As the mobile app market continues to grow and become more competitive, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for developers to stand out. One way that some developers attempt to gain an edge is by buying app store reviews.
But is buying app store reviews a legitimate strategy? And what are the potential risks and consequences? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of buying app store reviews and uncover the truth behind this controversial practice.
What is App Store Review?
Before we get started, let’s first define what we mean by "app store review." An app store review refers to a user-generated rating or comment left on an app in a mobile app marketplace, such as Apple’s App Store or Google Play. These reviews can range from simple ratings (e.g., 1-5 stars) to detailed comments on the features, functionality, design, and overall user experience of the app.
App store reviews are important because they can influence other users’ decision to download or purchase an app. A high number of positive reviews can indicate that an app is popular and well-liked, while negative reviews may discourage potential users from downloading an app.
The Temptation of Buying App Store Reviews
Given the importance of positive reviews in driving downloads and revenue for their apps, it’s understandable why some developers might be tempted to buy them. By purchasing positive reviews from third-party services or individuals, developers can quickly boost their rating and potentially attract more organic installs.
There are numerous websites offering these services claiming short-term results with no guarantees. They state that they employ real humans who use your application create accounts from all around the world which eventually leaves real-looking anonymous review comments with different identity markers on behalf of your application; thereby boosting your reputation.
In fact Buying Reviews for different OS like Android & iOS has grown into its own industry over time. It’s not difficult to discover various online services that offer to “boost your app’s visibility”, “increase your downloads” or “get more users on board”. However, things aren’t always so simple on the App Store and Google Play. The use of black-hat marketing practices can cause everything from a ruined reputation to getting banned completely from the respective app store.
The Risks of Buying App Store Reviews
While buying app store reviews might seem like a quick and easy solution for improving an app’s rating, it’s important to consider the potential risks and consequences before going down this path. Here are some of the key risks associated with buying app store reviews:
1. Damage to App Reputation
One of the biggest risks of buying app reviews is damage to your app’s reputation. If users discover that you’ve been buying positive reviews rather than earning them organically, they may feel misled or deceived. This can lead to negative publicity and criticism on social media platforms which in turn will lower your ratings lower than what you started with.
2. Violation of App Store Policies
Both Apple and Google have strict policies against incentivizing or manipulating app store reviews. Purchasing fake reviews is considered a violation of these policies and can lead to penalties such as suspension or removal from the respective stores.
3. Low Quality Reviews
It’s impossible for those providing automated services to create genuine experiences for their clients’ apps because most times they have never used it before generating their review comments, this results in low quality review comments which can be easily identified by savvy users who have used similar applications.
4. Incorrect Use Case Scenarios
Certain apps aren’t built for every user demographic in the market, purchasing non-specific positive reviews could misguide users looking for something specific about your application which could eventually lead them into poor user experience affecting your overall performance levels.
Ultimately, buying reviews isn’t worth risking getting blacklisted by Apple or Google.Now, the perfect way to deal with negative reviews is to improve on your app and also appreciate the feedback from users which can help you work better.
Conclusion
Buying app store reviews may seem like a tempting shortcut for gaining recognition in an increasingly crowded mobile market. However, the risks of buying positive reviews far outweigh the potential benefits – if any. Avoiding such practices and focusing on improving your app organically through genuine user experience and feedback is always a more viable option.
If you really want to increase your visibility on the App Store or Google Play, it’s better to invest in marketing strategies that focus on reaching your target audience authentically while delivering quality results. Don’t let shortcut hinder your app’s reputation; instead focus on providing genuine value to your users and let positive reviews come naturally as a result of their satisfaction.
FAQs
Is it really possible to buy app store reviews?
Yes, it is possible to buy app store reviews. There are services that offer to provide fake app reviews for a fee.
What are the risks of buying app store reviews?
The biggest risk of buying app store reviews is that they can harm your reputation and credibility in the long run. App stores have strict policies against fake reviews, and if you get caught, your app could be removed from the store.
Does buying app store reviews increase my app’s visibility?
In theory, buying positive app store reviews could increase your visibility by increasing your app’s rating and appearing higher in search results. However, this is not a sustainable strategy and could lead to negative consequences in the future.
How do I know if an app review is fake or genuine?
It can be difficult to tell if an app review is fake or genuine, but some red flags to look for include overly generic language, similar phrasing across multiple reviews, and limited details about the user’s experience with the app.
What are some alternatives to buying app store reviews?
Some alternatives to buying fake app store reviews include asking users for feedback within the app itself, incentivizing users to leave a review with rewards such as discounts or premium features, and promoting your app through social media channels and influencer marketing campaigns.
Can I get in trouble for writing my own positive reviews for my own apps?
Yes, writing your own positive reviews for your own apps violates most platforms’ terms of service agreements and can result in penalties such as having your app removed from the platform or even legal consequences if you engage in fraudulent activity.
What should I do if I discover that someone has written fake negative reviews about my app?
If you discover fake negative reviews about your app, you should report them to the app store platform and provide evidence that the reviews are fraudulent. The app store will then investigate and potentially remove those reviews from your app’s rating.
How important are app ratings and reviews for the success of an app?
App ratings and reviews are incredibly important for the success of an app, as they can greatly influence a user’s decision to download and use an app. High ratings and positive reviews can increase visibility, while negative or low ratings can harm reputation.
Can I hire someone to write genuine app reviews for my app?
While it is not recommended to hire someone specifically to write genuine app reviews, there are services that offer App Store Optimization (ASO) services where they can help optimize your app listing, including writing effective descriptions and encouraging users to leave honest feedback.
What is the best way to get more genuine reviews for my app?
The best way to get more genuine reviews for your app is by providing a great user experience, regularly updating your app with new features, requesting feedback through in-app prompts or emails, incentivizing users with rewards for leaving a review, and promoting your app on social media platforms.