Dirk Dougherty | afc0280 | 2013-05-08 18:37:11 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 1 | page.title=Launch Checklist |
Joe Fernandez | 33baa5a | 2013-11-14 11:41:19 -0800 | [diff] [blame^] | 2 | page.tags=publishing,launch,Google Play,Developer Console |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 3 | @jd:body |
| 4 | |
| 5 | <div id="qv-wrapper"><div id="qv"> |
Scott Main | e61116b | 2013-01-30 16:20:49 -0800 | [diff] [blame] | 6 | <h2>Checklist</h2> |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 7 | <ol> |
| 8 | <li><a href="#process">1. Understand the publishing process</a></li> |
| 9 | <li><a href="#policies">2. Understand Google Play policies</a></li> |
Dirk Dougherty | afc0280 | 2013-05-08 18:37:11 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 10 | <li><a href="#core-app-quality">3. Test for core app quality</a></li> |
Dirk Dougherty | 9aeb0a81 | 2012-08-20 11:07:36 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 11 | <li><a href="#rating">4. Determine your content rating</a></li> |
| 12 | <li><a href="#countries">5. Determine country distribution</a></li> |
| 13 | <li><a href="#size">6. Confirm the app's overall size</a></li> |
| 14 | <li><a href="#compatibility">7. Confirm app compatibility ranges</a></li> |
| 15 | <li><a href="#free-priced">8. Decide on free or priced</a></li> |
| 16 | <li><a href="#inapp-billing">9. Consider In-app Billing</a></li> |
| 17 | <li><a href="#pricing">10. Set prices for your apps</a></li> |
| 18 | <li><a href="#localize">11. Start localization early</a></li> |
Dirk Dougherty | e31d80b | 2012-10-30 16:51:54 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 19 | <li><a href="#graphics">12. Prepare promotional graphics</a></li> |
Dirk Dougherty | 9aeb0a81 | 2012-08-20 11:07:36 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 20 | <li><a href="#apk">13. Build the release-ready APK</a></li> |
Dirk Dougherty | afc0280 | 2013-05-08 18:37:11 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 21 | <li><a href="#beta">14. Plan a beta release</a></li> |
| 22 | <li><a href="#product-page">15. Complete the product details</a></li> |
| 23 | <li><a href="#badges">16. Use Google Play badges</a></li> |
| 24 | <li><a href="#final-checks">17. Final checks and publishing</a></li> |
| 25 | <li><a href="#support">18. Support users after launch</a></li> |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 26 | </ol> |
| 27 | </div></div> |
| 28 | |
| 29 | |
| 30 | <p>Before you publish your app on Google Play and distribute it to users, you |
| 31 | need to get the app ready, test it, and prepare your promotional materials. </p> |
| 32 | |
| 33 | <p>This document helps you understand the publishing process and get ready for a |
| 34 | successful product launch on Google Play. It summarizes some of the |
| 35 | tasks you'll need to complete before publishing your app on Google Play, such as |
| 36 | creating a signed, release-ready APK, understanding the requirements of the app, |
| 37 | and creating the product page and graphic assets for your app.</p> |
| 38 | |
| 39 | <p>The preparation and publishing tasks are numbered to give you a rough idea of |
| 40 | sequence. However, you can handle the tasks in any sequence that works for you |
| 41 | or you can skip steps as appropriate.</p> |
| 42 | |
| 43 | <p>As you move toward publishing, a variety of support resources are available to |
| 44 | you. Relevant links are provided in each step.</p> |
| 45 | |
| 46 | |
| 47 | <h2 id="process">1. Understand the publishing process</h2> |
| 48 | |
| 49 | <p>Before you begin the steps in this checklist, you should take a moment to |
| 50 | read and understand the overall publishing workflow and become familiar with how |
| 51 | the process works. In particular, you or your development team will need to |
| 52 | prepare your app for release using a process common to all Android apps. |
| 53 | The <a |
| 54 | href="{@docRoot}tools/publishing/publishing_overview.html">Publishing |
| 55 | Workflow</a> documents provide the details on how publishing works and how to |
| 56 | get an APK ready for release. </p> |
| 57 | |
| 58 | <p>Once you are familiar with publishing in general, read this document to |
| 59 | understand the issues that you should consider when publishing an app on Google |
| 60 | Play. </p> |
| 61 | |
| 62 | <table> |
| 63 | <tr> |
| 64 | <td><p>Related resources:</p> |
| 65 | <ul style="margin-top:-.5em;"> |
| 66 | <li><strong><a href="{@docRoot}tools/publishing/publishing_overview.html">General Publishing Overview</a></strong> — Start here for an overview of publishing options for Android apps.</li> |
| 67 | <li><strong><a href="{@docRoot}tools/publishing/preparing.html">Preparing for Release</a></strong> — Developer documentation on how to build the signed, release-ready APK. This process is the same for all Android apps. </li> |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 68 | </ul> |
| 69 | </td> |
| 70 | </tr> |
| 71 | </table> |
| 72 | |
| 73 | <h2 id="policies">2. Understand Google Play policies and agreements</h2> |
| 74 | |
| 75 | <p>Make sure that you understand and follow the Google Play program policies |
| 76 | that you accepted when registering. Google Play actively enforces the policies |
| 77 | and any violations can lead to suspension of your app or, for repeated |
| 78 | violations, termination of your developer account. </p> |
| 79 | |
| 80 | <table> |
| 81 | <tr> |
| 82 | <td><p>Related resources:</p> |
| 83 | <ul style="margin-top:-.5em;"> |
Dirk Dougherty | f812258 | 2013-06-23 17:33:15 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 84 | |
| 85 | <li><strong><a href="{@docRoot}distribute/googleplay/policies/index.html">Google Play Policies and Guidelines</a></strong> — An overview of Google Play policies for spam, intellectual property, and ads, with examples of common problems. </li> |
