Mastering User Ratings: How to Encourage Positive App Reviews Effectively

In a detailed blog post on Medium, the creators of Circa News shared their successful approach to achieving nearly 100% five-star ratings. Previously, we covered an interview with Circa's founder, and this time, you'll find equally valuable insights.

Why Positive Reviews Matter

Your app’s rating significantly impacts how users discover and engage with it:

1. In the App Store, higher ratings improve search rankings and help maintain top positions longer.
2. Apps with positive reviews appear higher in search results.
3. Users are more inclined to open apps rated 3.5 stars or above, based on personal observation.

These points highlight the critical importance of maintaining a strong rating on the App Store.

Users Dislike Interruptive Pop-ups

Many apps rely on standard pop-up prompts for reviews. Circa News initially used this method but soon realized it was outdated and counterproductive.

They followed three simple rules:

1. Never interrupt the user’s app experience.
2. Avoid requesting reviews immediately after a crash—this is ineffective.
3. Delay review requests until an appropriate moment arises (explained below).

For example, HotelTonight asks for a rating after a successful room booking, capitalizing on a positive user experience to encourage good reviews.

Circa News, being a news reading app without transactional features, took a different route. They only asked users who had opened the app at least 10 times in the past three days to rate it, focusing on a smaller but more loyal audience.

This strategy yielded excellent results, with nearly all app versions receiving five-star ratings. However, they noticed some users were annoyed by the prompts.

This presented a dilemma: ratings were essential for App Store ranking, but repeatedly asking users risked alienation.

Seamless Integration of Review Requests

To avoid disrupting users, Circa News embedded the review prompt directly into the news feed, allowing users to scroll past it effortlessly.

Choosing the right placement is key. Shopping apps might prompt users after a successful purchase, while social apps can display requests within the feed. Integrated prompts significantly reduce user frustration.

Ask, Don’t Beg

Instead of pleading for ratings, Circa News opted to ask a simple question:

This approach encourages honest feedback, especially from users who may not be satisfied.

Users unhappy with the app were invited to send direct feedback via email, providing valuable insights that led to many feature improvements. Social media responses also indicated users appreciated this respectful method.

This system was later implemented on Android, where Google Play users responded positively, with an average rating of 4.5 stars.

Great Apps Earn Great Reviews

Above all, your app must deliver exceptional value, be useful, and engaging. Of the 8,699 reviews Circa News received on the App Store, only 315 were one-star ratings, mostly from the app’s early, less polished versions.

The only reliable way to earn five-star ratings is by providing an outstanding user experience. Once that foundation is set, you can implement a thoughtful feedback collection system like Circa’s. Always consider the user’s perspective to ensure your approach feels natural and respectful.

(source: Circa News blog)

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