6 Mobile App User Retention Tactics Keep Users Coming Back

These days, it seems like we can do anything from our hands with a few well-powered apps. The app industry is one of the largest markets in the world, having generated $44.9 billion in revenue in 2023.

One of the keys to securing this kind of success is maintaining user retention, something that the world’s most popular apps (i.e., Instagram, YouTube, and Spotify) are experts at.

This guide goes over some essential user retention tactics that any mobile app development agency will stand by, such as:

• Personalized onboarding
• In-app rewards and incentives
• Push notifications and in-app messaging
• Feature updates and enhancements
• Community building and user engagement
• Improved marketing strategies

Looking for more information on mobile app development agencies? Check out our video here:

1. Personalized Onboarding Experience 

One of the most important components of a successful app is the onboarding experience.

Let’s take Pinterest, for example. Pinterest asks its users to choose three topics of interest. Once you have set up your account, Pinterest populates your home feed with pictures and ideas of the interests you chose. Then, you are ready to start browsing.

Spotify does something similar. The app asks users what music they like as they set up their accounts. With that, users have the freedom to fully customize their entire playlist to their liking. 

These successful mobile apps put the user first. It’s completely personal to the user, and they can change their preferences whenever they like.

2. In-App Rewards and Incentives 

Users want to get the most out of their experience with an app, and in-app rewards and incentives are a great way to increase engagement and retention. Some common in-app rewards include membership benefits, discounts, badges and achievements, and exclusive content.

App developers use these rewards to incentivize users to keep coming back. Not only are they good for retention, but they also increase profitability and result in higher conversion rates.

YouTube is one app that does in-app rewards well. Creators on YouTube allow users to purchase memberships that offer benefits like exclusive content and unique channel badges.

Starbucks is another example. Their app uses a point-based system that offers perks like customized drinks, merchandise, and freebies once customers reach a total number of points.

3. Push Notifications and In-App Messaging

Push notifications and in-app messaging are effective ways to increase conversion rates and reach wider audiences. These are easy communication methods that enhance customer engagement and experience.

One of the most common examples is through instant messaging apps like Facebook Messenger and Slack. Users receive push notifications when someone sends them a message, allowing them to see it immediately without opening the app.

You can see another example in shopping and e-commerce apps like Amazon. This app uses in-app messaging to inform users of the latest promotions, encouraging users to buy these products at a lower price.

Lastly, these functions don’t just apply to shopping but to news as well. Users can also rely on push notifications to stay updated on current events and developments. Push notifications and in-app notifications are convenient. They are also personal and targeted to users based on previous activity, ultimately improving their experience and increasing retention.

4. Continuous Feature Updates and Enhancements

Here’s a common issue: Users tend to get tired of the same features or they grow out of their preferences and form new ones.

Gradually introduce new features and updates that keep the app fresh and innovative. New features also let users explore the app in its entirety more. Not only do new features enhance the user’s experience, but they also prevent apps from stagnating and losing users due to no improvements.

Apart from new features, ensure the app is easy to navigate and fully operational on the backend. This includes layout improvements and keeping technical aspects functional and free of bugs and glitches.

Instagram and YouTube have gone through several user interface and layout changes over the years. They continue to be two of the biggest apps in the world because of how easy and intuitive they are for users.

5. Community Building and User Engagement

Many apps, such as Facebook and Discord, revolve around social networking and community building.

Similarly, many popular apps have social interaction and network-building features. After all, humans are social beings, meaning the more we interact with others, the better the experience is. 

Facebook and Instagram are perfect for sharing aspects of your life and staying in touch with your friends. Other apps like Reddit and Discord center around common interests and specific topics of discussion. Users can share advice, opinions, and stories about anything under the sun and receive feedback from others.

6. Improved Marketing Strategies

Marketing your app is the key to securing a long-term, active audience. This is your opportunity to let the world know about your services and how they can help them with their daily lives.

Whether through email marketing or content marketing, it is important to promote yourself as a reliable resource for your customers.

Email Marketing

People check their emails regularly (often multiple times a day), and the number of email users is expected to increase to the high four billion mark in upcoming years. 

This makes email a fantastic method to reach out to new customers and update current ones. For instance, shopping and e-commerce apps use this effectively by informing customers of items in their shopping cart or confirming their order. It’s also a personal way of interacting with customers because you can cater personalized products and messages based on previous purchases or behavior.

Content Marketing

Creating content to promote your app is a fun and creative way to attract new users. You have endless possibilities on what kind of content to create.

Food delivery apps use creative ads as well when promoting their services. Companies like DoorDash create short-form commercials that promote their speedy delivery and takeout system, prompting customers to use their services.

Content marketing is another good way to update users on discounts and promotions. For example, businesses may share posters or promotional ads showcasing limited offers on their website or social media pages.

Social Media Marketing

Social media marketing is a smart way to reach audiences and boost engagement, given the millions of people on various platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

These platforms are the ideal place to release new promotional content for your app. This includes infographics, videos, print ads, and even user-generated content like reviews and testimonials. The endless scrollability helps, especially when you are careful about the algorithm. Adding in PPC marketing can help, too — A PPC agency can tell you more about that. 

Choose DAP as Your Mobile App Development Agency

Developing an app is a long and complicated process with several moving parts. Partnering with a reliable mobile app development agency like Digital Authority Partners can make it easy. 

Here at DAP, we specialize in designing and developing revenue-generating apps for various industries. Our mobile apps guarantee complete functionality and convenience for your users.

Contact us today to learn more!