When you’re diving into the app market, one term you’ll bump into a lot is “retention period.” But what does this really mean, and how long should you expect users to stick around?
What’s a Retention Period Anyway?
The retention period is how long users keep coming back to your app after they first download it. Think of it like how long a new toy keeps a child interested before they move on to the next shiny thing.
The Standard Retention Period
Generally, app experts look at three key time frames for retention:
- Day 1 Retention: How many users come back the day after they install your app.
- Day 7 Retention: Users returning one week later. This shows if your app has passed the novelty phase.
- Day 30 Retention: A month in, this indicates if your app has become part of the user’s routine.
Why Does the Length of Retention Matter?
The length of the retention period can tell you a lot:
– Short Retention: If users drop off quickly, there might be issues with your app’s first impression or functionality.
– Medium Retention: Users sticking around for a week or so might mean your app is fun or useful, but not essential.
– Long Retention: If users are still around after a month, you’ve likely hooked them with content or utility.
Industry Benchmarks for Retention
While there’s no one-size-fits-all, here are some general benchmarks:
– Good: Around 20-30% Day 30 retention is considered decent for many apps.
– Great: 30-40% or higher means you’re doing something very right.
– Need Improvement: Below 20% might signal it’s time to revisit your app’s appeal or functionality.
Factors Influencing Retention Period
App Type and Market
A game might see shorter retention than a fitness app because games often rely on new levels or events to keep users engaged, while fitness apps might become a daily habit.
Quality of User Experience
An app that’s easy to use, bug-free, and provides value will naturally retain users longer.
Marketing and Re-engagement
Effective apple search ads optimization and push notifications can extend retention by reminding users why they loved your app in the first place.
Measuring Retention with App Store Optimization Tools Free
Using app store optimization tools free can help track these periods. These tools can show you when users drop off, helping you tweak your app for better retention.
Tips to Extend Your App’s Retention Period
Improve Onboarding
Make sure new users see the value of your app immediately. A smooth, engaging onboarding process can significantly boost Day 1 retention.
Regular Updates
Keep your app fresh with updates. New features or content can re-engage users who might be losing interest.
Engage Through Personalization
Use data to personalize user experience. If your app feels like it’s made just for them, users are more likely to return.
Listen to User Feedback
Engage with reviews and feedback. Improving based on what users want can turn a short-term user into a long-term fan.
Role of App Store Optimisation Company in Retention
While an app store optimisation company might primarily focus on getting your app discovered through app store keyword research, they also indirectly affect retention by attracting the right kind of users – those genuinely interested in what your app offers.
Conclusion
The retention period isn’t just a number; it’s a story of how well your app fits into the lives of its users. While there’s no universally “correct” length for retention, understanding and optimizing for these periods using insights from apple app store keyword research and other tools can make your app not just a fleeting visit in a user’s device but a long-term resident. Remember, retention is about creating an app experience so compelling that users can’t help but come back for more.