Why Best Of Lists Matter
Roundup articles — "Best Fitness Apps 2026," "Top Budgeting Apps for iPhone" — are among the highest-converting content formats for app discovery. Users reading these articles are actively looking for a solution and are ready to install. Getting included in these lists drives qualified traffic that converts at rates far above typical advertising.
These articles also rank well in search engines and are frequently cited by AI assistants when users ask for recommendations.
Identify the Right Lists
Start by searching for existing roundup articles in your app's category. Search terms like "best [category] apps 2026" and "top [category] apps" reveal which publications and bloggers create these lists.
Prioritise lists that rank on the first page of Google results. These are the ones driving real traffic. Note the publication, the author, and how recently the list was updated.
Also check what AI assistants recommend. Ask ChatGPT and Perplexity "what are the best [category] apps?" and note which sources they cite. Getting included in those source articles means getting recommended by AI.
Build a Compelling Pitch
Authors of roundup articles receive pitches constantly. Yours needs to stand out by being specific and valuable:
- Lead with what makes your app different from the ones already on their list
- Include specific features, pricing, and user ratings
- Provide a free account or extended trial for them to test
- Share any notable metrics: download count, average rating, user testimonials
- Keep the email under 200 words
Do not ask for paid placement unless the publication explicitly sells it. Most reputable roundup articles are editorial, and offering payment can damage your credibility.
Make Your App Easy to Review
Reduce friction for anyone evaluating your app:
- Ensure your app store listing is polished with professional screenshots and clear descriptions
- Have a press kit or media page on your website with logos, screenshots, and key facts
- Make your free tier or trial genuinely useful so reviewers experience your app's value
- Respond quickly to any questions from writers testing your app
Leverage Your Affiliate Program
Many bloggers and publications that write roundup articles use affiliate links to monetise their content. If your app has an affiliate program through Insert Affiliate, this creates a financial incentive for writers to include your app.
When reaching out, mention that you offer an affiliate program. This transforms your pitch from "please include us" to "here is an opportunity to earn ongoing commissions by recommending our app." Writers who earn affiliate revenue are also more likely to keep your app on their list in future updates.
Build Relationships, Not Transactions
The writers who maintain popular roundup articles are valuable long-term relationships. After they include your app, stay in touch. Share product updates, new features, and any notable milestones. When they update their list (which they typically do annually), your app is more likely to stay included if you have maintained the relationship.
Send genuine feedback on their content. Engage with their other articles. These small touches keep you on their radar and differentiate you from the dozens of apps that only reach out when they want something.
Create Your Own Lists
Publish your own roundup content that positions your app alongside complementary tools. "The Best App Stack for Freelancers" or "Essential Apps for Fitness Coaches" can rank for valuable search terms and introduce your app alongside tools your target audience already uses.
This approach has the added benefit of building relationships with the complementary apps you feature, who may reciprocate by including your app in their own content.