The Ultimate App Launch Checklist for 2025 (with the Best App Submission Sites)

🚀 The Ultimate App Launch Checklist for 2025 (with the Best App Submission Sites)
Launching an app in 2025 isn’t just about publishing it to the App Store or Google Play. With over 5 million apps in the wild, competition is fierce. This makes a strategic app launch checklist and the use of app submission sites critical for discoverability and growth.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll walk through the full launch journey — from pre-launch preparation to post-launch optimization — and highlight top submission platforms like Nazca.my that will get your app the attention it deserves.
📌 Table of Contents
- Why App Launches Fail in 2025
- Pre-Launch App Checklist
- App Submission Sites You Shouldn’t Ignore
- Launch Day Best Practices
- Post-Launch Optimization Steps
- Why Use Nazca.my?
- Final Thoughts
💣 Why App Launches Fail in 2025
More than 60% of apps are abandoned within the first week of launch. Here’s why:
- Poor visibility beyond major app stores
- Lack of structured launch planning
- Neglecting third-party submission sites
- Insufficient ASO and keyword targeting
Having a clear checklist and tapping into app discovery platforms like Nazca.my can mean the difference between a flop and a feature.
✅ Pre-Launch App Checklist
1. Define Your Audience
- Who’s your ideal user?
- What problems are you solving?
- What keywords will users search?
Use keyword tools like AppTweak or Ubersuggest to align with search intent.
2. Study the Competition
- Analyze top-ranking competitors.
- Read their reviews and identify user pain points.
- Position your app with a clear differentiator.
3. Build Brand Assets
- Design a memorable icon.
- Create high-quality screenshots and a short demo video.
- Keep your UI visually consistent with your landing page and social media.
4. Create a Pre-Launch Page
Set up a simple landing page with:
- A strong call-to-action
- Email capture for waitlist or updates
- Early social proof (if available)
Use platforms like Framer or Carrd for quick setup.
5. Start Building Buzz
- Post behind-the-scenes updates on X and LinkedIn.
- Share beta access invites in relevant communities.
- List your app as “Coming Soon” on Product Hunt.
6. Optimize App Store Listings
- Research and include relevant keywords in titles and descriptions.
- Optimize for Apple App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android).
- Use tools like App Radar or SensorTower.
🌍 App Submission Sites You Shouldn’t Ignore
Beyond the standard app stores, submitting to app directories helps build backlinks, generate buzz, and increase installs.
🔹 Nazca.my
- Fast-growing app discovery platform
- Perfect for indie devs and SaaS startups
- SEO-friendly listings with category filters
- Bonus: You can get featured in blog posts
Pro Tip: Include targeted keywords in your app description to rank on Google.
🔹 Product Hunt
- Popular for startup exposure
- Submit at 12:01 AM PT for max visibility
- Great for virality and early traction
🔹 BetaList
- Showcase your app before it goes live
- Excellent for feedback from tech-savvy users
🔹 AlternativeTo
- Lets users find better alternatives to popular apps
- Focus on comparisons and user votes
🔹 AppAdvice (iOS only)
- Editorial reviews for standout apps
- Great if you're Apple-first
Honorable Mentions:
- AppBrain
- AppFutura
- Apps400
- Capterra (for B2B tools)
- AppReviewSubmit
✅ Checklist Tip: Submit to at least 10–15 directories during your launch week.
🚨 Launch Day Best Practices
1. Publish on All Platforms
Simultaneously launch on:
- Apple App Store
- Google Play
- Nazca.my
- Product Hunt and other relevant communities
2. Promote Across Channels
- Share a launch video and testimonials
- Use hashtags like orCode
#newapp
Code#launchday
- Update social media bios with download links
3. Email Your Subscribers
Subject: “🚀 It’s Official – We’re Live!”
Include:
- App store links
- Nazca.my listing
- Limited-time offer (if applicable)
4. Coordinate with Influencers
- Send out press kits
- Offer beta invites to micro-influencers
- Share user-generated content post-launch
🔁 Post-Launch Optimization Steps
1. Track User Behavior
Use tools like:
- Firebase
- Mixpanel
- Amplitude
Look for drop-off points, time-on-app, and feature usage.
2. Encourage Reviews
- Ask at the right time (after a task is completed)
- Incentivize lightly (bonus features or shoutouts)
3. Push Regular Updates
- Fix bugs quickly
- Roll out user-requested features
- Share release notes on Nazca.my and social media
4. Optimize Your Listings
Update:
- App store screenshots
- Description with new keywords
- Submission site entries (Nazca, Product Hunt, etc.)
🌟 Why Use Nazca.my?
✅ Discoverability
Listings on Nazca.my are indexed by Google, giving you organic search traffic outside the app stores.
✅ Ideal for Startups
Whether you’re a solo indie dev or a bootstrapped SaaS team, Nazca provides:
- Quality traffic
- A niche user base
- Featured blog placements
✅ Easy Submission Process
Submit your app in minutes. Update anytime.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Launching an app in 2025 requires more than a great idea. You need a rock-solid plan, keyword-optimized listings, and visibility beyond the usual app stores.
Use this app launch checklist and promote your product on top app submission sites like Nazca.my to supercharge your success from Day 1.
fAdnim
Author at Nazca. Passionate about creating exceptional mobile applications and sharing knowledge with the developer community.