App Pre-Registration Campaigns are a powerful way to build excitement and drive early sign-ups before your app officially launches. These campaigns allow users to register their interest so they receive a notification (and in some cases, automatic installation) when the app becomes available.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to set up App Pre-Registration Campaigns on Google Play (Google Ads) and Meta (Facebook & Instagram) to maximize sign-ups before launch.
Continue reading:
- Guide On How To Create App Campaigns For Installs On Different Platforms
- Guide On How To Create App Campaigns For Engagement (ACe)
1. What Are App Pre-Registration Campaigns?
App Pre-Registration Campaigns allow developers to promote their app before its official launch. Users who pre-register will receive a notification when the app goes live. On Android, they can even have the app automatically installed upon release.
Benefits of Pre-Registration Campaigns:
✅ Build Hype & Early Interest – Get users excited before launch
✅Drive Early Downloads – Users who pre-register are more likely to install and engage
✅Improve App Store Rankings – A strong launch can boost organic visibility
✅Collect User Data – Understand early demand and refine your marketing strategy
Supported Platforms:
🔹Google Play Store (Android) – Supports pre-registration and automatic install
🔹Meta Ads (Facebook & Instagram) – Drives traffic to the pre-registration page
2. Setting Up a Pre-Registration Campaign on Google Ads
Step 1: Enable Pre-Registration on Google Play
- Open Google Play Console.
- Go to Release > Pre-Registration.
- Enable Pre-Registration for your app.
- Set up rewards (optional) to incentivize users to sign up.
Step 2: Create a New Pre-Registration Campaign in Google Ads
- Log in to Google Ads.
- Click New Campaign and select App Promotion.
- Choose Pre-Registration as the campaign goal.
- Select your Android App (Pre-registration is not available for iOS).
Step 3: Define Target Audience & Bidding
- Audience Targeting:
✅ Target users interested in your app category (gaming, finance, fitness, etc.).
✅ Use custom audiences (e.g., users who engage with similar apps).
✅ Consider lookalike audiences based on early pre-registrations.
- Bidding Strategy:
✅ Use“Maximize Pre-Registrations” to let Google optimize for sign-ups.
✅ Set a target cost-per-pre-registration (CPPre-Reg) if you have a budget constraint.
Step 4: Upload Creative Assets
Google will automatically create ads based on your assets:
✔️Text Headlines & Descriptions – Explain what makes your app unique
✔️Images & Videos – Showcase key app features or gameplay (for games)
✔️App Store Listing Info – Google pulls details from your Play Store page
Step 5: Launch & Optimize
- Set up conversion tracking using Google Analytics for Firebase.
- Monitor key metrics like pre-registration volume, CPPre-Reg, and engagement rates.
- Adjust audience targeting and creatives based on performance.
3. Running Pre-Registration Campaigns on Meta (Facebook & Instagram)
Step 1: Create a New Campaign
- Open Meta Ads Manager.
- Click Create Campaign and choose Traffic or Lead Generation as the objective.
- Select App Pre-Registration as the goal.
- Enter your Google Play Pre-Registration Page URL.
Step 2: Define Targeting & Budget
- Target Relevant Users: Use interests, behaviors, and lookalike audiences.
- Set a Daily Budget: Allocate based on expected pre-registration volume.
- Use Automatic Placements: Maximize reach across Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and Audience Network.
Step 3: Create High-Converting Ads
- Ad Formats: Single Image, Carousel, or Video Ads.
Creative Best Practices:
✅ Use engaging visuals to highlight your app's features.
✅ Include"Pre-Register Now" as a CTA.
✅ Show exclusive perks (e.g.,“Sign up now for an early access reward!”).
Step 4: Monitor & Optimize
- Track conversions through Meta Pixel or SDK.
- A/B test different ad creatives and messaging.
- Retarget users who clicked but didn’t pre-register.
4. Best Practices for App Pre-Registration Campaigns
🔹 Leverage Influencers & PR – Partner with influencers to generate buzz.
🔹Offer Early Access Rewards – Incentivize users with exclusive perks.
🔹Use Countdown Timers – Create urgency before launch.
🔹Retarget Interested Users – Show ads to users who viewed your page but didn’t pre-register.
🔹Optimize for Engagement – Encourage users to share and invite friends.
Final Thoughts
A successful App Pre-Registration Campaign can set your app up for a strong launch, high download numbers, and better retention. By using Google Ads and Meta Ads, you can generate early interest and build a solid user base before launch,h and make your app launch a success!
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