PreApps

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

My brother and I developed an app, and then we formed a company. He’s the president of the company, and I’m the vice president – it’s just the two of us.

The app allows users to resolve small disputes without going to court. Each party can pick their own jurors through the app.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with PreApps?

When we started working with our development team, we realized that we were going to need some help with the marketing. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

PreApps helped us in many ways, from creating videos for marketing the app to ad placement. They helped us focus on keywords.

They came on just as we began developing the app, so they helped to troubleshoot some problems with our developer and talked us through some things. For instance, they recommended integrating AppsFlyer so that we could track how the app was doing and get valuable data, and they worked with our developer on that. They asked questions that we needed to focus on to bring our vision of the app to fruition, such as how we’d monetize the app. The PreApps team really provided support throughout the whole development process.

What is the team composition?

We took a team approach. Lisa (Manager, Client Success) made sure that we were 100% pleased; she was very helpful with our ad videos, and she went above and beyond to secure ad placement in appropriate publications to best showcase the app. Then, someone else interfaced with our app developer a lot to troubleshoot problems.

How did you come to work with PreApps?

My brother found PreApps, and we dialogued with them. We felt that they would meet our needs.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent about $45,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our work together began in January 2020, and we still have about 30 days on our contract with them. We are thinking about resigning a support agreement with them to help us out with additional marketing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

They were definitely able to get us into some publications to promote our app. They also posted the videos they created that showcase the app to Facebook. 

We haven’t gotten a good feel for our numbers yet because it’s still early, but I think they’ve done a good job positioning us in the market to let people know about the app and what it does.

How did PreApps perform from a project management standpoint?

They were really good about that. We had weekly conference calls with them, if not more, and that was really helpful for any troubleshooting or questions that we had. They helped us set up accounts and work through technical issues.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Lisa was the team leader, and she was very helpful. She was always cheerful and encouraging, and she made sure that we were 100% pleased with our videos. When the first videos came out, we felt that they didn’t actually capture the essence of what our app represented, so we spoke to Lisa. She redid all of the videos, and I think that really went above and beyond.

Are there any areas they could improve?

This is a new venture for my brother and me, so at times, we were a bit lost in the tech lingo during conference calls. However, overall, that’s just a minor thing. I think that they did a remarkable job. 

Any advice for potential customers?

Make sure that it’s a company that understands your needs. Also, if you’re marketing, it’s helpful for them to be based in the US so that they understand the market. You get what you pay for. 

Our app developer was based in India, and sometimes we had difficulty understanding him. He certainly did a good job and was willing to please, but there were some communication problems, none of which we had with the PreApps team.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Co-founder of a Healthcare startup.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire PreApps?

We hired PreApps to implement a full scale mobile marketing campaign to help us accelerate the growth of our Healthcare app on the App Store and Google Play. This included managing and executing our Apple Search Ads, Apple Store Optimization, PR Campaign, and Video Creation.

What were your goals for this project?

Our initial goals were to scale our app to obtain an additional 120,000 new downloads per month. The team exceeded our expectations as we are now averaging 160,000 additional new downloads per month.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We hired PreApps based on their customized approach to reach our marketing goals.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

The team managed and executed our Apple Search Ads, Apple Store Optimization,Video Production, and PR efforts. We also leveraged their expertise to get our app selected and Featured by Apple during our scheduled app update which drove an additional 50,000 downloads in 1 week in the US market.

Our initial goals were to scale our app to obtain 120,000 additional new downloads per month. The team exceeded our expectations as we are now averaging 160,000 new downloads per month.

What was the team composition?

I worked directly with our assigned ASO Manager, App Consultant, and Customer Service Manager on a weekly basis.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Our initial goals were to scale our app to obtain an additional 120,000 new downloads per month. The team exceeded our expectations as we are now averaging 160,000 new downloads per month.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We worked closely with the PreApps team on a weekly basis. They were very professional to work with and exceeded our expectations.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We found their industry expertise and unique strategies most impressive. Not only were they able to reach our goals but exceeded our expectations.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the manager of a new lifestyle app. My role was to ensure our app was launched successfully and manage our respective teams to achieve our business goals.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire PreApps?

PreApps worked with us both pre and post-launch for our healthcare app. From content to creatives, the whole process was executed incredibly well which allowed us to reach #1 on the App Store and Google Play. I hired PreApps to perform all of the necessary marketing initiatives to ensure our app obtained market validation and an initial 200,000 downloads. This included executing effective Facebook Ads, App Store Optimization, Consulting, Video Production, and a PR Campaign.

What were your goals for this project?

Obtain market validation for our app and reach an initial 200,000 downloads within 6 months. The PreApps team was able to achieve this goal helping us obtain 270,000 downloads to date.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I selected PreApps over other agencies based on their track record, industry expertise, and the unique custom programs they offered.