| 86 | </a></strong> — Help Center document describing various content policies and processes.</li> |
| 87 | |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 88 | <li><strong><a href="http://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/bin/topic.py?hl=en&topic=2364761&parent=2365624&ctx=topic">Policy and Best Practices |
| 89 | </a></strong> — Help Center document describing various content policies and processes.</li> |
| 90 | |
| 91 | </ul> |
| 92 | </td> |
| 93 | </tr> |
| 94 | </table> |
| 95 | |
Dirk Dougherty | 9aeb0a81 | 2012-08-20 11:07:36 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 96 | <h2 id="core-app-quality">3. Test for Core App Quality</h2> |
| 97 | |
| 98 | <p>Before you publish an app on Google Play, it's important to make sure that |
| 99 | it meets the basic quality expectations for all Android apps, on all of the devices that you |
| 100 | are targeting. You can check your app's quality by setting up a test |
| 101 | environment and testing the app against a short set of <strong>core app quality criteria</strong>. |
| 102 | For complete information, see the <a |
| 103 | href="{@docRoot}distribute/googleplay/quality/core.html">Core App Quality Guidelines</a>. |
| 104 | </p> |
| 105 | |
| 106 | <p>If your app is targeting tablet devices, make sure that it delivers a rich, compelling |
| 107 | experience to your tablet customers. See the <a |
| 108 | href="{@docRoot}distribute/googleplay/quality/tablet.html">Tablet App Quality Checklist</a> |
| 109 | for recommendations on ways to optimize your app for tablets.</p> |
| 110 | |
| 111 | <table> |
| 112 | <tr> |
| 113 | <td><p>Related resources:</p> |
| 114 | <ul style="margin-top:-.5em;"> |
| 115 | <li><strong><a |
| 116 | href="{@docRoot}distribute/googleplay/quality/core.html">Core App Quality |
| 117 | Guidelines</a></strong> — A set of core quality criteria that all Android |
| 118 | apps should meet on all targeted devices.</li> |
| 119 | <li><strong><a |
| 120 | href="{@docRoot}distribute/googleplay/quality/tablet.html">Tablet App Quality |
| 121 | Checklist</a></strong> — A set recommendations for delivering the best |
| 122 | possible experience to tablet users.</li> |
| 123 | </ul> |
| 124 | </td> |
| 125 | </tr> |
| 126 | </table> |
| 127 | |
| 128 | <h2 id="rating">4. Determine your app's content rating</h2> |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 129 | |
| 130 | <p>Google Play requires you to set a content rating for your app, which informs |
| 131 | Google Play users of its maturity level. Before you publish, you should confirm |
| 132 | what rating level you want to use. The available content rating levels are:</p> |
| 133 | |
| 134 | <ul> |
| 135 | <li>Everyone</li> |
| 136 | <li>Low maturity</li> |
| 137 | <li>Medium maturity</li> |
| 138 | <li>High maturity</li> |
| 139 | </ul> |
| 140 | |
| 141 | <p>On their Android devices, Android users can set the desired maturity level |
| 142 | for browsing. Google Play then filters apps based on the setting, so the content |
| 143 | rating you select can affect the app's distribution to users. You can assign (or |
| 144 | change) the content rating for your app in the Developer Console, so no changes |
| 145 | are required in your app binary.</p> |
| 146 | |
| 147 | <table> |
| 148 | <tr> |
| 149 | <td><p>Related resources:</p> |
| 150 | <ul style="margin-top:-.5em;"> |
| 151 | <li><strong><a href="http://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=188189">Rating your application content for Google Play</a></strong> — Help Center document describing content ratings levels and how to choose the appropriate one for your app.</li> |
| 152 | </ul> |
| 153 | </td> |
| 154 | </tr> |
| 155 | </table> |
| 156 | |
Dirk Dougherty | 9aeb0a81 | 2012-08-20 11:07:36 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 157 | <h2 id="countries">5. Determine country distribution</h2> |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 158 | |
| 159 | <p>Google Play lets you control what countries and territories your app is |
| 160 | distributed to. For widest reach and the largest potential customer base, you |
| 161 | would normally want to distribute to all available countries and territories. |
| 162 | However, because of business needs, app requirements, or launch dependencies, |
| 163 | you might want to exclude one or more countries from your distribution. </p> |
| 164 | |
| 165 | <p>It's important to determine the exact country distribution early, because it |
| 166 | can affect:</p> |
| 167 | <ul> |
| 168 | <li>The need for localized resources in the app</li> |
| 169 | <li>The need for a localized app description in the Developer Console</li> |
| 170 | <li>Legal requirements for the app that may be specific to certain |
| 171 | countries</li> |
| 172 | <li>Time zone support, local pricing, and so on.</li> |
| 173 | </ul> |
| 174 | |
| 175 | <p>With your country targeting in mind, you should assess what |
| 176 | your localization needs are, both in your app and in its Google Play listing |
| 177 | details, and start the work of localization well in advance of your |
| 178 | launch target date.</p> |
| 179 | |
Dirk Dougherty | afc0280 | 2013-05-08 18:37:11 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 180 | <p>See <a href="{@docRoot}distribute/googleplay/publish/localizing.html">Localization |
| 181 | Checklist</a> for key steps and considerations in the localizing process. </p> |
| 182 | |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 183 | <table> |
| 184 | <tr> |
| 185 | <td><p>Related resources:</p> |
| 186 | <ul style="margin-top:-.5em;"> |
