Before you sign on the dotted line, here are 7 essential questions every small or mid-sized business should ask when vetting an app development partner.

1. What’s your process—from concept to launch?

A reputable mobile app developer should be able to clearly explain their approach to design, development, testing, and deployment. Listen for words like “discovery,” “user experience,” and “QA testing.” If their process sounds vague or overly technical, keep looking. A well-defined process usually means a smoother experience for you as a client. Ask for a project timeline with milestones to get a sense of how your app will progress from idea to launch.

2. Do you specialize in native apps, cross-platform, or both?

Not all mobile apps are built the same. Native apps offer top performance and user experience, but they may cost more. Cross-platform tools (like Flutter or React Native) can be more budget-friendly. Your developer should guide you based on your goals, not just what’s easiest for them. A good developer will explain the trade-offs of each option in the context of your business—not just the tech specs.

3. Can I see examples of your past work?

Reviewing a portfolio is essential. Look for clean design (UI), smooth functionality (UX), and perhaps even in industries similar to yours. Even better, request a live demonstration or a video walkthrough of a recent project so you can experience the quality firsthand.

4. How do you handle updates and ongoing support?

Your app launch isn’t the end—it’s just the beginning. Make sure the developer offers post-launch support, bug fixes, and a maintenance plan. Apps need updates to stay compatible with new OS versions and devices.  Developers typically offer various service plans, so look for flexible options that match your budget, expected app usage, and the level of support your organization requires.

5. How will I own and access my app’s source code and data?

Ownership matters. Confirm that you’ll retain full rights to your app, codebase, and any assets created during the project. Ask where your data will be stored, how it’s backed up, and how you’ll be able to access it—both during development and after launch. You should also ensure that credentials, licenses, and accounts (like Apple or Google developer access) are set up in your name, not the developer’s. If a developer hesitates or tries to retain control of your intellectual property, it’s a red flag.

6. What will it cost—and what’s included in the quote?

Request detailed pricing that clearly outlines costs for design, development, testing, launch, and any third-party expenses (such as APIs or hosting fees). It’s acceptable to start with a general estimate before the initial discovery process. However, prior to kicking off design and development, a reputable developer should provide a clear, itemized, fixed-price quote—including timelines and specific sprint deliverables. Be cautious of vague or lowball quotes that omit critical steps or costs in the app-building process.

7. How will we communicate during the project?

Clear, consistent communication is non-negotiable. Ask how often you’ll receive updates, what project management tools they use, and whether you’ll have a dedicated point of contact—ideally someone with several years of experience. It’s also important that one of the firm’s principals or owners is involved during the early stages. If they’re not closely engaged with you as a new client, it may signal a lack of long-term commitment or priority for your project.

Final Thoughts: Choose a Partner, Not Just a Provider

At the end of the day, your app developer should feel like a strategic partner who understands your business and goals—not just a coder for hire. Asking these seven questions can help you find the right fit and start your app journey with confidence.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into four key reasons why custom mobile apps consistently outperform their off-the-shelf counterparts.

1. Tailored Scalability for Future Growth

Custom Apps

One of the standout benefits of custom mobile apps is their ability to scale alongside your business. A custom app is designed to meet your specific needs, allowing for future upgrades and integrations as your company evolves. Whether you’re adding new services, expanding to new markets, or handling increased user demand, a custom-built solution can grow with you.

Example:
Imagine a retail business with an off-the-shelf e-commerce app that suddenly experiences a surge in sales during the holiday season. Because the app wasn’t built to handle a massive spike in traffic, the platform crashes, resulting in lost sales. A custom-built app, on the other hand, could have been designed with scalability in mind, ensuring smooth performance even during peak demand.

Off-the-Shelf Solutions

In contrast, off-the-shelf apps are designed for general use, with limited scalability. These solutions are built to cater to a wide audience and may not offer the customization options necessary for your business’s specific growth trajectory. As your company grows, you may encounter limitations in the app’s functionality, forcing you to switch to a new platform or invest heavily in customizations. This can be a costly and time-consuming process.