Describe the project in detail.

From content to creatives, the whole process was executed incredibly well which allowed our app to reach the top of the App Store and Google Play. This included executing effective Facebook Ads, App Store Optimization, Video Production, and a PR Campaign. The PreApps team has helped us reach 270,000 downloads so far.

What was the team composition?

The direct PreApps team I met with weekly consisted of our Customer Success Manager, App Growth Consultant, and App Store Optimization Specialist.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Our goal was to obtain market validation for our app and reach an initial 200,000 downloads within 6 months. The PreApps team was able to achieve this goal helping us obtain 270,000 downloads to date.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The entire team has been a joy to work with.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The PreApps team truly cared about our app and achieving our goals. When speaking with the team I could tell that they treated our app as if it were their own.

Are there any areas for improvement?

None

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the senior manager of a company that focuses on time-sensitive communication. We build mobile apps and we recently built a new app that was geared towards families and personal relationships for urgent and emergency communication. 

For example, if someone urgently needs to get in touch with their wife, child, etc. and they’re not answering, the app has the ability to send them an alert that will make the receiver’s phone make a noise even if it’s on “silent” or “do not disturb” mode.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with PreApps?

In the past, we built close to 38 mobile apps and a majority of them were B2B solutions where we would work with, for example, an office building. The building would then work with their tenants to get them onto our app, allowing the building to send an alert to the users.

This was the first product where we truly focused on marketing directly to the consumer, which we had no experience doing. The design, appearance, description of the app are significantly more important when you don’t have the middleman trying to advertise and get consumers onto your app on your behalf. So, we hired PreApps to help us with this.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

A consultant that works for PreApps helps us market the iOS and Android app. The team also does PR work for us, getting the word out there and having different publications write about it. They focus specifically on different technology- or app-specific blogs and publications.

What is the team composition?

We work with Lisa (Manager, Client Success), who serves as our customer success manager, as well as with a consultant.

How did you come to work with PreApps?

After doing a lot of research online and reading a lot of reviews, we narrowed our list down to 4–5 companies that we could work with. Ultimately, we decided on PreApps.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent between $40,000–$50,000 so far. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in January 2020 and we launched the app about two weeks ago. We’re still tying up some loose ends but, for the most part, we’re pretty much done.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

When we originally started, the team was hoping to provide us with five publications, and we got close to 15. We, and also they, were really happy with those results.

We’ve been experiencing great growth with our launch. For example, we’ve been picked up by close to 150 press release wires. 

How did PreApps perform from a project management standpoint?

They do a good job, laying out their process clearly. We have weekly check-ins, and they are really on top of everything. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They are very hands-on. We had exposure to senior management and received a couple of different notes and emails from their CEO. They lay out their goals and metrics, so the process is quite collaborative. They were able to adapt some of their reporting and metrics to ensure that we got what we were looking for. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

Nothing comes to the top of my mind. Perhaps they could provide more timely updates. We were thrilled with the progress of the publications and press releases, but they gave us more of a final report than a status update. It would’ve been exciting for us to be in the loop as different organizations were publishing different articles on us. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Make sure that, upfront, you explicitly define what you’re looking for and what you want to get out of the relationship. That way, the team will be able to tailor their offerings and solutions to make sure that you’re meeting your desired goals.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CMO and my role was to direct and manage all of our marketing efforts and work directly with our vendors to meet our objectives.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire PreApps?

We hired PreApps to produce all of our marketing assets for our app including producing Videos, App Store Description, Screenshots, and Keywords. The team also provided us with Consulting Services, PR, and Paid Ads Management on both Facebook and Apple Search Ads.

What were your goals for this project?

Our initial goal with PreApps was 100,000 downloads across the App Store and Google Play. PreApps exceeded our expectations and helped us reach over 125,800 downloads so far.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

The company was recommended by our App Development Firm we used. The PreApps team was incredibly helpful and highly experienced. After our initial calls with them we knew they were the right vendors for us.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

We started working with the PreApps team roughly 3-4 months prior to our launch. In that timeframe they produced all of our marketing assets for our app including producing Videos, App Store Description, Screenshots, and Keywords. They made sure our launch was seamless and successful. After launch the team also provided us with Consulting Services, PR, and Paid Ads Management on both Facebook and Apple Search Ads to help us scale.

What was the team composition?

There were many people working on our initiatives however we mainly worked directly with the Senior App Growth Manager (Lisa), App Growth Consultant (Patrick), and the Director of App Store Optimization (David).