Dirk Dougherty | afc0280 | 2013-05-08 18:37:11 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 187 | <li><strong><a href="{@docRoot}distribute/googleplay/publish/localizing.html">Localization Checklist</a></strong> — Overview of key steps and considerations for localizing your Android app.</li> |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 188 | <li><strong><a href="http://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=138294&topic=2365624&ctx=topic">Supported locations for distributing applications</a></strong> on Google Play. |
| 189 | .</li> |
| 190 | </ul> |
| 191 | </td> |
| 192 | </tr> |
| 193 | </table> |
| 194 | |
Dirk Dougherty | 9aeb0a81 | 2012-08-20 11:07:36 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 195 | <h2 id="size">6. Confirm the app's overall size</h2> |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 196 | |
| 197 | <p>The overall size of your app can affect its design and how you publish it on |
| 198 | Google Play. Currently, the maximum size for an APK published on Google Play is |
| 199 | <strong>50 MB</strong>. If your app exceeds that size, or if you want to offer a |
| 200 | secondary download, you can use <a |
Dirk Dougherty | 2b286bb | 2012-11-29 17:25:09 -0800 | [diff] [blame] | 201 | href="{@docRoot}google/play/expansion-files.html">APK Expansion Files</a>, |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 202 | which Google Play will host for free on its server infrastructure and |
| 203 | automatically handle the download to devices.</p> |
| 204 | |
| 205 | <ul> |
| 206 | <li>The maximum size for an APK published on Google Play is 50 MB.</li> |
| 207 | <li>You can use up to two (2) APK Expansion Files, each up to 2 GB in size, for |
| 208 | each APK.</li> |
| 209 | </ul> |
| 210 | |
| 211 | <p>Using APK Expansion files is a convenient, cost-effective method of |
| 212 | distributing large apps. However, the use of APK Expansion Files requires some |
| 213 | changes in your app binary, so you will need to make those changes before |
| 214 | creating your release-ready APK.</p> |
| 215 | |
Dirk Dougherty | d9019dd | 2013-02-27 14:11:52 -0800 | [diff] [blame] | 216 | <p>To minimize the size of your app binary, make sure that you run the |
| 217 | <a href="{@docRoot}tools/help/proguard.html">Proguard</a> tool on your code when |
| 218 | building your release-ready APK.</p> |
| 219 | |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 220 | <table> |
| 221 | <tr> |
| 222 | <td><p>Related resources:</p> |
| 223 | <ul style="margin-top:-.5em;"> |
Dirk Dougherty | d9019dd | 2013-02-27 14:11:52 -0800 | [diff] [blame] | 224 | <li><strong><a href="{@docRoot}google/play/expansion-files.html">APK Expansion Files</a></strong> |
| 225 | — Developer documentation describing APK Expansion Files and how to support them in your app.</li> |
| 226 | <li><strong><a href="{@docRoot}tools/help/proguard.html">ProGuard</a></strong> — Developer |
| 227 | documentation describing how to use ProGuard to shrink, optimize, and obfuscate your code prior |
| 228 | to release.</li> |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 229 | </ul> |
| 230 | </td> |
| 231 | </tr> |
| 232 | </table> |
| 233 | |
Dirk Dougherty | 9aeb0a81 | 2012-08-20 11:07:36 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 234 | <h2 id="compatibility">7. Confirm the app's platform and screen compatibility ranges</h2> |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 235 | |
| 236 | <p>Before publishing, it's important to make sure that your app is designed to |
| 237 | run properly on the Android platform versions and device screen sizes that you |
| 238 | want to target. |
| 239 | |
| 240 | <p>From an app-compatibility perspective, Android platform versions are defined |
| 241 | by <a href="{@docRoot}guide/topics/manifest/uses-sdk-element.html#ApiLevels">API level</a>. You should |
| 242 | confirm the minimum version that your app is compatible with (<a |
| 243 | href="{@docRoot}guide/topics/manifest/uses-sdk-element.html"><code><minSdkVersion></code></a>), |
| 244 | as that will affect its distribution to Android |
| 245 | devices once it is published. </p> |
| 246 | |
| 247 | <p>For screen sizes, you should confirm that the app runs properly and looks |
| 248 | good on the range of screen sizes and densities that you want to support. You |
| 249 | should confirm the minimum screen-size and density support that your app |
| 250 | declares (<a |
| 251 | href="{@docRoot}guide/topics/manifest/supports-screens-element.html"><code><supports-screens></code></a>), |
| 252 | since that can affect its distribution to |
| 253 | Android devices once it is published. </p> |
| 254 | |
| 255 | <p>To get a better understanding of the current device penetration of Android |
| 256 | platform versions and screen sizes across all Android devices, see the <a |
Dirk Dougherty | 63cb3d4 | 2012-07-02 11:01:53 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 257 | href="{@docRoot}about/dashboards/index.html">Device Dashboard</a> |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 258 | charts.</p> |
| 259 | |
| 260 | <table> |
| 261 | <tr> |
| 262 | <td><p>Related resources:</p> |
| 263 | <ul style="margin-top:-.5em;"> |
Dirk Dougherty | 63cb3d4 | 2012-07-02 11:01:53 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 264 | <li><strong><a href="{@docRoot}about/dashboards/index.html">Device Dashboard</a></strong> — A chart showing global percentages of devices by Android version, screen size, and level of OpenGL ES support.</li> |
| 265 | <li><strong><a href="{@docRoot}guide/topics/manifest/uses-sdk-element.html#ApiLevels">Android API Levels</a></strong> — A definition of API Levels and a list of which Android platform versions they are associated with. </li> |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 266 | </ul> |
| 267 | </td> |
| 268 | </tr> |
| 269 | </table> |
| 270 | |