2. Superior Security

Custom Apps

In an era where data breaches and cyber threats are rampant, security is a top priority for any business. Custom mobile apps allow you to implement robust security measures tailored to your business’s unique needs. From encryption and secure user authentication to compliance with industry regulations like GDPR or HIPAA, a custom app offers heightened security and control over sensitive data.

Example:
Consider a small healthcare practitioner’s office using an off-the-shelf scheduling app that isn’t fully HIPAA-compliant. Without specific security measures in place, the app could expose sensitive patient data to unauthorized access. A custom app, however, would be designed with industry-specific compliance from the start, ensuring that patient data remains secure and encrypted at all times.

Off-the-Shelf Solutions

Off-the-shelf apps are typically built for mass usage, meaning security protocols are standardized and may not align with the specific needs of your business. Because these apps are widely used, they are also more attractive targets for hackers. Once a vulnerability is discovered, it can be exploited across all businesses using the same solution.

3. Optimized Performance

Custom Apps

Performance is key to user satisfaction. A slow or unresponsive app can frustrate users and drive them away. Custom mobile apps are designed and optimized specifically for your business operations, user workflows, and data loads. This means they run more efficiently and can be fine-tuned to provide the best possible user experience.

Example:
A ride-sharing company using a custom app can optimize performance by implementing real-time GPS tracking and efficient routing algorithms tailored to their specific needs. By contrast, an off-the-shelf solution might experience lag or inaccurate tracking, leading to delays and poor user experience, ultimately driving customers to competing services.

Off-the-Shelf Solutions

Off-the-shelf apps are not optimized for your business’s unique processes, often resulting in performance issues when handling specific tasks or higher-than-anticipated traffic volumes. Because these apps are built to meet the needs of a broad user base, they may include features that are irrelevant to your business, bogging down performance and creating a clunky, inefficient user experience.

4. The Value of Intellectual Property (IP)

Custom Apps

One of the most overlooked yet significant advantages of developing a custom app is the ownership of the intellectual property (IP). When you build a custom app, your business retains full rights to the software, designs, code, and any unique features or technologies developed specifically for your app. This ownership provides immense value—both in terms of protecting your brand and as a financial asset.

Owning the IP of a custom app means that you can:

• License the technology to other businesses, creating new revenue streams.  One way this can be done by is  creating a SaaS platform from your IP.
• Sell the app as part of a broader acquisition deal, increasing your company’s valuation.
• Modify or enhance the app without any restrictions, giving you complete control over the direction and development of your product.
• Protect your business from potential dependency on third-party vendors or software providers, ensuring you are not vulnerable to external changes in licensing terms or pricing.
  

Off-the-Shelf Solutions

When using an off-the-shelf app, you do not own the software, which means you are limited to the terms and restrictions of the software provider. You cannot sell, modify, or fully control the app’s technology or user experience. This lack of ownership also means that you are vulnerable to the provider’s decisions—whether they increase pricing, discontinue support, or change the app’s functionality, you have little control over these factors. Ultimately, you are building your business on a platform you do not own, which could limit your growth and flexibility in the future. 

Conclusion: The Long-Term Value of Custom Apps

While off-the-shelf mobile apps may seem like the faster and cheaper option in the short term, custom mobile apps provide superior long-term value. With greater scalability, enhanced security, optimized performance, and the ownership of valuable intellectual property, custom apps are the smart choice for companies looking to build a competitive edge and deliver a premium user experience.

At Epic Business Apps, we specialize in creating custom mobile solutions that empower businesses to thrive in today’s dynamic marketplace. Let us help you build an app that scales with your business, keeps your data secure, performs optimally, and becomes a valuable asset to your brand. Because when it comes to mobile apps, one size doesn’t fit all.

