Get your app featured by Apple, here's who to contact & how

Originall posted on the Game Brokerage Blog, check it out for cutting edge mobile & web insights!

///// Article

Getting featured on the App store is a critical step in marketing your game. By getting featured by Apple, you’re ultimately getting the holy grail of advertising: wide visibility, lots of installs and subsequently–revenue!

In addition to this, getting featured opens many doors with the press and can be leveraged further in your marketing and promotional campaigns.

So how do you actually pitch Apple your game?

First off, it’s all about the approach. Apple is looking for apps that take advantage of their hardware and software in a unique way. Design your game around an innovative game mechanic, and add a high degree of polish to your game.

The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus just recently launched and the App review team is eagerly waiting submissions that take advantage of hardware improvements and new features.

One major feature that I think is very underrated is the improvements to the Slow motion camera. Apple improved the slow motion camera 2x, and now features 240 frames per second! Figuring out how to use this new technology in a unique way is challenging, but will be rewarded by the App review team.

In addition to hardware, iOS 8 is rolling out widely and contains a number of new features. From improved messages to spotlight, there are new and unique ways to integrate iOS 8 features into your app, or inversely, promote your app through.

So what’s next? You’ve identified new features and built out your game to leverage Apples new amazing technology.

Well, Apple is like your 4 year old and you’re goal is to hook them immediately. Goal #1 is to get them into playing as quick as possible.

The look and feel of your game is paramount to it’s success on the App store, and especially to Apple’s review team. Design your game to be the best in it’s class from UI to playability.

Now you’re ready to form your pitch.

Sharing your App with Apple is all about story telling. As with all major press outlets, having a clear story about why, how, and who built the game is critical.

You want to leave a lasting impression, so make sure you end with a bang. Everything leading up to the punchline is to keep readers engaged, but shouldn’t give away your punchline.

Plan your pitch strategically and spend time crafting the right angle for your app.

Pro tip: test it on someone you know who isn’t directly in gaming or the app business. How did they react? Were they smiling at the end and couldn’t resist giving you a hug? Or were they ambivalent, and reluctant to say “good job”?

Test this on at least 5 subjects and see the results. If you need to rework your pitch, take the time to retest your new content and make sure it impresses people on their first read.

Once you’re ready to pitch Apple, make sure you also have all the info for your app review contact details specified in itunesconnect prior to emailing the App review team…. and then send your pitch via email to [email protected] or [email protected]!

Good luck Publishers & Developers! As always, I’m here to help get the word out about your games, please let me know if you’re releasing any apps and I’d be more than happy to help promote your game free of charge!

/ Kyle
Twitter
GB Twitter