Sneak a peek into an ordinary household, and here’s what you’ll likely find – a girl glued to Instagram stalking the new boy at school, a guy deep into PubG fiasco, a woman giving a pep talk to one of her girlfriends on Skype, and a man stuck to some Netflix thriller.

You may flip the characters, but the bottom line stays the same – technology is overtaking the lives of every individual dwelling in this century. And apps play the lead role in this digital drama.

Given the growing acceptance of apps, it seems like the moment you step into this market, the cash will start rolling in. The reality, however, is not so sweet. The sheer volume of apps in the market is creating fierce competition. As of August 2019,a total of 4.42 million apps were available in the Apple and Google Stores.

It is natural for developers to look for a magic pill of success. Sadly, there isn’t any!  

The best way to beat the odds is to consider all factors beforehand. Study the metrics on existing apps. Evaluate user reviews and their demands.

What is it that people yearn for? What features of an app will drift a user away?

A study byCleverTap shows, users abandon 80%-90% of apps only after one use. Wacky numbers like these are enough to scare you! Before you change your mind, we are here to help you through the process. Note the following factors of successful apps, and you’re good to go.

#1 User-oriented

Apps don’t come out of thin air. It must have a solid strategy at its core. And this begins by knowing your audience.

Track the demographics of your target audience. Understand their pain points. Then, work on incorporating a strategy to resolve all issues they are facing. One way of doing this is to conduct online research and surveys. Ask your prospects for their demands.

Also, when you’re designing a user-oriented app, you must pay attention to securing regular feedback from the customers. Steps like these make sure your app gets more active users, retains them, and builds an esteemed position in the market.

#2 Stunning UI/UX

The design of an app reflects the level of effort put into it. User Interface and UserExperience of an app mark its success or failure. The design should be such that it grabs the instant attention of the audience.

According to a study by Microsoft, the attention span of an average person in this era is eight seconds. Make sure your app is capable enough to hook people within eight seconds. In case it lags, or the icons clutter the screen, you do not stand any chance.

Following are some UX design elements you must work on:

·      Loading time

·      Image quality

·      Proper spaces

·      Smart use of white areas

·      Social buttons

·      Easy login functions

·      Font types and sizes

If your app is not visually appealing or has performance deficits, people are hardly going to try it again.

#3 Optimal Security

Mobile app security is no longer an option.It has become an absolute necessity. The very thought of your data compromised by corrupt cyber criminals sends shivers down your spine. Who knows what they will be doing with the information?

A successful mobile app ensures that the algorithm has a perfect security system ingrained. The developers test and measure security repeatedly to weed out all the loopholes. It is an ongoing process as the malicious minds are progressing with tech.

A recent story covered by Wired shows, over 900 million Android devices can fall prey into giving root access to nasty apps. Another feature in The New York Times revealed, iOS also has its share of unknown weaknesses, highlighted now and then.

Amidst the growing troubles, your task as a developer is to integrate a highly secure system on your app. Make sure you publicise this strength online.

The audience has a strong tendency to checkout virtual words about an app. If they plan on installing the AirG LifestyleChat app, they’ll first study what people have to say about it and overall AirGreviews.

#4 Unique Selling Point

The old school rule of sale, unique selling point, applies aptly in the app stores too. Whatever niche you choose, your app will give the first impression of your company, the service you offer, and business acumen for potential clients. Hence, it is essential that your app stands out and extraordinarily fulfils these needs.

Begin by scrutinising the top five apps in the same genre. Once you know the capabilities of these apps, it is now your task to come up with a proposition that supersedes functions of those apps.Essentially, a USP is a feature, service, or design that sets you apart from others.

For example, the unique selling point of the Nike app is its close attachment to professional athletes. It advertises the gear used by top sporting talents.Plus, there is a section where professional sportspeople share pro tips with their fans. It also brings you a chance to win tickets to major sporting events.

The key here is, a USP has to be on point, compulsive, and deliverable. You have to be extra careful about your offerings and how it will impact your reputation on the app platform. Making false claims and promises will bring you downloads initially. However, the bounce rate of the app will increase when users get to know the reality.

Final Thoughts

To say, the factors listed above, are all you need to make your app successful is not correct. Rather, they are a few basics you need. Combine with some other fundamental aspects and ask yourself hard questions about the efficacy of your app. It is imperative to offer a distinguished service/product or experience to your users.

Evaluation of big shots like Instagram, Netflix, Spotify, and Tinder gives us one rule to stick by – focus on the customer. Sure, technical skills matter, but you must use them to solve problems of your customers.

Now, what about you? How do you plan to set off in the app market?

Author bio                                                                                                    

Andrea Bell is a blogger by choice. She loves to discover the world around her. She likes to share her discoveries, experiences and express herself through her blogs. You can find her on Twitter:@IM_AndreaBell

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