Having a mobile app is crucial for business development, but only if it’s done correctly. Often times, businesses invest in mobile app development and actually hurt their reputation through poor management and design. While a good app developer can strongly supplement a business’s success, a bad one can severely damage its consumer base. Here are several costly mistakes to avoid for a new mobile app.
Focusing On The Short Term
Apps are great tools for marketing and can help you increase awareness. However, sometimes people expect far too much from their new mobile app development. Apps take time to gain prominence, and a lot of work goes into promotion. When you first launch your app, don’t expect a steep rise in downloads right away. Instead, work on getting the word out and improving its navigation, readability and experience. Additionally, try not to expect the app to turn a profit in the short term. Under 2% of apps make money on their own. Focus on building a solid foundation for your app and improving it over time.
Pushing Too Many Notifications
While it’s true that an app can help you keep in contact with customers, it’s also true that too much communication can hurt your business. Too many notifications can cause annoyance, and a lot of pop-ups or advertisements are just as frustrating. Customers will like your app if it adds value and convenience to their daily life. In this case, less is more. Keep your design simple and attractive. Only enable push notifications when necessary. Don’t be tempted to add flash and fluff to your app, or your users will get irritated.
Ignoring The Analytical Data
Apps can give your business a huge amount of information pertaining to users. The data they collect can show you what demographics use your app, how many engage with it and how many install similar apps. The analytical data can give you valuable insight into your business activities and operations. Many new mobile app users shy away from using this data. But tracking key performance indicators like user churn rate can let you target and tailor your mobile app. Without these statistics, your app will most likely become stagnant over time. Take advantage of the services available to your new mobile app right away.
Omitting The Maintenance Costs
While many apps are free, there is also a good amount of upkeep to consider when launching a new mobile app. One of the biggest mistakes people make is not updating their app regularly. Your app should have the most relevant content on it at all times. This may seem simple at first, but it’s important that the upkeep and maintenance continues over time. To avoid this common mistake, start small — don’t include too many features. Keep your app manageable, and account for the time, money and resources that will dictate its success. Often, the more effort you put into the app, the better payoff you’ll receive.
Budgeting Too Little For Marketing
Businesses often launch an app with little or no promotion, condemning their new project before it even starts. When you are working on a new mobile application development project for your company, it’s important to promote it. Put a sign on your business window, tell your friends or post it on social media. Designate a “Launch Day” for your new virtual helper. Marketing your app can help you gain traction and will enable it to stand out from all the other ones available to the consumer. Be sure to promote your new app, and then deliver on your promises with an exemplary user experience.
Your new mobile app can be a great addition to your business. Businesses that are new to mobile apps might get overly excited. Avoid creating an app that frustrates your customer more than it helps them. Make sure your expectations for your new mobile app are prudent. Take into consideration that app upkeep can cost time and resources. Moreover, take advantage of the analytical feedback apps provide and utilize it to increase your revenue. Finally, market your app before you launch to peak the public’s interest. Your business will gain a distinct competitive advantage if you avoid these costly mistakes for a new mobile app.