5 Tips for Successfully Reskinning Your Next App Template

Starting an app from scratch can be an exhausting and daunting task. Not only will you have to brainstorm and come up with multiple ideas to create your initial app, but you will also have to find ways to keep the content updated and fresh for users. Since building a new app from scratch can be a significant drain on time as well as finances, reskinning an app template has become an attractive alternative in the app world to be able to utilize the original coding of a different app and alter the graphics, images, etc., to essentially turn the existing code into an entirely new app.

While reskinning existing code may be an easier task, it is important to be sure to follow a few tips to make sure that your new app will be the success you intend it to be.

 

1. Know Your App’s Target Market

One of the most important parts of successfully marketing any new product is firmly establishing your target audience. By defining your customer’s needs and wants you will be able to more successfully tailor the app towards them. Once you have defined what your user looks like, how they will mostly use the app, and what their future needs may be, it is time to scout the competition. You will want to know who your competitors are as well what applications are most successful. Research apps that are most commonly downloaded and check out reviews of apps similar to yours to find out what the concerns are that users have encountered. This will give you a sense of the trends and styles that most users are searching for as well as areas that you will need to improve upon.

 

2. Make Functionality a Top Priority

When deciding which app to reskin, it is most important to choose your app based on its functionality. A common trap many reskinners fall into is choosing apps that have a better appearance but may have difficulty with their functionality. Many app users, while attracted by graphics at first are much more likely to tolerate poorer visual quality as long as the app functions well. When choosing the app, find one that has good functionality that you can improve upon and make it more attractive for users. One of the most important things to remember is that if a customer has difficulty with operation or use, they will be less likely to make a purchase.

 

3. Make Sure it Does Not Get Rejected

Even though you are reskinning a current app, you will want to do your research and make sure that your reskin follows all the policies and procedures so that it does not get rejected by the App Store or all your hard work will have been for nothing. Some of the most common reasons that an app will be rejected from the App Store include sounds or images that have been copyrighted, titles that appear to be duplicates, inaccurate descriptions, and use of celebrity or famous names. While it may seem like the easy route to throw in a few copyrighted images or sounds, it is likely to get you into trouble down the road. So don’t take any short cuts and make sure to research any information you do use to make sure there are no copyright issues or concerns.

 

4. Put Emphasis on Your Screenshots

The most important graphic part of your app will always be your icon. That makes your second most important part, your screenshots. Your initial icon will help draw the user in. They will then process your screen shots next to help them make their decision on whether to download or make the purchase. Since this visual piece is so important to finalizing the sale, make sure to use striking graphics, edit them to create the best overall effect, and add some engaging type or banner to help pique the user’s interest to continue. Consider your screenshots window dressing similar to retail. If you don’t entice them with you display they won’t come in.

 

5. Marketing

While making the reskinned app functional and attractive to customers is essential, you will get nowhere with your app if you do not properly market it. With so many apps out there many customers may find it overwhelming when deciding which ones to choose from and will often be persuaded to at least look further with a proper marketing campaign. Try thinking about the marketing campaign the same time you begin your reskin. While there are many ways to market your app for a cost, there are also multiple free ways to create awareness for the app and draw in new customers. You can start with social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Steam, and Pinterest. When creating your marketing content, be sure to make your content SEO friendly and make sure your description will catch your customer’s attention and draw them in to learn more.

 

Conclusion

While there are many things to consider when reskinning your app, focusing on the five tips above can help your reskin go more smoothly and help you concentrate on the future promotion, download, and purchase of your app. While reskinning is an excellent way to get a new app out there while using already tried and true code, it is important to make your new app is unique so that you can make your app valuable to the masses and avoid any risk of being dubbed a duplicate.

Start browsing our collection of app templates today and use these tips to make your app successful.