Updating your app is an important element for its growth. If you keep it functional it’s a sign that you care about your users and you want to improve your app for them. In the same time it proves your commitment to your app and they will give it the same amount of attention as you invest in improving their experience. A recent study made by University College London reveals that most part of the app owners that release a major update doesn’t see the difference in ratings. More specifically 31% of free apps and 40% of paid apps noted an improvement after their better versions were published. This is because many updates are made without a sustained plan. For this reason we created a strategy to help you understand the time to significantly change your app.

Which Are Considered As A Major Update?

But not every little change is seen as a major update. Maybe you want to add an important app feature or maybe you should change its entire face with a modern design. Or your metrics express that something is not working well with the way people perceive your app. Let’s discover together if it is time to change entirely a great part of your app or it is better to keep it as it is.

5 Leading Factors Of Major Update

We will cover the main indicators which will show you that is time for the next version for your app.

1. Superannuated Design

Let’s start with the surface items and we invite you to look at the appearance of your app. There are two situations when you discover that a major update is mandatory.

Check Your App’s Adherence Of Latest Design Trends

First of all keep your eye on the guidelines that come from the platform you work with. If you manage an iOS app then Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines will tell you if your app respects the design trends. On the other hand Google’s Material Design will show you how to create a simple, yet effective interface. Following the principles for each technology will lead you to a modern app very appreciated by your users.

Check Your Competitors

In some situations competitors seem to have all the answers. Otherwise how do you explain that their apps are in top and yours isn’t? Study their app’s design and discover the key for such an interactive app. Come up with solutions that exceed the expectations of your users and leave your competitors far behind.

2. Compatibility With New Technologies And Platforms

As we mentioned before mobile world is very dynamic and if you want to keep up with the wave you need to update your app according to new releases.

Make It Cross – Platform

If you choose just one platform you will lose a big opportunity to attract a large area of users. But there are solutions for that too. With the right Java Script Framework you will make your app visible for all the existent markets and you can target the audience across all the available channels, while you are saving time and money. For other important tools which allows you to create cross-platform apps check a useful article of Forbes. You just need to adapt your app to the rules of each app store.

Make It Cloud Enabled

Cloud driven features are becoming a must for those who want to keep up with modern development directions. Moving data from phone memory to the cloud is the answer for many users which are dealing with internal memory issues. The official documentation for iCloud and Google Cloud is available for those who are thinking about a major update which implies such a powerful tool. A chart created by Cisco is the proof for the future of cloud computing.

Integration With AI

Artificial Intelligence takes your app to the next level. Such a feature will give a personal touch to your creation. Apple and Google created useful resources for helping developers who want to add an AI environment for their apps. For iOS apps SiriKit is available starting with iOS 10 and creates the impression we are living in the future. Adopting the same strategy, Google created Google Assistant which allows you to create Conversation Actions. Both platforms offer detailed documentation for making the integration much easier.

3. Outdated Codebase

There is a plethora of features you can add to your app, but two of them are essential for the proper functioning of your app.

More Focus On Security

The main concern regarding your app must be the security issues which can create a negative impression about the way you are managing personal information. A survey conducted by HP lists the main problems which will keep people away. You must focus on these weaknesses and treat them like urgent situations when it comes to major updates.

Convert Your App Into 64-Bit Before It Is Too Late

Converting your app to 64-Bit is another necessity which can’t be postponed. If you want to be sure that your app operates properly you must complete the stages provided by Apple’s documentation. You have to run the script created for this case and after that you have to fix the modifications that occurred within your app. There is nothing too difficult after you read the guide but it is very important to optimize your app.

4. Persistent Customer Feedbacks

It is all about your users. You do all the changes for and with the help of them.

Gather Feedbacks (App Store Reviews, In-App Feedbacks, Support Requests)

Be open to all the channels that allow you to create a connection with your customers and start a conversation with them. Their opinions will show you how to adapt your app to their needs and how to optimize it for serving them in the best way. Their voices must be heard when it comes to modify your app.

Identify the Problem

Of course, it will be pointless to listen all the proposals that come to you. You need to make a balance between the ideas from your users and the features that will bring benefits to your app. You have to think twice before you invest all your resources in something not so important for a proper experience.

Compare With Analytics

Don’t let feedbacks as stand-alone statements and bring your reports in front for having a better vision of the entire situation. If you gather a list of issues for which many users require solutions and you see that in your analytics then start your work in order to keep them engaged and convince other users to try your app.

5. Low Engagement Rates

One of the best practices for engaging your users is to permanently improve your app. But how can you know?

Check Relevant Metrics

Analytics which provides you reports with real time data will tell you if the retention issues are due to some development problems or because you don’t promote your app as you should. Engagement is one of the most important goals which will conduct your app to success.

Identify the Problem

Check our previous article, How To Keep Users Engaged With Your Mobile App which offers you hints for the right strategy to make users observe your app. Even if you are willing to update your app you need to know the correct approach for doing that and in the same time, you should know how to announce them about the changes.

Don’t Forget Your ASO After A Major Update

Of course, after a major improvement you need to work on your app page and to make the new changes visible for your users. A useful update will impress them.

Add Updates To Your Descriptions

Adding notifications about your latest updates will show visitors that your app is maintained and they will observe your effort into providing the best product in order to make their life easier. Not to mention that keeping your app active will show Google and Apple that your app worth to remain on app store.

Follow The Best Practices Of ASO

Every now and then you need to go through ASO Checklist, especially after big changes related to your app. It is very important to give importance to the way your app is presented on your market. Every method of advertising will lead potential users to your app store page and this is your opportunity to convince them about the value of the app. Don’t let this important stage to fate.

Final Thoughts

Now that we listed all the situations which require your attention for a major update, what is your position in this big picture? There are many elements for you to consider but your focal point must be your users. Their reaction is the only result that will make you realize what big modification worth your effort and which one will waste your time and money.