When mobile apps first made the big splash, there was much hullabaloo about how they were going to change the world of internet usage. In many ways, mobile apps have increased Internet usage manifold.

This upsurge usage pattern has made many jump in the mobile app development bandwagon hoping to make the cash registers ringing with a hugely successful app. But if there is one success story, there are also scores of apps that have failed to make a mark.

It is easier to fail in the mobile app development market than to be successful, which is why you need to be extra careful during the development phase. It definitely isn’t a good feeling to see the app – the one thing you gave your heart and soul in creating and running – fail. But the market is such.

According to a survey conducted by AppsFlyer*, about 28% of apps are uninstalled within the first month of installation.

Another survey conducted by Localytics shows that over 80% of mobile app users stop using an app after three months of installation, without necessarily uninstalling it.

But on the upside, there is a projection that by 2020, nearly $200 billion revenue would be generated by apps through in-app purchases and ads.

There isn’t a doubt that there is huge potential in the market, but it is also true that it isn’t easy to break even. It’s important to see the pitfalls and avoid them at all cost.

In this article, we take a look at some of the app development mistakes you should avoid while developing a mobile app.

1. Failure to Identify the Need of the App

One of the most common mistakes is to be unable to identify the need for the app. If you start on the wrong foot, then your app will fail in the long run. You must start by conducting market research so as to understand the needs of your audience.

You may have a great idea and people around you may see merit in it, but if your target audience doesn’t identify with the idea then it will be wasting your energy, time, money and effort. You cannot be rigid with your ideas from the beginning and not consider the market demands.

2. Failing to Work with the Right App Development Partner

Another pitfall that can work against you is choosing to work with the wrong app development team. Even when you have a sound idea, only a competent team of app developers can bring alive your vision.

An app that on the paper looks successful can only become so when the right team is working on developing it. However, this is another common mistake made by many. It is easier to come across unqualified and inexperienced app developers who may promise you the stars but will inadvertently fail. Experience and knowledge are benchmarks of a good team.

Ideally, you should check their portfolio, their previous work experience and gather client feedback. You also need to check whether the app development company specializing in the areas you deal with.

3. Adding Way Too Many Features in the App

It is natural to consider user engagement as one of your top priorities but going overboard with the idea can be dangerous. Too many features confuse the user easily, complicates their task and makes using the app a troublesome affair.

Additional features also make the app heavier. While developing the app, resist the urge to do so rather concentrate on adding useful features that are high on user engagement.

4. Not Considering the Importance of MVP

MVP or Minimal Viable Product is the basic end-product which has only the necessary features – nothing more, nothing less. It is always advisable to first start with an MVP in mind so that you do not spend too much money and time.

But without an MVP in mind, you will not only go over-budget but also spend endless hours on development, managing overheads, operations, etc.

By launching an MVP you can test your app in the real market among real users and make appropriate and necessary changes as and when needed.

5. Considering Too Many Platforms During Development Phase

Different app stores have different requirements. It is easy to fall prey and want to score brownie points on all platforms at once. If you are attempting to develop your app for all platforms at one go, you are making a huge mistake.

It isn’t easy to meet varying requirements all at the same time. Better advice is to work for one platform as than you can stay determined and focused on the job at hand.

6. Building a Poor UI

Poor User Interface (UI) never fetches users nor makes an app popular. Unfortunately, that’s one of the first and most common mistakes many app developers and creators make.

Never start the development without a proper vision on paper in the form of a flowchart. This gives a clear idea as to how your app will look finally.

Pay attention to the final resolution of your app. It is better to avoid adding intro animations as users tend to hate these things.

7. Not giving UAT its Due

UAT or User Acceptance Testing is a critical step that determines the success of an app. Unfortunately, just like MVP, UAT is often ignored. But when you release your app either on App Store or Google Play, it first has to be tested on multiple platforms and devices.

To score successfully on UAT, it is important that you are organized from the beginning. So identifying testing groups and charting a realistic roadmap is essential.

8. Not Marketing the App Before Launching it

Your job isn’t over when the app is ready for use. You still should be thinking about marketing. You have to tell users about your app. Even if you have developed a killer app, it can still fail simply because not enough users know about it.

Related: 5 Important Steps You Must Follow to Develop a Successful Mobile App

Often many forget that it is a competitive market and they need to have a marketing plan in place to be able to make a mark.

App development is exciting but only when done rightly. It is easy to fail but with perseverance and determination, you can make an app that is liked by one and all.

What do you think?

Sources: *Survey conducted by AppsFlyer, Localytics