News
Can Buying Mobile App Installs Lead to App Suspension?
Daniel Harper
Legal Advisor
Published on 8/29/2024
What Is Buying Mobile App Installs?
Buying mobile app installs refers to the practice where app developers pay for downloads in an attempt to increase their app’s visibility and ranking in app stores. This can appear as an effective strategy because a surge in installations can boost your app up the charts, making it more prominent to potential users. However, these installs are not from genuine users who are interested in your app, which can lead to high uninstall rates and low engagement.
Risks Involved with Buying Mobile App Installs
When deciding whether to buy mobile app installs, it’s crucial to be aware of the risks involved. These risks can potentially outweigh the benefits and put your app in danger of suspension.
- Violation of App Store Policies: App stores like Google Play and Apple's App Store have strict policies against incentivized installs. If detected, your app could face penalties, including suspension.
- Quality Over Quantity: Bought installs typically do not contribute to user engagement, meaning your app's actual user base remains unaffected. This can harm your app's rating and credibility.
- Detection by Algorithms: Modern algorithms are capable of identifying unnatural growth patterns in app installs. Any mismatch can lead to investigation and potential suspension of your app.
Alternatives to Buying Mobile App Installs
Engaging in legitimate marketing practices can help increase your app installs and avoid the pitfalls of buying installs. Here are several strategies:
- Optimize App Store Listing:
- Attractive app icon and screenshots
- Detailed and engaging description
- Appropriate keywords to improve discoverability
- Promote on Social Media:
- Share engaging content and demos
- Utilize influencers and social media ads
- Leverage Email Marketing:
- Send out newsletters and updates to your existing customer base with download links
- Use Content Marketing:
- Create blogs or videos that offer value and subtly promote your app
Case Study: The impact of Purchased Installs
Sarah, an indie developer, struggled to gain traction for her innovative education app. Desperate for downloads, she resorted to buying mobile app installs. Initially, her app soared in the rankings, but it was short-lived. The influx of non-genuine users led to high uninstalls and low ratings. Eventually, her app got flagged by the store algorithm, resulting in a suspension. Expressing regret, Sarah wished she had focused on organic growth strategies instead.
How to Safeguard Your App from Suspension
If you’re determined to boost your app's installs, consider these steps to avoid suspension:
- Focus on Organic Growth: Counter intuitively, slow and steady wins the race:
- Improve your app’s user experience (UX)
- Encourage satisfied users to leave positive reviews
- Consider Ethical Paid Campaigns: Utilize platforms that guarantee genuine user interactions:
- Google Ads, Apple Search Ads, and Facebook Ads can drive traffic without violating policies
- Track and Analyze Data: Consistently monitor engagement rates, conversion rates, and uninstall rates to tweak marketing strategies
Trends and Statistics in App Marketing
Recent data indicates that user acquisition costs on legitimate advertising platforms are decreasing. According to App Annie, the average cost for in-app advertising has dropped by 20% over the last year. Furthermore, apps focusing on user retention rather than acquisition tend to perform better in the long run, showcasing the importance of user engagement over sheer download numbers.
Conclusion
Before deciding to buy mobile app installs, consider the potential risks and the impact on your app's long-term success. Authentic growth strategies, although slower, bring genuine user interaction and can shield your app from the danger of suspension. Adopt ethical marketing practices and leverage the variety of tools available to boost your app effectively. If you are looking for a reliable marketing partner to enhance your app visibility, eZapprank offers tailor-made digital marketing solutions to help you achieve sustainable growth. By focusing on organic practices combined with targeted paid campaigns, our services ensure your app reaches its potential without risking suspension.