• For Business+ app accounts
  • Not for Free and Pro app accounts

The 8 Stages of Launching a Branded App


As a new BRANDED app owner, you probably have some questions...


What happens next?

What do I need to do?

How long does this take?

What are my costs, besides the app itself?

Who do I contact?


Luckily, we do this for a living. 


Here's a roadmap to help you on your journey, with some basics on what to expect, from the moment you purchase your app to when it's launched and available for download on android and iPhone.


A lot of information is exchanged during every step, so if you are a new app owner, pay attention to your email for specific links and details.


TABLE OF CONTENTS


Stage 1: Getting Started

This will be the first interaction with someone on the ACTIONERA team a lot of app owners will have, once they purchase their app.


Your first interaction is usually with Matt Thomas, our onboarding manager.


Here's what to expect:

  • Timing - usually 1-2 days, up to 1 week after purchase
  • You will be added to our distribution lists and you will begin receiving regular emails from ACTIONERA, depending on the product you purchased
  • You'll receive a welcome email from Matt with information and a booking link
  • You will need to schedule your first meeting
  • Be prepared to have ready:
    • The name of your app
    • Your app's tagline


Visit the links below for samples of other apps and their names, taglines and logos.


Samples & Helpful Links:


Next Steps:

Once you complete your initial meeting with Matt, you will be sent a "Resources and Next Steps" email with links and instructions for the next phase of your app's creation. 


We will introduce you to our technology for interfacing with the app and you will be given access to it. We recommend that you begin joining our weekly app support calls every Thursday.


Stage 2: Design

Stage 2 and Stage 3 can happen at the same time. They do not necessarily need to happen in this order.


The design stage of the process is where your app colors, branding and graphic elements are established. The graphics that get created during this phase are not graphics you can change yourself, and are built into your app by the ACTIONERA team.


Timing - approximately 1 week after meeting with Matt


You can expect to work with Trevor Thomas, our Creative Director to set up your app colors and graphic elements. Trevor will email you directly during this phase.


If you have an app logo already, great! If not, we know a guy. Trevor is available for hire at an additional cost if you need an app logo created for you.


Samples & Helpful Links:


Stage 3: Content Submission


The biggest responsibility for an app owner is gathering and organizing their content (articles, posts, videos, audio files, images, and logos). 


Preparing your content and handing it off to the ACTIONERA team can be a little overwhelming and this is the stage where most app owners get stalled in the process, to help you along we've created goal oriented resources to show you exactly how to move through this section efficiently.


You will be given these resources and training materials to help you succeed:


Here's what to expect:

  • Timing - TBD (You are 100% in control of the timing of this stage!)
  • Use your checklist to gather the minimum required content for launch
  • View the help videos if you
  • Fill out and submit the content form


Stage 4: Review


Once you have submitted your content the team will review your submission to ensure everything is in order and respond to you with one of three different next steps.


    A. The Team Will Approve Your Form And You Will Move To The Next Step

        
    B. The Team Will Give You Quick Feedback To Fix Your Submission

        

    C. The Team Invites You To An Orientation Call To Go Deeper Into How You Can Fix Your Form


Here's what to expect:

  • Timing - Approximately 1-2 Weeks (if no delays on your end)
  • The ACTIONERA team reviews your app forms
  • You get the green light for the next step, or feedback on how to improve

Next Steps:

Once your content forms have been reviewed and green-lit by the team, you will just need to finalize a few things on your side to let the team get to work!


Stage 5: Developer Accounts


The team will work with you to create your developer accounts and fill out the necessary paperwork to become an app owner with Apple and Android.


Here's what to expect:

  • Timing - Approximately 1 Week
  • There is an annual cost to have an app in the app stores:
    • Android = $25
    • Apple = $99


Stage 6: App Store Form


Finalizing your App Info and handing it off to the ACTIONERA team can feel like a lot, but fret not as we have step-by-step support to help you move through this stage seamlessly.


You will be given resources and training materials to help you succeed:

Visit the links below for samples of other apps and their names, taglines and logos.


Samples & Helpful Links:


Here's what to expect:

  • Timing - You are 100% in control of the timing of this stage!
  • View the help videos
  • Fill out and submit the App Store Info form

Stage 7: App Build & Submission

This is the stage where your app gets built and starts to become a reality. This is a multi-stage process of building, testing, and reviewing your app. 


You can expect to work with a few members of our team, primarily Matt Thomas and Mark Evans.



Once your app is built, it is submitted to Apple and Android for review and approval. This review is completely out of our hands and the timing can vary. We have seen apps approved in a matter of days, while others take more time.


Here's what to expect:

  • Build Timing - Approximately 1-2 Weeks (if no delays on your end)
  • Approval Timing - Anywhere from a few days to a few weeks
  • The ACTIONERA team builds and reviews your app
  • Android and Apple will email you during this stage
    • Android emails - please share and update us (we don't get copies of them)
    • Apple emails - we DO get copies of them
  • Mark or Robert will contact you if there are any issues with your app


Stage 8: Launch

CONGRATULATIONS!  Your app is now available in the Apple Store and Android (Google) Play Store! You are now a proud, app owner. 


From this point on, your interactions with the ACTIONERA team will be on an as-needed basis, through our weekly support calls and the help desk. J.D. Leisky runs the support desk and will respond to your tickets.



Next Steps:

  • Start promoting your app
  • Start adding new content
  • Attend the Thursday App Support calls
  • Attend the Web Calls (every other Wednesday)
  • Join our Facebook group for community and support
  • Submit support tickets if you are having troub