In this blog, we will explain why post-launch maintenance is important, what it means, and how it guarantees the long-term success of your mobile app.
What Is Post-Launch App Maintenance?
The post-launch app maintenance process involves ongoing monitoring, updating, and enhancing your mobile app after it has been launched to the public. Post-launch app maintenance includes everything from bug fixes and updating software to new feature additions, security updates, and ensuring consistent performance across a range of devices and OS versions.
Why Post-Launch Maintenance Is Important
- Bug Fixes and Error Resolution
Even the best-tested app will encounter bugs that are exposed when the app is used in the real world. Quick post-launch maintenance enables you to ensure;
- Stability
- Better user experience
- Fewer app crashes
- Compatibility with New OS Versions and Devices
- Both iOS and Android are constantly rolling out updates. Without maintenance,
- Your app can be broken or unusable
- User interface may not load correctly on new devices
- Core functions may start working improperly
All of these issues add up to being compatible with one of the latest versions of operating systems and devices.
- Security improvements
- Cybersecurity is continuously changing. Regular app maintenance enables you to:
- Fix security vulnerabilities
- Keep user data secure
- Prevent delisting or being penalized by the app store
- User trust is heavily reliant on security in your app.
- Optimizing Performance
Over time, your app may lag or consume more and more memory when you have the same code base. App Maintenance provides:
- Faster loading speeds
- Optimized battery usage
- Less crashing overall
- This leads to better ratings and higher retention, too!
- Listener's Feedback
Once launched, users will share feedback, complaints, and requests for new features. Maintenance will allow you to:
- Eliminate pain points
- Make UX improvements based on actual input
- Evolve the app based on user expectations
Most importantly, it shows users that you're listening, which builds brand loyalty.
- Feature Enhancements and Upgrades
User needs and market trends change quickly. Maintenance keeps your app relevant and competitive by:
- Adding features
- Updating UI/UX
- Improving capabilities based on analytics
- Apps that do not evolve quickly become irrelevant.
- Reducing Uninstalls and Negative Reviews
- Outdated or buggy apps lead to:
- High uninstall rates
- Low app store ratings
- Negative publicity by word of mouth
Regular updates create improved user satisfaction and an overall good reputation.
Is App Maintenance Costly?
View it as an investment rather than a cost. If you ignore app maintenance, it could result in:
- App abandonment
- Broken customer journey
- Building the app again
Proactive maintenance is nearly always cheaper than troubleshooting a major incident later on.
Frequency of App Maintenance
A well-maintained app should be:
- Monitored on a weekly basis
- Updated on a monthly (ideally) or quarterly basis
- Rebuilt on an annual basis (depending on technology trends)
In Conclusion
To build an app is phase one, keeping your app valid, relevant, secure, and functional following launch is phase two. Maintenance on an app after launch is an act of ensuring the app continuously matures with the business objectives, technology trends, and the needs of your users.
Neglecting app maintenance results in anything from performance issues and security vulnerabilities to brand damage. Conversely, developing a culture of continuous app maintenance should instill trust and build loyalty to achieve success in the app marketplace. Choose mobile app development company who provide continuous maintenance support post launch.