Dirk Dougherty | 9aeb0a81 | 2012-08-20 11:07:36 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 271 | <h2 id="free-priced">8. Decide whether your app will be free or priced</h2> |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 272 | |
| 273 | <p>On Google Play, you can publish apps as free to download or priced. Free apps |
| 274 | can be downloaded by any Android user in Google Play. |
| 275 | Paid apps can be downloaded only by users who have registered a form of payment |
| 276 | in Google Play, such as a credit card or Direct Carrier Billing.</p> |
| 277 | |
| 278 | <p>Deciding whether you app will be free or paid is important because, on Google |
| 279 | Play, <strong>free apps must remain free</strong>.</p> |
| 280 | |
| 281 | <ul> |
| 282 | <li>Once you publish your app as a free app, you cannot ever change it to being |
| 283 | a priced app. However, you can still sell in-app products and |
| 284 | subscriptions through Google Play's In-app Billing service.</li> |
| 285 | <li>If you publish your app as a priced app, you <em>can</em> change |
| 286 | it at any time to being a free app (but cannot then change it back to |
| 287 | priced). You can also sell in-app products and subscriptions. </li> |
| 288 | </ul> |
| 289 | |
| 290 | <p> If your app is be priced, or if you'll be selling in-app products, |
Dirk Dougherty | 974af93 | 2013-04-22 13:03:11 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 291 | you need set up a Google Wallet merchant account before you can publish.</p> |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 292 | |
| 293 | <table> |
| 294 | <tr> |
| 295 | <td><p>Related resources:</p> |
| 296 | <ul style="margin-top:-.5em;"> |
Dirk Dougherty | 2b286bb | 2012-11-29 17:25:09 -0800 | [diff] [blame] | 297 | <li><strong><a href="{@docRoot}google/play/billing/index.html">In-app Billing</a></strong> — Developer introduction to Google Play In-app Billing.</li> |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 298 | </ul> |
| 299 | </td> |
| 300 | </tr> |
| 301 | </table> |
| 302 | |
Dirk Dougherty | 9aeb0a81 | 2012-08-20 11:07:36 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 303 | <h2 id="inapp-billing">9. Consider using In-app Billing</h2> |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 304 | |
Dirk Dougherty | 2b286bb | 2012-11-29 17:25:09 -0800 | [diff] [blame] | 305 | <p>Google Play <a href="{@docRoot}google/play/billing/index.html">In-app |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 306 | Billing</a> lets you sell digital content in your applications. You can use the |
| 307 | service to sell a wide range of content, including downloadable content such as |
| 308 | media files or photos, and virtual content such as game levels or potions. |
| 309 | In-app Billing service lets you sell one-time purchases and subscriptions from |
| 310 | inside your app. This can help you to monetize the app over its installed |
| 311 | lifetime. </p> |
| 312 | |
| 313 | <p>If your are looking for more ways to monetize your app and build engagement, |
| 314 | you should consider In-app Billing. The service has become very popular with |
| 315 | both users and developers. To use In-app Billing, you need to make changes to |
| 316 | your app binary, so you will need to complete and test your implementation |
| 317 | before creating your release-ready APK.</p> |
| 318 | |
| 319 | <table> |
| 320 | <tr> |
| 321 | <td><p>Related resources:</p> |
| 322 | <ul style="margin-top:-.5em;"> |
Dirk Dougherty | 2b286bb | 2012-11-29 17:25:09 -0800 | [diff] [blame] | 323 | <li><strong><a href="{@docRoot}google/play/billing/index.html">In-app Billing</a></strong> — Developer documentation describing In-app Billing and how to support it in your app.</li> |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 324 | </ul> |
| 325 | </td> |
| 326 | </tr> |
| 327 | </table> |
| 328 | |
Dirk Dougherty | 9aeb0a81 | 2012-08-20 11:07:36 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 329 | <h2 id="pricing">10. Set prices for your products</h2> |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 330 | |
| 331 | <p>If your app is priced or you will sell in-app products, Google Play lets you |
| 332 | set prices for your products in a variety of currencies, for users in markets |
| 333 | around the world. You can set prices individually in different currencies, so |
| 334 | you have the flexibility to adjust your price according to market conditions and |
| 335 | exchange rates. </p> |
| 336 | |
| 337 | <p>Before you publish, consider how you will price your products |
| 338 | and what your prices will be in various currencies. Later, you can set prices |
| 339 | in all available currencies through the Developer Console.</p> |
| 340 | |
| 341 | <table> |
| 342 | <tr> |
| 343 | <td><p>Related resources:</p> |
| 344 | <ul style="margin-top:-.5em;"> |
| 345 | <li><strong><a href="http://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=1169947&topic=15867&ctx=topic">Selling Apps in Multiple Currencies |
| 346 | </a></strong> — Help Center document describing how pricing works in Google Play.</li> |
| 347 | |
| 348 | <li><strong><a href="http://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=138412&topic=15867&ctx=topic">Prices and supported currencies |
| 349 | </a></strong> — Help Center document listing supported currencies for pricing your apps.</li> |
| 350 | |
| 351 | <li><strong><a href="http://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=112622&topic=15867&ctx=topic">Transaction Fees |
| 352 | </a></strong> — Help Center document describing transaction fees for priced apps and in-app products.</li> |
| 353 | |
| 354 | <li><strong><a href="http://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=138000&topic=15867&ctx=topic">Specifying tax rates |
| 355 | </a></strong> — Help Center document describing how to set tax rates for different countries. </li> |
| 356 | |
| 357 | </ul> |
| 358 | </td> |
| 359 | </tr> |
