Smartphone users spend more than 80% of their mobile time on just 5 apps.
What happens to the rest of the apps they install on their devices? About 90% of them end up in the trash can after only one use, which destroys their chances of racking up 5-star reviews.
Do you want to develop an app that not only hooks users but also convinces them to spread the word about it? Read on to learn about the 3 characteristics that the most successful apps have in common!
1. Lightning Fast Loading Time
Research shows that most users will ditch an app for good if it fails to finish loading within six seconds.
Is your app a bit sluggish? Here are a few steps you can take to boost its performance:
- Compress images
- Optimize SSL and TLS
- Cache content
- Use fewer templates
- Trim unnecessary features
For best results, avoid waiting until the final part of the development process to begin testing your mobile app. Fixing performance problems and catching bugs early saves you time and money in the long run.
2. User-Friendly Design
Once users make it past your splash screen, they’re looking for two app design points: clean visuals and easy-to-use navigation. The less time users have to spend trying to figure out what’s happening on their screen, the less of a chance they’ll become frustrated with your app.
Make sure your navigation menu is visible, and use recognizable menu icons. Bottom navigation bars work best for apps with three to five primary destinations. That said, you can use tabs if your app has less than three destinations.
While you want users to find the info they need in as few taps as possible, don’t scare them off by giving them an excessive number of choices. Optimize your in-app search UX instead.
3. Strong Data Security
Did you know that a sensitive data leak can occur due to something as common as an app crash?
That’s precisely what happened with MDLive’s mobile application. As a result, the woman who was a victim of the leak filed a lawsuit against the health provider.
Platforms like Apple are getting more and more selective, making security one of their top priorities. In order to adapt, familiarize yourself with common app vulnerabilities, or look for experienced app developers that prioritize security.
Additionally, provide your users with a summary of your privacy and security policy, and make it easy for them to opt out of data sharing.
Learning from the Most Successful Apps
Launching a mobile app that doesn’t have at least a few of these elements will likely lead to one thing: negative customer reviews. Since all but 16% of the U.S. population trusts online reviews as much as advice from friends and family, having a low average review score will drive away many potential users.
Now that you know what separates the most successful apps from the rest, want to learn how to ensure your app’s success? If so, check out our article on why details count with a new app!