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

PreApps far exceeded our expectations helping us launch successfully and reach over 125,000 downloads so far.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It was clear up front that PreApps has a solid and effective workflow. The team was always available 24/7 to help us. We also found their custom private marketing dashboard that they created for us to be very helpful.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They have a wealth of knowledge and experience. It was their unique strategies and tactics we implemented that allowed us to surpass our goals. We also appreciated their attention to detail and felt like they were personally invested in our success. They continually checked in on us to make sure that we were always taken care of.

Are there any areas for improvement?

None at this time.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Mobile App DooriGo can help you to live your independent life without worrying about isolation. DooriGo will check in on you at regular intervals to ensure you’re safe, and you can go about your day. Personal safety doesn’t have to come at the expense of your independence. I am a co-founder here at DooriGo.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire PreApps?

While we had launched our mobile app in the App Stores, we were not finding traction with reviewers and users. With thousands of apps launching daily, it's difficult to get noticed. We hired PreApps for their expertise in Mobile App Marketing to help us more effectively launch our app.

What were your goals for this project?

- Improve our online presence in the App Stores (content, graphics, videos, ASO) - Drive awareness in the marketplace reviews, trial user uptake - Ultimately, getting DooriGo noticed and boost our App's subscriber base

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I researched several online agencies specializing in Mobile Apps. PreApps stood out as one of the better marketing agencies for mobile apps. Since they work with both apps that are new to the market and well established brands, PreApps offers great perspective and insights for small Apps like ours that are relatively new to marketing Apps.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Skyrocket Downloads (ASO) boosting app store ranking, organic growth, downloads, conversions [improving App Title, description, screenshots, keywords] Viral Video Production (promotional video + iOS and Android Store videos) Celebrity Campaign (outreach to editorial/PR contacts to secure media exposure) App Growth Consulting - series of consultation appointments with App Growth experts to boost growth UA Campaign Management (Advertising Campaign Management) Reporting

What was the team composition?

Account Manager ASO Team App Growth Consultant

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We have gotten much more traffic for our App on both Stores. With App Growth consulting, we have seen a notable increase in trial up-take. We hope this will result in greatly improved app subscription rates. We are still too early in the process to know. Also, they created several terrific videos for DooriGo, which we never would have done on our own. With the Celebrity Campaign, PreApps provided DooriGo with wonderful exposure to top media outlets. Thus far, this has led to over a dozen positive reviews from top media outlets. It's unlikely we would have gotten near that level of coverage on our own.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Our entire team is extremely helpful and readily accessible to us. PreApps was very responsive to all of the feedback we provided throughout the process.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

As we were new to the Mobile App market, they took the time to clearly and concisely explain their proposed plan for Doorigo. They walked us through the different elements of generating a successful Mobile App marketing program. PreApps continues to give our small Mobile App Startup thoughtful guidance, direction and support.

Are there any areas for improvement?

There were just a couple of situations where we had to implement programs with third parties, and missed a couple of steps. That's not a PreApps issue really, but if they could have highlighted those issues, we would have saved some 'downtime' during the process.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the COO of MoneyBall, LLC (aka $Ball, LLC) and oversee the development and operational functions of the app. MoneyBall is a simple game that targets the memory skills of its players. It allows you to train your brain & exercise your mind with brain puzzles and memory games.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire PreApps?

We came up with the concept of MoneyBall in 2018 and decided to hire PreApps to help with our pre & post launch marketing campaign.

What were your goals for this project?

We would like to see our app reach 100,000 downloads or more on each platform (iOS & Google Play).

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I came across PreApps by researching App Marketing Agencies on the internet. With a variety of agencies selected, I chose to go with PreApps because:

1. They showed great interest in our goals and visions for the app.
2. They were cost-efficient. 3
3. Sean Castro called us for a pre-sign conference call and was very educated in this field of marketing. His knowledge on app development, sales tactics, target audience analytics, etc. sold us immediately.

Describe the project in detail.

When we got ahold of PreApps were were still in the development stage of our app. PreApps guided us through the entire development process; whether it was development ideas to meet specific platform requirements, SEO and app analytics, Screenshots, app registration, engagement ideas, etc. A year later we got approved for launch on the App Store, and PreApps is now helping us with our pre & post launch marketing campaigns.

What was the team composition?

Over the course of our development stage PreApps had paired us with a few different team members to help assist and guide us through the process. CEO Sean Castro stayed in contact with us throughout the entire process, always checking in and making sure everything was as needed. We were assigned a Senior Client Success Manager as well as a Director of Product & Services through Gummicube. All members were very responsive and helpful throughout the app development.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

PreApps guided us through the process to getting MoneyBall approved for launch on the App Store. Now they are in the works for lining up multiple marketing campaigns to target app downloads. Outcome is TBD.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very effective. Our PreApps team was very knowledgable in their given fields. This made making changes very easy during the development stage. Each team member was very quick to respond when we were having problems and needed guidance. Solid teamwork.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their personal interest in the success of our app. They treated this project like it was their own. They were always up to date when staying in contact with us.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Everything can always be faster and smoother, but we were very satisfied with their work every step of the way. And at the end of the day, we came out with a beautiful product that we were proud to call ours.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the creator of MyObits, an obituary creation app. We saw a need for affordable obituaries delivered in a more direct approach. The high cost of traditional print obituaries is causing grieving families to abbreviate information or even foregoing an obituary altogether. Our app is free to download and experience.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire PreApps?

