App Store Reviews

What are the App Store Reviews?

In the App Store, app reviews are presented in the review gallery below-the-fold. This means that only about 20%-25% of users are exposed to it. 

Moreover, the number of reviews an app has is presented next to the star rating widget. It helps indicate the number of people using the app and provides social proof to potential users.

Developers’ replies will be displayed next to the specific review.

Why App Store Reviews are Important

App Store reviews act as social proof on product pages. It is the only section where user-generated content (UGC) is presented without much developer control.

For the 20%-25% of users who are exposed to reviews, they play an important role in communicating potential issues or benefits related to the app. 

Reviews are also a great source for users’ feedback about the app. They should inform product updates as well as the general marketing strategy, as users highlight the areas and features of an app they value the most. 

App Store Reviews and ASO

Although developers have no control over the reviews that appear in the gallery, there is still much to do to optimize this area. 

First, developers can optimize the way positive reviews are collected by triggering the in-app review widget after positive experiences in the app when users are more likely to leave a positive review. 

Second, monitoring and replying to reviews could also improve an App Store product page conversion rate by showing potential new users that the developer is responsive and supporting the app on an ongoing basis.