Statista predicts that the total number of mobile app downloads will exceed 218 billion by 2023. This significant increase is further emphasised by the estimated 140.7 billion downloads expected within the same year.
Despite the growth of the app industry, companies hoping to make an impact may find this challenging. Competition for users has become increasingly fierce, with Statista estimating that retention rates for popular categories such as comics, commerce and news were around 33% in 2023, but dropped to below 10% after 30 days in some cases. This is even more pronounced in less-visited sections of the site.
In order to be successful in the app industry, it is essential to create something that users will find desirable. It is therefore necessary to consider why certain apps have managed to gather such a large user base.
They Offer a Way Out
An effective app will provide its users with a solution to an issue or supply something that was previously unavailable. As such, when a user downloads your app, it should offer them a tangible benefit that improves their life in some way.
Google Maps is a great example of how technology can help people who struggle to follow instructions. Without it, they could easily become lost or disorientated. Over time, users become so reliant on the app that it becomes an integral part of their day-to-day lives.
That They Can Be Used With Minimal Effort
If users find the programme too complicated to use, they will not remain engaged. The purpose of the programme should be to make their lives easier, not more complicated. If consumers have to put in too much effort to understand how to use the interface or the features, then the product has not been successful.
Our primary goal for this product is to provide users with a simple, easy, intuitive and genuine experience. We want to ensure that users don’t have to go through laborious setup procedures or a lengthy user manual before they can start taking advantage of the product’s benefits. Therefore, we should strive to make the app as user-friendly as possible.
In a Word, They’re Straightforward
Many new businesses often overlook the importance of keeping their software simple. It is essential to prioritise a single, essential feature over adding a plethora of other ones. This ensures that resources are not spread too thinly, and customers are not given extras that they do not require.
Our aim is to make the user experience of our software as straightforward as possible. We should strive for an intuitive design, ensuring that any changes to the app’s functionality should be made with the original purpose of the software in mind and should aim to improve the user experience.
They’re Useful in Everyday Life
Successful applications are those that become embedded in users’ everyday routines. It is unsurprising that apps within the categories of comics, shopping, and news have the highest rates of user retention, as they are so integral to people’s lives. Conversely, the utility, productivity, and food and beverage industries tend to have the lowest retention rates.
Our aim is to deliver a product that can easily fit into the user’s lifestyle, be it a vital part of their daily routine or just a pleasurable distraction for when they have spare time. In order to ensure its long-term success, we must ensure that its appeal is not only transient; otherwise, users will be likely to uninstall it.
They Provide a World-Class UI/UX
The appearance and usability of a product are just as important as its functions. By creating an enjoyable experience through the interface, layout, navigation and other features, users can be engaged and retained. Every element, whether simple or complex, should be designed to enhance the user experience, from buttons to typefaces to animations.
They Are Cross-Platform Usable
Recent market trends indicate that Android smartphones are currently the most popular choice, with iOS devices lagging behind. Nevertheless, if you wish your mobile application to achieve maximum success, it is important to ensure that it appeals to both Android and iOS users.
Cross-platform development or the production of two identical native apps are both feasible options. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks; for example, cross-platform development could offer cost savings, while native app development could result in better app performance.
They Offer Superior Efficiency
If I download your app, how does it work and how quickly does it load? Performance is an important factor to consider when developing an app as users may become dissatisfied and uninstall the software if it takes too long to load or crashes whenever they attempt to perform an action. The app should run seamlessly and quickly, to the point that the user does not even notice.
One of a Kind
It is important to consider the current market when creating your app, as an existing solution for the given niche may already exist. However, there are opportunities to stand out from competitors by offering something unique. This could be a distinct feature or an alternative way of doing things.
You may have an edge over your rivals due to the demographic your software caters to or the pressing accessibility issue it addresses, for example. The design of your app may also be what gives it an advantage and sets it apart from other products in the same or comparable categories.
It is indisputable that the app industry has been a great success. However, it can be challenging to differentiate your product from the competition and make it a commercial success. Although measures such as resolving a major issue, enhancing usability, and adding a unique touch to the app are not guaranteed to result in immediate success, they are nonetheless critical.
