Mobile apps never stand still. Instead, a first release is followed by a second and a third.

Software requires constant updates – to keep up with changes to operating systems or customer expectations, to patch bugs that didn’t emerge during the first phase of testing or to add new functionality.

Those updates keep your app fresh and engaging. As technology improves, so must your app – or else you’ll be left behind.

In this way, updates are one of the best marketing tools that developers have. For starters, each new update will remind your users that your app exists – and encourage them to re-engage. Not only that but by fixing bugs you’ll make the app more enjoyable to use – and by adding functions you’ll make it more useful.

In short, think about app updates as you might consider any improvement to your wider customer service. Elsewhere in our businesses, we’re constantly trying to improve based on customer feedback – adding new product lines, shifting the layout of our premises, training our staff differently. Updating apps are no different – it’s another way to respond to market conditions.

So how often should you be updating? Some of the most successful apps often release updates as regularly as weekly at the higher end, and monthly at the lower. Commitment to regular updates is important, but don’t tinker for the sake of it: app updates should be determined by qualitative data, such as user feedback, and should, therefore, be determined by the issues you want to tackle.

The more features you add, the longer the update will take. In other words, in some cases, the frequency of your updates will depend on the type of app you have developed. Be led by need, then – but always be on the look-out for those needs.

For example, the most common type of app update is bug fixes. These are relatively small fixes that resolve common problems and make the app more stable. You should always be on the look-out for bugs – and you should be squashing them when you see them! Apps that are more established often have regular bug fixing updates and they are mostly about improving the experience for their users.

Major app updates, on the other hand, are fewer and further between. These contain new features that can improve or change the way an app works. These updates will take longer than bug fixes – and, as a result, are less frequent. They’re often the more exciting kind, however, and if done right they will engage users a great deal.

How often, then, should you update your app? That’s simple: as often as it needs! The key, however, is to be constantly aware of your app, how it’s being used and the feedback it is receiving. In this way, you’ll be alive to what needs changing – and be able to respond to demand. As often as necessary, is how often you should update your app.

Contact ImagePlus for Mobile App Development

We provide mobile app design and development for all project requirements, both consumer and business apps. If you’re in need of a mobile app or just have an idea for a project you wish to discuss, please contact us to arrange a consultancy.

Call us on 024 7683 4780 or email us at info@image-plus.co.uk.

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