Launching your minimum viable product (MVP) app does not guarantee long-term user engagement. So think about all the apps you use daily versus those you’ve forgotten existed. The successful ones all deliver three things better: value, engagement, and user retention.
To create an app that users will adopt and return to again and again, follow these core product development principles:
1. Prioritize Value in Your App Development Strategy
Every action in your app must add real value to the user’s experience. Everything else should be removed. Whether it’s for entertainment, convenience, or efficiency, this value must be experienced by your end-users.
Consider these four methods for increasing the value in your app:
Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) Must be Clear
Ask yourself: why should users download and continue to use your app? A compelling USP should be clear from the moment users find your app store page or marketing site. Whether your app saves time, simplifies a task, or provides entertainment, its core value must be instantly understood. Marketing is key to successfully communicating this value. For example, this Fortune 500 Medical Company’s sales enablement app added value by simplifying their selling process.
Make It Freemium (and Provide Transparent Pricing)
Offering a freemium model for your app lowers the barrier to entry, making it easier for users to experience your app’s value right away. With freemium models, remember to avoid deceptive paywalls that force users into subscriptions after a key event, especially when they’ve invested a good chunk of time in your app. This can lead to frustration and high churn rates.
Enhance User Convenience in Some Manner
How does your app make life easier? Does it simplify online transactions, streamline communication, or offer one-tap access to information? The best apps remove friction from these everyday tasks. Some examples of convenience-driven apps include:
- Banking apps that eliminate the need for in-person visits (Chase).
- Navigation apps that provide real-time traffic updates (Google Maps).
- Task management apps that help users organize their calendars (Trello).
- The non-profit app A Little Is Much offers a simpler option to donate.
If your app doesn’t offer a significant convenience factor, there’s room for opportunity.
Stay Relevant and Periodically Release New Versions of Your App
Apps must evolve with your users’ needs, as end users are not only getting older but also younger. To stay relevant, it’s important to monitor customer feedback, track user behavior, and implement periodic updates to improve functionality. For customer insights, leverage tools like:
- In-app surveys to gather user feedback.
- Usage analytics to determine which features drive engagement.
- A/B testing to optimize UI/UX elements.
In addition, consistently improve your app with routine app maintenance. In doing so, you increase its relevance and reduce churn rate.
2. Focus on Stickiness to Increase User Retention and Adoption
“Stickiness” refers to the urge for users to return to your app over and over again after their initial download. A sticky app is one that integrates seamlessly into a user’s daily routine, making it indispensable. Sticky apps also have very engaging features. Here are a few ways to increase your app’s stickiness:
Use Strategic Push Notifications
Out of sight, out of mind. This phrase is especially true for apps. To stay top of mind, push notifications serve as gentle reminders to encourage users to return. These notifications can include discount offers, recent updates, tasks awaiting them, or an important alert.
However, push notifications should be used sparingly to avoid annoying users. Overusing them can lead to notification fatigue, causing users to disable notifications or uninstall your app altogether.
Here are some best practices for using push notifications:
- Personalization: Tailor notifications based on end-user selections and behavior.
- Relevance: Notify users about meaningful, interesting updates, not spam.
- Timing: Avoid sending notifications at inconvenient hours.
- Content: Keep notifications short and sweet.
Create Interactive & Engaging Designs
Responsive, interactive designs enhance engagement. Apps that provide immediate feedback make the user experience less stale and more dynamic and engaging.
Examples of engaging designs include:
- Progress bars for tasks that motivate users to complete actions.
- Haptic vibration when pressing a button or screen.
- Notifications showing real-time updates.
Ensure a Frictionless Onboarding Journey
Users want apps that get to the point quickly, not one that creates unnecessary obstacles. A smooth onboarding process is essential for user retention. If your app is confusing or difficult to navigate, new users and even existing ones may abandon it before fully exploring it.
Consider the following ways to optimize the user experience and journey:
- Simplify registration/login: Offer options like Google, Facebook, or Apple sign-in and minimize data collection during signup.
- Minimize steps to complete tasks: Reduce clicks, screens, and menu layers.
- Provide in-app guidance: Use tooltips or tutorials for new users and design layouts to point them in the right direction.
Organize Content Effectively
Users who struggle to find core features are more likely to abandon your app. Well-structured layout and navigation reduce confusion and improve user satisfaction. For Mobile Health, the UI was designed to organize and streamline health testing procedures at scale.
If you think you’re facing content organization issues, check out these best practices:
- Group related actions together for easier navigation.
- Use clear labels that people can understand, not internal jargon.
- Provide a search function for quick access to information.
- On the database side, similar data should be stored in the same table.
3. Encourage Long-Term Engagement Through a Community & Gamification
A great way to extend user retention is by integrating community-building features and gamification elements to keep users engaged.
Social & Community Features
Adding social components can increase app stickiness. Consider incorporating:
- User profiles: Encourage personalization and deeper engagement.
- Activity feeds: Keep users connected to trends, actions taken, and updates.
- Sharing features: Allow users to share content with friends.
Gamification for Increased Engagement
Gamification techniques can boost engagement and turn casual users into loyal and addicted customers. They work because, at our core, we love structure and competition. Below are examples you can use to gamify your app:
- Badges and achievements for completing tasks.
- Leaderboards to encourage friendly competition.
- Daily challenges with rewards to drive repeat usage.
- Progress bars to guide users through the app.
Popular apps like Duolingo and fitness tracking apps use gamification effectively (progress bars, badges, leaderboards) to keep users progressing over time.
The Bottom Line
Successful app development requires more than launching a great idea; it demands a strategic approach to user retention, adoption, and engagement. Focus on:
- Delivering real value through convenience and relevance.
- Increasing stickiness with thoughtful UX and strategic notifications.
- Encouraging long-term engagement with community-driven and gamification features.
Looking to build a high-performing app? Let’s discuss how our app development experts can help you create an engaging, user-friendly experience today.
