At the moment, there are over 2.7 billion smartphone users on the planet and it shows that the mobile app industry thrives to this day. Smartphone penetration is growing at a steady pace and so is app usage. Signs are, none of them will slow down in the coming future, it is better to Increase Mobile App ROI.
But, why is it easier said than done when it comes to making a mobile app? The truth is, there are a plethora of mobile apps on the marketplace but only half that amount is worth using. It is because most of those apps provided a bad user experience, had privacy issues, were not useful and the like.
It is also easy for most apps to lose their place in the ever-competent marketplace. Yet, the marketplace can become saturated, provided the app is not able to serve a proper segment or is a ‘niche’ app.
There is however a glimmer of hope in the world of mobile apps and their development.
Ever had a look at the apps of brands such as Instagram, McDonald’s, Starbucks, Uber and the like? They have successfully used mobile apps to boost their loyalty, amplify sales & revenue, and enhance the overall experience.
However, a large chunk of other brands has struggled to find an effective strategy to keep their apps afloat.
How important is it to develop worthwhile mobile apps?
App development does not merely pertain to just investing in an app. When an app is in development, it has to fit the goals of the organization or brand in focus, while consolidating the brand’s loyalty. It must also be backed by an impeccable marketing plan & a robust product strategy.
Creating a customer relationship that endures the test of time is never easy because a lifelong customer relationship aids in creating the best brand loyalty ever. As of today, loyalty is itself a rarity, because the options present are without bounds and competition is tougher than ever.
It is thereby imperative for brands and organizations alike to understand their target audience, realize the importance of an impeccable mobile app strategy and focus on providing a top-notch user experience. It will then be easier for both brands & organizations to then create an exceptional mobile app.
Proven ways of improving return on investment on your mobile app
No brand or organization should give up on their mobile app strategies, because there are ways, they can save their apps. Let us have a look at proven techniques to amplify & improve the return on investment on mobile apps.
1. Ensure the app’s performance is top class
The mobile app’s performance is a crucial measure in order to maintain a relationship with app users. Research proved that if app users face issues in their loading speed, then they will reject the app. Last year’s app retention rate was 38% and for 2019, it is expected to be 32%.
In order to ensure the app browser converts into an app user, brands must ensure that their app’s loading time is fast and the user’s experience if free from any bugs and errors.
If the app has a loading time of more than 2 seconds, then it is considered as a slow-loading app. Such not only raises the app’s bouncing rate but also results in Google pushing it down in the search engine result pages (SERPs).
Brands & organizations should not rush in checking the app’s performance and its user behavior. They should take time and should leverage by using the appropriate tools to ensure the app is exceptional in a positive sense.
2. A first-time user’s experience is vital
The fact that a substantial number of apps are used once indicates that app developers must ensure making a user’s first-ever experience with the app worth the buck.
Currently, app developers in the marketplace are launching walkthroughs (guided tours) to introduce the app to prospective users and showcase what it has to offer.
App developers should focus on keeping apps simple by means of spontaneous design. But, achieving it is at times a serious challenge. Also, they can add overlays in their apps in order to help first-time users understand its interface and features.
3. Making the onboarding process easy for new users
The login & account creation process on any app is a tricky process, and such is renowned for drawing away previous first-time users.
However, a vast majority of apps require users to login in order to enjoy its full range of features. Hence, it is imperative that the process is optimized.
App developers can test different options for login; such as login through a social media account (Facebook, Twitter, etc.), logging in through an email or no login needed at all (if possible). Such helps create the login process seamlessly & quicker.
App developers can also conduct trials with the login process’s timing. They can do the same by asking users to create logins when they are beginning to use the app or using the app after a certain number of tries.
4. Improving communication with users
The best part of a mobile app is that it encourages two-way communication.
App messages deliver the developers’ message to users in a convincing manner. Research indicates push notifications boosted user engagement by 88%, 65% of users returned to an app within 30 days once-push notifications are enabled, and more than 50% of users find these messages worth it.
Hence, the right push message delivered to the user at the right time does wonder. Each brand, organization and developer alike must understand is that customers and app users prefer to be in control.
Brands and organizations often forget the fact that excessively & untimely messaging can turn off users easily. Hence, it is imperative for both to offer users the flexibility to opt for push notifications and turn them off at any time they wish to.
It is important to earn the users’ trust today when communicating with them through in-app messages because that will help brands & organizations learn valuable insights and then in turn offer users treasured & worthwhile offers.
5. Creating customized user segments via precise targeting
App developers need to work together with brands & organizations alike in order to create the best & relevant content for their respective users.
Such is possible with the aid of detailed and flawless insights, which can help create the best-customized content based on behavior, demographics and users’ references right in the app itself.
This is one of those reasons why mobile apps have a higher level of user engagement. This ensures its presence as an effective marketing tool useful in raising ROI.
6. Retain users by offering them rewards
Loyalty may be a rarity, but it certainly is not scarce. More than half of smartphone users download apps in order to receive discounts and special offers.
App rewards delight both first-time and regular users. It also raises downloads thereby increasing both brand loyalty and user retention.
For apps that do not have users coming back to them in some time, re-engage them through the right incentives or by means of a loyalty program based on rewards to increase Mobile App ROI.
7. Enable social sharing in apps to keep users engaged
Today, it is imperative that brands collaborate with their app developers to allow social sharing in their respective apps to ensure users can share certain moments on social media.
For this purpose, the app development company needs to make one that is social in its fundamental characteristic. When users share about it on social media, their connections will get a chance to learn about the app resulting in its promotion.
Allowing app users to share an app’s content on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) help it gain traction. Fitness apps, games, lifestyle and ride-sharing apps have social sharing options hence a rise in their respective popularity.
BeepMe, AirBnB and Couch Surfing make social sharing easy for their users.
Conclusion
Brands need to be active and keep determining what is best for their app. accordingly, they need to optimize their marketing strategy & branding efforts in order to determine the best mobile app ideas.
The aforementioned tips have been proven to help any brand’s app bring it the best return on investment. Such even gives them the opportunity to gather loyalty, creating brand admiration and bringing joy to customers.