9 Major Reasons for Mobile App Failure and How to Avoid Them
Are you thinking about launching a mobile app? If so, it’s important to know that not all mobile apps are successful. Many mobile apps fail shortly after their launch for various reasons. Mobile apps have become an integral part of our daily lives, allowing us to stay connected, stay organized, and get things done more efficiently. However, not all mobile apps are successful. Many mobile apps fail shortly after their launch for various reasons.
Before commencing mobile app development, one should hire dedicated mobile app developers or a team that can conduct comprehensive research to generate value and eliminate customer pain points.
Google Play and Apple App Store will have more than 5.7 million applications combined. By 2023, it is anticipated that mobile app revenue will amount to $201 billion. Mobile app revenue has outstanding year-over-year growth, with a CAGR of 19.5%. Consumer app spending might surpass $270 billion by 2025.
Let’s find out why mobile apps fail since there are hundreds of unsuccessful ones for every successful mobile application currently famous worldwide. In this article, we’ll go through the mistakes to avoid while developing a mobile app that might lead to failed apps.
Whether you’re a seasoned app developer or new to the world of mobile app development, this blog is a must-read for anyone looking to increase the chances of their mobile app succeeding in today’s competitive market. So, if you want to learn more about the common mistakes that lead to mobile app failure and how to avoid them, keep reading!
9 Reasons for Mobile App Failure And How to Solve Them?
Mobile is not simply the new digital center but also the link to the actual world. Mobile will thus revolutionize your whole business and have an impact beyond merely your digital operations.
The effort and care put into development can make the difference between a mobile app becoming a huge hit or a complete disaster.
The following are the main reasons why mobile apps fail that you should consider before launching your first product.
We will explore 9 primary reasons for mobile app failure and discuss how to avoid them. By understanding and addressing these common pitfalls, you can increase the chances of your mobile app being a success.
Insufficient market and audience research
Thoughts about how much users would adore your software are simple to form, but can you support your views? Have you studied the market? Have you looked into the strategies used by your rivals?
A unique user base is taken into consideration while developing mobile applications. Due to the vast range of user preferences, it can be challenging to create apps that are appealing to all users.
The more narrow your target audience is, the more difficult it will be to find buyers interested in your products.
Suppose you design an app without researching, identifying the target, and strategizing use cases and features that appeal to that audience. In that case, you may end up with a product that you believe people will want but that they do not.
However, how can you determine precisely what to build for your users? How will you meet their needs and go above and beyond what your competitors can provide? Consider a minimal viable product that provides the features necessary to address a vital issue for a group of users and be made available to the public.
How to deal with this:
Focus on something other than making quick sales; consider how you can provide your consumers something of value, whether it’s entertainment, knowledge, or a service.
Bringing a new product to market should be iterative to test assumptions about consumer behavior and the product itself. An adaptable approach is highly beneficial if you want to meet your customers’ needs and sustain their interests continually.
Wrong Platform
Mobile app developers sometimes have to pick their fights. They need to decide if it is profitable to devote the time and money required to create an app for each mobile platform.
For instance, Android users are used to a hardware-based back button. Apple products need this. Failure to consider such platform-specific information may have a substantial negative impact on the user experience.
Furthermore, it becomes a significant issue when apps need to run better across various devices, networks, and operating systems. When an app, for example, runs smoothly on an iPhone but not on an iPad, users become irritated.
How to Deal with this:
It’s crucial to consider platform differences while developing many platforms. Apps that don’t accomplish this effectively can lead to frustrated users. Assuming that the average user will determine in less than a minute whether or not your app is worth using, a little annoyance may equal a lot of failures.
Confusing UI and User experience
Your users might be hesitant to download your software if it is not user-friendly for your intended demographic. For instance, older people could have trouble tapping tiny buttons on your user interface.
They will be able to accomplish the action more frequently when controls are built with ample room.
Designing an app involves more than simply looks. The success of your app depends on creating a user experience that is easy to use, easy to navigate, and designed with the user in mind. There are several variables to consider when it comes to the user experience,
- Terrible navigation
- Using icons and typography poorly
- Inadequate search functionality
- non-responsive actions.
Understanding why every one of the many user types uses your software is essential. Remember that conducting usability tests with members of your target demographic can benefit your app and your comprehension of the demands of its users when it comes to interface design.
How to Deal with this:
An effective UX design develops solutions that satisfy the client’s and users’ requirements and ultimately operate within the constraints of the technical platforms.
Users will only abandon the app if the signup page is simple and the login forms are easy to access.
Keep the login screen clear and highly visible to make it simple to access for visitors.
Communication Gaps Between App Developers and Designers
Design distinguishes an excellent mobile app from a fantastic one. The minimum functionality is what a specific piece of software will offer, although people like aesthetically pleasing programs.
Developers find it irritating to have a great concept that needs to be abandoned due to the design team’s lack of creative contribution. The creation of mobile apps should be a collaborative endeavor.
How to deal with this:
Complete documentation with all pertinent images is crucial for a brand-new piece of software. An app wireframe, a comprehensive feature list, and a narrative of what your app does should all be included in the documentation.
In most cases, a skilled developer will anticipate getting these from you.
In return, the designer team, agency, or developer will offer suggestions for improving the app development process. If changes are made ahead of time, both the developer and the designer may be able to save the project.
