Android is one of the two most popular and dominant mobile platforms. There are over 2.68 million apps on Google Play Store. If you are planning to create a mobile app and make it available for free or monetize it, Google Play Store is the best platform for you.
If you are not a tech-savvy entrepreneur or company, you can always hire a mobile app development company. Let’s dive right in and learn to upload your android app to Google Play Store.
9 Steps to Upload an App to Google Play Store
If you want to publish an app on Google Play Store, here are nine steps that you must follow.
Step#1 – Open an Account on Google Play Console
You will need a developer dashboard to upload an app to Google Play Store. For this, you will require a Google Play Developer Console for this purpose. However, you must pay a one-time registration fee of $25 to open your account on this console.
Once you become a paid member, you can submit your android app for publication on the Play Store without paying additional charges. The details you will need to create an account/profile on Google Play Console include your name, address, email id, payment details, country name, etc. You will have to wait 48 hours for the system to approve your account.
Step #2 – Linking Developer Account with Merchant Account on Google Wallet
Once you have created a developers account on Google Play Console, you will need a merchant account. To create this account, click on the option “Reports.” Click “Financial Reports” and select “Set up a Merchant Account.”
Fill out the details required and click OK. Your newly created merchant account will link itself automatically to the console account. This will allow you to examine and manage your app sales.
Step#3- Creating Your Android App
In this step, you will log into your app developer account to publish the app to Play Store. All you need is to follow the below-mentioned five steps.
- Go to the menu and select the tab named “All Applications.”
- Now select the option “Create Application.”
- Go to the drop-down menu and choose the default language for your app.
- Enter the title of your app.
- Click on “Create.”
Step#4 – Creating Your App’s Listing
At this point, you will have to enter your information and details. However, you have to use relevant keywords in the app description section. This will increase your app’s chances of appearing in users’ searches.
Step #5- Uploading APK or App Bundle to Google Play
In step 5, you will need your app bundle or app’s APK to Google Play. Upload your signed app release into your application. To do so, follow the below-mentioned steps.
- Go to the “Release Management” option.
- Now click on the “App release” option from the menu.
- Choose the type of release. You will have four options that are close test, internal test, open test, and production release.
- Select “Create Release.”
As you proceed further, you will have to decide whether you want to sign the app on Google Play Store. In the end, you will have to select the review option. Lastly, confirm that all information you provide is correct and press “save.”
Step#6 – Rate Your App
You will have to rate your app to publish your android app on Google Play Store. This is important because Google Play Store will automatically delete any “unrated” app. Follow the below-mentioned steps to rate your app.
- Navigate to the menu found on the left side of your screen.
- Click on the “Menu” and then “Continue.”
- Type your email id and press “Confirm.”
- Fill out the questionnaire for app rating and click on “Save Questionnaire.”
- Now select “Calculate Rating.” After this, you will be able to see the rating of your app.
- Click on “Apply.”
Step #7 –Distribution
At this stage of android app development and publishing, you should be sure about the countries where you want to make your app available. However, the most important thing you must know here is that Google will not allow you to publish your app for all available regions. This means you can publish your app not worldwide but in selected countries, so choose your region wisely.
Step # 8 – Pricing
As far as the pricing is concerned, it is entirely up to you whether you want to monetize your app or make it available for free. Remember, once you select the pricing option, Google will not allow you to reverse or change it. This means you will not be able to convert a free app into a paid app or vice versa. However, you can always alter the price of your paid app as per your discretion.
Step #9 = Publish Your App on Google Play Store
Once you are sure that everything you entered is correct, the last step is to upload your android app to Google’s app store. Do the following:
- Go to the “App Release” option and select “Manage Production.”
- Now Select “Edit Release.”
- Then select “Review” and click “Start Rollout to Production.”
- Now Press “Confirm”
Voila! Your app is finally uploaded to the Google Play Store.
Summary
Now that you have complete know-how about uploading an Android app to Google Play Store, it is time to get started. However, the success of your app and the number of downloads it receives will depend on the quality of the app, its functions, and its seamless performance.
You must also deploy an adequate marketing strategy to promote your app. You can collaborate with other apps for in-app advertisement, paid advertisement on social media, and Google Ads. Hiring a mobile app development company will help you with this. A well-reputed mobile app development agency will also offer you a digital marketing service in a package.
If you want to build an android app and/or publish it on Google Play Store, speak to our mobile app development team today.
