It is undeniable that mobile apps have become integral in our daily lives.

We use apps to connect with our friends and family. There is also an app that keeps us entertained. And we can also make payments using a mobile app.

But with millions of apps in Google Playstore and Apple App Store, how can you make yours stand out from the crowd?

Keep on reading to know:

1. Solve a Problem

According to a study conducted by DaVinci Payments, the COVID-19 pandemic drives many people to adopt mobile payments. Meaning, people are downloading mobile payment apps to allow for cashless transaction.

This shows that we download mobile apps to solve the problem.

That said, you need to build an app that can ease your target users’ burden.

It does not matter if you are creating a mobile payment app or a dating app. What’s important is that you solve a problem and do not imitate what is already in the market.

2. Know What Features to Include

Aside from solving a problem, your app’s features can also help increase your downloads.

Imagine there are two dating apps in front of you. They carry almost the same features, but one of them emphasizes security. Which one do you think will have the most downloads?

If you think it is the one that emphasizes security, you are correct. After all, mobile app users also put importance on their safety.

That said, you must layout your app features well. Doing so can help you differentiate your app from the rest and boost downloads.

3. Pick the Right Technology

When it comes to app development, how you build your app can make or break its success. That’s why it is imperative to choose the right technology. After all, you have three choices:

Platform-Specific Native App

This is ideal if you are making an app for a specific mobile platform: Android or iOS.

What’s cool about creating a native app for a specific platform is that you can leverage a device’s hardware to a large extent.

Cross-Platform Native App

As the name implies, this kind of technology allows you to develop a native app that users can download, whether they are using an iOS or Android device.

This app development approach uses Software Development Kits (SDKs). This makes it a cost-effective solution if you have a limited budget.

Hybrid App

A hybrid app works with all devices and operating systems. What makes this approach popular is that it enables cost-effectiveness, portability, and quick deployability.

Some famous examples of a hybrid app are Instagram, UBER, and Evernote.

The only caveat with Hybrid Apps is that you do not get to take advantage of native app components. Hence, you need to make some compromise with the user experience.

4. Make it Simple and Intuitive

Regardless of technology, what makes people stay with your app is its intuitiveness.

For one, a simple user interface does not consume too much bandwidth. It also ensures that a user can do his tasks without obstruction.

Imagine seeing a popup ad when all you want is to send a message to one of your dating app matches.

Moreover, you need an intuitive UX. When we say intuitive, it will be easy to figure out how to use your app.

So, if your dating app user finds it cumbersome to message his match, you are not intuitive.

5. Remove the Bugs and Glitches

According to a 2019 Mobile Usage Trends Report, about 60% of mobile app users clean up their phones at least once a month. This means they are removing apps that they do not need.

But what makes a user uninstall and delete an app?

One reason is that users do not feel that they are listened to. This explains why understanding user behavior is essential.

Another reason is your app’s performance. Too many bugs and glitches will force your users to abandon your app. This can also lead to many negative reviews, which will turn off your potential users.

Hence, it is imperative to monitor your app for any issues and release appropriate updates to remove them.

6. Ensure App Security

Aside from bugs and glitches, poor app security can hurt your number of downloads and ratings. Plus, it can pose a threat to the entire system.

When someone tries to hack your system, it also puts your users’ data at risk. This includes their personal information, credit card details, and geotag information.

Mobile app security and protection may be challenging to implement. But here are some standard security practices that you can follow:

• Implement safe communication standards, like certificate pinning, properly.
• Encrypt sensitive user data, local datable, cache, or API communication properly.
• Assign one token validation on each device, and set different session times and expiration.
• Make corrections in user session authorization and cryptographic key management when needed.
• Run general OWASP-recommended checks regularly.

7. Allow Third-party Integrations

Third-party integrations can help enrich your app and improve its UX. Thus, it encourages user retention.

Take Google Maps for example.

Using third-party integrations, Google does more than showing you the fastest route from point A to point B. You can also book an Uber ride straight from Google Maps.

Doing so helps boost your app’s credibility and provides a familiar experience to your users.

Nonetheless, you should not over-engineer it. For one, it can be time-consuming to implement third-party integrations. You may also end up wasting resources when you allow an integration that only a few people will use.

It’s All About Problem-Solving

Just because you are not a savvy engineer or developer does not mean you cannot build a successful mobile app.

As mentioned earlier, people download apps because they need a solution to their problem.

If you have a brilliant idea for a mobile app, you can always hire your development and marketing teams. Doing so can help your ideas come to fruition and ensure that people will download it.

Lastly, consider how you will execute your mobile app. Focus on where you are good at and delegate the rest. Keep in mind that a plan can help you run things smoothly.