As an app developer a lot of my friends and family ask how they can help or support me. I’ve created a social poker app with a subscription model, but I would never ask them to buy a subscription if the app is not for them — just to help me financially.

Instead I ask them to do these 7 free things to help out.

1. Follow, Like, Subscribe & Share

It might be obvious, but following the developer and app on social media is a great way to support. And you should not be passive, watching on the sideline, but rather be engaged in the content posted. This means comment, like, tag (if it makes sense) and share the content.

And if you decide to share some of the posts etc. make sure to tell your followers why you are sharing it. Explain your relation to the app or the developer, and if you don’t have a direct relation then tell them about the app and why it’s awesome. Both your followers and the developer will love this.

2. Write a Review

Writing a positive review in the App Store or Google Play is very helpful. Not only does this give a good first impression for other users, but it’s also one of the most crucial factors when it comes to app rankings — also known as ASO (App Store Optimization).

Great reviews let the Apple and Google algorithms know that an app is worth downloading. This means that other users will be more likely to find the app organically when searching for apps.

3. Talk About the App

Don’t keep your cards too close to your chest when it comes to apps. Share the excitement. It can be in a relevant post on Twitter, Facebook, linkedin, Instagram, YouTube or in real life.

You will be surprised how many opportunities app developers and their apps can get when the word gets out. Personally I have been invited to do keynote speaks all around the world, been a judge in game competitions, invited to startup pitch events and much more — All because of someone mentioning me or my app among the right people.

Photo from a keynote about our app company.

4. Report Bugs

If you run into bugs then please don’t ignore it. Provide the developer as many details, screenshots or even videos as possible on how to reproduce the bug.

Most bugs are easy to fix once the developer knows about them and how to reproduce the issues. So your help will be very much appreciated.

And remember that bugs are a natural thing. It’s completely unrealistic to assume that an app can be launched without some bugs — especially if it’s a technically ambitious and original app with extreme growth. But the developers are probably even more determined to get rid of the bugs than you — so help them help you.

5. Invite Friends & Family

If you like an app, chances are that your friends and family will like it as well. So don’t hesitate to tell them about the app and share a download link directly in a text or message. This is extremely easy as most apps today have an in app referral feature that lets you send it in a text with just a tap.

Statistics show that apps recommended by friends and family is much more likely to be downloaded than apps randomly found through the store.

6. Use the App Everyday

Daily, weekly and monthly active users are also ranking factors for Apple and Google. So when you use the app everyday you tell the algorithm that it’s a good and addicting app (addicting = good in the eyes of Apple and Google).

These numbers are also typically crucial when developers are trying to raise funding, for new features and cool updates. So you using the app frequently will only result in it getting even bigger and better.

7. Let Them Know What you Want

One of my favorite things in the world is when users reach out to us and ask us to implement certain features that they would really love to see.

Chances are that the developers probably have a bunch of new features on the drawing board — and your suggestion is probably something they are already considering.

But even though your suggestion might not blow their mind, it gives them something just as good; it provides them with a much needed roadmap of priority.

Figuring out what features to introduce first is extremely important for app developers and, in the end, this should of course be decided by you, the user!