| 360 | </table> |
| 361 | |
Dirk Dougherty | 9aeb0a81 | 2012-08-20 11:07:36 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 362 | <h2 id="localize">11. Start localization</h2> |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 363 | |
| 364 | <p>With your country targeting in mind, it's a good idea to assess your localization |
| 365 | needs and start the work of localizing well in advance of your target |
| 366 | launch date.</p> |
| 367 | |
Dirk Dougherty | ff42694 | 2012-12-14 21:55:24 -0800 | [diff] [blame] | 368 | <p>There are at least three aspects of localization to consider:</p> |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 369 | |
| 370 | <ul> |
| 371 | <li>Localizing the strings, images, and other resources in your app</li> |
Dirk Dougherty | ff42694 | 2012-12-14 21:55:24 -0800 | [diff] [blame] | 372 | <li>Localizing your app's store listing details on Google Play</li> |
| 373 | <li>Localizing the app's graphic assets, screenshots, and videos that accompany your store listing.</li> |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 374 | </ul> |
| 375 | |
Dirk Dougherty | afc0280 | 2013-05-08 18:37:11 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 376 | <p>See <a href="{@docRoot}distribute/googleplay/publish/localizing.html">Localization Checklist</a> for key steps and considerations in the localizing process. </p> |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 377 | |
| 378 | <p>To localize your store listing, first create and finalize your app title, description, |
| 379 | and promotional text. Collect and send all of these for localization. You can optionally |
Dirk Dougherty | ff42694 | 2012-12-14 21:55:24 -0800 | [diff] [blame] | 380 | translate the "Recent Changes" text for app updates as well. Later you can add your localized |
| 381 | listing details in the Developer Console, or you can choose to let Google Play auto-translate |
| 382 | your listing details into the languages you support.</p> |
| 383 | |
| 384 | <p>A key part of making your app listing attractive to a global customer base is |
| 385 | creating localized versions of your promotional graphics, screenshots and |
| 386 | videos. For example, your app's feature graphic might include text that should |
| 387 | be translated, for maximum effectiveness. You can create different versions of |
| 388 | your promotional graphics for each language and upload them to the Developer |
| 389 | Console. If you offer a promotional video, you can create localized versions of |
| 390 | it and then add a link to the correct localized video for each language you |
| 391 | support.</p> |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 392 | |
| 393 | <p>When your translations are complete, move them into your app resources as needed and test |
| 394 | that they are loaded properly. Save your app's translated listing details for later, |
| 395 | when you upload assets and configure your product details.</p> |
| 396 | |
| 397 | <table> |
| 398 | <tr> |
| 399 | <td><p>Related resources:</p> |
| 400 | <ul style="margin-top:-.5em;"> |
Dirk Dougherty | afc0280 | 2013-05-08 18:37:11 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 401 | <li><strong><a href="{@docRoot}distribute/googleplay/publish/localizing.html">Localization Checklist</a></strong> — Overview of key steps and considerations for localizing your Android app.</li> |
| 402 | <li><strong><a href="{@docRoot}guide/topics/resources/localization.html">Localizing with Resources</a></strong> — Developer guide to localizing resources in your app.</li> |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 403 | </ul> |
| 404 | </td> |
| 405 | </tr> |
| 406 | </table> |
| 407 | |
Dirk Dougherty | ff42694 | 2012-12-14 21:55:24 -0800 | [diff] [blame] | 408 | <h2 id="graphics">12. Prepare promotional graphics, screenshots, and videos</h2> |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 409 | |
| 410 | <p>When you publish on Google Play, you can supply a variety of high-quality |
| 411 | graphic assets to showcase your app or brand. After you publish, these appear on |
| 412 | your product details page, in store listings and search results, and elsewhere. |
| 413 | These graphic assets are key parts of a successful product details page that |
| 414 | attracts and engages users, so you should consider having a professional produce |
| 415 | them for you. Screen shots and videos are also very important, because they show |
Dirk Dougherty | ff42694 | 2012-12-14 21:55:24 -0800 | [diff] [blame] | 416 | what your app looks like, how it's used or played, and what makes it different.</p> |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 417 | |
| 418 | <p>All of your graphic assets should be designed so that they are easy to see |
| 419 | and highlight your app or brand in a colorful, interesting way. The assets |
| 420 | should reference the same logo and icon as users will actually find in the All |
| 421 | Apps launcher once they have downloaded the app. Your graphic assets should also |
| 422 | fit in well with the graphic assets of other apps published by you, which will |
| 423 | be also be displayed to users on your product details page. </p> |
| 424 | |
Dirk Dougherty | ff42694 | 2012-12-14 21:55:24 -0800 | [diff] [blame] | 425 | <p>To help you market your app more effectively to a global audience, Google |
| 426 | Play lets you create localized versions of your promotional graphics, |
| 427 | screenshots, and videos and upload them to the Developer Console. When a user |
Scott Main | e61116b | 2013-01-30 16:20:49 -0800 | [diff] [blame] | 428 | visits your app's store listing, Google Play displays the promotional graphic, |
| 429 | screenshots and video that you've provided for the user's language.</p> |
Dirk Dougherty | ff42694 | 2012-12-14 21:55:24 -0800 | [diff] [blame] | 430 | |
