You created a Google Play developer account and your app is ready, but the “Production” button stays locked? That is normal: Google requires new accounts to go through a testing step.

Who does it apply to?

According to the Google Play Console Help Center, this rule applies to personal developer accounts created after 13 November 2023. Organisation (business) accounts are not affected.

The rule in one sentence

Before publishing, you must run a closed test with at least 12 testers, opted in continuously for at least 14 days. Only then can you apply for production access.

Pitfalls to avoid

• The 14 days must be consecutive: a tester who opts out and back in starts again from zero.
• You need 12 active testers at the same time, not 12 people in total over the period.
• Testers must actually use the app: Google then asks you to describe the test and the feedback you received.

The steps

1. In Play Console, create a closed test and upload your AAB file.
2. Add your testers’ Gmail addresses (an email list or a Google Group).
3. Send them the opt-in link and check they have accepted the invitation.
4. Let the test run for 14 full days, fixing the issues reported.
5. Fill in the production access application form.

Don’t have 12 testers at hand?

Most independent developers and small businesses don’t. Yomara Technologies provides 12 testers for 14 consecutive days for 30,000 CFA F, with sign-up tracking and help with the production access request. For iPhone, we also prepare and submit your app to the App Store (50,000 CFA F).

Message us on WhatsApp to start your test today.

It is the first question people ask us. The answer depends on what you need, but for a business that simply wants to be present and found online, the budget is more affordable than many expect.

A showcase website: 100,000 CFA F

At Yomara Technologies, a professional showcase website costs 100,000 CFA F, delivered in 7 days. It includes:

• up to 5 pages: home, about, services, portfolio, contact;
• a layout that works on desktop, tablet and mobile;
• a contact form, HTTPS and go-live.

Hosting and domain name: 100,000 CFA F per year

A website needs hosting (the space where it is stored) and a domain name (its address, such as your-business.com). Our 100,000 CFA F per year plan includes the domain, SSL certificate, professional email addresses, regular backups and support. It is a yearly cost to plan for.

What changes the price

• The number of pages and the amount of content to write.
• Online sales: a shop with Mobile Money or card payments takes more work than a showcase site.
• Custom features: client area, booking, catalogue, several languages.
• Texts and photos: if you provide them, the project moves faster.

For these larger projects, we prepare a custom quote after a first conversation.

Costs not to forget

• Yearly renewal of the domain and hosting.
• Updates and security: an unmaintained WordPress site becomes slow and vulnerable. Our one-off maintenance costs 60,000 CFA F.
• Visibility: a website does not attract visitors on its own. Google SEO and social media make the difference.

In short

To get started, plan for 200,000 CFA F in the first year (showcase site + hosting and domain), then 100,000 CFA F per year to keep your site online. Want a quote for a specific project? Message us on WhatsApp, we reply quickly.