Updating Your Mobile App

If your business has not yet developed a mobile application for a handheld or tablet device, you should certainly consider doing so. Allowing others access to products and services can bolster your business, particularly in terms of online ordering and communication. Great mobile apps start with creative, innovative ideas, and depending upon the idea, can encourage sales for your products and/or services, a stronger connection to your business, or function independently through ad revenue or app sales.

Of course, if your business has already developed a mobile app and submitted it to the App Store (Apple) or Android Market, you are on the right track in terms of marketing and exposure. You have correctly recognized the opportunities inherent in mobile apps. It may, however, be time for an update — here is a quick guide for how to know when it is time to update your business’ mobile application:

• Fixing a Bug. This is one of the most common reasons for businesses to submit an app update. Sometimes, minor bugs can pop up for a variety of reasons, despite testing. If you have received complaints regarding bugs, it is time to update your app.
• Adding/Removing Features. If you decide — based upon the user’s needs or changes in your business — that you need to add or remove features to your app, it is time to update your app. This will allow users to download an update that accurately reflects your business or the ways in which you want to conduct business through your app.
• Major Updates. Your app may require major updates that include a different level of functionality for the end user. In this case, you might need to develop a significantly revised version of the app.

Sometimes, when businesses consider updating an app, they recognize a need for an entirely new app. Sometimes, starting over can be the best thing for a company. This allows users to continue using the old app indefinitely, rather than being required to download the newest update. Although, attempting to let users know about the new app and consequently, selling a brand new app can be discouraging to users and businesses alike.

In any case, though, regularly evaluating your app’s effectiveness and usability is necessary, and creating corresponding updates is also necessary. Rather than developing an app and letting it sit, make sure that you are constantly revisiting how it works, what it does for users, and how it reflects your goals.