Why apps fail and how to avoid the same mistakes

Although there are currently around 6 million mobile apps available across a range of digital marketplaces, there are a lot of others that didn’t make it in the virtual charts. Despite the fact that leading mobile tech companies like Apple have invested billions into the app development industry, hundreds of apps every year still fail to last longer than 12 months. The causes of this can vary but here are some of the common issues that you should focus on if you hope to develop a successful app.

Lack of market research

In the world of technology and business, sometimes a million dollar idea is worth nothing when it comes to the execution. Having a unique and creative idea is a great first step towards developing an app but it’s vital that the process is driven by data and market research. If you jump headfirst into the development of an app without carrying out research to see if there is a gap in the market for your brand, you may find that your app is dead in the water once it hits the store.

No originality

There are hundreds of apps across all major mobile platforms that are essentially copycats of their more successful counterparts. This is a mistake that many developers make in the rush to pierce the industry and increase download figures. While it’s good to take inspiration from successful apps and follow trends within the market, innovation and originality are key if you hope to stay relevant within the app industry.

Poor marketing

Many developers fail to focus on promoting their app which means that consumers are often unaware of their release. An effective digital marketing strategy can be equally as important to the success of an app as the product itself. Brand promotion is particularly important during the lead up to release and throughout the early stages of an app’s time on the market.

Insufficient testing

The development process can be a trying time for any developer or business owner which is why many make the mistake of rushing to get the final product released without testing it properly and ensuring there are no bugs or usability issues. Carrying out testing at all stages of the development process or using a pre-developed app creation service will help to avoid this issue.