Hi there,
Really happy to give you some initial thoughts and guidance for your app launch. Finding the right agency is a really important step to get this right.
We'll need to look at audience research...
From what you've said about your navigation app for outdoor adventures, reaching a niche audience is definitely the biggest challenge. A deep dive into your audience is absolutely essential. It's not just about demographics; it's about understanding their behaviour, their online haunts, and their motivations. Where do they spend their time online? Which forums and social media groups are they active in? What kind of content do they engage with?
I'd start by figuring out the specific online communities that your target audience frequents. Think about the forums, blogs, and social media groups dedicated to hiking and climbing in the UK. What kind of gear are they using? What hashtags are they using on Instagram? What are their favourite hiking spots? Understanding these details will allow you to build a detailed profile of your ideal user.
Once you have a good understanding of your audience, you can start to explore different targeting options. For example, you could use Facebook/Instagram ads to target people who are interested in hiking, climbing, and outdoor activities. You could also target people who have visited specific national parks or hiking trails in the UK. LinkedIn targeting can be powerful here too, think about targeting people that have experience in outdoor persuits or that follow brands like North Face or Patagonia. You may need to test various segments to see what works.
We've helped a lot of outdoor and sports apps launch and have seen quite good results. For example, we worked on a sports events app and got 45k+ signups at under £2 each - proper audience research was key to that.
I'd say you look at examples of niche campaign's they've run...
When you're evaluating different agencies, don't just look at their client list. Ask for specific examples of campaigns they've run for similar niche audiences in the UK. Dig into the specifics. How did they approach the targeting? What challenges did they face, and how did they overcome them? What were the results?
A good agency should be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of the UK market and a proven track record of success in reaching niche audiences. They should be able to show you how they've used creative targeting strategies to find the right people and drive conversions. Don't be afraid to ask tough questions and push them to provide concrete evidence of their expertise.
It's also worth asking about their approach to data privacy and compliance with UK regulations. Make sure they have a solid understanding of GDPR and other relevant laws, and that they're committed to protecting the privacy of your users.
You probably should consider location targeting...
Location targeting can be a powerful tool for reaching outdoor enthusiasts in the UK. Don't just target major cities. Think about targeting specific national parks, climbing areas, and popular hiking trails. You could even run ads that are triggered when people are near those locations.
This requires some clever setup, but it can pay off big time. For example, you could create ads that promote your app to people who are currently visiting the Lake District or Snowdonia. Or you could target people who live near popular hiking trails in the Peak District. The key is to be creative and think outside the box.
You might also look at targeting events that would attract your user group, such as a hiking convention. This could also lead to other partnership opportunities.
You'll need to optimise your landing page...
Your landing page is the first impression that many potential users will have of your app, so it's important to make it count. Make sure it's optimised for mobile devices and that it clearly communicates the value proposition of your app. What are the key benefits of using your app for outdoor adventures? Why should people choose your app over the competition?
Use compelling visuals, such as high-quality photos and videos, to showcase your app in action. Highlight the key features and benefits of your app, and make it easy for people to download it. Consider using customer testimonials and reviews to build trust and credibility. Make it really easy to download by having buttons visible in multiple locations.
Most importantly, make sure your landing page is designed to convert visitors into users. Use a clear call to action, such as "Download Now" or "Start Your Free Trial." Make it easy for people to sign up for a free trial or purchase a subscription. And track your conversion rates so you can continuously optimise your landing page for better results.
For example, we generated 3,543 users at £0.96 each for a software client by making sure the landing page perfectly matched the google ad!
I've detailed my main recommendations for you below:
| Recommendation | Action |
|---|---|
| In-Depth Audience Research | Identify specific online communities (forums, blogs, social media groups) frequented by hikers and climbers in the UK. Analyse their gear preferences, hashtags, and favourite locations. |
| Niche Campaign Examples | Request agencies to provide case studies of similar niche campaigns run in the UK. Investigate their targeting strategies, challenges faced, and results achieved. |
| Strategic Location Targeting | Target specific national parks, climbing areas, and popular hiking trails. Implement ads triggered when users are near these locations for maximum relevance. |
| Optimised Landing Page | Ensure the landing page is mobile-optimised, clearly communicates the app's value proposition, and includes compelling visuals, testimonials, and a clear call to action for downloads and subscriptions. |
Launching a niche software app like yours is a difficult thing to do, but by finding the right agency partner and executing a well thought out strategy you should be on your way. I think these are the main things to focus on to begin with.
Given the complexity of the UK market and the specific needs of your target audience, you might want to consider working with an agency that specialises in niche marketing and has a proven track record of success in the UK. We've worked on several app launches and have a good understanding of what it takes to reach a niche audience and drive downloads and subscriptions.
We are happy to do a free consultation if you'd like to discuss your needs in more detail.
Regards,
Team @ Lukas Holschuh