With the average user interacting with around nine to 10 apps a day, businesses are wise to create functional mobile apps to complement their existing digital presence. However, many companies make the mistake of creating an app that’s merely an extension of their desktop website and don’t take into consideration special features which may make the mobile user experience that much better.
But if businesses are looking to increase not only customer retention but also overall customer satisfaction in the long run, they may want to consider including some of the following features, as recommended by the members of Young Entrepreneur Council. Even including just one of these nine features could greatly improve your app’s user experience.
1. Multiple Payment Options
You don’t want a mobile user to abandon their cart because they can’t find their preferred payment option. Your mobile app should include most of the mobile payment options, including Apple Pay and Google Pay to cover all your bases. When you include multiple payment options, you need to ensure a couple things. First, you need top-notch security, such as two-factor authentication. Additionally, you need to make it easier for customers to complete the payment process and to integrate it with your brand identity. Keep in mind that you want payment options that will grow with your company. – Shu Saito, SpiroPure
2. Integration With Wearable Devices
There are so many features that mobile apps could benefit from, but if I had to pick one, I’d say integration with wearable devices. Just imagine how cool it would be to seamlessly switch between your phone and your smartwatch or fitness tracker without missing a beat. Plus, it would allow for even more personalized experiences and the ability to track and analyze data across multiple devices. But it’s not just about the cool factor. Integrating with wearable devices could also be a major factor in improving retention and overall customer satisfaction. When you provide a more seamless experience, users are more likely to stick around and continue using the app. – Abhijeet Kaldate, Astra WordPress Theme
3. A Battery Usage Setting
One important feature that many apps don’t have is a power saving or battery usage setting that reduces the drain on your phone’s battery. It doesn’t matter how clean your interface is or how helpful the notification settings are if your app constantly depletes battery life. Some apps are resource heavy and every time you open them you can almost see the battery bar go to zero. This is not only frustrating for the end user, but it will also likely encourage them to stop using your app altogether. Since users often have many apps running in the background, it’s important to keep resource limitations in mind. Design your app to utilize fewer resources and implement a low power mode, so they can continue to use your app directly or in the background without draining their batteries over time. – Shaun Conrad, Number2 CPA Exam Resources
4. Personalization
I believe more apps should incorporate personalization. By adapting to the preferences, habits and needs of users, apps can create a more meaningful and delightful experience. When an app truly “gets” you, you’re more likely to stick around and use it, right? Incorporating personalization features might mean creating customized content feeds, offering personalized recommendations or even tweaking the app’s user interface based on a user’s behavior. The key is to leverage data and machine learning to offer a tailored experience that resonates with each user, making them feel seen and understood. With personalization as a core feature, your app will be better equipped to impress users and keep them coming back for more, ultimately increasing customer satisfaction and retention. – Kelly Richardson, Infobrandz
5. Night Mode
Mobile apps should have a dark mode or night mode feature, which changes the display settings from white to black or a dark color and the text and icons from dark to light. This feature can reduce eye strain, fix sleep patterns and make the app more accessible for users with vision impairments. By incorporating dark mode, mobile apps can provide a more comfortable and accessible user experience, which can lead to increased retention and customer satisfaction. Users are more likely to continue using an app that is easy on their eyes and does not cause discomfort or fatigue. Additionally, this feature can also help attract new users who prioritize accessibility and user experience when choosing which apps to use. – Kazi Mamun, CANSOFT
6. Community Access
I think mobile apps should have the option to access an online community built around the app or the solutions offered by the company. This would allow users to connect with like-minded people, interact with one another and share their experiences. Plus, since users can interact with others and seek solutions to their problems, it takes some load off your representatives and allows them to focus on things that matter. Making your community accessible via your app helps facilitate a seamless user experience and enables you to foster higher engagement, which in turn improves customer satisfaction and has a positive impact on your retention. – Stephanie Wells, Formidable Forms
7. Offline Functionality
As a tech founder, I’ve seen my fair share of mobile apps come and go. One feature that’s often overlooked but can make a huge difference in the user experience is offline functionality. When you allow users to access certain parts of the app without an internet connection, they can continue to use and engage with the app even in areas with limited connectivity or without a data plan. Picture this: You’re on a long flight, no Wi-Fi in sight, but you still want to use your favorite app. With offline functionality, you can! This not only increases user satisfaction but can also boost retention rates. So, if you want to stand out in a crowded market, consider adding this handy feature to your app. – Adam Preiser, WPCrafter
8. Quick Resume
I think more mobile apps should include a quick resume feature. There have been quite a few productivity apps and games I’ve used recently that restart every time you leave the window. I’m in favor of a quick resume feature because it would encourage people to continue with their interaction even if they get distracted and open your app hours or even days later. – Chris Christoff, MonsterInsights
9. In-App Support
Mobile apps that offer more accessible customer support options, such as in-app chat support or the ability to contact support directly from the app, can greatly improve retention and overall customer satisfaction. Users appreciate being able to quickly and easily get help when they need it, and this can help build trust and loyalty. Plus, prompt and effective customer support can help prevent negative reviews and feedback, which can have a significant impact on an app’s reputation and success. In addition, having more accessible customer support options can also lead to positive word-of-mouth and increased customer loyalty. It shows that the company values their customers and is willing to go the extra mile to provide exceptional service. – Pratik Chaskar, Spectra
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