Question? We have created a lite version for Str8ts. We have two adds that are linked to i Tunes built in the Lite app. When you click on them you are linked to the corresponding game in the store. We have the link for the 9x9 puzzle since the app has been approved. The 6 x 6 version is still waiting to be approved. Is there a way of getting the required link with out the app being approved?
No, as far as I know you can't get the long itunes link (e.g. http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=325382197&mt=8) before your app is approved. But you can use http://itunes.com/apps/YOURAPPNAME (as in http://itunes.com/apps/greenfingers) to accomplish the same thing. This can get tricky if your app name is complicated (check here for more info) but if your app name is simple you can "guess" the deep link before your app is approved. Also, always test stuff like this on a real device since some of these vanity URLs (like itunes.com/COMPANYNAME) don't work on an actual phone but do work in Safari on Mac OS. The simulator can behave quit differently than an actual device when processing these types of links.
Yes you can. In iTunesConnect go to AppDetails, and the Apple ID is already generated for you on submission. Replace xxxxxxxx with it: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=xxxxxxxx&mt=8 but of course it won't be live until approved. ...or go the name route as Top Monkey suggested.
You can also do: http://linktoapp.com/my+app Where My App is the link of your app. If you app has no spaces just put: http://linktoapp.com/myapp Hope that helps.
One thing to consider is that people may hesitate to click on unfamiliar URLs, especially if they're shortened by services like bit.ly and tinyurl due to concerns that they may lead them to porn or malware sites. I'm not suggesting linktoapp links do that, but just something you might want to consider. We use a service like bit.ly for some of our communications but use the long form link whenever possible, even if it's for stuff like image links.
