App users today have a tide of options to pick from. Their choices range from education, to entertainment, to lifestyle, among others. A direct consequence of this is a number of apps stand wasted, in app stores. These apps are downloaded, used once and then completely forgotten by the user.
Off recently though, the fate of apps seems to be changing. Flurry reports that the number of mobile app addicts is growing. A huge increase of 123% has been recorded between March 2013 and March 2014. The data is impressive. What is really note-worthy is that a 55% rise has been noted in the number of users who opened their apps between 16 to 60 times in a single day.
App developers have all the reason to pump their efforts. This new data gives reason to app developers to create the kind of apps, users can’t do without.
Let’s take a look at 5 interesting ways developers can boost app-engagement
1. Remove Entry Criteria
The app market is flooded with millions of apps vying for user’s attention. Instant gratification is the mantra by which an app can easily retain its users. Make sure to create apps which are easy to download and start with. Remove entry barriers to reduce the time a user can start using your app.
2. Create Targeted Content
An app is incomplete without apt content. While creating content, keep in mind your direct audience. Be experimental. Offer something unique and different to users. Understand where your content is being floated around. Create compelling content for different platforms such as social media, PR, App reviews, User Guide.
3. Guide the Users
First-time app users may be absolutely clueless about what they can expect. Offer a short, simple and quick tutorial. Don’t use complicated jargons to label apps. Be very specific and precise when you talk about the ‘actual value’ your app can offer your users.
4. Design for the Ideal User
Put yourself in the shoes of your ideal user before you even start to design. Keep the navigation simple and intuitive. Allow users to reach from point one to point two, without fretting. Boost ‘value’ via smart engagement methods. This will let users stay on and engage with apps better.
5. Get on Social Media
Kick-start a blog based on the app. Answer queries, give timely updates, trouble-shoot problems. Give app users a platform to voice out their concerns, suggestions or ideas. Create a socially interactive community for your app to improve engagement.
App is the Future!
Apps which set a direct connection with the audience; the ones which understand their users will stay in demand. For enriched user experiences, it is high time developers create awesomely engineered apps based on their user-psychology.
According to a report by ComScore, 46.7% users in United States and 41.1% users in Europe use their mobile just to use apps. This percentage is much higher in countries such as Japan. Here the mobile app engagement rate is 76%.
The above statistic has the following implications:
- The app market will continue to grow
- Apps providing interactive services will earn more revenue as opposed to ones which offer poor or no value
- User feedback plays a vital role to re-define the ways users perceive and engage with apps
