pre-orders

# Pre-Orders Generator Generate pre-order configuration guides, launch timeline templates, and marketing coordination plans for App Store pre-orders. ## When This Skill Activates Use this skill when the user: - Asks about "pre-orders" or "App Store pre-order" - Wants to "build anticipation" before a launch - Mentions "pre-launch strategy" or "launch countdown" - Asks about making their app available before release date - Wants to collect day-one downloads ## How Pre-Orders Work - Unreleased app: release date can be set up to **180 days** out - Users can order your app before it's available - On release day customers are notified and the app **auto-downloads within ~24 hours** — the queue converts itself - Pre-orders count toward your launch day download numbers - Your app appears in search and browse during pre-order period - Price can be set to "Free" or any paid tier during pre-order - Three edit options stay open anytime: change the date, release immediately, or pull a region; changes propagate within 24 hours ### Key Benefits 1. **Accumulate downloads**: Pre-orders count toward day-one velocity 2. **Search visibility**: App is searchable before release 3. **Featuring eligibility**: Apple can feature pre-order apps 4. **Marketing anchor**: Give audiences a concrete action ("Pre-order now") 5. **A working ASO period**: Custom Product Pages and PPO tests both run during pre-order — launch day should land on an already-tested page ### Not Just for Launches: Regional Pre-Orders An **existing app** entering new storefronts can run a pre-order in just those territories — with a longer runway: the release date can be up to **365 days** out (vs. 180 for an unreleased app), and any date change is capped at 365 days from when the pre-order first published. Accumulated pre-orders convert on day one in the new market — the same velocity spike a launch gets, aimed at the new market's chart entry. ⚠️ **One-shot per territory**: once released in a region, you can never run a pre-order there again. ### Limitations - Cannot change app name or primary category after pre-order starts - Price increases require 7-day notice to pre-order customers - App must be ready for review before pre-order goes live - Release date can be moved earlier but not more than 180 days out (365 for a published app's regional pre-order, measured from first publication) - Once released in a region, a pre-order can never be re-run there ## Configuration Questions Ask user via AskUserQuestion: 1. **Pre-order reason?** - Brand new app launch - Major version update (new app listing) - Seasonal launch timing (holiday, back to school) - WWDC/new OS tie-in 2. **Pre-order duration?** - Short (1-2 weeks) — urgency-driven - Medium (4-6 weeks) — time to build awareness - Long (2-6 months) — major marketing campaign 3. **Pricing strategy?** - Free app (maximize pre-orders) - Paid at final price - Paid with launch discount (raise price after launch week) ## Output Format ```markdown # Pre-Order Plan: [App Name] ## Configuration | Setting | Value | |---------|-------| | Pre-Order Start | [Date] | | Release Date | [Date] | | Pre-Order Duration | [X weeks] | | Price During Pre-Order | [Free / $X.99] | | Post-Launch Price | [$X.99] | ## App Store Connect Setup 1. Go to App Store Connect > Your App 2. Under "Pricing and Availability": - Set the release date to your planned launch date - Enable "Pre-Order" availability 3. Under "App Information": - App name, category, and description must be final - Screenshots should show the final app (or close to final) 4. Submit app for review: - App must pass review before pre-order goes live - Prepare a TestFlight-ready build for review ## Launch Timeline ### [X] Weeks Before Launch: Pre-Order Goes Live - [ ] Submit app for App Store review - [ ] Prepare pre-order announcement - [ ] Schedule social media posts - [ ] Send press kit to media contacts - [ ] Configure In-App Event for launch day ### [X-2] Weeks Before: Build Anticipation - [ ] Share development updates/behind-the-scenes - [ ] Release app preview video on social channels - [ ] Follow up with press contacts - [ ] Share pre-order link in email newsletter ### 1 Week Before: Final Push - [ ] Countdown posts on social media - [ ] Featuring nomination follow-up - [ ] Prepare launch day communications - [ ] Verify build is ready for release ### Launch Day - [ ] Release the app (automatic for pre-orders) - [ ] Publish launch In-App Event - [ ] Send launch announcement to email list - [ ] Post across all social channels - [ ] Monitor reviews and respond quickly - [ ] Track download velocity ### Launch Week - [ ] Start Product Page Optimization test - [ ] Monitor conversion rates - [ ] Adjust marketing based on initial data - [ ] Submit second featuring nomination if not featured ## Pre-Order Marketing Assets ### Landing Page - Apple's official **localized pre-order badge** (per-storefront artwork — don't hand-roll the button) - App preview screenshots - Feature highlights - Release date and countdown ### Social Media - Announcement post with pre-order link - 3-5 countdown posts leading to launch - Feature highlight posts (one feature per post) - Behind-the-scenes development content ### Email - Pre-order announcement to existing audience - 1-week reminder before launch - Launch day celebration email ## Measurement | Metric | Target | Track In | |--------|--------|----------| | Pre-order count | [Goal] | App Store Connect | | Day 1 downloads | [Goal] | App Store Connect | | First week downloads | [Goal] | App Store Connect | | Conversion rate | [X%] | App Store Connect Analytics | ``` ## Pre-Order Best Practices ### Timing | Scenario | Recommended Duration | Reason | |----------|---------------------|--------| | Indie app, small audience | 2-4 weeks | Short attention span, limited reach | | Established brand, new app | 4-8 weeks | Time for press and marketing | | Seasonal launch | Align with season start | Holiday: early Nov, Back to school: mid-Aug | | WWDC tie-in | Start at WWDC, launch with OS | Ride the hype wave | ### Pricing Strategy | Model | During Pre-Order | After Launch | Best For | |-------|-----------------|-------------|----------| | Free launch | Free | Free | Freemium apps, maximum pre-orders | | Introductory price | $0.99-2.99 | $4.99-9.99 | Create urgency, reward early adopters | | Full price | $X.99 | $X.99 | Premium apps with strong demand | | Free then paid | Free | $X.99 | Controversial — may frustrate expectations | ## References - Related: `generators/in-app-events` — Launch event for release day - Related: `generators/featuring-nomination` — Featuring during pre-order - Related: `generators/app-store-assets` — Asset specs for pre-order page - Related: `app-store/marketing-strategy` — Pre-launch as part of overall strategy