| 431 | <p>To localize your promotional graphics, you can translate any embedded text, use |
| 432 | different imagery or presentation, or change your marketing approach to best address the needs |
| 433 | of users in specific languages. For example, if your feature or promotional graphic |
| 434 | includes and embedded product name or tag line, you can translate that text |
| 435 | and add it to a localized version of the promotional graphic.</p> |
| 436 | |
| 437 | <p>Because your localized graphic assets and videos are so important, you should get |
Scott Main | e61116b | 2013-01-30 16:20:49 -0800 | [diff] [blame] | 438 | started on creating them and localizing them well in advance of your target |
Dirk Dougherty | ff42694 | 2012-12-14 21:55:24 -0800 | [diff] [blame] | 439 | publishing date. </p> |
| 440 | |
Dirk Dougherty | f32cbc3 | 2013-01-28 10:19:06 -0800 | [diff] [blame] | 441 | <p class="note"><strong>Note:</strong> Localized promotional graphics and videos |
| 442 | are supported only in the new Developer Console design.</p> |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 443 | |
| 444 | <table> |
| 445 | <tr> |
| 446 | <td><p>Related resources:</p> |
| 447 | <ul style="margin-top:-.5em;"> |
| 448 | <li><strong><a href="http://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=1078870">Graphic Assets for your Application |
| 449 | </a></strong> — Details about the graphic assets you need to upload before publishing.</li> |
Scott Main | e63dfe5 | 2013-02-01 14:18:51 -0800 | [diff] [blame] | 450 | <li><strong><a href="http://android-developers.blogspot.com/2011/10/android-market-featured-image.html">Google Play Featured Image Guidelines |
Dirk Dougherty | ff42694 | 2012-12-14 21:55:24 -0800 | [diff] [blame] | 451 | </a></strong> — Blog post that highlights key design considerations for your app's featured image.</li> |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 452 | </ul> |
| 453 | </td> |
| 454 | </tr> |
| 455 | </table> |
| 456 | |
Dirk Dougherty | 9aeb0a81 | 2012-08-20 11:07:36 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 457 | <h2 id="apk">13. Build and upload the release-ready APK</h2> |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 458 | |
| 459 | <p>When you are satisfied that your app meets your UI, compatibility, and |
| 460 | quality requirements, you can build the release-ready version of the app. The |
| 461 | release-ready APK is what you you will upload to the Developer Console and |
| 462 | distribute to users. |
| 463 | |
| 464 | <p>The process for preparing a release-ready APK is the same for all apps, |
| 465 | regardless of how they are distributed. Generally the process includes basic code cleanup |
| 466 | and optimization, building and signing with your release key, and final testing. |
| 467 | When you are finished preparing your application for release, you'll have a signed |
| 468 | APK file that you can upload to the Developer Console for distribution to |
| 469 | users. </p> |
| 470 | |
| 471 | <p>For complete details on how to create a release-ready version of your app, |
| 472 | read <a href="{@docRoot}tools/publishing/preparing.html">Preparing for |
| 473 | Release</a>.</p> |
| 474 | |
| 475 | <p>Once you have the release-ready APK in hand, you can upload it to |
| 476 | the Developer Console. If necessary, you can replace the APK with a more |
| 477 | recent version before publishing. </p> |
| 478 | |
| 479 | <table> |
| 480 | <tr> |
| 481 | <td><p>Related resources:</p> |
| 482 | <ul style="margin-top:-.5em;"> |
| 483 | <li><strong><a href="{@docRoot}tools/publishing/preparing.html">Preparing for Release</a></strong> — Essential information for preparing and packaging your app properly for distribution.</li> |
| 484 | </ul> |
| 485 | </td> |
| 486 | </tr> |
| 487 | </table> |
| 488 | |
Dirk Dougherty | afc0280 | 2013-05-08 18:37:11 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 489 | <h2 id="beta">14. Plan a beta release</h2> |
| 490 | |
| 491 | <div class="sidebox-wrapper"> |
| 492 | <div class="sidebox"> |
| 493 | <h2>Easy beta testing</h2> |
| 494 | <p>Google Play now lets you set up groups of alpha and beta testers, anywhere around the world. Check out this powerful feature next time you sign in to the Developer Console.</p> |
| 495 | </div> |
| 496 | </div> |
| 497 | |
| 498 | <p>Before launching your app, it's always valuable to get real-world feedback |
| 499 | from users — even more so when you are launching a new app. It's highly |
| 500 | recommended that you distribute a pre-release version of your app to users |
| 501 | across your key markets and provide an easy means for them to provide feedback |
| 502 | and report bugs. </p> |
| 503 | |
| 504 | <p>Google Play can help you set up a beta program for your app. After you sign |
| 505 | in to the Developer Console and upload your APK, you can set up groups of users |
| 506 | for alpha testing and beta testing the app. You can start with a small group of |
| 507 | alpha testers, then move to a larger group of beta testers. Once users are |
| 508 | added, they access your app's store listing and install the app. User feedback |
| 509 | from alpha and beta testers goes directly to you and is not posted as public |
| 510 | reviews. </p> |
| 511 | |
| 512 | <p>The feedback you receive will help you adjust your UI, translations, and |
| 513 | store listing to ensure a great experience for users. </p> |
| 514 | |
| 515 | <h2 id="product-page">15. Complete the app's product details</h2> |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 516 | |
| 517 | <p>On Google Play, your app's product information is shown to users on its |
| 518 | product details page, the page that users visit to learn more about your app and |
| 519 | the page from which they will decide to purchase or download your app, on their |
