It’s the time when mobile browser search is reigning over the desktop browser search with user choosing to search for information on their smartphones anytime, anywhere. Now it goes without saying that Android apps can make the most of this massive user base, with the help of deep linking of content page into mobile apps as it paves way for new opportunities reaching out to new users or existing users from Google search, in case they are on a search for a particular content available in your mobile app.
Going by recent mobile customer engagement statistics, in-app engagement will become way more refined in 2016 as it is cheaper, the app brand possesses more control over the message, being able to offer a customized user experience to users who have already made an investment in their brand.
Here we present ways available in Android OS core APIs that will make your Android app searchable by Google:
• Enabling deep links:
This way Google can crawl into your app content making your app available in Google search results. You can embed deep linking into Android apps, modifying your Android app manifest file to listen to incoming data from your website URI via Google search. Then properly respond taking user to content page within your app. here are the steps you need to follow:
Add intent in Manifest. Specify one or more tags for URI scheme. One tag should include android: scheme attribute. Then specify multiple activities for same URI scheme having different path prefixes mentioned for each activity. Make activity Browsable specified intent filter can be opened from web browser and this is mandatory step for deep linking. As you mention all these intent filters present in app manifest, Android routes any Intent that matches specified URI.
Best way to implement deep linking: When you embed deep linking, the app must take user to respective content page. However, it must not ask user to perform any other action inside the app and this way you can have a better user experience.
• App indexing using Google indexing:
Just by indexing your app through Google Play Store, Google crawler is enabled to show your app content link in Google search. You are just required to app intent filters for URIs in the app manifest file, write the logic so that intents for incoming data can be handled and it associates your app to your website by using Google search console or Google play store. After the completion of such association, Google starts indexing URLs to your app as well as it matches web URLs in order to intent patterns cited in your Android app manifest.
Which are the kind of apps applicable to use above-mentioned techniques and examples?
Content based app work best for this type of user engagement as this allows you to simply embed deep linking into your app for specific content which then becomes searchable by Google. In case user opens search result of your app, it takes user to particular content within your app.
At the same time you are allowed to annotate your web pages together with mobile app content. For instance you have food recipe app that offers various recipes to the user. Like if user looks for some recipe from mobile and in case your app has embedded deep linking, then app link will show in search results and just one click is efficient to bring your user into your app.
What are its benefits?
With Android app deep linking, mobile app marketers and app developers are allowed to direct their users to the particular location within their apps with the help of dedicated link. Here are the benefits:
- Increased Revenues
- Integrated Marketing Campaigns
- Improved User Experience
- Re-Engagement
- App Analytics
Does this mean that Deep linking only benefit users having Android app installed?
Well, that’s not the case, as Deep linking do good to both pre-installed well as novice. Like in case the user doesn’t have the specific app installed in their device, then s/he is directed to the Google Play Store. Once the installed app is opened, it’s taken to the deep linked screen or page that eliminates extra search for the requested content.
Be it in order to increase sales or as a re-engagement and brand recall tool drawing users back to the app again, Deep linking is greatly useful in driving deep conversions and maximize ROI.
