Building an app is a journey filled with challenges. Let's focus on the top 7 that most founders get caught up in. Try to avoid these pitfalls, or at least not spend too much time if you happen to fall in one.
1. Not creating MVP
Your app’s first version should be a Minimal Viable Product (MVP). Don't wait until you have a perfect product. Get a basic version in front of users quickly to gather feedback and iterate. Ego and perfectionism can slow you down—prioritize speed and user feedback.
2. Falling for Feature Creep
Start with solving one problem. Adding too many features too quickly can dilute your app’s value and confuse users. Stay focused on your core value proposition. If what you’re doing isn’t working, reassess and pivot as needed. More features are rarely the solution.
Business plans rarely survive first contact with customers.
3. Lacking a Go-To Market Plan
Even the best products can fail without the right users. Distribution is key. Without a solid go-to market plan, your app won't reach its potential. Plan your market strategy early to get the traction you need. Once you have a user base, this becomes less crucial, but it’s essential to get started.
4. Spreading Too Thin Across Platforms
Focus your resources. Starting on too many platforms will dilute your efforts. Begin with one platform—preferably iOS, as it often yields higher returns—and perfect your product there before expanding. Concentrate on solving a specific problem first.
5. Prioritizing Downloads Over Retention
Downloads are vanity metrics. What truly matters is retention—how many users stay engaged with your app over time. Focus on creating value that keeps users coming back, rather than just driving initial downloads.
If you do build a great experience, customers tell each other about that. Word of mouth is very powerful.
6. Believing the Job Is Done
A mobile app is never truly finished. If you think version one is the end, you’re wrong. This is where the real work begins. Continuously push the needle forward every day. Remember, your app is like a living organism—it evolves as the world around it changes.
7. Over-Reliance on Paid Marketing
Paid marketing can be a trap. It's great for testing and learning about your users, but don’t make it your primary growth strategy. It’s becoming more expensive and less efficient over time. Diversify your marketing efforts and focus on sustainable growth.
Part of every entrepreneur’s job is to invent the future.
Get some Startup Advice
Building an app is a complex but rewarding journey. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can streamline your development process and increase your chances of success. Stay focused, be adaptable, and always prioritize your users’ needs.
If you need some more advice, reach out to our service for Startup Founders.