We hired PreApps to help launch our app, optimize app stores with creatives and proper content.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to introduce our app appropriately considering the subject matter. It’s a very niche market and presented challenges to reach our target audiences.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Reviewed the top 10 app launch vendors and after speaking with Sean, I felt as though I had a good match.

Describe the project in detail.

Everything from ASO, to creatives, to ASA creation and ongoing optimization. Securing quality app reviews from reputable sources, some of which are still referring my app.

What was the team composition?

I had a project manager and there were team members added along the way that specialized in different aspects of the project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We knew it would be tough since we weren’t Candy Crush, but since launch we have had well over 25K downloads. Our revenue continues to grow each month as well as user engagement.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very easy, they presented ideas and executed them professionally. We had video conferences regularly to track progress, adjust keywords and continue to optimize.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Great communication and knowledge base in their offerings.

Are there any areas for improvement?

None

BACKGROUND

What challenge were you trying to address with PreApps?

I had a dating app with an impending launch for which I needed a commercial.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What was the scope of their involvement?

PreApps developed three commercials for me for the Apple and Google Play stores. The videos are 30 seconds, one minute, and two minutes long. They were able to create them without too much feedback from me. The whole project took two to two and a half weeks to complete. We’re currently talking about other marketing strategies to implement together.

What is the team composition?

I worked with the founder/CEO.

How did you come to work with PreApps?

I was doing market research and couldn’t find anyone I liked. At the same time, I saw an infomercial from them and decided to give them a call.

I was initially interested in seeing what marketing work they could do for me but they were out of my budget as a startup. They were able to provide the commercials at an affordable price.

How much have you invested with them?

I spent $3,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together in September 2018.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

PreApps developed three commercials for me for the Apple and Google Play stores. The videos are 30 seconds, one minute, and two minutes long. They were able to create them without too much feedback from me. The whole project took two to two and a half weeks to complete. We’re currently talking about other marketing strategies to implement together.

What is the team composition?

They assigned someone to my project but the founder/CEO was my constant point of contact.

How did you come to work with PreApps?

I was doing market research and couldn’t find anyone I liked. At the same time, I saw an infomercial from them and decided to give them a call.

I was initially interested in seeing what marketing work they could do for me but they were out of my budget as a startup. They were able to provide the commercials at an affordable price.

How much have you invested with them?

I spent $3,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together in September 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

The videos came out great and professionally crafted. The app hasn’t launched yet but based on feedback from friends and family, everyone loves the videos. I’m very happy with PreApps’s work.

How did PreApps perform from a project management standpoint?

We communicated mostly via email. They were efficient and professional. For example, when we found a spelling mistake later, they went back and changed things with no problem. Also, my development team had issues posting the videos so they changed the format for all of them. They were great.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Our contact’s professionalism was most impressive. Everybody does things a certain way and some people aren’t very professional in my opinion. He was super professional and very good.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I would love if they could lower their prices so we could do full-scale marketing. I’m new to business and marketing but, at the same time, I think that in a lot of cases, you get what you pay for.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Negotiate. They gave me a price for the videos and they were willing to negotiate.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the founder and CEO of a studio that builds world-class mobile games.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire PreApps?

We engaged PreApps for a four-game marketing project.

What were your goals for this project?

We needed to have articles written about our games, conduct keyword research, and prepare screenshots and gameplay trailers.

SOLUTION

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

PreApps team is working on App Store optimization for our games—keywords, descriptions, screenshots, and videos. After the game launches, they will help us with paid and unpaid press mentions across the world.

We are working with three other PR firms besides PreApps. In a few months, we will know which company is the best fit for us.

What was the team composition?

I interact with Sean (Founder & CEO, PreApps) most of the time.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We launched our first game before Christmas and received over 100 mentions. This helped us reach more than 5,000 installations, which made us happy.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We have weekly calls that allow us to keep everything organized.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Sean has been our main point of contact, and communicating regularly helped us work well together. I think they have a strong workflow and give necessary materials on time.

Are there any areas for improvement?

PreApps is an ideal partner for companies that have a product ready and validated. In our case, we were not at this stage with our product before we worked with PreApps. I haven’t seen breakout success for our games yet, so I don't know if they can take a game from zero to 100 million users, but I am confident they can take us from zero to 10,000.