How to Successfully Answer Google’s Questionnaire After Closed Testing (ToolBox)

Once your testing is complete, Google requires you to fill out a questionnaire as part of the review process for production access. Providing thorough, thoughtful answers is key to approval. Here’s how to approach it, with an example case study to guide you.

Case Study: ToolBox

We conducted one app update, gathered feedback via Google Play Store Console, and ran daily testing sessions with 20–25 testers. The app was approved on the first try, with the review process taking just four days.

Understanding the Purpose of the Questionnaire

Google’s questionnaire helps assess whether your app is ready for production by examining:

• The quality of your testing process.

• The engagement and feedback from testers.

• The improvements you made based on that feedback.

• Your understanding of your target audience and the value your app provides.

The better you articulate these points, the more likely your app will be approved for production. Here’s how to craft answers that demonstrate your app’s readiness.

1. Recruitment: How Did You Find Your Testers?

Question: How did you recruit users for your closed test?

Example Answer:

“For our closed test, we recruited users from a combination of trusted sources (friends and family + paid testing provider) to ensure diverse and reliable feedback.”

Tips for Writing:

• Be transparent about your recruitment process.

• Highlight the diversity of your testers to show that the feedback was well-rounded.

• Mention if you used professional services for targeted testing.

2. Ease of Recruitment: How Difficult Was It?

Question: How easy was it to recruit testers for your app?

Example Answer:

“Difficult.”

Tips for Writing:

• Answer honestly. If it was challenging, mention why. Google values authenticity over glossed-over responses.

3. Tester Engagement: Did They Actively Participate?

Question: Describe the engagement you received from testers during your closed test.

Example Answer:

“Testers actively engaged, using all features as expected. Most usage aligned with real-world scenarios, providing valuable feedback on functionality. Minor differences included occasional edge case testing not typical of regular users, which helped identify and resolve potential issues early.”

Tips for Writing:

• Emphasize how closely the testing mirrored real-world use.

• Mention any unique insights or edge cases that testers helped uncover.

• Showcase the value of their feedback in improving your app.

4. Feedback Collection: What Did You Learn?

Question: Provide a summary of the feedback that you received from testers. Include how you collected the feedback.

Example Answer:

“We collected feedback via email responses, one-on-one interviews, and Play Store feedback. Testers praised the intuitive design but suggested improving navigation flow and loading times. Their input helped us prioritize optimizations, ensuring the app meets user expectations before launch.”

Tips for Writing:

• Specify how you gathered feedback (e.g., interviews, surveys, Play Store Console).

• Highlight key themes in the feedback, both positive and constructive.

• Show how the feedback directly influenced your improvements.

5. Target Audience: Who Is Your App For?

Question: Who is the intended audience of your app?

Example Answer:

“The intended audience for our app includes professionals and enthusiasts in the metal detection industry. This includes hobbyists, archaeologists, security personnel, and technicians who use our metal detectors and require a reliable tool to update their devices’ firmware efficiently.”

Tips for Writing:

• Clearly define your target audience.

• Be specific about their needs and how your app addresses them.

6. Value Proposition: How Does Your App Help Users?

Question: Describe how your app provides value to users.

Example Answer:

“Our app allows users to update firmware on metal detectors seamlessly, ensuring devices run optimally with the latest features. Designed for usability, it offers an intuitive interface, reliable performance, and secure updates. It delivers value by enhancing device functionality and user experience.”

Tips for Writing:

• Focus on what makes your app unique and beneficial.

• Use specific examples of how your app improves users’ lives or workflows.

7. Changes Made: What Did You Improve?

Question: What changes did you make to your app based on what you learned during your closed test?

Example Answer:

“Based on closed test feedback, we improved the navigation flow, optimized firmware update speed, and enhanced error handling for smoother performance. We also refined the UI for better usability and fixed minor bugs to ensure a more reliable and user-friendly experience.”

Tips for Writing:

• List specific changes made during closed testing.

• Connect these changes to the feedback you received.

8. Production Readiness: Why Is Your App Ready?

Question: How did you decide that your app is ready for production?

Example Answer:

“We determined it after rigorous testing showed consistent performance, stability, and usability across devices. All key features functioned as expected, and feedback from closed testing confirmed it meets user needs. Final checks ensured compliance with Android quality guidelines.”

Tips for Writing:

• Emphasize thorough testing and positive feedback.

• Mention adherence to Android guidelines and stability metrics.

Key Takeaways

1. Write in Detail: Provide clear, comprehensive answers. Short or vague responses may indicate your app isn’t ready.

2. Focus on Feedback: Show how you used tester input to improve your app.

3. Demonstrate Value: Highlight your app’s usefulness and alignment with user needs.

4. Be Honest: Authenticity matters more than perfection.

5. Review Before Submitting: Ensure your answers are well-written and free of errors.

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While following this approach worked for us, it does not guarantee successful approval from Google. Use this as a reference to structure your responses and increase your chances of success.

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