As developers, our goal is to bring your vision to life. However, it’s crucial to recognize when an idea, in its current form, could lead to a financial and operational quagmire. In this article, we’ll explore what a tarpit idea looks like, why it can be so dangerous, and how you can refine your vision to create a successful, sustainable project.

What is a Tarpit Idea?

A tarpit idea is a concept that may initially seem attractive but is fraught with complexities, risks, and hidden costs that can quickly escalate. These projects often share common characteristics:

1. Overambitious Scope: The project aims to solve too many problems at once or attempts to incorporate every possible feature, making it difficult to execute efficiently.
   
2. Undefined Target Audience: The project lacks a clear understanding of who the end-users are and what they truly need, leading to a product that tries to please everyone but ends up appealing to no one.
   
3. Lack of Differentiation: The idea does not offer a unique value proposition or fails to stand out from existing solutions, making it difficult to compete in the market.
   
4. Underestimated Complexity: The technical or logistical challenges are downplayed or not fully understood, leading to delays, budget overruns, and ultimately, a product that doesn’t meet expectations.

The Financial Risks of a Tarpit Idea

One of the most significant dangers of a tarpit idea is its potential to drain resources without delivering a return on investment. For small businesses and entrepreneurs, this can be particularly devastating. Here are some ways in which a tarpit idea can lead to financial hardship:

• Extended Development Timelines: As complexities arise, the development process can drag on, increasing costs far beyond the initial budget.
  
• Pivoting Costs: Realizing mid-project that the concept needs a significant shift can lead to additional expenses, whether it’s redesigning features, altering the user interface, or even starting from scratch.
  
• Market Misalignment: If the final product doesn’t resonate with its intended audience, you may face low adoption rates, forcing you to invest even more in marketing or further development to salvage the project.
  

How to Avoid the Tarpit

To ensure your project doesn’t become a tarpit, consider the following strategies:

1. Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP): Focus on the core functionality that solves a specific problem for a defined audience. This approach allows you to test your concept with minimal investment and gather feedback to inform future development.
   
2. Conduct Thorough Market Research: Before diving into development, ensure there’s a genuine need for your product. Understand your target audience, their pain points, and how your solution can provide value.
   
3. Prioritize Features: Break down your idea into must-have features and nice-to-have features. Start with the essentials and add more complex features only after validating the initial product.
   
4. Be Open to Feedback and Iteration: As you develop your product, stay flexible. Listen to user feedback and be willing to make changes to better align with market needs. This approach reduces the risk of creating something that doesn’t meet user expectations.
   
5. Set Realistic Expectations: Both in terms of time and budget, setting realistic expectations is key. Understand that complex projects take time, and be prepared to invest in multiple phases of development rather than expecting a perfect solution immediately.
   
6. Work with Experienced Developers: Partnering with a development team that has experience with similar projects can help you identify potential pitfalls early on. They can offer valuable insights and guidance, ensuring your idea is feasible and aligned with your business goals.

Conclusion

The excitement of bringing a new idea to life is one of the most rewarding aspects of working in software development. However, it’s essential to approach every project with a critical eye. By recognizing the signs of a tarpit idea and taking steps to refine your concept, you can avoid the pitfalls that have led many promising projects to financial ruin.

As a Denver app developer, Epic Business Apps is committed to helping you navigate the challenges of software development. We believe that with the right strategy and guidance, every great idea can become a successful, sustainable product. If you’re ready to turn your vision into reality, we’re here to help—be legendary!

Over the past decade, more than 90% of clients that approach Epic Apps believe their app idea is the first of its kind. Yet, within just a few hours of dedicated research during the discovery phase of the engagement, we find that about half of these ideas already have nearly identical counterparts in the market!  Fortunately, this discovery often turns out to be beneficial, as we’ll explain further.

