According to recent research, people use about 30 apps per month, which is about one-third to one-half of the apps installed on their phones. On a daily basis, however, people tend to open 9 apps per day.
While mobile apps can be a great tool, they are tricky to get right. In fact, according to Fortune, 75% of users open an app once and never return!
Now, how do you build an app for your organization that delivers content and services to your customers and ensure repeat use of your app?
Here are three best practices for mobile app development to consider:
1. Simplify Your App
Simplicity should be the main theme of your app. Make purchases and navigation a smooth process for your users. The more requirements and steps you have, the more space (and time) you’ll take up on their mobile screen. Too much clutter will make users more likely to uninstall your app. Therefore, keep it clean!
Break down your payment process into a series of clear, organized steps, in which the user clicks ‘Next’ and is directed to a new screen. Also, think about how mobile users hold their devices! Place ‘Buy’ and ‘Next’ buttons in the lower area of the screen to make purchases even easier. Place negative ‘Exit’ or ‘Remove’ buttons in the top, hard-to-reach area of screen, while maintaining a consistent menu structure on each screen to enable users to quickly find what they’re looking for.
Make an app too complex with numerous tasks, requirements and options; and users will either shift to their desktop, or worse – shift to your competitors. Remember, you don’t want too many users shifting to their desktop. Yes, you may still end up getting business, but you lose out on both mobile-only users and your big investment in launching your new app.
2. Personalize Your App
To stand out from competitors, it’s crucial to make an emotional connection with your audience. In your app, show users that you care about their experience. The more that users realize you care about them, the more likely they are to become loyal customers.
You can personalize your app in a variety of ways. For example, create a design that pops. Just like your website, avoid too much text. Include small images and animation and show users that you took the time to deliver an advanced, quality app. Also, offer product suggestions for users based off of their previous purchases. Try limited-time special offers based on their preferences, as well. If they provide you with their information, perhaps offer a birthday promotion. You get the idea. There’s plenty of ways to personalize your app!
3. Push Value - Not Notifications
Too many push notifications will annoy your customers and cause them to uninstall your app. Along with making a personal connection, remember to bring real value with your notifications. Alert users of personal, relevant information; such as payment confirmation, delivery status or limited-time promotions based on their preferences. Find out what your users really want to hear about and keep your notifications to just these instances.
However, when sending push notifications, do not send multiple messages over a short period of time. Limit and mix up your notification delivery as well. Set up your most important, personal messages for specific users as push-notifications, which are sent straight to their mobile device. Have minor promotions as in-app notifications, and send out company news and public announcements via email and social media.
Get Started
Luckily, you’re able to outsource mobile app development projects! While you can try building one yourself, remember that all apps must be approved by Apple or Android before they get listed in their app marketplaces.
Since building a new mobile app can be a costly project, with the cost of a basic mobile app starting at $35,000, it’s important to understand how these work and whether that type of investment is right for your organization.
To help ensure the launch of your new mobile app is smooth and successful, we have included links to several good resources below: