Looking for how to create a huge mobile app success? Why not start by learning from the best like Uber, Snapchat, and Tinder!
Annual Revenue:
Uber: $2B
Snapchat: $100M
Tinder: $50M+
The mobile app economy is thriving with huge successes like these 3 listed above. However, the reality is that many entrepreneurs only hear about the successes and dream of creating a product like these 3 dominant apps, instead of learning from them and all others that succeed on a smaller scale – and even those that fail. With 99% of apps failing miserably to attain any substantial revenue, Appreneurs should take a closer look at what makes the top 1% a mobile app success.
1. Solve a problem
With millions of apps on the market, it’s critical that your mobile application solves a problem that many customers share. If you do not currently have an app idea, take the time each day to think about each problem you may face. Personally, laundry is not my favorite task and I would definitely pay for a service to take care of that. Now, it becomes time to do the research – see what other similar apps are in the market, how you can improve the service or target a specific niche. But, do your research! Your opinion, or your family and friends is not enough to invest your time and money into. Aim to survey at least 100 people before moving forward.
2. Marketing. Marketing. Marketing.
Many entrepreneurs make the mistake of thinking that if they can front the cost of app development, then the app will grow through word of mouth and be wildly successful. Well, Uber didn’t grow millions of users overnight. It is important to establish a pre-launch, launch, and post-launch marketing plan to push your concept into the market to at least give your app a chance at success.
Also, know your customer! Where are your users most likely going to be? Will they be watching Disney Channel or CNN, will they be on Facebook or Instagram, etc.?
3. Killer Distribution Strategy for Your App
Want your app to really take off, then establish a distribution strategy that rewards your current users for attracting new ones. This also falls under knowing your customer inside out. Again, take the time to get to know your potential customers before you develop your app – know what they want, why they want it, where they spend their time, why they spend their time doing that, what their Mom does for fun, you get the idea!
4. Simplicity is the Key for Mobile App Success
This cannot be stressed enough. In order to retain users, your app must be intuitive. UX/UI principles are indispensable to create a mobile app success. Working with an experienced custom software development company would be a smart move to leverage their experience in key design principles.
5. Make the Mobile App Free
How many apps on your phone do you currently have that were paid? It is projected that less than 5% of apps will be paid in 2016. Subscription models, paying for services, and app upgrades/purchases work, but paying to download almost guarantees failure.
Got your mobile app idea already? Let’s talk