Identifying Competitors

Begin by pinpointing your main competitors. Start where most searches do—on app stores. Use relevant keywords linked to your app’s function and theme to explore the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Next, extend your search to the broader web. Employ varied keyword combinations on Google to uncover existing market entries. Websites like Reddit also serve as valuable resources where discussions about similar app ideas may be brewing, potentially by individuals who have yet to venture into app development that’s related to your idea.

Don’t overlook the power of social media searches. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok are equipped with sophisticated AI-driven search engines that can surprisingly pinpoint close matches with just a few keywords.

Lastly, leverage analytical tools such as Data.ai (fka App Annie) and Sensor Tower. These platforms offer critical data on app performance metrics like downloads, revenue, and user engagement, providing a deeper understanding of the competitive landscape.

Analyzing the Market

Once you have a list of competitors, analyze the market demand. Understanding the user base’s size and demographics can help tailor your app to better meet their needs. This analysis involves looking at market trends, user reviews, and feedback on competitor apps. Pay attention to what users praise and what they complain about. This can highlight features that are missing in the market, which your app could potentially offer.

Delve deeper into the backgrounds of the developers and their investors. Utilize resources like Crunchbase to discover funding details, including how much capital your competitors have secured and which venture capitalists are backing them.

The amount of funding raised and the number of investment rounds are crucial metrics for gauging the viability and potential success of an app idea.  Additionally, if numerous competitors are well-funded, it underscores the market’s competitiveness and can inform your strategy to stand out and succeed.

Conversely, apps that seem underfunded or lack a robust marketing spend present unique opportunities for disruption. The adage ‘build it and they will come’ rarely holds true in the competitive app marketplace. Surprisingly, many still adopt this passive approach, hoping their app will naturally attract users—an oversight that you can capitalize on. We advise every client from the start: Investing more in developing your app than in marketing it, will significantly reduce your chances of success!

Distinguishing Your App

If other apps are thriving in this space, it’s a good sign that there’s a demand. Additionally, existing apps set a benchmark for you. They help you understand what works, which can guide your design and development process, reducing both risk and the time needed to find a viable product-market fit. Scrutinize their reviews, and jot down insights about their features, pricing, and user interfaces.
With a thorough understanding of existing apps, focus on distinguishing your app in the market. Consider creating a unique value proposition, enhancing the design, adding innovative features, or providing more effective solutions to user issues. These differentiators will be thoroughly explored during the discovery sessions with your developer, setting the stage for the UX/UI design phase of your app’s development.

Remember, a successful app does not need to reinvent the wheel; sometimes, significantly improving on existing solutions, or addressing neglected user needs, is enough.

Conclusion

Researching competition before building a mobile app is an essential step that should not be overlooked. By understanding what’s already available, you can better position your app to be unique and appealing. However, whether you can ever monetize your great app idea is a whole ‘nother story, which we’ll tackle in a future blog post.

1. Personalized User Experiences with AI

AI can tailor the online experience for each user. By analyzing user data, such as browsing behavior and purchase history, AI algorithms can recommend personalized products or content, significantly enhancing customer engagement and satisfaction.  Examples of personalization AI engines include Adobe Sensei and Dynamic Yield

2. Improved Customer Service with AI Chatbots

Integrating AI-driven chatbots on websites and apps can revolutionize customer service. These chatbots provide instant responses to customer inquiries, offering a 24/7 service that improves customer experience while reducing the workload on human staff.  Dialogflow (by Google) is a great example of a platform leveraging AI to offers extensive tools that can better understand conversational language flow throughout the interfaces of websites, mobile applications, and messaging platforms.

3. Optimized Search Functions with AI

AI can optimize search functionality on business websites and apps. Through natural language processing, AI understands and processes user queries more effectively, yielding more accurate and relevant search results.  Retail and E-commerce AI solutions such as Algolia and RichRelevance provide AI-powered search and discovery solutions that generate better product recommendations, especially for customers visiting e-commerce and retail websites.

