A new infographic released by Go-Globe on mobile app usage statistics and trends indicates that mobile apps are on rampage.

Why, because there are tons of people out there who understand the importance of apps in so far as helping customers receive quick content is concerned. The stats show that people spend 52% of all time spent on digital media on mobile apps, the clearest indication that businesses are making a generous amount of money via mobile apps usage.

Infographic Source – http://www.go-globe.com/blog/mobile-apps-usage/

Key Takeaways:

  • Mobile Dominance: Mobile apps account for 52% of all digital media time, emphasizing the shift from desktop to mobile for content consumption.
  • Increased App Engagement: Smartphone users spend 89% of their mobile time on apps rather than the mobile web, highlighting app-based engagement.
  • Revenue Growth in Mobile Apps: Projected to reach $77 billion by 2017, mobile app revenue has more than doubled in recent years, underscoring its growth potential.
  • User Preferences: Native apps are preferred by 85% of users over mobile websites due to smoother, richer experiences, showing a strong trend toward app-first strategies.
  • Popular App Categories: Users spend the most time on games, social networking, and entertainment apps, while categories like health, fitness, and productivity apps are fast-growing.
  • Increased Retention: Fewer apps are being abandoned after one use, with a 39% increase in apps used frequently (11 times or more), indicating improved user retention.

One thing that comes up repeatedly from the infographic is that people on mobile phones or tablets are using the web less and less proportionately. Those who own smartphones spend 89% of their time using mobile apps.

What can we infer from this?

Well, we are now past the mobile apps tipping point as this infographic shows. It is no longer a question of whether mobile apps are important, because it certainly is! After all, 42% of all mobile sales generated by leading businesses were as a result of mobile apps. What marketers are now interested in is to understand how consumers behave, what their preferences are and what mobile devices they use, to design effective mobile app strategies.

It is estimated that by 2017, global mobile app revenue will more than double to $77 billion from last year’s (2014) $35 billion. This mammoth growth in mobile app revenue clearly shows that mobile apps will become more important by the day. It is worth noting that the average time spent on mobile apps has increased by 21% over the last year.

It is important to understand what types of apps people spend their time on.

According to the stats, people spend their time on mobile apps in the following order: games (43%), social networking (26%), entertainment (10%), utilities (10%), news (2%), productivity (2%), health and fitness (1%), lifestyle (1%) and others (5%). Music (79%) health and fitness (59%) and social networking (41%) are the top three fastest growing apps categories.

Meanwhile, 85% of people prefer native mobile apps to mobile websites.

Wider adaptation of smartphones and technological advancement in native apps means consumers are finding native mobiles apps to provide richer experiences than mobile web.

This tectonic shift to native mobile apps has been trending for a while and indeed it has hit epic heights. The percentage of mobile apps used only once has declined by 2% while the number of apps used 11 times or more has increased by 39% over the past one year.

Top Strategies for Developing High-Retention Apps

  • Focus on User-Centered Design and Onboarding Experience: The first impression is crucial. Start with a smooth, intuitive onboarding process that introduces key features without overwhelming the user. Break down the initial steps into a simple, interactive guide, helping users understand the app’s value right away.
  • Personalization and Customization: Allow users to tailor the app to their needs and preferences. Personalization—through custom themes, recommendations, and personalized notifications—creates a sense of ownership and increases the likelihood of repeated use. Leveraging user data to offer relevant content or reminders boosts engagement.
  • Push Notifications – Used Strategically: Push notifications can increase engagement when used thoughtfully. Avoid spammy or excessive notifications, and instead focus on timely, relevant messages that add value, such as reminders, updates, or special offers. Users are more likely to appreciate notifications if they feel genuinely helpful.
  • Regular Updates and Feature Enhancements: Regularly improve and update your app to keep it fresh and relevant. Listening to user feedback and fixing bugs quickly builds trust and satisfaction. Introducing new features or enhancements based on user suggestions can also make users feel valued and invested in the app’s growth.
  • Gamification and Reward Systems: Gamifying the app experience by adding achievements, badges, and reward systems encourages users to engage and reach new levels. Offering rewards for continuous use, such as loyalty points or exclusive features, incentivizes users to return frequently.
  • Create a Strong Community Component: Encourage social interaction within the app by adding community features, such as forums, chat, or social media integration. Creating a space where users can share experiences, get advice, or collaborate builds a sense of community and commitment to the app.

8 Mobile App Marketing Best Practices

  1. App Store Optimization (ASO): Optimize your app’s listing with a keyword-rich title, engaging descriptions, and visually appealing screenshots. A high-quality app icon, alongside positive reviews and ratings, improves visibility and encourages downloads. Regularly update the listing to reflect app improvements and seasonal promotions.
  2. Influencer and Social Media Marketing: Partner with influencers who can authentically promote your app to their followers. A recommendation from a trusted influencer or brand ambassador can drive credibility and increase downloads. Use social media platforms to showcase app features, updates, and user stories to generate organic interest.
  3. Take Advantage Content Marketing and SEO: Create high-quality content around your app’s core features and user benefits. Blog posts, video tutorials, and case studies can educate potential users on the app’s value, driving traffic and building awareness. Optimize this content for search engines to attract organic traffic to your app’s landing page.
  4. Use Retargeting Campaigns: Retargeting campaigns can encourage users who’ve shown interest in your app to complete the download or revisit it after an extended absence. Using targeted ads on social media or Google to reach these users can be effective in bringing them back.
  5. Offer Referral Incentives: A referral program can drive new downloads through word-of-mouth marketing. Offering incentives, like discounts, rewards, or exclusive features, encourages existing users to share the app with friends, leading to increased downloads and user retention.
  6. Engage with Users through In-App and Email Marketing: In-app messaging and email are effective ways to keep users informed and engaged. Use these channels to share updates, celebrate user milestones, offer personalized tips, or promote exclusive content. Tailor messages based on user behavior to maximize relevance and engagement.
  7. Focus on User Reviews and Ratings: High ratings and positive reviews greatly influence app downloads. Encourage satisfied users to leave feedback, and promptly address negative reviews to resolve issues and improve user satisfaction. Consider using prompts within the app to ask happy users to rate it.
  8. Analyze and Optimize User Behavior Data: Use analytics tools to track user behavior and identify points where users drop off. Continuous monitoring and A/B testing of app features and marketing strategies can help you refine the user experience, optimize conversion funnels, and ensure your marketing efforts are impactful.

Wrapping Up

The current surge in mobile app usage and revenue growth highlights the undeniable shift toward mobile-first strategies.

With consumers dedicating most of their digital time to mobile apps, businesses are tapping into this trend to drive engagement, enhance brand loyalty, and increase revenue. As native apps continue to surpass the mobile web in popularity, companies should prioritize user-friendly, engaging, and purposeful app experiences to remain competitive.