Mobile App 101

In part 2 of our Mobile App 101: Registration Forms, we take a look at two different registration formats, how we can combine different types of registration methods in Part 1 and the Design & Implementation side of registration forms.

Optional Registration

Optional Registration allows users to skip the registration process and jump right into your mobile app.

It allows users more freedom to actually decide if they like the App before giving you their personal information. This drives up App usage but could reduce the amount of registration overall. Those who do register however will be your core demographic. They are the ones who are interested enough to register and get more content, forming the core of your loyal member base.

Combination

There are pros and cons to each different methods of registration. But why not try combining several of them to maximize conversion rates? By offering several methods of registration, you allow users to choose the method they are most comfortable with. It might require slightly more effect on the development front but the rewards are well worth it.

Design and Implementation

The registration screen will probably be the first few opening screens your users see when they fire up your App. As such pay attention to the design and user-friendliness of it. Have a clean and modern design. Make the important fields immediately clear and visible. Remove any unnecessary features or graphics that clutter the screen. Android and iOS platform has different layout, shortcuts and utility for fields in forms. Therefore it is something the respective developers should take note of.

If necessary, provide short texts to explain why you need that particular info. Your App may also be downloaded by someone installing their first App. Simple and “obvious” fields may just go over their head. It might be prudent to provide a set of simple instructions to guide people along with minimum frustration. A potential factor that can significantly increase conversion rates is to provide an explanation as to why that particular set of data is needed. Transparency is key.

An important thing to note is that different demographics have different demands and comfort zones. Different users are comfortable with giving away different types and amount of information. Younger audiences tend to willingly share their E-mail address, connect their social media or give their phone number. More mature audiences are less likely to give information such as phone number and E-mail addresses for fear of telemarketers.

Apps for iPhone 5s and above can utilise Touch ID for registration. Using your fingerprint is quick, convenient and most importantly, secure.

Point of Registration

Lastly, you could change the point of registration. For example, you could wait until a certain point in app usage before prompting them to register. This allows them time to get drawn into the App before capturing them. Something for mobile developers to ponder on is that you can even integrate the registration process into your tutorial or learning pages. Thus creating a fun, interesting and unobtrusive way to get users to register.

As a Final Point

If there is nothing else you take away from this, just remember, everything you hate about filling up forms, your user probably does too. So make it as clean and simple as possible for your potential member base.

Check out our other Mobile App 101 articles.