4. Predictive Analytics using AI

AI’s predictive analytics capabilities allow businesses to forecast trends and customer behavior. This insight helps in making data-driven decisions, from inventory management to personalized marketing strategies.  Einstein, from Salesforce, is an AI layer you add within your website.  It can deliver predictive analytics and automated recommendations pertaining to many facets of an enterprise’s CRM.

5. Image and Voice Recognition with AI

Software offerings, like that of Clarifai, provide advanced image and video recognition capabilities to enhance a user’s interactions within mobile apps and websites.

Incorporating AI into your business’s digital platforms is a strategic step towards future-proofing your operations and enhancing customer experiences. If you’re looking to leverage these AI SaaS technologies effectively, don’t hesitate to contact our app and website team at Epic Business Apps in Denver. Our expertise in software integrations can help you seamlessly infuse these advanced capabilities into your business software.

1. Welcome and Onboarding

Welcome and Onboarding: First impressions matter, and push notifications can play a vital role in welcoming new users to your app. By sending a personalized welcome message or a series of onboarding tips, you can guide users through the initial setup process and showcase the key features of your app. This approach to improving the UX/UI of the app helps users understand the value your app provides, right from the start.

2. Important Updates and Reminders

Push notifications are ideal for delivering timely updates and reminders. Whether it’s informing users about new features, bug fixes, or important news related to your app, push notifications can ensure that users stay informed and engaged with the latest developments.

3. Personalized Recommendations

Leverage the power of user data to send personalized recommendations through push notifications. By analyzing user preferences and behavior, you can suggest relevant content, products, or services that align with their interests. This personalized touch enhances user experience and fosters a stronger connection with your app.

4. Abandoned Carts

For e-commerce apps, push notifications can be a game-changer when it comes to recovering abandoned carts.  By sending gentle reminders, exclusive discounts, or limited-time offers, you can nudge users towards completing their purchases and drive revenue for your business.  This idea also works well for internal enterprise apps, where push notes can be used to remind someone to complete a process they had started, but not completed, within the app.  Submitting forms or completing checklist through an app would be an example of this.

5. User Engagement and Retention

Engagement and retention are key metrics for the success of any mobile app. Push notifications can be used to re-engage users who haven’t been active for a while. By sending personalized messages, incentives, or exclusive content, you can reignite their interest and encourage them to revisit your app.

6. Event Notifications and Updates

If your app involves events or time-sensitive activities, push notifications become an indispensable tool. Inform users about upcoming events, provide event reminders, and update them on any changes or cancellations. This ensures users stay well-informed and actively participate in your app’s events.

7. Gamification and Rewards

Gamification elements, such as badges, achievements, or points systems, can significantly enhance user engagement. Utilize push notifications to notify users about their progress, congratulate them on their achievements, or offer rewards for reaching certain milestones. This approach keeps users motivated and hooked to your app.

8. Location-Based Notifications

Leverage location-based push notifications to provide users with contextually relevant information. For instance, if your app is a food delivery service, send notifications about nearby restaurants, special deals, or discount coupons based on the user’s location. This targeted approach adds value to your users’ experience.

9. User Feedback and Surveys

Push notifications can serve as a powerful tool for collecting user feedback. By sending short surveys or requesting reviews, you can gather valuable insights to improve your app. Users appreciate being heard, and incorporating their feedback strengthens their trust and loyalty towards your company and brand.

10. User Segmentation and Personalization

Last but not least, segmenting your user base and delivering personalized push notifications can yield impressive results. By dividing users into specific groups based on demographics, behavior, or preferences, you can send tailored notifications that resonate with each segment. This level of personalization enhances user satisfaction and boosts engagement.

Conclusion: Push notifications have the potential to transform the way you connect with your mobile app users. By utilizing these ten common notification strategies, you will ramp up your app’s engagement levels and user-satisfaction.

