The New Google Play Console -Here’s All you Need to Know
No platform can stand still these days, big or small. Google has a virtual monopoly over the mobile operating system market. And yet, it is always quick to update its own platforms and add new features. This underlines the need for constant improvement and change, even at the highest level.
In keeping with the same ethos, Google recently launched a new version of its Play Console platform. The new platform was launched in the form of beta back in June. It was officially rolled out as the new Play Console on November 2.
This also marks the phasing out of the old Play Console. All users will be directed to the new version now.
First, let’s get the basics out of the way.
What is Google Play Console?
Google Play Console is a platform popular for enabling users to manage the process of publishing their apps. It offers a range of other features as well such as app testing, app store performance, app updates, and so on.
Chiefly, the Play Console platform is known for publishing mobile apps. The platform however provides a host of other services as well. These include the likes of internal testing, discovering new audiences, running app store ads, and so on.
Anyone serious about bringing an app to market should know their way around the Google Play Console. The platform itself is very easy to grasp provided users are ready to invest time in it.
The following sections highlight some of the new features in the latest Google Play Console.
Simplified publishing
The changes to the publishing section provide users much more control over when they wish to roll-out new releases.
The Managed publishing option enables users to choose the specific time they wish to roll out a new update that has been approved. Furthermore, users no longer need to wait for all changes in a release to be reviewed. They can keep pushing new releases as and when they’re approved.
Source: Google Blog
The new section also shows all the changes made in one overview. In large teams where it is difficult to keep track of all the changes in a release, the overview helps a great deal.
User learning resources added
As mentioned earlier, anyone serious about bringing an app to market should know the offerings of Google Play Console well. However, learning all the features of the Play Console takes time.
The new version comes with learning resources for each section. These resources allow users to learn how to use all the features of the platform. This essentially ensures users can look beyond the conventional ‘publish-only’ paradigm of the Play Console.
Together, these learning resources work as a stable knowledge base for users with varying levels of technical knowledge. Remember not every user uploading an app is likely to have programming knowledge. Some may have used a free Android app maker to build an app without coding. These learning resources serve as a good guide for users with varying technical skills.
Acquisition reports overhauled
Those using Google Play Console have a natural interest in checking how their app store listing performs. The new changes in acquisition reporting enable users to see whether the changes they make to their app listing have an impact on downloads.
The new reports come with features like acquisition source, trend analysis, and advanced filters to check performance in specific demographics.
Source: Google Blog
The new version also comes with benchmarks based on app categories and segments. This will further help users see if their app is performing to certain necessary standards.
Clear Team management system
Not everyone out there is using an app builder to convert WordPress website to Android app on a solo mission. Most apps are built by multiple teams of developers and designers.
With the array of features Play Console provides, it makes sense to provide its access to certain team members.
The new version comes with a new user management system which prioritizes clarity above all else. Admins can clearly choose the kind of access they wish to grant to each user and manage this access at the same time.
Source: Google Blog
There is a clear demarcation between users based on the access they have and their designation. This system is ideal for companies with a big team of professionals in a variety of different roles.
Clarity on compliance
One of the main sticking points users had with the previous Play Console version was the lack of clarity it provided on compliance. Users need clarity on compliance to ensure their app meets the necessary Google guidelines.
The new Google Play Console comes with an app content section that provides info on all the necessary guidelines. This section covers information on privacy policy, ads, user permissions, and so on.
This plainly shows the standards and guidelines an app must meet to move further along in the app approval process. Users can make sure their apps follow the necessary compliance through this section.
New navigation menu
The navigation menu has also received a facelift in the new version giving the platform a complete visual overhaul.
Source: Google Blog
The new navigation menu provides easier access to various different parts of app management. Each section is named after a crucial segment such as release, growth, quality, monetization, and so on.
Many users have to spend a large part of their working hours on the Google Play Console platform. The new navigation system is fast and provides greater accessibility to the different features of the platform.
In conclusion
Google Play Console has begun fading out its old version. The new platform comes with a host of updates users have been calling for.
This piece provides a clear analysis of the new updates on the Google Play Console platform. Users will be able to see these new changes when they log-in to their accounts.
App development is not a practice exclusive to developers alone. Even non-tech professionals can now create an app with the help of mobile app builders. Brands like AppMySite go so far as enabling users to create an Android app for WooCommerce website.
There were other changes on the platform as well which were not covered in this piece. You can check them out in the official announcement post from Google here.