You will learn about the developer’s communication style during this first conversation and be able to decide if it is best for you.
Improper Testing
If you release the app without performing adequate testing, all your hard work—including your research, designing, and coding—will be for nothing. Your brand’s reputation might be harmed if the app enters an infinite loop of updates or stops working completely.
According to a survey by Blancco Technology Group, 58% of iOS-based smartphones have performance issues, such as apps crashing or components shutting down (BTG).
Although testing is a no-brainer, it’s believed that users discover 44 percent of flaws.
In comparison, 24 percent come from direct user input, and another 20 percent via online user evaluations in app stores.
While it’s rare for an app to debut without a few small errors, ensuring you thoroughly test before releasing will help assure there are no significant problems. Without enough testing, an app is prone to having flaws that negatively affect the user experience and cause crashes.
Even one crash makes users more inclined never to use it again. In reality, crashing applications are a recurrent theme in the unfavorable reviews posted on app stores. Furthermore, your app will likely fail the more bad reviews you get.
How to deal with this:
To conduct thorough testing in several areas of a mobile application, you need a committed team of quality assurance and testers.
To ensure that your application is as market-ready as possible, app testing must be carried out extensively and according to a set procedure. You’ll unlikely get another chance if you don’t attract users the first time.
Insufficient Funding
Funds are yet another issue that frequently arises while developing applications. Knowing the approximate cost of your mobile app as a whole is important. It requires ongoing investment. For every upcoming value increase, your app needs money.
It is challenging to obtain adequate statistics on how frequently businesses run out of cash before attracting enough customers to generate revenue. However, it occurs often enough that several companies have begun developing new app finance methods to address these cash gaps.
Before choosing your app developer, you should conduct considerable market research if you are not technically inclined. As always, quality counts. It is not enough to simply have a mobile app for your business; you must also have a successful mobile app, and quality work should be prioritized.
How to Deal with this:
While developing a mobile app, mistakes can be avoided by establishing a cost strategy at the beginning of the app development process. This includes
- What kind of budget are you anticipating?
- With your current financial situation, can you endure to the end?
- If something goes wrong, are you ready?
Improper Marketing
While the developer is relieved of the responsibility for your software, you should assume marketing responsibility. A marketing plan is where an app would genuinely have a chance to demonstrate its potential; if you are not using one, then you have no right to blame the app.
One of the key elements that will help you launch your app is a marketing plan that will endure from the start of the project until the app starts to acquire traction.
Most mobile app developers don’t spend money on app promotion. They need to realize that if they don’t promote their software, the audience will be able to learn about it. As a result, the software will only be able to engage a small user base.
How to Deal with this:
Follow a successful marketing plan to assist your mobile app in crossing the finish line. Use social media marketing and other companies to let users know how useful your app is over, say, 3 months to more than 12 months.
Before the app is released, allow users to learn about it and discuss the features that instantly allow them to accomplish their goals. Improve the success rate by increasing the number of users and downloads.
Inadequate Monetization Strategy
Most people believe that when they design an application, they will:
- Design and develop the app;
- Promote it;
- Attract new and returning clients;
- Become rich quickly;
Mobile application failure is sometimes attributed to a lack of innovation, key features, a lack of a clear target audience, subpar mobile app development, or poor usability.
However, mobile app owners need help to monetize their products is the most common cause of financial failure for mobile apps.
A strong monetization plan is still required even if the design, development, and marketing are done well. Without one, anticipate that each successive step will be challenging. Progress is indeed more accessible when there is money flowing in.
How to deal with this:
There is no restriction on choosing one monetization strategy. You can have as many revenue methods as your development budget allows, but keep in mind that each may necessitate the inclusion of a module within your app.
- Premium app sales
- In-App Advertising
- Freemium model
- Subscription model
- In-App Store
- Vanity products and services
- Newsletter promotions
Premium applications undoubtedly generate revenue, but free apps function more effectively overall. More than 90% of premium applications receive fewer than 500 downloads per day.
Remember that the money you may earn per user from premium apps is strictly limited. A well-designed F2P or Freemium model stays away from such restrictions.
Lack of Customer support
Poor customer service on mobile devices may result from a lack of engagement with customers via the app. In other words, poor customer service for mobile apps will squander the money used for app development and promotion.
Using a cloud phone system to be effective with your time, money, and patience a key to providing customers with a wonderful experience. Brands must always exercise patience while giving their customers a good experience, just as they respect their customers’ time and money.
However, how a company handles these situations might mean the difference between short-term consumer loyalty and turnover. No matter how hard you try, challenging customer scenarios will inevitably arise.
How to Deal with this:
Add additional and better customer service tools so users can access support immediately when required. Make sure the customer service portal or area is simple to find. It should be integrated into the main interface to make it as simple as possible for customers to start a live chat or other communication channels.
Conclusion
There are several reasons why an app could fail. If you want to succeed, avoid the types mentioned above of errors. Your chances of success will improve if you avoid all of these errors—a practical app benefits from an iterative development approach.
Ensure your software is efficiently coded and includes flexibility to help you remain on schedule and within budget. Your mobile app development flow can be better prepared when you accurately evaluate and plan your team’s capacity.
Similar to the advice in this article, several mobile app development services may give qualified support. Working with a mobile app development company can help ensure your product stays dormant on Google Play or iTunes.
