{"id":29260,"date":"2023-08-28T11:36:48","date_gmt":"2023-08-28T18:36:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.helpshift.com\/?p=29260"},"modified":"2024-04-05T01:40:49","modified_gmt":"2024-04-05T08:40:49","slug":"7-must-have-features-of-a-successful-mobile-app","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.helpshift.com\/7-must-have-features-of-a-successful-mobile-app\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Must-Have Features of a Successful Mobile App"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Ever since businesses have realized the true potential of mobile apps, they have been keen to take advantage of them. And why would anyone ignore them, knowing that there are 6.648 billion smartphone users<\/a> worldwide (i.e., 83.72% of the total population)? And it doesn\u2019t end here. Estimates suggest that by the year 2026, the number of smartphone users will be more than 7.5 billion<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now an average smartphone user<\/a> has around 80 apps installed on their device, out of which they use ten daily. With so many people using so many apps, it would be silly of businesses not to enter this territory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this blog, we are going to see why mobile apps are important for business and what are some must-have features of a successful mobile app. Without further ado, let\u2019s get into it.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Importance of Mobile Apps for Businesses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A mobile app adds the X-factor to your business and makes it easier to retain and grow your customer base. Here are some of the benefits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Build Customer Loyalty<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Apps are far more interactive and easier to access quickly than traditional websites. And because mobile apps have to be present on the smartphone, they help brands build an instant relationship with customers and gain their loyalty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, the star point reward system that Starbucks has adopted gives a star to customers whenever they make a purchase. And when customers have five such stars, they get various discounts and sometimes even a free drink. Loyalty programs like these are one of the major reasons why Starbucks enjoys a huge and loyal customer base. To increase customer loyalty, practice-proven strategies and start using appropriate customer loyalty software<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Enhance Your Accessibility<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Obviously, mobile phones are easier to access. Everything a customer needs is just a click away. When customers feel secure purchasing and interacting with your brand, they are going to do it more often. And there a line that goes in business \u2014 the easier you are to reach, the more they\u2019ll come to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your app provides customers with an enjoyable experience, they are very likely to recommend it to others. This will boost your growth and will always keep you a step ahead of your competitors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Helps to Build a Database of Prospects<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When a customer downloads your app to purchase a product or service, you get an additional channel to fetch more details about them. If and once the user gives you permission to collect their data, you can use it for your other marketing channels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a business, this data can really help you in identifying what works for your customers and what doesn\u2019t. The more data you have, the better your recommendations will be and the more you\u2019ll be able to meet your customers\u2019 expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Helps Boost the Profits<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can\u2019t be a pizza lover if you don\u2019t know about Dominos. It is the leading American pizza restaurant chain that witnessed a 28% jump in first-half pre-tax profit<\/a>. Did the number of people who love eating pizza increase so much in just six months? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

No, this was mainly due to their app launch for online delivery and in-store pickups. This mobile app made things simpler for their customers, and this seamless customer service increased sales and profits. With an app that solves a problem and provides a better customer experience, businesses can increase their revenue significantly.<\/p>\n\n\n

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How Can a Mobile App Become Successful?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Other than the features that your mobile app provides, there are certain factors that play a key role in making your mobile app successful. Before you launch your mobile app<\/a>, your fundamentals should be clear, and then you have to ensure that the performance doesn\u2019t drop with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some tips to make your mobile app successful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Know Your Audience<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

First things first, you should understand your audience. No matter what you are planning to build, it will never be successful if you don\u2019t know who is going to use it. Knowing your audience helps you determine if your app really has the potential to become successful. You\u2019ll also know how you can market to these customers and on which channels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now how can one get to know your audience? Try checking stats and insights, keep an eye on trends, ask questions on forums, etc. We also recommend that you build an MVP first before going all in on the app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Offer Value<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your app must solve a specific problem that many people (a targeted group) face. These people are going to be your potential customers. If we look at one of the most downloaded apps<\/a> \u2014 Candy Crush, even it solves the problem of stress and boredom. When people are standing in queues or waiting for someone, this app offers an outlet for boredom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The benefit should motivate the user enough to download the app and use it. You can stand out from the competitors by giving the same service at a lower price, transferring the information faster, providing additional services, etc. Your apps value should align well with your consumer needs, technology requirements, and business needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Define the Business Model<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can\u2019t just wake up one day and decide that you will launch an app. You have to first analyze how this app can help you generate revenue. Most app developers go for the advertisement-based business model to monetize their apps. Some also go for the in-app purchases option. But these two are not the only options available. You should pick the one that goes best with your app and business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also take a look at your competitors\u2019 strategies. If a certain business model is working for them, more often than not, it\u2019ll work for you too. It all boils down to one thing \u2014 is your app generating profits?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choose the Right Technology<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

How you decide to build your mobile app plays a significant role in creating a path for success. If you don\u2019t use the right technology, the app might not perform the way you expect it to. As an app owner, that\u2019s the last thing you ever want. Here are three options you can choose from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Platform-Specific Native App<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Platform-Specific Native Apps are built for one particular device type \u2014 Android or iOS. Here the programming language is compatible with the hardware and OS of only the chosen device. However, when an app is built natively, it can leverage the hardware and functionality of the device to a larger extent which takes the user experience to the next level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cross-Platform Native App<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This type of app development uses shared SDKs (Software Development Kits), but the end product still runs natively. Flutter and React Native are two of the most common technologies used to create a Cross-Platform Native App. Here, you do lose out on some of the native advantages. But this is the approach to go with if you are on a limited budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hybrid App<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When an app is developed via a Hybrid approach, it becomes compatible with all types of devices and OS. It is also one of the most popular approaches because of its cost-effectiveness, rapid deployability, and portability. However, there\u2019s a compromise with user experience because you can\u2019t leverage much of the device\u2019s native components and interaction patterns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7 Features of a Successful Mobile App<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you are developing an app, it can be very challenging to decide which features you should focus on first. There are, however, some must-have features for every app, irrespective of their niche. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#1 Security<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Internet security is becoming one of the biggest global issues. And it\u2019s one that you should seek to tackle first. No user will want to risk their data by installing an app that\u2019s not secure. Most of the apps come with in-app purchases, or it\u2019s a service they are selling, meaning there will be sensitive details like debit\/credit card \u2014 security is something that you can\u2019t compromise on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hackers across the world might try to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n