| 520 | Android devices or on the web.</p> |
| 521 | |
| 522 | <p>Google Play gives you a variety of ways to promote your app and engage with |
| 523 | users on your product details page, from colorful graphics, screenshots, and |
| 524 | videos to localized descriptions, release details, and links to your other apps. |
| 525 | As you prepare to publish your app, make sure that you take advantage of all |
| 526 | that your product details page can offer, making your app as compelling as |
| 527 | possible to users.</p> |
| 528 | |
| 529 | <p>You should begin planning your product page in advance of your target launch |
| 530 | date, arranging for localized description, high-quality graphic assets, |
| 531 | screenshots and video, and so on. </p> |
| 532 | |
| 533 | <p>As you get near your target publishing date, you should become familiar with |
| 534 | all the fields, options, and assets associated with the product details configuration |
| 535 | page in the Developer Console. As you collect the information and assets for the |
| 536 | page, make sure that you can enter or upload it to the Developer Console, until |
| 537 | the page is complete and ready for publishing. </p> |
| 538 | |
Dirk Dougherty | ff42694 | 2012-12-14 21:55:24 -0800 | [diff] [blame] | 539 | <p>After you've set your app's geographic targeting in the Developer Console, |
| 540 | remember to add your localized product details, promotional graphics, and so on, for all of the |
| 541 | languages that you support.</p> |
| 542 | |
Dirk Dougherty | 9aeb0a81 | 2012-08-20 11:07:36 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 543 | <p>If your app is targeting tablet devices, make sure to include at least one screen |
| 544 | shot of the app running on a tablet, and highlight your app's support for tablets |
| 545 | in the app description, release notes, promotional campaigns, and elsewhere.</p> |
| 546 | |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 547 | <table> |
| 548 | <tr> |
| 549 | <td><p>Related resources:</p> |
| 550 | <ul style="margin-top:-.5em;"> |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 551 | <li><strong><a href="http://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=113475&topic=2365760&ctx=topic">Category types |
| 552 | </a></strong> — Help Center document listing available categories for apps.</li> |
| 553 | <li><strong><a href="http://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=1078870&topic=2365760&ctx=topic">Graphic Assets for your Application |
| 554 | </a></strong> — Help Center document describing the various graphics you can add to your product listing.</li> |
| 555 | </ul> |
| 556 | </td> |
| 557 | </tr> |
| 558 | </table> |
| 559 | |
Dirk Dougherty | afc0280 | 2013-05-08 18:37:11 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 560 | <h2 id="badges">16. Use Google Play badges and links in your promotional |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 561 | campaigns</h2> |
| 562 | |
| 563 | <p>Google Play badges give you an officially branded way of promoting your app |
| 564 | to Android users. Use the <a |
| 565 | href="{@docRoot}distribute/googleplay/promote/badges.html">Google Play Badge |
| 566 | generator</a> to quickly create badges to link users to your products from web |
| 567 | pages, ads, reviews, and more. You can also use special <a |
| 568 | href="{@docRoot}distribute/googleplay/promote/linking.html">link formats</a> |
| 569 | to link directly to your product details page, to a list of your products, or to |
| 570 | search results.</p> |
| 571 | |
| 572 | <p>To help your app get traction after launch, it's strongly recommended that you support |
| 573 | launch with a promotional campaign that announces your product through many channels as |
| 574 | possible, in as many countries as possible. For example, you can promote the launch |
| 575 | using ad placements, social network or blog posts, video and other media, interviews |
| 576 | and reviews, or any other channel available.</p> |
| 577 | |
| 578 | <table> |
| 579 | <tr> |
| 580 | <td><p>Related resources:</p> |
| 581 | <ul style="margin-top:-.5em;"> |
| 582 | <li><strong><a href="{@docRoot}distribute/googleplay/promote/badges.html">Google Play Badges</a></strong> — Generate a badge to bring users to your app in Google Play.</li> |
| 583 | <li><strong><a href="{@docRoot}distribute/googleplay/promote/linking.html">Linking to Your Products</a></strong> — Link formats that you can use to bring users to your app in Google Play.</li> |
| 584 | </ul> |
| 585 | </td> |
| 586 | </tr> |
| 587 | </table> |
| 588 | |
Dirk Dougherty | afc0280 | 2013-05-08 18:37:11 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 589 | <h2 id="final-checks">17. Final checks and publishing</h2> |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 590 | |
| 591 | <p>When you think you are ready to publish, sign in to the Developer Console and take a few moments for a few |
Dirk Dougherty | f32cbc3 | 2013-01-28 10:19:06 -0800 | [diff] [blame] | 592 | final checks.</p> |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 593 | |
| 594 | <p>Make sure that: </p> |
| 595 | |
| 596 | <ul> |
Dirk Dougherty | 974af93 | 2013-04-22 13:03:11 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 597 | <li>Your developer profile has the correct information and is linked to the proper Google Wallet merchant account (if you are selling products).</li> |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 598 | <li>You have the right version of the app uploaded.</li> |
| 599 | <li>All parts of your Product Details are ready, including all graphic assets, screenshots, video, localized descriptions, and so on. </li> |
| 600 | <li>You have set your app's pricing to free or priced.</li> |
| 601 | <li>You have set country (and carrier) targeting and priced your products (if appropriate) in buyer currencies</li> |
