Overcoming App Denials: Strategic Guide for Gaining Acceptance
In the world of app development, rejections by the App Store and Play Store can be a challenging hurdle to overcome. However, it's essential to understand that these rejections are not failures but a rite of passage.
Navigating these review processes effectively requires a clear understanding of the philosophy of each platform. Apple and Google have their unique approaches, and familiarising oneself with these can help in crafting a successful appeal.
When faced with a rejection, the first step is to acknowledge the rejection and pause before taking any action. The next 24 hours are critical, and the way the situation is handled can significantly impact the outcome.
Each rejection carries a specific reason, and it's crucial to decode this reason to understand the 'why' behind their 'no.' For instance, the 'Prominent Disclosure' rejection (Apple Guideline 5.1.1 or Google's policy) relates to data privacy issues, while the 'Crashes and ANRs' rejection (Apple Guideline 2.1 or Google's policy) points to technical performance issues.
To fight these rejections, a structured response is key. For human reviewers in the Apple App Store, crafting evidence-videos, screenshots, and notes to help them understand the app's value is essential. For automated reviews in the Google Play Store, structuring the appeal to satisfy an algorithm, quoting the exact policy, and stating how compliance has been achieved is necessary.
For subjective violation issues like 4.3 spam, creating a formal case with annotated screenshots highlighting unique branding and features is advisable. Proving uniqueness and value is crucial in fighting the most feared rejection for any business using a no-code app builder - the 'Spam' rejection.
To fight the 'Crashes and ANRs' rejection, one must prove the fixes made in the appeal. To fight the 'Prominent Disclosure' rejection, one must ensure clarity in the permission request text.
Conducting a formal pre-flight check before submitting the app can help reduce the chances of rejection. If a reviewer cannot find a feature, providing a simple list of steps to follow to explore it can be helpful.
Treating the App Store Guidelines as a free Product Requirements Document from your most important distributor is a wise approach. A successful app appeal is structured like a legal brief, calm, concise, and built on irrefutable evidence.
Navigating the app review process is a crucial business skill. Adopting a tone of objective professionalism is important in writing an app appeal. Creating a Central Case File before talking to the team, containing the rejection notice, official guideline, and any screenshots or videos from the review, is also recommended.
Remember, don't view the App Store rejections as a battle, but as a critical business partnership. Sitting quietly after the rejection is a failure. Instead, approach each rejection as an opportunity to improve and learn.
To find out which company is behind a platform providing strategies for App Store and Play Store rejections, you can typically check the platform’s official website for an 'About Us' section, look for company registration details, or use business information services like company registries or LinkedIn profiles related to the platform. Additionally, reviewing app developer policies and contact information directly on the platform or in the app store listing may reveal the company name.
In conclusion, navigating app store rejections requires a strategic approach, understanding the guidelines, and a willingness to improve. With patience, persistence, and a well-structured appeal, you can turn a rejection into an opportunity for growth.
