3 Things App Developers Don’t Get Right The First Time
The app development industry has become increasingly competitive in just the last decade and is yet to become even more competitive in the coming years. However, even with increased competitiveness, app developers remain liable for making errors. This is true even for the more advanced developers who, in spite of the natural rule of thumb, may indeed get better at developing apps, but tend to slip-up every once in a while. Nevertheless, most errors are fixed shortly after. But this only happens after they have gotten it wrong the first time.
With that said, here are 3 things app developers rarely ever get right the first time.
1. Not Meeting User Expectations
A very common mistake that often interferes with an app’s fluidity is the failure to meet user’s expectations. This is rarely ever done right the first time, seeing as it can be tremendously difficult to meet the millions of different expectations set by current and future users. However, getting it right the first time can greatly benefit an app’s reputation, since the “first impression is the last impression”. Some of these expectations may include providing an app’s manual that helps users get around the app with ease. Nevertheless, some users prefer to figure things out on their own.
It is important to remain mindful of the fundamental expectations which help “make or break” an app. These expectations usually refer to the things that come after an app is released. This is because simply developing an app is not enough, as you should also look to inform users about why they need it. With that said, developers should always look to study the market and competitors, as this can provide invaluable information. Moreover, a developer should always make sure to provide the basic features, as well as further features that users may be expecting. Such features may include plugins, like with music producing apps, which must look to include a wide array of synthesizers. The music producing professionals stated in https://samplified.us/blogs/news/what-is-sound-layering about the importance of including a variety of sonic information, as it can help get all parts of the music producing process done quicker while resulting in a more polished track. This is due to having this consideration remove the need for ‘fixing it in the mix’.
2. Not Exploiting Technology’s Full Potential
Many times, app developers will make the mistake of not exploiting the technology’s full potential. This can be frustrating for some users, as it could make very little sense to them. This is also shown when the backend does not meet the basic infrastructure, which can lead to the app crashing or also cause glitches. Furthermore, many developers will look to include an abundance of features, which can sometimes be overabundant, thus making the app overly complicated. This mistake can act as a deterrent to users and have them stop using the app.
Additionally, one thing that is rarely done right the first time includes not developing an app for the right or relevant operating systems. An issue that often stresses users involves their inability to use an iOS app, if they are Android users and vice versa. For this reason, accessibility should always be an option to avoid such issues. However, developing for too many platforms can also be an issue.
3. Absence of Marketing
Nothing can hurt an app more than the absence of a marketing campaign dedicated to catching people’s attention and informing users more about your app. The marketing of the app is what alerts users to the existence of your app. Moreover, users can be reluctant to try an app and may be somewhat convinced. This is achieved by advertising your app to the target audience. Typically, marketing strategies should focus on blogs that allow you to promote your software and areas with high traffic, which can include other apps. The app’s promotion can either be online or on the streets. However, it is crucial to your campaign that you provide just enough information about the app, with most developers choosing to highlight the key features of their software. This should include how and when your app is useful and what it can do.
Avoiding these 3 common mistakes is important, even though none of them are fatal nor lasting; but they can do some damage along the way. Furthermore, the reason app developers do not get these 3 things right the first time is usually due to a lack of extensive trials and tests conducted, which can help developers avert any of these issues. With that said, always look to include these three things, while also conducting sufficient trials and tests, so that you may tweak the app to better suit a user’s taste.
