The number one reason why smartphones are so addicting is the numerous applications that are available on them. Think about it, if people aren’t calling or texting someone, the first thing they do when they unlock their phones is open up an app.
With the competition on the app markets getting fiercer by the day, you want to make sure you’re doing the best you can for your newly released application to stay relevant. Getting consumers to install your application is just the beginning; the real work is in the updates.
Suppose you still aren’t satisfied with your app’s state even though you are doing your best to maintain it. In that case, it will only do you good to seek assistance from a reputable software-making company like Webspace that has a proven track record of making successful mobile applications.
It can be hard figuring out the right balance of updates, and you might not fully understand their importance just yet. In the following paragraphs, we’ll explain why updates and their frequency are crucial in app development.
Reasons To Keep your Product Up To Date
By keeping your product updated, you’re continually improving upon it. Even if you forgot to add something fundamentally important the first time you rolled out your app, you could just include it in your next update.
Many people don’t realize that application updates can gain you a significant advantage in marketing as well. You are showing your customers that you are loyal to your project, which can eventually translate to building a loyal following for yourself.
Without further ado, here are all the reasons why you need to update your app:
To Fix Existing Bugs
Perhaps not the reason you wanted to hear, but an important one nevertheless. There isn’t a single application out there that’s bug-free. Your application can go through an extensive QA session a thousand times, but the fact of the matter is, some bugs will always make it through. Fixing the issues that matter the most promptly and on time is something your users will grow to appreciate.
For Security Reasons
People today are a lot more protective of their data. If your data somehow gets exploited and used by someone for malicious reasons, your users wouldn’t exactly be happy with you. As a company with a mobile application on the market, your job is to keep your user’s data safe and secure from any kind of breach.
Cybercriminals and hackers are always figuring out new ways and loopholes to gain access to databases. Unfortunately, no matter how strong are the security measures you initially set up, it is only a matter of time before someone discovers a way to bypass them. That’s where frequent security updates come into play. Essentially, by updating your app, you’re always one step ahead of the attackers.
To Add New Features and Options
Who doesn’t like new stuff? It isn’t any different with applications; people go crazy for those brand-new features. Let your users know you genuinely care about making your app the best possible software it can be.
Additionally, something you should keep your eye on when releasing new features is the appearance of new bugs. They are usually not a huge problem and only a minor inconvenience. However, keep them in mind for the next update because they can cause you many headaches if left unchecked for too long.
To Account for Operating Systems and Hardware
Technology is rapidly advancing, and new hardware and software releases are always around the corner. Both Android and iOS frequently update their OS. Over time, these updates have become the bane of many developers’ existence, as they tend to make applications either break or severely impact their quality.
To Promote Your Product
There isn’t really a shortage of available apps in the app stores. Users are spoiled when it comes to choice, and many of these apps accomplish the same tasks and resolve the same problems. It can be tough to make your app stand out from the crowd when the competition is that fierce. Updates can somewhat help with that.
Take the following scenario for an example. Let’s say a user has your app installed on their device, but after a while, they stopped using it without deleting it. Each time you update your application, users get notifications about it, thus earning their attention. Let your users know what they are missing out on and how you are more reliable than the competition.
The Importance of Update Frequency in App Development
Applications updated more frequently don’t just score more points from GooglePlay and the App Store; they are also more valued by users. Updates are significant—that much is certain, but you should be careful not to overdo it.
Updating your app every week isn’t advisable and will only attract suspicion from both Google and Apple and burden your users. Delay your updates by too much, and customers will begin to question your dedication to the project.
It’s all about finding the right balance, and you can achieve it by rolling out your updates based on a few factors. These include:
- User Feedback
- Market Conditions
- Preset Milestones
- User Experience Changes
Even after taking into consideration all the factors, the answer will still be “It depends.” Overall, it is always safe to say that the more frequent the updates, the better.
Closing Thoughts
Releasing your application is just the start of the story. Look at your app like a living being, nurture, cherish it, and remember that its success is not only determined by the number of downloads and installs. Many apps have millions of installs, but it makes no difference in the bigger picture if people aren’t using them.
Another vital point to consider before deciding to launch an app is to account for the amount of work maintaining a project such as a mobile application brings into question. Work with a framework that is easy to use and access and build yourself a reliable system by respecting user feedback and continuously monitoring for any changes.
