The Apple App Store currently has a whopping 1.96 million apps for mobile users to download!! With an app for just about anything you could possibly imagine, there is no shortage of apps for mobile users to choose from. So, with such high competition, how does one app stand out from the crowd?
Well… let’s take a look into what makes a successful app!!
Free vs Paid Apps
One of the first things an app developer decides is whether their app is going to be free to purchase or will cost an initial fee. The debate between the two choices has been going on for years and it appears that one has been declared the winner. According to Space O-Technologies free downloads now make up almost 95% of total app downloads, leaving a lowly 5% of total downloads comprised of paid downloads!
Now, you may not find this statistic all that surprising. After all, who wouldn’t prefer a free app over a cost… but are they free?
What if I told you that 98% of global app revenue comes from free apps!! Mobile apps are expected to generate over $935 billion by 2023, making it one of the highest grossing industries around the globe. These statistics highlight just how good free app downloads are, making it the best choice when developing a new app.
Solving a Problem
Whether an app fulfils a need or just provides the user with a way to pass the time. One thing you can be sure of, is that it can solve a problem the user has. Yes, games can be a good way to conquer boredom, but the most successful apps solve an issue!!
A good example of this is TripAdvisor, which provides holiday goers with an easy way to plan their holidays which includes flights, hotels, and places to eat. The app also boasts an impressive display of over 859 million reviews and opinions for the user to read. By making travel planning simple and easy, TripAdvisor has solved a potential problem for the holidaymaker.
Easy to Use
Making a simple app that’s easy to use is perhaps the most important aspect in app development. If the app is difficult to navigate and use effectively it will be deleted in a matter of minutes!! People nowadays simply don’t have time to waste and so simplicity is key to any successful app.
Nike Run Club is a free app and a great example of how simplicity can work wonders! The app encourages the user to exercise while providing all the stats anyone could ever need. However, without its simplistic design there is no doubt that the app would never have been as successful as it is today.
What is your favourite app and why??
Rob Chipp- RMIT Digital Marketing Blog 
Great post, i enjoyed the read, especially towards free vs paid ads. It’s quite interesting and also to understand the impact both types of apps have on the general consumer. Fantastic work.
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Thanks Yousef, free apps have clearly won this race!
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Great post, I really like your title! Applications are almost in everybody’s life now as long as you own a smartphone you’ll use apps and It’s crazy to see how much money is in the app industry through your statistics. Great blog I cant see anything that needs to be changed!
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Thanks Justin! I really appreciated the tip to add in sub-headings last week. It really helped me break up this week’s blog post! 🙂
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