If you’re in the process of preparing to release an app into the Google Play Store, you may find these quick tips helpful.

Package Name

Before releasing your app into the Google Play Store, you should review and confirm your app’s package name. It cannot be changed once the app is released. The package name looks something like “io.oakcity.appname” and is your app’s unique identifier on the Google Play Store and on Android devices. For the most part, it is not visible to users, but it is in the URL for your app’s listing on the Play Store. That means a user may see it, but it also means it can affect SEO and your app listing’s discoverability. You’ll definitely want your app’s name included somewhere in the package name.

Discoverability

Discoverability of your app may be challenging at first. Searching your app by name in the Google Play Store may not yield your app anywhere in the search results right away. More installs, ratings, and reviews will of course help, but you should make sure your app’s description and all other text content in the app listing contains relevant keywords as well. There is a ton of content on the web detailing ASO/SEO (App Store Optimization / Search Engine Optimization), this post provides a good overview.

Automation

You can automate the process of uploading builds to the Google Play Store (as well as generating your apk, running tests, and a whole host of other things) with a tool called Fastlane. Specifically, the supply tool can be used to upload your apk to any track (alpha, beta, or release) along with store listing description and other text content, images, and even app screenshots.