As any app developer can tell you, these days it takes more than compelling content to get users excited about your mobile application. Beyond that, keeping their attention once they are interested is not a given. Businesses need a strategy for their app’s engagement and user experience.
Here are some tips to consider before you start your mobile app development project. Not only will they help you improve the user experience of your application, but will help you increase engagement with your application.
Do Your Homework
Consumers are used to apps with good user interfaces and will rapidly abandon substandard apps | Photo: Kārlis Dambrāns (Flikr)
As mobile apps have grown and evolved over the past few years, many companies have rushed to publish a mobile app or web site. Because of this we have reached a point that only apps that are engaging will be used by consumers. Consumers are familiar with apps with good user interfaces and will rapidly abandon substandard apps.
Carefully review apps that have are doing well and evaluate what works for those apps. Keeping up with the times is important too. Are flat interfaces in or more dimensional types of interfaces? What type of navigation is your target demographic used to using?
Put Your Users First
When you start your app development process, put yourself in your customer’s shoes and try to understand what they would want in your app if they choose to download it. Avoid over complicating your app, most successful apps have a tight focus rather than trying to be all things to all people. Then you can review and prioritize these features and expectations to start to formulate a streamlined experience that will appeal to your consumers.
Keep in mind that the attention span of most mobile consumers is very short. Some say as short as 8 seconds now (Microsoft). You don’t have long to grab your user’s attention. The best way to do that is to avoid the hard sell and focus on improving your custom’s user experience.
Keep It Easy to Use
When planning your user interface for your app remember to keep it easy to navigate and devoid of clutter
Remember the qualities of the mobile format and how your users use their devices. You will want to provide concise content without unnecessary clutter. Make sure to use readable fonts that are easy on your customer’s eyes. Don’t forget to peak their interest by suggesting other items or content on your app by suggesting they look at what is trending on your app. Or make use of editor’s picks or customer favorites.
Personalize
No longer can businesses simply create a single ad and just hope it will do the trick. These days businesses need to understand their customers and deliver content based on their likes, preferences and buying habits. Consumers have come to expect personalization.
If your customer is going to engage with your app through their phone, they expects a personalized user experience. To do this you will need to utilize data from their demographic info and app usage, additionally you can factor in context by considering their geographical location. Users are often willing to provide info on their interests that can help you customize the user experience and make it more relevant.
Final Thoughts
Mobile phones have changed our lives and the way we do business. You will need to understand how to market your brand via these amazing devices as soon as possible. The opportunity is there for those that choose to do so.