Picture this: You've just discovered an app that's so brilliant, you can't help but tell everyone about it. Maybe it was the way Strava made your solo runs feel like social events, or how Duolingo turned your daily commute into a Spanish learning adventure. That magical transition from casual user to passionate advocate didn't happen by chance—it was carefully crafted.
Here at Glance, we've spent the past eight years helping companies build apps that users genuinely love. While we could fill several books with everything we've learned, today we're sharing the most valuable insights that can transform your app from a simple download into a daily essential that users champion to their friends.
The Secret Sauce of Sticky Apps: Beyond the Install
Let's be honest—getting someone to install your app is the easy part. The real challenge? It's what happens next. We've all been there: download an app with high hopes, use it once or twice, then watch it gather digital dust in the app drawer. The numbers tell a sobering story: 77% of users abandon apps within the first three days after installation. Ouch.
But here's where it gets interesting. The apps that buck this trend aren't just lucky—they understand something fundamental about human behaviour. Take Duolingo, for instance. They've turned language learning, traditionally about as exciting as watching paint dry, into a daily ritual for millions. How? By tapping into core human motivations: progress, achievement, and just a dash of FOMO (that streaks feature is properly clever, isn't it?).
Building Your Engagement Engine
The journey from first-time user to daily active champion starts with a cracking onboarding experience. Remember when you first opened Calm? That gentle voice asking about your meditation goals, the personalised programme suggestions—it all feels like magic, doesn't it? But there's serious science behind that sorcery. Our data shows that personalised onboarding can boost 30-day retention rates by up to 43%. Not too shabby for a few well-crafted welcome screens.
The secret lies in creating what we call "Aha!" moments—those delightful instances when users suddenly get why your app is brilliant. Spotify nails this by serving up a perfectly curated playlist within minutes of signing up. It's not just good luck; it's good design. They've mastered the art of progressive disclosure, showing users exactly what they need, precisely when they need it.
Now, let's peek behind the curtain at the tools that make this magic possible. While your users are having their minds blown by your app's brilliant features, tools like Mixpanel are quietly collecting valuable insights about how they're actually using it. But here's the thing—it's not about gathering every possible metric. We've learned (the hard way, mind you) that tracking everything often means understanding nothing.
Instead, focus on the metrics that matter. Are users reaching those crucial "Aha!" moments? How long does it take them to experience your app's core value? Firebase can help you send targeted messages to users who might need a gentle nudge in the right direction. The key is being helpful, not annoying. Nobody wants to be that clingy app that sends notifications every five minutes. (We're looking at you, that game we all deleted last week.)
Building Viral Loops Into Your App's DNA
Remember how Strava turned regular jogs into social events? They didn't just add sharing buttons and hope for the best. They built social proof into the core experience. Those segment leaderboards? Pure genius. They've generated over 50,000 shares not because users were asked to share, but because they wanted to share. There's a massive difference.
Dropbox's referral programme is another brilliant example of viral loops done right. They didn't just offer random rewards—they gave users something they actually wanted: more storage space. The result? A referral programme that turned users into advocates and helped Dropbox grow from 100,000 to 4 million users in just 15 months. Not bad for a feature that essentially lets users do your marketing for you.
The Advocate Creation Blueprint
Creating advocates isn't about pushing users to leave five-star reviews. It's about building something so useful, so delightful, that they can't help but tell others. Look at how Notion built its community of champions. They didn't just create a product; they created a movement. Their users don't just use Notion; they evangelise it.
The journey from user to advocate follows a natural progression. First, they need to experience consistent value. Then, they need to feel part of something bigger. Finally, they need easy ways to share their enthusiasm. Notion's templates marketplace is a perfect example—it gives power users a platform to share their expertise while helping newcomers get more value from the app.
Making It Happen: Your Next Steps
Building an app that users love isn't rocket science, but it does require intentional design, careful attention to user behaviour, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Start by mapping out your user's journey from first touch to advocacy. Where are the potential "Aha!" moments? What barriers might prevent users from experiencing your app's core value?
Remember, you don't need to implement everything at once. Start with the basics:
- Design a personalised onboarding experience
- Implement analytics to track meaningful engagement metrics
- Create natural opportunities for users to share their success
The most successful apps we've helped build didn't try to do everything at launch. They started with a solid foundation and iteratively improved based on real user feedback and behaviour.
A Final Thought
Creating an app that users can't stop talking about isn't about following a rigid formula—it's about understanding your users' needs and consistently delivering value in delightful ways. While the technical tools and frameworks we've discussed are important, they're just that—tools. The real magic happens when you combine them with genuine empathy for your users and a commitment to solving real problems.
Ready to start building something remarkable? Remember, every app that users love today started with a single step. Why not make today the day you take yours?
Want to dive deeper into any of these topics? Check out our resource centre for detailed guides and ebooks. And of course, if you'd like a helping hand, we're always up for a chat over a proper cup of tea.
