With millions of apps currently available, it’s statistically likely that a large number of these consist of dead apps. Apps become ‘dead’ when they’re not regularly downloaded, or are no longer opened by a user after downloading. It’s estimated that up to 96% of apps downloaded by a user are no longer used within a month! These apps then remain on the device, never to be used again, creating app graveyards, home to neglected apps that have failed to maintain interest.
Don’t risk this happening to your app! Here are six reasons why apps end up in this doomed graveyard while others thrive:
1) The app is a battery drainer
Many users have encountered apps that are battery hogs, sucking the juice from their devices. In a technology-driven society where long battery life is crucial, these battery draining apps are a big no-no. If a user encounters a fast draining battery when using your app, they’re likely to banish it straight to the graveyard. To avoid this, your app must run as efficiently as possible. Keep in mind that GPS functionality is notorious for battery hogging, so ensure this function is switched off when not required by your app.
2) The app isn’t necessary
Many apps based upon websites exist unnecessarily as a fully functional mobile site is already accessible. Creating a native app for a website when no real need exists can be a waste of time, effort and money. Users may not use your app if they realise your mobile site is just as convenient. A great way to avoid this is to give your app a function that is not available on the website.
3) The app doesn’t work as expected
A common cause of graveyard banishments is an app failing to function as it should. A single negative incident can be catastrophic to a user, such as an alarm app crashing and a very late arrival to work. When something goes wrong with any app, a user can lose trust in it forever and turn to a competitor’s app instead. To prevent this, thoroughly test your app before release to keep unexpected issues at a bare minimum.
4) The UX is badly designed
When a user downloads an app, they expect an experience that is intuitive. If an app is too difficult to navigate or has learning obstacles that are arduous, it’ll head straight to the graveyard with no second chances. If your app has a complex interface, provide a tutorial for first time users, teaching them how to take advantage of all functions.
5) The app raises privacy or security concerns
If an app asks for too many permissions when downloading, users can become hesitant to trust it, especially if these permissions aren’t made transparent. Why would an app need to access your contacts when that’s unrelated to its primary function? To avoid privacy concerns, provide your users with full transparency by disclosing to them why certain permissions are required.
6) The app has excessive loading times
It’s said that a user forms an initial opinion of an app within several minutes. If those precious minutes are spent waiting for an app to load, it’ll soon be relegated to the graveyard. Make sure your app doesn’t leave users waiting too long by slimming down large files where possible. If long waiting times are unavoidable, consider including an animated loading screen to maintain interest.
Let the team at Appz build you an app that will stay alive!
As a leading app development company, we have the experience and knowledge to build apps that have lasting power. We can assist with all aspects of app development, from design right through to coding.
Contact the team at Appz today for an app that’s very much alive and kicking!