How do you define and measure key performance indicators for your mobile app?

1 What are KPIs?

KPIs are measurable values that indicate how well your app is achieving its objectives. They can be related to various aspects of your app, such as user acquisition, retention, engagement, monetization, satisfaction, or loyalty. Depending on your app type, category, and target audience, you may have different KPIs that reflect your app's purpose and value proposition. For example, if you have a gaming app, you may want to measure the number of active users, session length, retention rate, or in-app purchases. If you have a news app, you may want to measure the number of subscribers, page views, time spent, or social shares.

2 How to define KPIs?

To define the KPIs for your mobile app, you need to start with your app goals. What are you trying to achieve with your app? What are the specific outcomes that you want to see? How do you define success for your app? Once you have clear and realistic goals, you can identify the KPIs that are relevant and aligned with your goals. For example, if your goal is to increase user loyalty, you may want to measure the churn rate, the percentage of users who stop using your app within a certain period. Or if your goal is to increase user engagement, you may want to measure the frequency of usage, the number of times users open your app in a given period.

4 How to improve KPIs?

To improve the KPIs for your mobile app, you need to use the data and insights that you have gathered and apply them to optimize your app's design, features, content, and marketing. You should also test and experiment with different strategies and tactics to see what works best for your app and users. For example, you can use A/B testing to compare different versions of your app's interface, functionality, or messaging and see which one generates more conversions, engagement, or retention. You can also use push notifications, email campaigns, or social media to communicate with your users and encourage them to use your app more often or take a desired action.

5 How to communicate KPIs?

To communicate the KPIs for your mobile app, you need to use clear and concise language and visuals that can convey your app's performance and progress. You should also tailor your communication to your audience and their interests and expectations. For example, if you are communicating with your app developers, you may want to focus on the technical aspects of your app's performance, such as bugs, crashes, or loading time. If you are communicating with your app investors, you may want to focus on the financial aspects of your app's performance, such as revenue, growth, or return on investment. You can use dashboards, reports, charts, or graphs to present your KPIs in an easy-to-understand and compelling way.

6 Why are KPIs important?

KPIs are important for your mobile app because they can help you measure and improve your app's performance and value. They can help you understand your app's strengths and weaknesses, identify opportunities and challenges, and make data-driven decisions. They can also help you align your app's goals and strategies with your users' needs and expectations, and increase your app's retention, engagement, and loyalty. By defining and measuring the KPIs for your mobile app, you can ensure that your app is delivering the best possible experience and results for your users and your business.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?