Key Factors for Creating Engaging Apps
Why Some Apps Succeed - And Others Fail
Developing an app is one thing. Getting users to stay engaged is another.
Many apps see high download numbers but struggle with retention. Research shows that 80% of users abandon an app after just one use, and only 10% of users stick around after seven days.
So, how do you build an app that people love to use?
By focusing on user experience, personalization, and continuous optimization.
This guide will walk you through 10 essential strategies to create an engaging app that keeps users coming back for more.
1. Intuitive UI/UX Design: First Impressions Matter
Users decide within seconds whether they like your app. A confusing or cluttered interface will drive them away.
A well-designed UI/UX is crucial because users expect simplicity when navigating an app. If they can’t figure out how to use it within 30 seconds, they’re likely to abandon it. Aesthetic design also plays a key role—apps with a polished look and feel create trust and credibility. Additionally, using familiar design patterns increases user retention because people are naturally drawn to interfaces that feel intuitive and easy to use.
How to Improve Your App’s UI/UX
- Keep navigation simple – Users should reach key features in two taps or less.
- Follow platform guidelines – iOS and Android have different design best practices.
- Use consistent branding – Fonts, colours, and icons should match your brand identity.
- Prioritise accessibility – Ensure the app is usable for everyone, including people with disabilities.
Pro Tip: Run A/B tests on button placements, colours, and navigation flow to see what works best.
2. A Smooth Onboarding Experience
If users don’t understand how to use your app within the first few minutes, they’ll delete it.
A well-crafted onboarding process is essential for user retention. Users expect clear guidance when trying out a new app, and studies show that 74% of users will abandon an app if they struggle to understand it. Onboarding helps simplify feature discovery by showing users exactly what they can do within the app, reducing confusion. It also significantly reduces churn rates—apps with an engaging onboarding experience see up to 50% higher retention rates compared to those without one.
How to Fix Onboarding Issues
- Keep onboarding short – Limit tutorials to 3-5 key steps.
- Use interactive walkthroughs – Guide users through features with tooltips and animations.
- Allow users to skip – Some users prefer exploring on their own.
- Show progress indicators – Let users see how far along they are in onboarding.
Pro Tip: Use gamification by rewarding users who complete onboarding with an incentive (discount, free trial, or exclusive feature).
3. Personalisation & Customisation
Apps that adapt to user preferences feel more valuable and engaging.
Personalisation is a powerful tool because it makes users feel more connected to an app. Studies show that personalised experiences can increase engagement by 80%. People are also 2.5 times more likely to make a purchase when they receive personalised content, which is why major platforms like Netflix, Spotify, and Amazon invest heavily in AI-driven recommendations. In addition to boosting conversions, personalisation reduces frustration by eliminating unnecessary steps and showing users only the most relevant content.
Ways to Personalise Your App
- Offer tailored content – Netflix and Spotify succeed because they personalise everything.
- Allow custom settings – Let users choose themes, layouts, or notification preferences.
- Use AI-driven recommendations – Suggest relevant features, products, or content.
Pro Tip: Track user behaviour to fine-tune recommendations and enhance engagement over time.
4. Regular Updates & Feature Enhancements
Apps that don’t evolve become irrelevant. Users expect new features and bug fixes over time.
Regular updates are key to keeping users engaged because they show that your app is actively maintained and improving. Apps that release frequent updates—whether for new features, performance enhancements, or bug fixes—see higher retention rates than those that remain static. Users also appreciate transparency, so it’s important to announce updates via in-app notifications or emails. This helps users stay informed and excited about new features while demonstrating that you’re committed to continuously improving their experience.
How to Keep Your App Updated
- Release updates frequently – Even small updates show that your app is actively maintained.
- Announce updates in-app – Use pop-ups or notifications to let users know about improvements.
- Listen to user feedback – Identify common complaints and fix them fast.
Pro Tip: Include release notes that highlight the value of new updates rather than just listing technical changes.
5. Gamification: Make It Fun & Rewarding
Adding game-like elements makes apps more engaging and addictive.
Gamification works because it taps into basic human psychology—people enjoy earning rewards, leveling up, and competing. Many successful apps, including fitness apps, productivity tools, and educational platforms, use gamification to increase user engagement. Features like leaderboards, achievement badges, and progress tracking encourage users to continue interacting with the app. Studies show that gamification can increase user engagement by 40% or more, making it one of the most effective strategies for long-term retention.
How to Implement Gamification
- Use progress tracking – Badges, levels, or streaks motivate continued use.
- Add leaderboards & challenges – Competition encourages users to return.
- Reward milestones – Give users exclusive perks for hitting goals.
Pro Tip: Allow users to share achievements on social media to create organic promotion.
6. Smart Push Notifications (Without Being Annoying)
Sending too many notifications leads to app uninstalls. Sending valuable notifications increases engagement.
Push notifications can increase user retention by 88%, but they have to be relevant and well-timed. Users appreciate notifications that remind them of valuable actions—like a sale, an important update, or a personalised recommendation. However, poorly timed or excessive notifications can backfire, causing users to turn them off or even delete the app altogether.
How to Use Push Notifications Wisely
- Make them personalised – “Hey [User], you left something in your cart” works better than generic alerts.
- Send at the right time – No one wants a midnight notification.
- Let users customise alerts – Give them control over how often they receive notifications.
Pro Tip: A/B test different notification copy and timing to see what works best.
Final Thoughts: Making Your App Unforgettable
Creating an engaging app isn’t just about cool features—it’s about how users feel when they use it.
By focusing on intuitive design, personalisation, smart notifications, and continuous updates, you can increase retention, boost engagement, and grow your app’s success.
Need Help Building an Engaging App?
At PixelForce, we design high-performance, user-friendly mobile apps that keep users engaged.
Contact us today to turn your idea into a successful app.
Call us at (08) 7006 3226 | Visit pixelforce.com | Book your FREE consultation here
Frequently asked questions
How can I make my application more engaging?
You can make your app engaging by creating a compelling onboarding experience, making it easy for users to sign up and sign in. Strategic push notifications can remind users to come back and open the app. In-app messaging and integration with Siri or other voice commands also make it easier for users to engage with your app.
What makes an app more enjoyable?
To meet your business goals, it helps to make your mobile app enjoyable for customers to use. A mobile app should provide unique value to the user, with responsive design, a consistent and reliable experience, and be regularly maintained and updated to ensure it functions smoothly.
What makes an app popular?
The most popular apps provide a service or product the user can’t live without. This might be a connection to a community, a calendar, a food tracker, a workout program or many other efficiencies that add value to the individual’s life.