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How to make your app stand out in 4 easy ways

Nowadays there’s an app for everything. 

Need a bathroom break during a movie, but worried you’ll miss the best parts? There’s an app for that! RunPee tells you when to scoot to the loo, so you don’t miss any of the exciting bits.

Can’t stand the Kardashians? Presenting K-Blocker. Yup, this app banishes Kim, Kylie, Khloe, Kendall, Kourtney and Caitlyn related news from your browsing experience. In other words you’ll be “Free at last!” (actually said by one of their reviewers).

So yes, as you can see, there’s pretty much an app for everything. And for every great idea, there’s probably a bazillion apps (that includes native apps, progressive web apps, hybrid apps… the whole shebang!) So it’s pretty tough out there.

But we’re here to help. Let’s check out 4 ways that’ll help make your app stand out!

by Kuso Design

How to make your app stand out in 4 easy ways

1. Carve out a niche

As the old adage goes “Jack of all trades, master of none”. Rather than adding a smorgasbord of features to your app, focus on one or two features first. Get those right, before expanding your app further. 

So what do I mean by niche? Well, say you want to build a travel app. That means you’ll be competing with heavyweights like Tripadvisor, Airbnb and Fodors. So unless you have a ton of moolah, here’s what you may need to do... start your app by focusing on one city. Then niche down even further. For example, your app could target people that are interested in finding the best walking tours, or hiking routes in and around a city.

Once you start gaining a following, you can begin to widen the focus of your niche. As you get more and more users, and more and more positive reviews you’ll be able to start competing with the major players.

So start small… but dream big!

By Scott Adams

2. Provide something useful

Before you start designing or developing your product, talk to your target users first. This kind of research will help you create something truly meaningful and valuable for your potential users.

If your app addresses your target user’s pain points and frustrations they’ll keep coming back for more! So even if you think you have a million dollar idea, don’t dismiss a little initial research. It’ll help you build something people actually want or need - ultimately saving you a lot of time and money.

3. Keep it user-centric

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve opted in to an app’s free trial, only to abandon use after a few minutes. Why? The shoddy user experience. If I can’t get from A to B with very little effort, I see no point in using the app. After all, it’s supposed to make my life easier!

The best apps require as little thinking or effort from the user as possible. The trick here is to develop your app with your target user in mind. Even better, why not involve your target users throughout the app development process?! That way, when you launch, you’ll be confident that your app has a seamless and intuitive user experience. 

By putting your users at the centre of your app development, you’re already a cut above the rest!

by Taryn Oshiro-Wachi

4. Get the word out

It’s so easy to get lost in the sea of awesome and not-so-awesome apps out there. And although you may dream of your app just going viral, think TikTok, that might just not happen.

But that doesn’t mean your app won’t cut it. There are plenty of innovative ways to get your app seen by your target audience. Two ideas that may help you gain some traction is using influencers to spread the word, or advertising on popular podcasts. 

Influencers that align with your brand ethos, can be one of the best ways to promote your app. They already have a myriad of followers that will buy into your app on their recommendation.

Podcasts are also a great way to reach a well-targeted audience. Whatever niche you app serves, you’ll find a number of podcasts that already have a ton of engaged listeners. If your app caters to their needs, you should gain new followers in no time.

That’s a wrap

So that’s it! 4 simple ways that will help you put your best foot forward. 

For your app to succeed in this mad technological world, focus on building something your target users will love. In fact, aim to build something they can’t live without! That’s no easy feat. But hey, your idea might just be “the one”. 💖

Need some guidance on getting your app started? Why not check out our App design for newbies: A complete guide to building your first app (with pictures)