User reviews are essential to the success of your app. They provide valuable feedback, improve your app's ranking on the Play Store, and boost credibility for potential users. Indeed, 59% of users check an app's rating before downloading it, and 70% of users view a brand more positively if its app has a four or five-star rating. The metrics really do count. 

But here’s the challenge: while users are often happy to use your app, only a small fraction of them will take the time to leave a rating or review. So, how can you encourage more users to share their feedback? Below, the Monedata team will explore three proven strategies to increase the number of reviews your app receives—and enhance its Play Store visibility. 

Ask at the right time 

The timing of your review request can make or break your chances of receiving positive feedback. You don’t want to interrupt users while they’re in the middle of tasks or experiencing issues with the app. Instead, aim to ask for reviews when users are satisfied and likely to feel optimistic about your app. Asking users after they accomplish a goal is a good strategy. For instance, in a fitness app, ask for a review after users complete a workout or achieve a milestone, such as hitting their weekly step goal.

You could also ask after users have had time to explore the app. Avoid asking new users for reviews too early. Give them time to experience the app, and then prompt them after they’ve completed multiple sessions or tasks. Another option is to ask when users engage with premium features. Users who have just made a purchase or unlocked premium content are more likely to feel satisfied, making it a great moment to ask for feedback.

By waiting until users have had a positive interaction with your app, you increase the likelihood of receiving higher ratings and favorable reviews.

Make it easy to leave a review 

One of the biggest barriers to users leaving reviews is the time and effort it takes. If you make the process too complicated, users will likely abandon it. To improve the chances of getting feedback, make it as smooth and frictionless as possible. Use in-app review prompts - Android offers APIs that allow users to leave a review directly within the app, without needing to navigate to the Play Store. This seamless process makes it easier for users to submit feedback and increases their likelihood of doing so.

Bombarding users with frequent prompts to leave a review can lead to frustration and may result in negative feedback. Be mindful of how often you ask, and give users the option to leave a review at a later time if they’re not ready. By providing flexibility, you avoid annoying users while keeping the door open for future feedback.

Consider incentives 

Incentives are a great way to encourage action, but be cautious—offering rewards in exchange for reviews is against Google Play’s policies. However, there are ways to motivate users to leave feedback without breaking the rules. The key is to provide value before asking for feedback, rather than promising a reward for the review itself.

Users who receive helpful support are more likely to leave a positive review. For example, if a user contacts your support team and their issue is resolved quickly, follow up with a polite request for a review. You can enhance users’ experience by offering them a surprise reward or unlocking additional features before asking for feedback. For example, you could give users free access to a premium feature for a limited time, then request a review once they’ve enjoyed the feature.

While you can’t directly reward users for leaving a Play Store review, you can ask them for feedback or suggestions within the app. Once users engage with your feedback form, they’re more likely to feel connected to your app and may leave a Play Store review voluntarily.

Wrapping up 

Encouraging Play Store reviews is about timing, simplicity, and creating a positive user experience. By timing your requests when users are most satisfied, simplifying the review process, and providing value to users before asking for feedback, you can significantly increase the number of reviews and ratings your app receives. Check back to the Monedata blog soon for more tips and tricks from our team of expert developers.