Biggest App Building Mistakes [in 2023]

Summary

In this insightful video from Raw Startup, the founder of Vivino and app experts Jakoib and Jaco discuss the eight most common mistakes app developers make. They emphasize the importance of continuous improvement, having a solid go-to-market plan, and not relying solely on paid marketing. Key points include avoiding the pitfalls of creating an app that mimics a website, focusing on user retention over mere downloads, and the necessity of a minimal viable product (MVP). The video encourages developers to maintain focus on solving one problem and to adapt based on user feedback, ultimately driving home the message that building a successful app is a challenging but rewarding journey.

Takeaways

• 🚀 A software product is never truly finished; continuous development and iteration are essential.
• 📈 A solid go-to market plan is crucial for reaching the right audience and ensuring product success.
• 💸 Relying solely on paid marketing can be dangerous; it should be a tool for testing rather than a long-term strategy.
• 📱 Mobile apps should not just replicate websites; they need to be designed with limited space and user attention in mind.
• 🔍 Focusing on one platform initially (like iOS) can lead to better resource management and clearer objectives.
• 🔑 User retention is more important than downloads; keeping users engaged is key to long-term success.
• 🔧 Building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) helps gather user feedback early and validate product ideas.
• ❌ Avoid adding too many features; focus on solving one core problem to maintain clarity and effectiveness.
• 🛠️ Continuous user engagement is essential; getting feedback can guide product improvements and adjustments.
• 🤔 It's important to set aside ego and perfectionism during the early stages of app development to adapt and learn.

Q & A

What is the primary theme of the video?

The video discusses the most common mistakes app builders and developers make and how to avoid them.

Why is it important to understand that a software product is never done?

Software products are continually evolving; ongoing development is necessary to adapt to changing user needs and market conditions.

What is a go-to market plan, and why is it crucial?

A go-to market plan outlines how a product will reach its target users. It's crucial because without it, even a great product may fail due to lack of visibility.

What are the risks of relying solely on paid marketing?

Paid marketing can become increasingly expensive and less effective over time, making it dangerous to rely on it as the only growth strategy.

How should mobile apps differ from websites or desktop applications?

Mobile apps should focus on essential features and value creation rather than replicating the entire website experience, as user attention is limited.

Why is it recommended to start with one platform?

Focusing on one platform helps to streamline development and resource allocation, which is critical for early-stage startups.

What is the difference between downloads and retention?

Downloads refer to how many times an app is installed, while retention measures how many users continue to engage with the app over time. Retention is a more important metric for long-term success.

What does MVP stand for, and why is it important?

MVP stands for Minimum Viable Product. It's important because it allows developers to test a basic version of the product with users to gather feedback before fully developing it.

What is the danger of adding too many features to an app?

Adding too many features can lead to a lack of focus and dilute the product's purpose, making it harder to understand user needs and solve their problems effectively.

How can founders overcome the challenge of user feedback on their product?

Founders should embrace constructive criticism and understand that user feedback is essential for improvement. Leaving ego and perfectionism aside will help in adapting the product effectively.