6 New Year’s App Resolutions

As 2016 comes to a close, many are starting to think about what changes they want to make in the coming year – whether it be making healthier lifestyle choices, spending more time with family and friends or even learning a new language. And while updating a mobile app may not make it to the top of any list of new years resolutions, there’s no better time to make sure your app is the best version of itself it can be (no dieting needed!)

Here is a list of six resolutions to get you started:

1)    Get to know your users

What better way to figure out what needs to improve than by asking those that use your app. Don’t have an app yet? Do some market research to find out what potential users want. This process doesn’t have to be fancy – use an online survey tool like SurveyMonkey to collect data, and encourage participation by offering a small giveaway like a $50 gift certificate. This is a small investment that can go a long way.

2)    Collect and analyze user behavior data

Asking users what they want is useful, but understanding how users are actually using your app is essential. However, just collecting data won’t be of any value if you don’t make any improvements based on your findings. All the data in the world means nothing if it’s just sitting there collecting dust.

3)    Follow UI guidelines

Apple’s and Android’s UI guidelines are always changing, and in order to ensure a great user experience, apps should always follow the rules. If an app integrates the latest and greatest features of each OS, it’s more likely to be downloaded, used and enjoyed.

4)    Check your user experience on all devices

People use apps on lots of different types of devices: tablets, wearables or a good old fashion smartphones. According to the Pew Research Center, almost half of all adults (45 percent) in the US have a tablet. Your app should either be responsive and offer a good experience across all form factors, or it should narrow in on precisely the audience you want on the type of device they use.

5)    Make a monetization strategy

Some apps are made exclusively for brand awareness purposes, but on the whole, developers are looking to generate a revenue stream from their user base. After all, a lot of time and effort goes into creating an app. However, before diving into the world of in-app advertising, it’s imperative to pick the right platform and the right ad format – not everything is created equal. [link to Click Z piece if it’s live]

6)    Have a solid marketing strategy

Having the most innovative and useful app in the world won’t do any good if no one knows about it. With Apple and Google each having about two million apps on their stores, there is a ton of industry competition. Very few apps will be discovered by chance, and most developers will have to cut through the noise and proactively get in front of their target audience.

While the stats show only a small percentage of resolutions are kept, even just focusing on a few of the ideas above will do a world of good for your mobile app. Here’s to a great 2017!