After spending hours and hours in Android app development, burning the midnight oil, it is about the right time to launch your app in the Google Play Store. With more than 1 billion active Android users, this step will take you closer to reaching out users from across the globe.
If this is your first time publishing an app on Google Play Store, here are quick steps to prepare your mobile application for publishing in the Google Play Store.
Google Play Publisher Account Registration
You must create a Google account in order to publish. You supposedly have a personal email, but it’s better to open a different Google Play developer account. After paying a $25 Google Play registration fee, you can approach your Google Play Developer console.
Choose Developer name to represent you company/business on Google store, and fill in the basic account details, and then you should wait approximately two days to be registered.
Google Payments Merchant Account (for paid apps or in-app products)
If you want to sell apps, include in-app products, or subscriptions, it is imperative to setup a Google payments merchant account.
To setup Google Payments Merchant account:
- Sign in to Google Play Developer Console, open financial reports and setup a Merchant Account now to update information relating to business.
Exploring the Google Play Developer Console and publishing tools
From the Google Play Developer Console you can manage all phases of publishing and reach over 1 billion active Android users on Google Play. Google Play Developer Console is focal point and primary dashboard for app publishing operations and tools. It is essential to familiarize with the dashboard.
Here are the points to check how to publish android app on google play store
- List of developer countries and merchant countries.
- Locations where distribution to Google Play users is supported.
- Review Developer Distribution Agreement and the Google Play’s terms and conditions.
Alpha and Beta testing the app
Testing your Android app is paramount and essential to the success of your app. Google Play gives you the option to test. In the APK section of the Developer Console, there are options related to Beta and Alpha Testing. Once you have uploaded your app’s .apk files, you receive the URL that can be shared with the testers. With this link, testers can download app’s alpha or beta version, as well as provide feedback and reviews. This feedback can help you fine tune and optimise the performance of your app by making relevant changes in it before publishing it in the store.
Upload your Android App
This is most important step of uploading your Android Application to the Play Store. However, you need to prepare for few things such as the maturity rating of your app.
- Click on “Add New Application” in the “All Applications” tab.
- Log in to the Google Play Developer Console
- Select appropriate “Default Language” from the drop-down menu
- Type the “Title” of the app that you want to appear in the Play Store.
- Select the “Upload APK” button to land on a new page that would be the homepage for your app.
Provide details for Store Listing
The way your app page looks like in the Google Play Store will play an instrumental role in attracting Android users. After uploading the “.apk” file of your app, go to the “Store Listing” tab. Now, add details of the app, like a “Short description” (of 12 to 80 characters) and a “Full description” (of up to 100 characters) of the app, add screenshots, and promo video link.
You will need to prepare a high resolution icon, a Feature graphic and a Promo graphic. While the last items are marked as optional, it is important that you consider these items as mandatory. Think about it how would your app feature anywhere within Google Play Store without a feature image.
You can also provide details such as contact, category, and more. Remember, store listing can be updated any time. So don’t get in panic mode.
Pricing and Distribution Details
Now, let’s move to “Pricing & Distribution.” Follow these steps:
- Select whether “Free” or a “Paid” app.
- Select the distribution countries
- Check the boxes stating that your app complies with the content guidelines.
Conclusion
Publishing an app on Google Play is a simple process and can be done in a matter of few minutes. However, the most important part is developing a high-quality Android mobile application that will help you stand above thousands of apps launched in each and every category.
