How to Get More Customers to Download Your App
Strategies That Actually Work - Right When Customers Are Ready

Getting someone to download your app isn't just about clever ads or pushy popups. It’s about making the ask at the right time, in the right way, with zero friction.

Whether you’re promoting a loyalty app, service scheduling, or mobile ordering, the challenge is the same: people are overwhelmed with apps, and most won’t download one unless it’s instantly relevant.

So how do you change that?

Start with the Why

Customers aren’t going to download your app “just because.” You have to clearly communicate what’s in it for them.

Do they get:

• Faster checkout or booking?

• Exclusive discounts or rewards?

• Easier access to your services?

• Real-time tracking or scheduling?

Your value proposition needs to be obvious before they ever reach the App Store.

Example:

“Download our app to earn 2x rewards today” works better than “Download our app for updates.”

Ask at the Right Moment

Timing matters more than most businesses realize.

The best time to ask a customer to download your app is right after a great experience - when they just made a purchase, enjoyed your service, or received excellent help from your team.

That’s when their interest and trust are highest. That’s when they’re most likely to take action.

Eliminate the Steps (Friction = Dropoff)

Here’s where most businesses fail: they make the process too complicated.

If your customer has to:

1. Go to the app store

2. Search your name

3. Pick the right app from a list

4. Tap download

…you’ve already lost most of them.

The more steps between the moment they say “yes” and the moment they have the app, the fewer people follow through.

Use Instant Download Links—Wherever Customers Are

Make sure your app download link is:

• In your email signature

• On your receipts

• On your website’s homepage

• Sent via text when appropriate

• Integrated into your loyalty program signup

But even better-deliver the link in-person when engagement is highest.

How Cheers Can Help (Right in the Moment)

One of the easiest ways to boost app downloads is to give customers a simple tap to do it.

With Cheers, businesses give their employees or service reps NFC-powered badges. When customers tap the badge with their phone, it instantly opens your custom download link-no searching, no QR codes, no app store hunting.

It’s perfect for:

• Field reps and salespeople

• Front desk or front-of-house staff

• Post-service follow-ups

• Loyalty program touchpoints

We’ve seen businesses double or triple their app installs just by removing the friction and asking right when the customer is happiest.

Final Thought

If you want more customers to download your app, don’t just market harder-make it easier.

Ask at the right moment. Make the benefit clear. And eliminate all the unnecessary steps.

When you do that, people don’t hesitate-they download.