Mobile-optimized Website

Pros:

1. Accessibility.  Websites are available to all users who have an internet connection, immediately upon going live.  This can help launch your platform to a much broader audience, with much lower costs.
   
   
2. Maintenance savings.  Websites avoid costly, ongoing code updates in order to stay up to date with iOS or Android version updates.
   
   
3. Better discoverability.  Websites enable you to more easily, and affordably, market your website through free google analytics and organic search optimization.
   
   
4. Faster launch time.  Websites do not require going through the often cumbersome approval process of either Google Play or the App Store.  If either Google or Apple don’t like something about your mobile app, you will be entirely at their mercy to try and change your app to appease them.  
   
   
5. Avoids app store violations.  Websites avoid the nightmare scenario of suddenly being taken off the app stores because some element of your platform doesn’t conform to an unexpected update to Google or Apple’s privacy policies, terms of service, or unexplained content-violation.
   

Cons:

1. Slower Speeds.  Internet connections that are necessary to access a website can sometimes be slow for some users, creating a frustrating user experience. Since it’s not possible to cache large amounts of data to a person’s smartphone device, not only is uploading and downloading of simple information often slow and clunky, but it might also render the rest of your platform completely useless when they are offline.  
   
   
2. Less immersive.  Websites do not allow for seamless integration with most of the users’ smart phone native functionality, like GPS, Photos, Contacts, Camera/Video, Touch/Face ID, Bluetooth, and Push Notifications. 
   
   
3. Development costs for mobile optimization.  Depending on the exact nature of your platform’s content, the mobile-optimized website can sometimes require completely custom content display through what’s known as adaptive coding, versus the more standard (and less costly) mobile responsive approach.  Mobile website visitors, these days, have fairly limited patience levels for a less-than-optimized user interface. 

Native Mobile App

Pros:

1. Speed & Performance.  Mobile apps allow personal data and frequently accessed content to be cached on a mobile app, making the use of your platform not only faster, but even possible when the user is offline.  
   
   
2. Immersive user-experience.  Much better user engagement and retention can be achieved on a mobile app through targeted push notifications and integrations of commonly used smartphone functionality such as GPS, Photos, Contacts, and Camera/Video
   
   
3. Personalization.  From a user experience standpoint, mobile apps allow a user to set, and keep, more preferences and settings in place for regular use.  And from an engagement standpoint, users within the app can target each other better, based on all those same settings and preferences.
   
   
4. Trust & Safety.  Mobile apps foster more user-trust around safety and privacy.  Once an app is approved, there is less possibility of security concerns such as viruses and tracking, which are often hidden through the internet browsers that a website is accessed from.

Cons:

1. Maintenance costs.  Mobile apps are usually more costly for ongoing code updates that are required to stay up with iOS or Android version updates, revised privacy policies, and terms of service requirements.
   
   
2. Profit sharing with Google and Android. If your app allows for in-app purchases, or subscription-based fees to use your app, you will likely be giving the app stores at least 15% to 30% of your revenue.
   
   
3. SEO.  Mobile apps are more difficult to market directly, and organically, within the app stores.  Marketing a mobile app often takes more costly advertising than you can get from organic search optimization techniques behind a website.
   
   
4. Phone real estate creep.  This refers to the reluctance of some users to initially access your platform if they have to download yet another mobile app to their smartphone.  There’s a belief by some smartphone users that adding yet another mobile app to their phone is going to eat up valuable phone data storage, or somehow create more unwanted push notifications.

Whether you’re a business enterprise, or an entrepreneur, when building a native mobile app, a web app, or a website platform, it’s essential to always focus your initial development efforts on creating an MVP.   An MVP focuses on the core process or pain point that your application seeks to improve for its users.   The MVP’s sole mission is to prove your concept; Does your new software deliver what its users need it to do?   That is the question the MVP must answer, and nothing else matters until it’s addressed.  

