Last updated on Jul 9, 2024

What do you do if your mobile app launch fails to meet expectations?

Launching a mobile app can be a pivotal moment for any developer or company. However, the reality is that not all launches are successful. If your mobile app launch fails to meet expectations, it's crucial to take proactive steps to analyze and rectify the situation. In the mobile app world, where competition is fierce and user expectations are high, understanding the reasons behind a failed launch can be the key to turning things around. This article will guide you through the process of identifying the weak spots, engaging with your audience, optimizing your app, and re-strategizing your marketing efforts to improve your app's performance post-launch.

1 Gather Feedback

Your first move should be to collect as much feedback as possible. Reach out directly to users through surveys or feedback forms within the app. Monitoring app reviews on the app store can also provide valuable insights into what users like and dislike. Remember, criticism can be constructive; it helps identify bugs, usability issues, or missing features that users expect. This information is gold dust for prioritizing updates and improving the overall user experience.

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Yawar Osman

Senior Flutter Developer | Project Manager | UI/UX | Database Designer | Medium Writer
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Actively collect feedback from users to understand their pain points and expectations. Use surveys, app reviews, and direct user interactions to gather comprehensive insights. This feedback will be crucial in identifying areas for improvement and planning subsequent updates to better meet user needs and improve the overall app experience.

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darshan M.

Sr. Android developer | Java | Kotlin | Handling App Development Team | Client Communication
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Take all negative feedback as an opportunity to improve your app. In addition to app store reviews, you can integrate a module within your app to gather feature-based or overall app feedback from users and analyze it regularly.

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2 Analyze Data

Next, dive into your app's analytics to understand user behavior. Look for patterns such as where users drop off or which features are being ignored. This data will help you pinpoint areas that need immediate attention. For example, if you notice that users are uninstalling the app shortly after download, there might be issues with the onboarding process or initial user experience that need to be addressed.

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darshan M.

Sr. Android developer | Java | Kotlin | Handling App Development Team | Client Communication
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Try to draw a clear picture of pain points from user feedback and analytic data. There are many useful analytic tools you can integrate into your app to collect data on user behavior and how they interact with certain features. I mostly use Firebase Analytics in my apps to monitor performance by collecting predefined events as well as custom events to track the user journey. Collecting and reviewing analytic data is crucial for your app's success.

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3 Update Regularly

Keeping your app updated is crucial. These updates should not only fix bugs but also introduce new features or improvements based on user feedback. Regular updates show commitment to your product and can rekindle user interest. Moreover, each update is an opportunity to communicate with your user base, keep them informed about the changes, and show that their feedback is being taken seriously.

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darshan M.

Sr. Android developer | Java | Kotlin | Handling App Development Team | Client Communication
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To keep your users engaged with your app, regular updates are very important. Human psychology drives curiosity, prompting users to try out something new whenever it’s offered. Periodically release updates that add new, useful features and improve existing ones. In addition to new features, it's crucial to regularly release updates with bug fixes. When you listen to users and address the bugs they point out, it shows that you care about their experience, increasing the chances of converting them into long term users.

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4 Reassess Marketing

Reevaluate your marketing strategy. Perhaps the target audience was not well-defined or the messaging did not resonate as expected. Consider different marketing channels or tactics, like influencer partnerships or targeted ads, that could better reach your potential users. It's also important to look at the timing of your marketing efforts; aligning them with updates or new feature releases can create renewed interest in your app.

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5 Engage Community

Engagement with your user community is key to retaining users and attracting new ones. Create a space where users can interact with each other and with you, such as a forum or social media group. This can foster a sense of community and loyalty, encouraging users to stick around and become advocates for your app. Additionally, engaged users are more likely to provide ongoing feedback that can guide future development.

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6 Pivot if Needed

Lastly, don't be afraid to pivot if necessary. If certain features or the overall concept of the app are not hitting the mark, it may be time to rethink your approach. This doesn't mean starting from scratch but rather adjusting your app to better meet market demands and user needs. A pivot can be a daunting prospect, but it can also breathe new life into your app and set you on a path to success.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What do you do if your mobile app launch fails to meet expectations?

1

2

3

4

5

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7

1 Gather Feedback

2 Analyze Data

3 Update Regularly

4 Reassess Marketing

5 Engage Community

6 Pivot if Needed

7 Here’s what else to consider

Mobile Applications

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What do you do if your mobile app launch fails to meet expectations?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Gather Feedback

2 Analyze Data

3 Update Regularly

4 Reassess Marketing

5 Engage Community

6 Pivot if Needed

7 Here’s what else to consider

Mobile Applications

Rate this article

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