The popularity of mobile devices and the subsequent surge in app development has quickly led to the crowding of apps in all fields and niches imaginable over the years. Today, mobile app users have a myriad of alternative options and can easily uninstall apps whenever they want to, unless they find an app useful enough.
If your business runs mobile apps, always remember that user experience (UX) can affect your return of investment (ROI) in one way or another. This is why your app should be able to capture your target audience’s attention and make the connection last, which you can do by enhancing mobile app UX.
A good UX starts with a good UI (user interface). If your mobile app could use some improvement, you can start by assessing and understanding the needs and preferences of your members and target users. Then, plan the development process. This can be easier with the help of a product roadmap software program that will create a clear direction for your project. You can also share your product roadmap with your customers to build user anticipation towards your upcoming changes or new features.
But to make sure your improvement will indeed create a better version of your app with a more efficient UX, here are the top tips you should keep in mind.
- Simplify Tasks
Mobile devices have smaller screens. To make it easier to use, your mobile app should use a design and layout where the menu is easily accessible but not too cluttered. There should also be a search option on every page to help users find what they need faster no matter what section of the app they’re in.
If you’re running an online store, make checking out simpler and forms shorter. Eliminate unnecessary questions. If it’s a membership site, registering and logging in should also be simple and easy. Remember that your goal should be to make tasks easy to understand and a breeze to use. Ideally, it should only take a few taps for users to finish the tasks they want to complete.
Lastly, your customer support feature, which is a must, should be easy to access as well. You can use a live pop-up chat support box that appears on every page, an FAQ page, or a contact form that users can easily get to. These accessible options for assistance will give your users confidence about your brand’s reliability.
- Optimize Speed
Most web users, especially the ones on mobile devices, easily get impatient when it comes to loading times. If you want to avoid a high bounce rate and excessive app uninstallations, your mobile app should be fast enough to load pages and process tasks.
Mobile apps that work fast are also seen as more reliable. Moreover, an optimum speed will complement your simplified tasks to give your users a truly smooth and seamless UX.
- Keep It Touch-Friendly
Modern mobile apps should be touch- or tap-friendly for obvious reasons. Mobile devices are popular because of the convenience they offer. If your app is difficult to use on a mobile device, then it just defeats the purpose.
Your design should also be tactical enough so users can easily glance and scan through the entire content with just a few taps, swipes, and clicks.
- Personalize User Experience
Personalization is important when it comes to user engagement and retention. Wherever applicable, display personalized, relevant content according to the user’s profile. It can be based on their location, gender, or recent user behavior.
When sending messages and notifications, address them directly with their username. However, avoid too many notifications as they might be perceived as spam. Instead, focus on sending few but highly relevant content with good quality.
- Enhance Security
Security is a must for any web-based service to be truly enjoyable and reliable. If your mobile app is based on a membership site or an online store, it means you collect private information from customers. Therefore, you should also have strong security protocols in place such as data encryption and multi-factor authentication for users, among others.
Make your policies clear and as detailed as possible to convey reliability when it comes to data protection and security. Also, displaying security badges and certifications such as those from your SSL, encryption services, GDPR compliance, and the like will help encourage users to trust your app, especially if you collect financial information.
- Gather And Leverage User Feedback
Your customers surely have something to say about their experience using your mobile app. Take advantage of every opportunity to ask their insights about the quality of your app especially after rolling out updates. More importantly, use both positive and negative feedback as a starting point to further improve your mobile app’s features and functionality.
Conclusion
Planning a better user experience for your mobile app users ideally starts with an understanding of your customers’ needs and preferences as consumers. To keep your mobile app useful and engaging, always leverage your user’s profile, behavior, and feedback. All these, when used correctly, will help you create a seamless and error-free user experience that will keep them coming back.
