It’s tempting to think of user acquisition as the most crucial statistic for evaluating mobile app success, but even high download rates aren’t worth much without active users. Brands are ready to spend a lot of money to get users, but this is just the start. The value comes from retaining and app user engagement.

Mobile app user engagement and retention are two metrics that provide valuable information about an app’s success. Low app engagement and retention spell doom, but high engagement and retention spell success.

How to boost app user engagement?

TIP #1 EFFICIENT ONBOARDING:

So, first and foremost, you must make your app accessible and straightforward to use. According to Localytics, a smooth onboarding process may increase app engagement by 50%.

However, how can you make the most of your onboarding process?

Emphasize the app’s utility: Don’t cram your whole feature set down the users’ throats. Instead, concentrate on their advantages. Start with the most crucial element and save the less critical ones for later.

Users’ time is valuable: Allow users to test out the app features without having to swipe through a million text-heavy windows.

Teach through an example: Allow users to see the outcomes of the critical activities they may perform inside your app by walking them through them. If your software is relatively complicated, don’t show all of its features right away.

Please bring it to a close with a boom!: Improve user engagement by including a call to action at the end of the onboarding experience.

When a user meets an unexpected interaction, provide contextual hints.

TIP #2 ALLOW THE CUSTOMERS TO “TRY BEFORE THEY BUY”

Apps that require a login or authentication, particularly a social login like Facebook, should never ask for it upfront. Before forcing users to sign up or log in, let them explore your app as much as possible.

This is based on the idea of proving your product’s worth before asking a consumer to commit. The user does not need to log in in browse or read-only mode, which is straightforward.

TIP #3 SIMPLIFY THE PROCESS OF CREATING AN ACCOUNT AND SIGNING IN

Ensure various options to sign up for an account (sign up with Google, Facebook, etc.).

Consider giving a login-free experience for those on the fence, and requesting that people register an account before seeing the actual value of your software may result in their abandoning it. Allow people to use your app as much as they like and only need a login when essential.
You’ll need to ask permission if your app requires access to personal data.

Some users may quit if your app requires people to fill out too many forms with personal information. As a result, request relevant information during onboarding and save the rest for later.

Another excellent piece of advice is to only ask for permission when a user uses a feature that requires it. Don’t forget to give the context of your requests. Explain what you’re looking for, why you’re looking for it, and how it will help the user.

TIP #4 IN-APP MESSAGES

The more closely your app experience matches a user’s wants and tastes, the more likely they will stick with it. User retention ranges from 61 percent to 74 percent for brands utilizing in-app messaging to interact with users within 28 days of receiving a message.

Also Read: 8 Best Practices of In-app Messaging for Better User Engagement

In-app messages are alerts that don’t need to be responded to right away but are still crucial to hear. Warnings concerning app problems, payment failures, and version updates are examples of these. You have to keep in mind that not every message you send will be appropriate for every user. By segmenting your audience, you can guarantee that the content they get is relevant to them.

To do this, some applications employ device features like location to send customized messages to individual users, including real-time updates and links to personalized content.

You may utilize in-app messaging in your onboarding process; for example, A message explaining how to operate a feature will appear when a user uses it for the first time.

TIP #5 PUSH NOTIFICATIONS

Sending a welcome push message or delivering valuable information as users go through the app are interactions by being deliberate and purposeful in reaching out to users.

Providing relevant store discounts based on geography and usage habits, for example, is an excellent way to get people to use your app. Interacting with consumers is also an ideal approach to re-engage users who have abandoned the conversion funnel.

Also Read: Creative push notifications templates that work for any app

TIP #6 DEEP LINKS

Deep links are a type of URL that takes you to a specific location within an app. They create a more seamless user experience, which lowers churn and enhances the probability of a successful installation. They allow you to create sophisticated campaigns while also improving the user experience by enabling users to download your app with just one click.

Deep links also make it possible to incentivize more easily. When a potential reward or offer is brought to them via a retargeting campaign, it’s easy to encourage them to try a new experience.

Deep linking within your app may boost your conversion and retention rates substantially. Deep linking efforts may be monitored and offer additional information about how well your campaign is performing.

TIP #7 KEEP YOUR APP UPDATED

If you have an app, you will need to update it, add new features, and fix problems regularly.

Failure to maintain your app over time may drive consumers to abandon it in favor of alternative solutions. You should notify your users when there is an update.

Users will be more active and engaged if you employ in-app chat, emails, and push notifications. Updates appear in app stores and show your users that you’re serious about your product.

TIP #8 MAKE IT SIMPLE FOR OTHERS TO GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU

Consumers want to form bonds with brands, and they particularly want to feel valued and appreciated. This is why it’s critical to establish a two-way communication channel.

The lifeblood of your app is user feedback, and it’s a simple approach to boost engagement. Despite this, a large number of people make it nearly hard to contact them. Instead of sharing their comments with you, users place them straight into an app store review.

Provide quick access to your knowledge base or frequently asked questions, as well as contact information. Send an automatic response confirming that you received their request and stating the expected turnaround time.

Wrapping Up

Before you hurry to put these suggestions into action, keep in mind that building high-quality software is still an essential need.

All of these suggestions will assist you in making a more interactive app that your users will like, where increasing in-app user engagement will result in more active consumers who will support your company.

The Upshot.ai Advantage

Upshot.ai is an omnichannel, user engagement, and gamification platform that helps digital product owners and marketers improve product adoption and conversions.

With Upshot.ai, FinTech, HealthTech, Insurance, and EdTech firms can enhance their digital experiences with pre-built gamification features. It can provide personalized insights, actionable recommendations, and contextual nudges designed to deepen its relationship with its users.

Book a demo of the most comprehensive user engagement and gamification platform to achieve your digital product goals. Join our communities for more insights, guides, and best practices that keep you updated with proven strategies and tips to supercharge your campaigns.

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