| 602 | <li>"Compatible devices" shows that your app is actually reaching the devices that you are targeting. If not, you should check with your development team on the apps requirements and filtering rules. </li> |
| 603 | <li>You have provided the correct link to your web site and the correct support email address.</li> |
| 604 | <li>Your app does not violate content policy guidelines.</li> |
| 605 | <li>You have acknowledged that your app meets the guidelines for Android content on Google Play and also US export laws. </li> |
| 606 | </ul> |
| 607 | |
| 608 | <p>Your app is now ready to publish!</p> |
| 609 | |
| 610 | <p>If you are releasing an update, make sure to read the <a href="http://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=113476&topic=2365760&ctx=topic">requirements for publishing updates</a>. </p> |
| 611 | |
| 612 | <p>When you are ready, click the <strong>Publish</strong> button in the Developer Console. Within a few hours, your app will become available to users and your product page will be appear in Google Play for browsing, searching, or linking from your promotional campaigns.</p> |
| 613 | |
| 614 | <table> |
| 615 | <tr> |
| 616 | <td><p>Related resources:</p> |
| 617 | <ul style="margin-top:-.5em;"> |
| 618 | <li><strong><a href="http://www.android.com/us/developer-content-policy.html">Google Play Developer Program Policies</a></strong> — Guidelines for what is acceptable conent in Google Play. Please read and understand the policies before publishing. </li> |
| 619 | <li><strong><a href="{@docRoot}distribute/googleplay/promote/linking.html">Updates</a></strong> — Requirements for app updates in Google Play.</li> |
| 620 | <li><strong><a href="{@docRoot}support.html">Developer Support</a></strong> — Support resources that you can use to find answers and report issues.</li> |
| 621 | </ul> |
| 622 | </td> |
| 623 | </tr> |
| 624 | </table> |
| 625 | |
| 626 | |
Dirk Dougherty | afc0280 | 2013-05-08 18:37:11 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 627 | <h2 id="support">18. Support users after launch</h2> |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 628 | |
| 629 | <p>After you publish an app or an app update, it's crucial for you to support |
| 630 | your customers. Prompt and courteous support can provide a better experience for |
| 631 | users that results in better ratings and more positive reviews for your |
| 632 | products. Users are likely to be more engaged with your app and recommend it if |
| 633 | you are responsive to their needs and feedback. This is especially true after |
| 634 | publishing if you are using a coordinated promotional campaign.</p> |
| 635 | |
| 636 | <p>There are a number of ways that you can keep in touch with users and offer |
| 637 | them support. The most fundamental is to provide your <em>support email |
| 638 | address</em> on your product details page. Beyond that, you can provide support |
| 639 | in any way you choose, such as a forum, mailing list or a Google+ page. The |
| 640 | Google Play team does provide user support for downloading, installing and |
| 641 | payments issues, but issues that fall outside of these topics will fall under |
| 642 | your domain. Examples of issues you can support include: feature requests, |
| 643 | questions about using the app and questions about compatibility settings. </p> |
| 644 | |
| 645 | <p>After publishing, plan to: </p> |
| 646 | <ul> |
| 647 | <li>Check your ratings and reviews frequently on your app's product details |
| 648 | page. Watch for recurring issues that could signal bugs or other issues. </li> |
| 649 | <li>Be mindful of new Android platform version launches, as compatibility |
| 650 | settings for your apps might need to be updated.</li> |
| 651 | <li>Put a link to your support resources on your web site and set up any other |
| 652 | support such as forums.</li> |
| 653 | <li>Provide an appropriate support email address on your product details page |
| 654 | and respond to users when they take the time to email you.</li> |
| 655 | <li>Beyond the automatic refund window offered by Google Play, be generous with |
| 656 | your own refund policy, as satisfied users will be more likely to purchase in |
| 657 | the future. </li> |
| 658 | <li>Acknowledge and fix issues in your app. It helps to be transparent and |
| 659 | list known issues on your product details page proactively. </li> |
| 660 | <li>Publish updates as frequently as you are able, without sacrificing quality |
| 661 | or annoying users with too-frequent updates. </li> |
| 662 | <li>With each update, make sure to provide a summary of what's changed. You can |
| 663 | enter this information in the Developer Console. Users will read it and |
| 664 | appreciate that you are serious about improving the quality of your app. </li> |
| 665 | </ul> |
| 666 | |
| 667 | <table> |
| 668 | <tr> |
| 669 | <td><p>Related resources:</p> |
| 670 | <ul style="margin-top:-.5em;"> |
| 671 | <li><strong><a href="http://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=113477&topic=2364761&ctx=topic">Supporting your users |
| 672 | </a></strong> — Help Center document describing options for supporting users.</li> |
| 673 | <li><strong><a href="http://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=1153479">In-app Billing</a></strong> — Help Center document describing how to correctly set up In-app Billing.</li> |
Scott Main | d7abd97 | 2013-11-04 18:33:43 -0800 | [diff] [blame] | 674 | <li><strong><a href="https://support.google.com/payments/answer/2741495?rd=1">Issuing Refunds</a></strong> — -- Help Center document describing how to issue refunds.</li> |
Scott Main | 50e990c | 2012-06-21 17:14:39 -0700 | [diff] [blame] | 675 | </ul> |
| 676 | </td> |
| 677 | </tr> |
| 678 | </table> |
| 679 | |
| 680 | |
| 681 | |