Building an app? Avoid these common mistakes

You must have heard that app stores (Google Play Store and App Store) are exploding with content.

New apps are being launched each day, with no sign of slowing down.

Instead of putting your business off, you can take the ‘glass-half-full’ approach. With this approach, you can turn the table to your side by building an app with a mobile app builder.

If you are considering turning your app idea into reality, you need to avoid the things that might fail your app. Have a look:

BRANDING MISTAKES

1. Complicated name

While building an app, the name of your app is the first thing you need to start with.

Creating a complicated name will probably block your customers’ minds. A name that has too many syllables, is difficult to pronounce or does not really make sense can turn off your potential customers.

2. Trademarked name

You have come up with an overwhelming name and published your app. But, all of a sudden, you get sued because of the name of the app.

Now, you need to change the name, and all the branding and PR you’ve done so far will go in vain. You surely do not want this.

Solution:

If you want to have a catchy name, which is both descriptive and functional, experiment with adjoining words together.

Facebook, Instagram, QuickPic, Citymapper, and many others are great examples. Only the name of these apps can help you guess what these apps are meant for.

However, if this approach also fails, then you can think of short and snappy names. Choose a name that hasn’t been taken and reflect the identity of your brand.

CONTENT MISTAKES

3. Too many features

‘Bigger is better,’ this proverb not always works right. In the world of mobile apps, where everyone is aiming for building an efficient app, it’s refreshing and useful to think ‘less is more.’

App creators try to toss every other feature in the app just because it exists. They probably think that the app will then appeal to an extensive audience.

Considerably, it’s a misguided idea to put every type of feature in the app, since bulky apps are not useful for anyone.

4. Unnecessary content

Try not to fill your app with the content just because you can.

Overloading the app with too much content should not be one of your goals. If there is too much stuff to read or to navigate in the app, it becomes more of a task rather than a pleasure for your users.

Solution:

Researching and understanding the market is the key. Make sure that you have a better grip on what role your app is trying to fulfill.

Your app should have content, which opposes the idea that ‘bigger is better.’ The app should focus on a specific subset of people and give them exactly what they want, without fillers.

Also, you can simply keep the primary functions and content in the app. This gives you three benefits: first, you can examine essential elements of your app; second, you can provide complete attention to developing these sections; third, you can get feedback for the extra element that people are looking for.

However, this doesn’t mean that you have to implement every user-generated function. You need to see what is trending in the market and what your target audience is looking for.

DESIGN MISTAKES

5. Not focusing on user experience (UX)

Most of the app builders do not focus on the UX of the app.

Although UX encompasses many areas, the basic focus is on creating an app that users can pick up quickly and use intuitively.

For instance, if it takes more than three swipes, or taps for a user to get something, it is an example of a bad UX.

However, you can create an app via AppMySite, a mobile app builder that helps you stay in the game. You can even build your app for both Android or iOS.

6. Inconsistent design

Design separate features within your app to make your users engage with the app. These sections help you keep things consistent in terms of color palette, background and more.

Also, you need to keep this color palette in mind when you are adding new buttons, menu items, or call-to-actions within the app.

The design of the app, from section to section, should also remain consistent to help users get the hang of your app.

7. Awful logo/icon design

Logos and icons of the app are the first things that potential users see. However, if they find these logos and icons unclear or unattractive, users will simply be scrolling ahead.

Also, awful design, heavy words, pixelated images, and clashing colors are the reasons behind an app store rejecting the app and preventing it from launch.

Solution:

The design of the app should be simple and clear.

Today, the material design is trending. It’s worth going for material design when you are designing your app. You can also create flow diagrams as it is a great way to visualize user flow and experience your mobile app before you start.

Keep a consistent and complementary color palette within the app to entice users. It’s worth the investment to get a well-designed logo and icon.

MARKETING MISTAKES

8. Last-minute marketing

You may forget about marketing when developing your app. This can be hazardous. There are many factors that you should always consider.

Planning your app marketing strategy right from the starting to the launch is essential. You need to ensure that the right media sources are aware of your app. If you expose the launch dates of your app, you can get the word out and boost the launch figures.

9. Not considering app store optimization (ASO)

Do not ignore the power of app store optimization. ASO is all about optimizing different factors, such as app title and description. This optimization helps you increase your organic search volume.

Simply put, app store optimization means that your app should be easier to find among millions of other apps out there.

Consider ASO right from the beginning, as it affects all aspects of your app, from the app name to its marketing and designing.

10. Not understanding your audience

You cannot avoid your target audience. Everything about your app should reflect the purpose and appeal to those, it is being made for.

Mobile apps generally fail if you do not segregate your audience when creating an app. This discretion can be gender-based, age-group based, location-based, or interest-based and cater to their needs.

11. Not responding to your audience

The mistake of not responding to your audience usually arises post-launch.

Most app makers simply forget about the customers once they have launched the app. Also, they start ignoring negative comments.

You need to make sure that if a user comments, particularly when they have an issue, you should get back to them offering support. When a user receives responses to comments, it shows that you care about them and your app too.

Solution:

Create a marketing plan, once you start building your app. Outline your search with important dates, marketing channels, advertising opportunities, and key contacts.

Do some market research before you implement any marketing plan. Gather statistics and information about social media channels that are frequently used by your target groups. Alongside this, you can use more beautiful color palettes and the best forms of advertising.

For app store optimization, the key is to understand the need for it. Once you are aware of it, proceed to optimize your app, including name and description. It is also important to choose the right medium for the implication of these ideas and the right tool to build your app.

It’s time to rethink about building an app with a reliable source. AppMySite is one of the best mobile app builders that helps you contribute something user-friendly to the spectrum.