Take Your App from ‘Blah’ to Brilliant
Your mobile app is one of the most crucial ways users interact with your brand. After deployment, it’s easy to think that the hardest part is over. But like any digital product, your app requires regular adjustments to ensure it remains effective and aligned with your business goals. When was the last time you evaluated its performance?
“Users are becoming increasingly demanding, and mobile technologies are evolving rapidly. An app that worked well a year ago might already be showing signs of decline today,” says Stéphanie Mercier, Digital and CX Strategist at nventive. Here are a few indicators that could signal your app’s health might be declining:
- Decreased ratings in app stores
- Slow loading times
- High abandonment rates during use
- Low usage of key features
- Incompatibility with the latest OS versions
- App uninstallations
These indicators are signs that your app may no longer meet your users’ or business’s needs. But how can you get an objective overview of its performance?
Let’s revisit the key factors you should consider before diving in:
1. Mobile Optimizations:
Does your app fully leverage the capabilities of smartphones? Beyond compatibility with iOS and Android, think about using features like push notifications, geolocation, and connectivity with other devices. Are you maximizing native functionalities to boost performance? If you’re seeing user drop-off, it’s worth examining the smoothness of your mobile experience and how quickly your app responds.
2. User Experience (UX):
The user experience should be tailored to the users’ mobile context. Is your app optimized for on-the-go usage, different screen sizes, and quick task completion? A well-designed UX might include micro-guides to help users achieve their goals with ease. Accessibility should also be integrated from the start, ensuring an inclusive experience for all users, no exceptions.
3. User Interface (UI):
Is your app’s design both attractive and functional? A consistent UI promotes intuitive navigation, ensuring each interaction flows seamlessly. Effective design builds user confidence in navigating the app, which in turn boosts engagement. Adopting standardized design systems ensures your app remains easy to maintain and evolves smoothly over time.
4. Data Tracking:
Are you tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) to understand how users interact with your app? This includes monitoring user behavior, conversion rates, drop-off points, as well as technical metrics like server response times, crash frequency, and qualitative reviews from users. Tracking this data helps you anticipate necessary adjustments and optimize the overall experience.
5. Security and Privacy:
Cyberattack prevention and personal data protection must be top priorities. Your app should follow privacy by design principles, which involve ensuring encryption standards and routinely checking for exploitable vulnerabilities. A security audit can help you identify weaknesses and ensure compliance with current regulations.
6. Strategic Alignment:
Your app should do more than serve as a tool—it should support your business goals and meet market expectations. Does it still help retain users and convert prospects? Is it still competitive compared to other players in your market?
Why an Audit Might Be Your Next Move
A more in-depth analysis of the complex aspects of your app may require a detailed audit. For instance, optimizing your code or aligning your app more strategically with your business goals often requires advanced technical expertise and an external perspective. The audit results provide a strong case for communicating the necessary budgets and efforts to decision-makers to get your app back on track.
If you identify significant areas for improvement along the way, it might be time to consider an exploratory meeting with our experts to address the gaps and unlock your mobile app’s full potential.