In a world where people increasingly make instantaneous decisions, deciding whether or not to download a particular application might take less than 10 seconds. This means that app store screenshot publishers have to up their games and become more innovative to catch the attention of their expected audience within the shortest possible window of time.
Reviews of apps have shown that app store screenshots are only second to app ratings in influencing the audiences’ decisions of downloads. But what makes a catchy app store screenshot? Whatever screenshot that people can gain information from the fastest is likely going to trump any other option, but elements such as app icon and preview videos are also essential for app downloads.
Here are some pointers on how to design app store screenshots.
Get your storyline right
What story are you trying to tell with your app store screenshots? Where do you want to begin? Do you want to walk your audience through your app? You must put your most important screenshots first, but it is also important that your audience perceive your app as easy-to-use and hassle-free, as indicated by customers reviews on ReviewsBird.com.
Use bold captions to point out key features:
Now that you know what your story is, your audience must get the information they need fast! A caption that identifies key features of your app will help a customer make fast decisions about how your app can be useful to him/her. Do not make the caption too wordy- you want people to see what your app is about as easily and clearly as possible.
Use imagery
A rule of the thumb: a picture speaks more than a thousand words, so use imagery to your advantage. App Store screenshots are categorized into basic, feelings-oriented, and artistic, so research the type that best suits your product and audience, and go for it.
Brand it up
Some people will be visiting the app store basically to check out brands, so use this to your advantage. If your brand is up-coming, get reviewed by as many sites as possible to build visibility. All you need is to ensure your brand is familiar to your audience, and then ensure that your app brandishes your logo and other branding products for credibility sake. The internet is a tricky place, and people need to be sure your app is not an imitation or a phishing site.
Localize your app store screenshot
Keywords need to be localized to serve different markets and languages so that users abroad can also locate your site, and find it useful. You might also want to ensure that you translate not only descriptions, captions, and keywords, but also make your screenshot understandable to your audience abroad. This is a major part of App Store Optimization.
The place of reviews
Remember the review sites mentioned earlier? It has more than one use – it can also serve as an avenue for your audience to know the functionality of your app from firsthand experiences of past and existing customers. Put up screenshots of testimonials and reviews to increase your competitive advantage.
Use video preview when you can
Some people might not be patient enough to read reviews or go through screenshots. Depending on your product and target audience, a video preview might offer an optimum advantage.
Ultimately, each app has its target market, and while there are blanket features that might cover most of the market, there is also a specific-oriented target that each app developer should research extensively on to get the best app store screenshots for their products.