Why it’s important to promote your app 

With over 9.1 billion smartphone users worldwide as of 2024, it’s no surprise that the mobile app industry continues to boom. App usage and smartphone adoption continue to grow steadily, with no signs of slowing down anytime soon.  

If you take a moment to look up from your phone during the day, you’ll likely notice that everyone else is just as reliant on theirs. We use our phones at work, at home, on the go, while eating, and in bed. In fact, you might be reading this on a mobile device right now!  

So, what’s everyone doing on their phones? In 2023, the average person in the UK spent around 3 hours and 50 minutes per day using apps.  

But thriving in the mobile app space requires two key things: 

1. Getting students to download your app. 
2. Ensuring they actually use it.  

These two seemingly simple steps are what inspired this checklist. While it’s clear that app usage is at an all-time high, that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to understanding user behaviour.  

Success requires more than just knowing there’s demand – you need the right promotion, strategy, execution, and understanding of what actually makes users download it. It’s like saying “People enjoy music, so I’m going to start a band”.  

For student organisation, having an app isn’t just about keeping up with digital trends – it’s about creating meaningful connections, streamlining engagement, and making it easier for students to access the services and opportunities you offer. But simply having an app isn’t enough; students need to know it exists and, more importantly, find it valuable enough to use regularly.  

When students are aware of your app, they recognise it as a key resource for events, societies, voting, support services, and updates. They begin to associate your organisation with convenience, accessibility, and innovation. Instead of seeing your app as just another download, they view it as something that enhances their student experience.  

Awareness is just the first step. True success comes when students actively use your app. With regular engagement, communication becomes more direct and effective, reducing extra manual admin for staff. Students are more likely to participate in events, vote in elections, and engage with student-led initiatives. Over time, the app becomes a natural part of their university life – helping them stay informed, involved, and connected.  

Ultimately, it’s not just about downloads; it’s about making your app a valuable and essential tool in the student experience. It demands ongoing engagement, relevance, and seamless user experience. But first, promotion!  

Our nine point checklist to promoting your app 

Promoting your app effectively is key to increasing student engagement, boosting event attendance, and driving membership sales. To help your team maximise awareness and adoption, we’ve put together a 9-step checklist to ensure your app gets the visibility it deserves.   

1. Email Campaigns 
   
   Send an email to students introducing the app, explaining why they need it, and providing clear instructions on how to download and set it up. Enhance visibility by including a download link in your email signatures. 
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2. Social media 
   
   Social media is essential for app marketing. Post regular updates about the app, highlight key features, and encourage students to share their experiences using it.   
3. Website 
   
   Your app should be a central feature of your website, not just a small logo in the footer. Add a pop-up window on your homepage with a direct download link and promote the app across relevant pages where students are most likely to engage.  

4. Demo video 
   
   A short ‘how-to’ video can guide students through the registration process and showcase key benefits. Research shows that almost 81% of consumers download an app after watching a demo video and 99% prefer video as a learning tool. Make sure your app store page and website feature an engaging explainer video.   

5. Exclusive Discounts & Incentives 
   
   Encourage downloads by offering app-exclusive discounts on tickets, memberships, and events. Limited-time offers can drive urgency and increase adoption at the start of the academic year. Why not try it for welcome week?  

6. Election Voting & Advocacy 
   
   Promote election voting through the app and encourage voters to become ambassadors by spreading the word. Students are more likely to engage when they see their peers actively using the platform.   

7. Student-Generated Content 
   
   Invite students to write articles, news pieces, and reviews just for the app. This not only creates fresh content but also fosters a sense of community and belonging.  

8. Word of mouth 
   
   Ask your club and society committee members to champion the app among their peers. If key student leaders use and promote it, adoption rates will naturally increase.  
   

9. On-Campus 
   
   Display posters everywhere around the SU with a QR code to provide a quick and easy way for students to download the app instantly. Visibility in high-traffic areas ensures more students see it. 

By following this checklist, your student organisation can effectively encourage engagement and participation, promote social events, involve hard-to-reach members, provide information, and increase followers.  

And guess what…you can do all of this through MSL! 

The StudentLink+ App

The StudentLink+ App is your fully branded, native mobile app designed to keep students engaged all year round, whenever they are. Seamlessly managed through our CMS. It simplifies registration, lets students vote, join clubs, access personalised content, and make purchases – all in one place. Push notifications keep them updated, while the in-app student ID offers quick scan access.  

Learn more about StudentLink here