There isn’t an iota of doubt that mobile app development has indeed come a long way since its nascent days. But with technology getting more impressive with every development cycle, there’s large margin for mistakes which could affect app performance and ultimately user experience, all of which could jeopardize businesses.
Mobile App development is a task critical process that takes immense focus and if the final product doesn’t appeal to the end user, it results in a criminal waste of money as well as time. The following statistics highlight how mobile devices have permeated the lives of millions around the world:
- As of 2017, the global app market was estimated to be worth $77 billion.
- Apps account for 90% of the time spent by users on mobile devices.
- In 2020, apps were estimated to have generated more than $185 billion in revenue via app stores and in-app ads.
While the above statistics hold true, a telling statistic is that 80% of app users stop using them 3 months after downloading it! This is because of the myriad mistakes developers make while building apps. This is why many organisations prefer customised app development.
Here we look at some of the most common mobile app development mistakes that developers must avoid.
1. Putting too many features
Customised app development often leads to situations where developers incorporate too many features into the apps without comprehending that this could affect core functionality and make the overall experience cumbersome, which increases the cost and time for app development. It is wise to focus on the core features that enhance performance.
2. Simultaneous deployment across platforms
If businesses plan to launch the app concurrently on multiple platforms, it adds to the development cost and time. It is best to focus on one platform, i.e., either IOS or Android app development, to deploy a minimum viable product at the earliest.
3. Overhaul without feedback
Updates are critical to success, and businesses must collect as much information and feedback from customers before making any changes.
4. Blindly ape other apps
While it is good to learn from popular apps, blindly replicating other apps will not add any value to your product and will lead to bad credit in the industry.
5. Insufficient testing
It is important to run apps through various testing modules (impartial third-party experts) before deployment to ensure a bug free, smooth user experience.
6. Lack of monetizing strategy
It is crucial that businesses have a solid long-term strategy to monetize the app, such as in-app purchases, advertisements, etc. to make up for app development costs and other expenses.
7. No marketing strategy
A robust and multi-tiered marketing strategy significantly improves the reach of an app and attracts many users that will eventually lead to easy conversions.
8. Lack of data analysis
Analytics help glean important user information such as in-app behaviour, retention, and session durations which can be used to tweak performance and app offerings.
9. Steep user learning curve
An app with a simple, intuitive user interface helps retain users and reduces drop rate. A complicated interface leads to unsatisfied users and reduced engagement.
10. Focus only on numbers
Businesses generally tend to focus on the number of app downloads, but critically, retention of a new user, is equally, if not more, important. Users who come to the app regularly drive engagement and are the mark of a successful app.
11. Paucity of planning
Before releasing an app, businesses need to answer the Why? Who? and What? of the app. Many organisations fail to decide what the app brings to its users.
12. Not planning for hidden costs
Organisations, whether they choose Android app development, or any other platform are highly optimistic about app usage and retention & fail to consider running costs such as content development, maintenance, and periodic updates.
13. Poor UI / UX
The primary aspect that defines a good UI and UX is a user-centric interface that must be enhanced through regular feedback.
If you are looking for a mobile app development company that does not commit the above common mistakes, contact the experts at Smart Sight Innovations for a free quote.
