There are approximately 6.5 billion mobile users across the globe, and average users run about 80 mobile apps on their devices but depending on the demographics, this number can certainly vary. This data clearly substantiates the rising demand of the best app development companies. Once you have developed the mobile app, it is crucial to put it on mobile app markets so that it can be used by the target audience but doing so is not easy.
This blog will provide you with a comprehensive guide on uploading your mobile app to the Google Play Store.
Before proceeding, here are some prerequisites that you must meet:
- Have a mobile app and if you haven’t, consult with a smartphone app development company!
- Get a unique Bundle ID. It is a representation of your mobile application.
- Get your signing certificate.
- Get APK expansion files in case your mobile application extends the maximum required file size.
If you fulfil the above prerequisites, you can move on with the process to publish your mobile app on Google Play Store.
Step 1: Create Developer Account
Opening a developer account is the first step towards publishing your mobile application. If you don’t have one, then create! You can easily create this account by following the below mentioned process:
- Log in with your Google account.
- Accept the terms and conditions mentioned in the Developer Agreement.
- Next, you need to pay a fixed one-time registration fee of $25.
- Complete the process by providing the remaining account details.
Step 2: Link this account with Google Merchant Account
After successfully creating a developer’s account, you need to create a google merchant account. Once you create this account, link it to your developer’s account. It will allow you receive payments for in-app purchases. Given below is the process you should follow to create a merchant account.
- Sign in to this account via your developer’s account login details.
- Go to the menu and select reports on your dashboard.
- Select financial reports.
- Click on set up a ‘Merchant Account Now.’
- Enter required business details.
- Click on submit button.
The above steps will help you quickly link the merchant’s account to the developer’s account.
- In the next step, click on create application.
- You will see a drop-down language menu, so choose your default language from it.
- Enter your mobile application title within 30 characters.
You will get two options to upload mobile applications—the first is to upload APK, and the second is to prepare store listing.
Step 4: Upload APK
You need to create an APK file if your mobile application size is over 100 MB. Follow the below-mentioned process to upload the APK files. You will see a dialogue box on the screen. Drag and drop your files over here. You can browse and navigate the files.
- Go to the menu and select release management.
- Go to app releases, then.
Now you will see multiple options such as closed test, internal test, open test, or production release. Click on create the release option.
If you want to assess the performance of your mobile application and test it for some specific users first, choose from the internal test, closed test, or open test. But, if you want to make it live for everyone, select the production release option. It is advisable to test it first for a sample audience before making it live for everyone. If you feel confused at any point of time, consult with a cross platform app development company.
Step 5: Prepare Store Listing
In this step, you need to prepare a store listing first. Here you need to add your complete mobile application profile. You don’t need to worry; you can complete your app profile in a go or save the draft to complete it later on. You need to provide a few details to complete your app profile.
- Mobile app title.
- Mobile app subtitle.
- Mobile app description.
- Upload mobile application images in the requested format.
- You need to add other languages translations of your app. You can either purchase it or add your own developed translated version.
- Select the category of your mobile app.
- In this step, provide your email address and other contact details.
- Provide your privacy policy link, which should comprehensively demonstrate the usage of user data.
Step 6: Provide Content Rating
This is the most crucial step because it will determine if the Google Play Store accepts or rejects your mobile app.
- Go to play console and visit app menu. Choose store presence here.
- Provide the required app information along with an accurate rating.
The rating you provide here can guide you to reach out to your target audience. Be aware that an incorrect rating can lead to multiple reports by users. Google can remove or suspend your mobile app.
Step 7: Pick the Best Pricing and Distribution Model
This is the second last step to upload your mobile application on Google Play Store.
- You need to select the suitable pricing model of your app. You can choose to keep your app paid or free for the end-users. You can also opt for a hybrid model, which means keeping it free for a few users or a specific time frame and converting it to paid later on.
- Choose the region. You can select all the countries or select specific countries as per your mobile app’s requirement.
- Now, select devices or android programs.
Step 8: Make your Mobile Application Live
Congratulations! You have made it this far. You have reached the step where you can make your mobile app live. Just give a thorough check to all the details you have provided so far; if you want to update anything, do it now.
- Now, hit the publish button.
You will see a pop-up if your app has any missing pieces of information or warning or errors you need to rectify. If not, congrats because you did it well. Bingo! Your mobile app is live now.
Conclusion
The process might seem a little strenuous as it demands a lot of information, but not for your native android app development company. They have years of experience in this and can publish a mobile app quickly and efficiently. If you find it challenging or confusing, you can always reach out to us, and we will be happy to help you. Keep the above steps in mind to enjoy making your app live without hassle.
