3 ways to boost your app’s retention rates

After your small business app has been designed and launched, you’ll naturally move to the next stage of app ownership; marketing and retention. While a good marketing campaign will help your app to rack up downloads, it’s equally important that you also consider how you can keep those users interested in your app and engaging with it. This is known as retention. While it can be a challenge to ensure you app retains its place on the user’s smartphones, there are tips and tactics you can deploy to make this much more likely. Here are a few easy ways to get started:

1. Start thinking of the first use as early as possible

While you’re working through the design process with your app designer and planning your marketing campaign, it’s vital that you incorporate a seamless onboarding experience for new users. This maps out what happens when the user first opens the app after download. You want this to be a clear, engaging experience that shows the user where to find key features. Walking the user through the interface on the first use means they are more likely to engage with your app, understand how to get the most from it and return to use it time and time again.

2. Be proactive about feedback – and act on it

Some business and app owners fear feedback because of the potential damage a negative review can do. Don’t! Being proactive about soliciting feedback from your users can help you to retain them. Why? Simple. It shows that you value their input and gives you intel that allows you to quickly address any potential issues that could lead your users to delete the app from their device.

3. Regularly communicate with users

It’s easy to focus on achieving new downloads and forget to focus on those users you already have. When mapping out your marketing activity and app maintenance, build in regular communications with existing users. This could take the form of push notifications, special offers or early announcements of new features. Don’t assume because they have downloaded your app you don’t need to market to them. Being in regular communication keeps your app front of mind and can help it to stand out on devices which are cluttered with dozens of unused or under used apps.