Boosting App Store Reviews: Real User Strategies for Shopify Apps

Turning App Users into Raving Fans (and Reviewers!)

So, you've poured your heart and soul into creating a fantastic Shopify app. Merchants are using it, solving problems, and hopefully loving it. But those all-important app store reviews? Crickets. Sounds familiar? You're not alone!

I recently stumbled upon a discussion in the Shopify Community where @Gideon_A, or rather, benji32, was facing just that. He's working with a team that launched a chargeback blacklist app called Blox and was struggling to get users to leave reviews, even though they were seeing success with the app. A 3.9 rating was hurting their Shopify app store SEO, which is a tough spot to be in. Let's dive into the advice that was shared and how you can apply it to your own app.

The Review Request Dilemma: Pop-ups vs. Email Outreach

Benji mentioned trying in-app pop-ups and email outreach, but without much success. This is a common pain point. People are bombarded with requests all day long, so how do you cut through the noise?

@Covey suggested A/B testing different triggers for review requests. This is gold! Think about when you're asking. Are you interrupting users in the middle of a crucial task? Are you asking before they've really had a chance to experience the benefits of your app?

Instead of generic pop-ups, consider:

• Milestone-based requests: As @Gideon_A mentioned, trigger a review request after a user has achieved a specific milestone within your app. For Blox, maybe it's after they've successfully blocked a certain number of chargebacks. This shows they're getting value and are more likely to leave a positive review.
• Contextual timing: Ask for a review after a user has completed a particularly successful session or achieved a significant result using your app.
• Personalized messages: Instead of a generic "Rate our app!" message, try something like, "We're so glad you're finding Blox helpful in fighting chargebacks. Would you mind sharing your experience with other merchants?"

Finding Your Audience Where They Already Are

tobebuilds brought up an interesting point: sometimes, the best place to get feedback isn't on your own turf. He suggested finding online communities where people are already discussing chargebacks and engaging there. This is a smart way to tap into existing conversations and understand the pain points your app solves.

Think about it: if someone's actively complaining about chargebacks in a forum, and you can chime in with a helpful solution (and subtly mention how Blox can help), you're much more likely to get their attention and potentially a review. It's about providing value first and asking for a review second.

The Offer: A Discount in Exchange for Feedback

Benji offered discounted access to Blox in exchange for useful advice. While this might seem like a good way to incentivize feedback, it's important to tread carefully. You want genuine reviews, not just people trying to get a discount. Transparency is key. Make it clear that you're looking for honest feedback, good or bad.

Turning Negative Experiences into Opportunities

Don't shy away from negative reviews! They're a chance to learn and improve. Respond to negative reviews promptly and professionally. Acknowledge the user's concerns, offer solutions, and show that you're committed to providing excellent support. This can often turn a negative experience into a positive one, and even lead to the user updating their review.

It's also worth considering that the app store rating algorithm likely takes into account not only the star rating, but the recency and length of reviews, as well as your responses to them. So, even a few well-written, recent reviews can have a significant impact.

Ultimately, getting more app store reviews is about providing a great product, asking at the right time, and engaging with your users. It's a marathon, not a sprint. And remember, even established apps are constantly working to improve their ratings and gather more feedback.