A few days ago, people began to speculate that Apple was in the process of removing apps from their App Store that have not been updated in quite some time. This news was not particularly well received, particularly amongst small developers who don’t necessarily have the time, resources, or need to update their application.
However, these parties are likely in the minority. Most applications will require updates every few months in order to keep users engaged and all app functions running smoothly. If you’re working with a team that provides mobile app development in Melbourne to build an app for your business, understand that your relationship with them should continue long after the launch of your new software.
What is mobile application maintenance?
Mobile application maintenance can be defined as periodic updates applied to an app to fix bugs, improve performance, and address any security issues.
You should understand that your app will require maintenance, no matter how well it’s been built. In fact, the best apps are likely those that are updated on a regular basis. Only through this strategy will you continue to deliver on user expectations.
Specifically, mobile application maintenance can include activities like adding new features, adapting your software to remain up to date with platform changes, fixing bugs, renewing licences, completing backups, and even revamping design elements.
Benefits of mobile application maintenance
If you’re paying for a service, it’s worth understanding what it offers you. Mobile app maintenance is as important as the process of Android application development itself. Without it, users will likely begin leaving your software in droves. And once someone has deleted an app, they’re unlikely to download it again.
Benefits to engaging in regular mobile app maintenance include:
● Improved user experience: No matter how important the services you provide, users are not going to interact with your app unless it provides a seamless, functional experience. Don’t expect to get this 100 percent right the first time. Instead, know that you will need to make constant, minor changes, in response to user feedback, to fully deliver on expectations.
● Harness new technology: Technology changes surprisingly quickly, and apps that don’t capitalise on this risk being left in their competitors’ dust.
● Money saving: While you will have to pay a mobile app developer to conduct maintenance, it’s actually a money saving technique. After all, the last thing you want is to invest tens of thousands of dollars into your app only to find that users are quickly uninstalling the software due to functionality or security issues.
How often should mobile application maintenance be conducted?
The answer to this question really depends on your app and the resources available to you. Generally speaking, you should aim to update your app every 6 to 12 months. This will enable you to stay up to date with technological trends and address any minor bugs that have not had too significant an impact on user performance.
Of course, there may be times when you need to fix specific issues outside of this timeframe. In relation to this, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on user reviews. This type of feedback can alert you to problems that you didn’t even know existed.
Keep an eye also on your analytics data. If users are continually quitting your app or uninstalling it at a particular point in their journey — like the sign-up screen, for example, it could be a sign that something is fundamentally wrong with the software.
Of course, larger and more complex apps will require more regular maintenance.
How much does mobile application maintenance cost?
Again, this question really depends on the specifics of your app. Most Android application development teams will offer maintenance as part of their broader development package. The cost may be factored into the total budget or it may be listed as an ongoing fee.
Most likely you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars a month for this service but this will vary from developer to developer.
How do I organise mobile application maintenance?
The simplest way to organise mobile app maintenance is by picking the right development team from the get go. There are plenty of companies out there that provide mobile app development in Melbourne. Not all will offer the same ongoing maintenance services. Before making a commitment to any one development team, ensure they are prepared to partner with you in the long term so that you can continue to deliver on user expectations.
Also Read: Mobile Application UI — Here’s What You Need to Know
Marta Jordan is a professional writer & blogger, who writes for a variety of online publications and loves working with words of all shapes and sizes.
