Source: Pexels
As per Statista, mobile apps are projected to generate whopping revenue of 188.9billion USD by the year 2020.This data speaks enough of the unprecedented rateat, which the mobile application development market is growing. The number of mobile app downloads across the globe is expected to jump to a vast 258.2billion by 2022. So, it is quite evident that businesses can leverage a lot out of mobile apps.
While there is a considerable growth in the use of mobile apps for businesses, few data also show a reduction in mobile app usage. A survey by AppsFlyer shows that 28% of mobile apps get uninstalled within 30 days of being downloaded, which are almost 3 out of 10 apps installed. Other statistics by Localytics reveals that 80% of the mobile app users stop using an app within three months of its download.
So, even though mobile apps are widely used technology these days, not every application are appreciated by the customers. The reasons are many. Most of you are aware that mobile app development is a disruptive process that involves the realization of ideas, and harnessing of the right innovation in technology. Apart from making an app user-friendly, intuitive and interactive, it is important to focus on avoiding the below-mentioned mobile app development mistakes:
1. Not Doing Proper Market Research
Mobile app development involves huge investments. Therefore, just a great app idea would not suffice the decision to build a mobile app. Going for app development with proper planning and research is imperative. In this context, testing the market, conducting surveys and narrowing down the target audience is critical.
From the type of mobile app, to the needs of your target audience, and to the features that will engage app users – you should know it all. Doing a proper market research, would give you a clear idea about how to go ahead with your app development. In short, once you know who your target audience is, it would help you build an app that not only helps in customer acquisition (maximize installations) but, in customer retention (by deterring uninstalls) too.
2. Underestimating the Total Budget
As mentioned, app development incurs big investment. So, before you begin with the app development process, make sure to have a detailed scope about its resources and budget. It includes analyzing and evaluating the development hours, overheads, material, space, marketing, operation team, etc. To put it in other words, these aspects require a considerable capital investment. So, estimating the overall budget beforehand would make the whole app development process smooth and error-free. Make sure you save some for App marketing too.
3. Ignoring creating an MVP
MVP aka Minimum Viable Product is a way that helps you test your app amidst the customer base in real market conditions. It is an excellent way of evaluating the app’s performance. At the MVP stage, your mobile app will comprise of essential features only. So, coming up with an MVP before going to the advanced development level can save a lot of time and money.
MVP lets you accelerate the development process and release the initial version of the app. This, in turn, helps you get the feedback from customers, modify the app if needed and launch the final product with proper improvisation.
4. Construction of a Poor Mobile UI
Not paying adequate attention to the user interface of your mobile app is a mistake that you should seriously avoid. Just like it is important to woo with the first impression, same applies to your app as well. With thousands of mobile apps uploaded on the AppStore each day, a good UI is the key to customer attraction and retention.
From high-resolution designs to features like gesture-based interface, a good UI is all you need to be successful in the long run. Here’s a quick look at few of the excellent UI strategies:
● Always go with an app flowchart
● Include high-resolution images
● If including animations within the app, make sure it does not increase load time.
● Include cool UI elements that is addictive and engage users.
● Use less information on the app as too much information confuses the user and makes it hard for them to understand the app.
● Avoid fancy fonts. Rather keep it simple and articulate with system fonts like San Francisco. Also make sure you use a font that you have license for.
So, here are some common app design mistakes to avoid in order to stand out in mobile app market.
5. Overcrowding the Features
If you thought that customers love too many features, think again. It doesn’t make the app feature rich, but rather makes it bulky and cumbersome. Further, it even makes the app slow with increased load time. So, avoid wasting your efforts and money on unnecessary features. Instead, focus on lesser and targeted features that serve the purpose of your app. Take care that your app is useful and more comfortable to comprehend for the users.
6. Not Paying Attention to Testing
A bug-free app is all you need to make your customers happy. However, it is possible only when you pay attention to testing and app analysis. Make sure you test your app thoroughly before the final launch to deliver the best performance.It is also critical to test it on multiple devices, so that it renders perfectly in any device. This would help you get a thorough insight into where your app stands amidst competition. Moreover, for releasing a top-notch version of your app, it is vital to get it tested by a third-party or a professional mobile app development agency.
7. Not taking reviews seriously
Feedbacks are critical for the success of any app. So, don’t ignore this critical aspect of app development. Remember, you are developing the app for your customers. Therefore, it is crucial to take into account their reviews and feedbacks. It would help you understand their needs and preferences clearly. This is where multiple iterations of customer feedback can come in handy – helping you make necessary changes in the app based on what users and customers want.
8. Building an app for too many platforms
Including too many platforms for your app initially can be counter-productive for your business. It unnecessarily accelerates the initial cost of app development. Therefore, before jumping into the mobile app development bandwagon, do proper market research. Firstly, decide if you should go with native app development or cross-platform app development.
Having the right customer feedback can help you decide which platform to choose. Once you have launched the app on one platform (Android, iOS, or Windows) see how successful it is. Only when you are sure about your app’s success on one platform, plan the development for another platform.
9. Not paying attention to updates
The mobile app development process does not end with its launch. It begins there. So, regular app updates are critical for attracting new users and retaining the existing ones. You can do this by keeping a check on reviews. It will help you get a clear view of the shortcomings and make app improvements as and when needed. From fixing bugs to introducing new features, make sure you update your app proactively and promptly.
10. Being biased to one platform
Platform-specific affinity is common when it comes to mobile app development. So also, are broad assessments that more people use iOS or Android applications, as per their own analysis. But, on doing a comprehensive research you will know that iOS applications are a monopoly only in the United States, whereas Android apps are there to be lapped up by global audiences in the rest of the world. Build for catering to the users of both platforms, but remember UI vary for both. So, pay attention to the visual aspect of your mobile app, irrespective of its platform.
Over to you
Mobile app development mistakes can be a significant hindrance in the way to mobile app success. Take a cue from the mistakes stated above and make sure to avoid these while pursuing your standard app development process. It would not only give you a clear idea about your market, but also help you modify your app as per the requirement of the customers.
Remember, app development is all about engaging customers in a way that helps you grow your business and get ample return on investment. Therefore, pay attention to aspects such as need identification, requirement analysis, customer validation, app testing, app launch, etc. after having an in-depth customer survey. The feedback you get from there is the way your app will reach new heights of success in no time.
