Why Apps Need to be Mobile and Tablet Friendly

An app for everything

To have an app for everything you need to check that your app has been built for mobile and tablet use. There are many differences between mobile & tablet apps but because downloading an app is so quick and easy; we don’t think about all the techy stuff behind it.

Smartphones and tablet apps

Smartphones - the average American checks their phone 262 times A DAY. That’s approximately every 5.5 minutes, what on earth are they checking!? Everything. As simple as that. Just as Google says – There’s an App for that. All Apps should be primarily smartphone-friendly, otherwise, there is literally no point at all.

Tablets are used for longer periods of time but less frequently i.e., for watching films during long car journeys. Apps for tablets need to be perfected, digitally and visually. If your app looks grainy on a tablet, and it drains the battery … well, you might as well have never developed the app.

Because of the basic differences including battery life, screen sizes, and main uses, apps need to be fabricated differently to make sure the app looks and works at its best at all times, on every device. Building an app for everything is time-consuming, and it’s not cheap. But it is worth it.

Making changes to the app

There are “developers” who just blow up the graphics for larger screens, but this is utterly pointless as the images become stretched and the app will not work how it should. Speak with a professional about upgrading your app across all devices. There are things to consider such as the way the device is held which can change the layout of your app entirely – do this right, and you’ll see the benefits.

Depending on what your app is for, you have the option to prioritise either the mobile or tablet version, although I suggest putting as much as possible into both. Depending on who your target audience is you take a good guess which device they’ll be using. If it’s a drawing and editing app then you’re pretty safe to guess that someone with a bigger screen will be using the app, so it’s more likely they’ll be on a tablet.

Speak with your app developer about what exactly your app needs, there’s also the option of having a computer desktop app. If you can’t build a mobile and a tablet app then you can’t do a desktop app first, this is what your website is for. Websites tend to be more flexible than apps when being built, your developer will normally include a mobile version on your page.

Staying in the moment

At minimum, you should be updating your app every 30 days, and re-testing it every 20 days. Sound excessive? Okay, you really need to think how broad Apple really is, how many different types of devices you’re covering, and the different uses and stages held within your app. It is your responsibility as the app owner to keep it functioning and healthy. Every year Apple make major changes to their operating systems, the healthier you keep your app monthly the more prepared you are for changes as they are announced.

The seasons and holidays come and go too quickly (or at least that’s what it feels like), but they should be seen in your App, people love novelties. I don’t mean start showing Christmas in August just because you can, run your App through the entire holiday and season schedule, just remember that the different hemispheres have opposite seasons, Australia will not appreciate snowy images in December.

Users love new features as well. Depending on what your app, features available or suitable for you will vary. Keep in mind though, changing your app too often can also lead to user fatigue. Don’t go changing the layout of your App each month, as users will become disorientated and confused and this leads to deletion.

Keep your new features simple and relevant. If you run an app for Social Dog Walks you can add a page where people can upload pictures. You can then link back to the seasons and have seasonal stickers which can be put on their doggie’s photo (Santa hats, deer antlers, hearts, Easter Eggs…) Add in a feature for live maps and tracking so that your walkers feel secure, or add profiles where they can show which type of dog they’ll be walking with a character profile (Do not approach, loves other dogs, happy with children…). Apps that allow people to create personal profiles have been proven to hold a long life over ones that don’t.

If you’re looking to create or update your app, get in touch with us today.