Expert verifiedHighlights
- Hosting choice depends on budget, security, and performance needs, with cloud providers being the go-to for fast-growing apps and shared hosting suiting smaller projects.
- Your deployment strategy should align with your long-term update and maintenance roadmap, not just the immediate launch.
- Submission requirements differ between the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, so understanding each platform's guidelines early saves time and rework.
- App store optimization, including title, description, and keywords, should be done before submission to improve discoverability in search results.
- Marketing materials like screenshots, videos, and descriptions play a direct role in convincing users to download the app.
- Review timelines can range from a few days to several weeks, and rejected submissions require addressing feedback before resubmitting.
- Post-launch, monitoring user reviews and rankings is essential for identifying areas of improvement and guiding future updates.
In our last blog, we learned about testing and quality assurance. Now that you've fully tested and polished the app, it needs to go live. Deployment makes a test code app more accessible, while distribution ensures that the app reaches the right people over appropriate platforms.
Where you want your app hosted depends on your budgetary constraints, as well as security and performance needs. When it comes to fast-growing applications, cloud providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Azure, and Google Cloud offer the ideal solution, with built-in security and redundancy options.
Shared hosting can also be a cost-effective option for small projects or those just starting out. Regardless of what you choose, however, make sure your deployment strategy is in line with your update and maintenance roadmap.
1. App store submission or deployment process
The process of submitting your Android app to the Google Play Store is different from that of iOS apps on the App Store. First, identify the different platform guidelines and prepare your submission materials accordingly. This often includes providing screenshots and descriptions, as well as making sure that your application meets all relevant requirements and policies set by the store.
The review may take several days to weeks, so be prepared, while also having a clear understanding of what it might cost, including any associated charges related to distribution fees or revenue sharing models.
What you should know
- App store optimization (ASO): Before submission, optimize your app’s title, description, and keywords, so it appears in searches.
- Compliance with guidelines: Privacy policy restrictions will be among the things imposed before an application can appear in any given online shop.
- Effective marketing materials: Provide persuasive screens, videos, and descriptions that show how your app works and its usefulness.
- Setting up the store listing: Add the marketing materials, select a category, and set prices on the app store.
- Rating and age restrictions: Based on the application content and functionality, an age rating is required to comply with store regulations.
- Privacy policy and user data: Create a privacy policy that's understandable and accessible to users regarding data gathering and use.
- Review and approval process: When you submit your app for review, it takes time—from a few days to several weeks—before it gets approved.
2. Feedback review
In case your submission is rejected, you'll need to review the feedback, make necessary adjustments, and resubmit your app for approval.
3. Monitoring app performance
When the app is approved and goes live, you'll need to monitor its reviews and rankings and use them as a basis for future improvements.
In our next blog in the "How to build a custom app" series, we will walk through the procedure for handling the maintenance and updates of your launched application.
Build your first custom app for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Deployment is making your app live on a server or platform. Distribution is getting it in front of the right users through the right channels, whether that's an app store, a direct link, or an enterprise portal. Both need to be planned together, not as separate afterthoughts.
Cloud hosting from providers like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud suits apps that need to scale, with built-in redundancy and security. Shared hosting works for smaller projects with limited traffic and tighter budgets. Your choice should align with your growth expectations and performance requirements.
Not necessarily. A phased launch—starting with one platform—lets you gather real user feedback and fix issues before expanding. Which platform you prioritize first should depend on where your target audience is most active.