How to Promote Your App: 7 Ways to Get More Downloads in 2026

Launching your app is the start, not the finish. The stores hold millions of apps, so getting downloads takes a deliberate promotion plan. The good news: most of the highest-impact tactics are free and use assets you already have. Here's how to get more downloads in 2026.

1. Optimise your store listing (ASO)

App Store Optimization is the foundation — it's how people discover you in store search. Get your title, keywords, icon and screenshots right before spending on anything else. Start with our beginner's guide to ASO, or grab a free ASO audit to find quick wins.

2. Use the channels you already own

Your website, email list and social profiles are your cheapest, warmest audience. Add app-store badges to your site header and footer, announce the launch to your email list, and pin it on your social profiles. People who already know you are your easiest first installs.

3. Re-engage with push notifications

Downloads mean little if users don't come back. Push notifications are the most effective retention tool — they bring people back far better than email. Use them for offers, updates and reminders (without overdoing it). See our push notifications guide for best practices.

4. Earn ratings and reviews

Ratings drive both ranking and conversion — a higher star rating lifts you in store search and convinces new users to install. Prompt happy users to rate you at a natural moment (after a win in the app), and respond to reviews to show you're active.

5. Win with content and SEO

Content marketing builds the branded searches that feed app discovery. Helpful blog posts, comparisons and guides rank in Google, attract your audience, and funnel them to your app. (This very blog is an example.) Pair it with a clear website that links to your store listings.

6. Use deep links and referrals

Deep links send users to the exact right screen from a link or notification, which improves conversion and sharing. A simple referral incentive — give existing users a reason to invite friends — turns your audience into a growth channel.

7. Consider paid ads (once the basics work)

Apple Search Ads and social ads can accelerate growth, but only after your listing converts and your app retains users. Paid traffic on a weak listing just wastes budget — fix ASO and retention first.

FAQ

What's the cheapest way to promote an app?

ASO plus your owned channels (website, email, social) — both are essentially free and deliver the highest-quality installs.

How do I get more app downloads?

Optimise your store listing, drive your existing audience to it, earn good reviews, and retain users with push so word of mouth compounds.

Should I pay for app installs?

Only after your listing converts and your app retains users — otherwise paid traffic leaks away.