If the answer to that question is a resounding yes, then you begin to slowly build out more features and functionality, as well as design additional enhancements to the UX/UI

If the answer to that question is no, or ‘not really’, then you either 1) iterate until you address the initial user feedback, 2) pivot to a slightly different concept or use-case, or 3) scrap the software entirely, before you spend money to fully develop and market it.

Focusing on an MVP means simplifying the initial design and functionality of your application in order to quickly generate a reliable feedback loop from users.  Simplification might mean just designing a graphical prototype that illustrates what you intend to develop.  Or, simplification could mean coding out one or two of the core features of your application, but then only graphically displaying areas of functionality which subsequent, post-MVP versions would contain if your MVP feedback indicates it’s necessary.   This can better steer your development dollars to building out only those features that are most important to your intended user-base. 

Working on hundreds of projects over the past decade, Epic has seen the power of the MVP in creating a quicker path to the ultimate, final product launch that will completely engage its users!   So if you are looking for a detailed roadmap to successfully launch your next application, we’d love to hear from you.

Users of this top-rated fitness app simply select their fitness experience level, goals, how much time they have, and available equipment (or lack thereof), and it builds a custom workout for them to complete in their own home or on the go.

Since the creators of KinetiCoach realized that it was the perfect app for everyone stuck at home during these challenging times of social distancing and lock-downs, they decided to open up the Premium subscription for FREE for 60 days.

The app is packed with 1000+ unique workouts and 300+ movements, including stretches.

Take advantage of this great app during your time of forced isolation!

Stay healthy!  Stay well!

It started by carefully defining the requirements in the discovery scope process.

We then discussed the key milestones and deliverables that come after the discovery phase, in the design and development phase.

Now, as you transition to the website go-live or app launch phase, we will discuss how you might want to define exactly what success looks like for your particular software project.  This includes a discussion about the tools and metrics you can utilize to ensure that user feedback and engagement is leveraged to its fullest!

With any software, and especially mobile apps, the idea of simply ‘build it and they will come’ just doesn’t apply in the real world. So before launching a beta release of your software, or even a soft launch to the public, you should ask yourself a couple of key questions first:

What problem did you set out to create a solution for when you built this software?  Based on the answer to that question, how will you measure the initial success of that objective?  This will require that you set up user feedback loops in multiple places, both inside the software, and in your marketing efforts.

Here are a few common feedback mechanisms you can deploy within the software:

• Pop up messages that are appropriately timed in the UX journey that clearly show you appreciate any early user comments on what they like, and don’t like, using your software… and of course, what is it that they would really like to see in the next iteration of your software!
• Links within the appropriate places of the app or website, where users can immediately provide feedback along key moments of their user experience within your software. Offer incentives, if necessary, to obtain more in-depth, user feedback-like surveys.
• Analytics software embedded ‘behind the scenes’ in order to track user engagement levels within various features and functionality of the software. Examples of some commonly used software analytics are:

1) Google Analytics (free), App Store Connect

2) App Annie (paid, third-party software), Mix panel 

3) AWS AI services (AI) (paid, third-party software).  Easily integrated into your software, AI-type services can track user preferences and behaviors, and provide very personalized calls-to-action to the user.  These can take multiple forms, but AI-powered chat bots are just one of them.

No matter what type of feedback mechanisms you deploy, whenever you are soliciting user feedback, make sure that you have a way of responding (even if just to thank them for their feedback) so that you deepen the engagement and user relationship.  This can help turn any user into real advocates of your software’s mission, as well as encourage them to continue giving you feedback.

This also holds true for any mobile app reviews that you might receive on one of the two app stores.    For the first several hundred reviews, if not more, even something short and sweet like, “Thank you for the review and feedback!” will go a long way toward building more user engagement!

There are myriad ways to solicit user feedback the right way, and at the right time.  Contact us at Epic anytime for a free consult to discuss how we can help drive user engagement within your mobile app or website.

“Feedback is the breakfast of champions.” –Ken Blanchard