rshankras/pre-orders
skills/generators/pre-orders/SKILL.md
Generates pre-order setup guides and launch timeline templates for App Store pre-orders. Use when planning a pre-order strategy for a new app launch or major update.
$ install --global
skillsauthnpx skillsauth add rshankras/claude-code-apple-skills pre-ordersInstall this skill globally with one command. Works with Claude Code, Cursor, and Windsurf.
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SKILL.md
- name:
- pre-orders
- description:
- Generates pre-order setup guides and launch timeline templates for App Store pre-orders. Use when planning a pre-order strategy for a new app launch or major update.
- allowed-tools:
- [Read, Write, Edit, Glob, Grep, AskUserQuestion, WebSearch]
- last_verified:
- 2026-07-16
- review_by:
- 2027-06-22
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
- Accumulate downloads: Pre-orders count toward day-one velocity
- Search visibility: App is searchable before release
- Featuring eligibility: Apple can feature pre-order apps
- Marketing anchor: Give audiences a concrete action ("Pre-order now")
- 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:
-
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
-
Pre-order duration?
- Short (1-2 weeks) — urgency-driven
- Medium (4-6 weeks) — time to build awareness
- Long (2-6 months) — major marketing campaign
-
Pricing strategy?
- Free app (maximize pre-orders)
- Paid at final price
- Paid with launch discount (raise price after launch week)
Output Format
# 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
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