Only if you send them an ad-hoc build targeted for their UDID. Most review sites are on TestFlightApp.
If it is ready for sale, you have the ability to send promo codes. While the APP is not "live" to general public, with promo codes, they can still download the game from the App Store.
Thanks Alan, Great information Me and our studio manager were just discussing this issue when I came across this post.
The answer is it depends on your answer to these questions: Are you doing a reasonable amount of paid marketing (or free via some sort of deal)? If yes, then don't put it live ASAP. Are you expecting more than a few positive reviews? If yes, then don't put it live ASAP. Have you built any hype? If yes then don't put it live ASAP. Give them a heads-up saying they can pick it up on some date in the future. If your answer to all of the above is "No", then put your app live now because it's the best chance you've got. [edit to add] Be honest with yourself on the answers to these questions. Example: remember that AT MOST, review sites like TA write about 4 or 5 new apps per day... are you going to be one of them?
As long as your release date is set BEFORE your app gets in review (or maybe its before its approved), and you don't change it, it will appear as normal. NYZ2 was approved in September, was released today, and is showing up on the new releases list just fine.
Why have you decided to wait so long? I suggest the closer to Christmas the more is App Store crowded? Had you any particular reason? And one more question: can you submit new updates before you make the app public? If so then you can generate more promocodes for journalists.
Even if you have no budget you can still do some marketing work of your own. Still worth getting a press release writing even if you do it yourself and getting it out on free wires. Of course should always put the app on appromoter which is free. And there's always social media which can be utilized. Youtube is the second biggest search engine so if you've got a video that can help generate some interest. Yes, you can put through an update before launching and I believe this might be a way of getting hold of an additional 50 promo codes. Anyone wants to ask something directly: [email protected] or Skype: alanappromoter. There's a team of us here to answer questions you might have. Thanks, Alan
