and your shop name or company name. For example, this is what you should enter:

2015 My Awesome Shop

This information is displayed at the bottom of your app detail page. This is what it will look like:

© 2015 My Awesome Shop

App URL

Copy and paste the URL to your desktop website. For example:

http://www.myawesomeshop.com

App name

Choose a simple and descriptive name to increase the chance of your app getting discovered. A maximum of 30 characters is allowed.

Keep in mind that, only the first 20 to 25 characters (including spaces) of an app name are displayed in the Play Store. Longer names will make your app look unprofessional.

There are two choices when picking your app name:

✓ If your shop name describes what you sell, use your shop name as your app name.
✓ If this is not the case, add 2-3 keywords after your shop name with a - sign. 

Short description

This is the first descriptive text potential users will see when looking at your app’s Store Listing in the Play Store. This field is limited to 80 characters. Tapping the text will reveal your app’s full description.

Once users install your app, the short description will be replaced with the most relevant "What’s New" text.

Description

✓ Describe your most important info in the first 3 lines. The rest of the text is hidden under "read more."
✓ Explain what you sell and why should people buy from you.
✓ List features and benefits your app provides.
✓ Include social proof: collect and display awards, customer testimonials, blog post reviews, recommendations from social networks, etc.

Feature image

✓ Upload an image of 1024 x 500 pixels.
✓ Your image should be designed to scale. It needs to look good both in a full-size web browser and on a handset.
✓ Create a fun and enticing graphic. Be bold and creative when promoting your brand.
✓ Use colors that stand out on a black or white background.
✘ Don't use a text-heavy advertising-style graphic.
✘ Don't overload the graphic with details.

Content rating

Select the app user maturity. Your options are:

• Low maturity
• Medium maturity
• High maturity

If you choose "High maturity," your app may be rejected by the Google Play Store.

For more information, read Content ratings for apps & games.