Today, over 4.2 billion people use social media, which is more than half the world’s population. Social media platforms are some of the most valuable establishments in the world today. Besides the top social media networks globally, many other social media apps are available for people with unique interests. Thus, developing social media apps can be a lucrative business.
However, not all social media apps are successful. In addition, some of the top social media platforms still face tough challenges across a number of areas. To avoid making costly mistakes while developing a social media app, keep a few things in mind. After all, if you want to be the next Instagram or TikTok, and you want content creators to scramble to find ways to boost their engagement on your app through services like likes24.de, then you should better be careful with your approach. Here are eight pointers for building a successful social media app:
1. Social media thrives on mobile devices
At the start of the new millennium, when social media began to increase in popularity, few could have predicted that mobile (and not computer) screens would be more suitable for social media engagements. Today, the first device app makers look at for creating social apps is mobile.
Out of 4.2 billion active social media users, about 4.15 billion are active mobile social media users. However, consider the responsiveness of the apps before launching. Ensure that the social media app runs perfectly on desktops, laptops, internet TV sets, and other communication electronic devices.
2. Prioritize privacy and information security
A privacy breach is a concern for social media users. People are more aware of the risks in trusting social media companies with sensitive information now than ever. While you develop your social media app, make user information privacy a priority. Introduce code signing solution to ensure tighter security for user data to protect their online information. When users can trust that their conversations and data are safe, your social app has a big chance of leapfrogging its competitors.
3. Learn from the top players
Social media has evolved massively, and many of the top social media companies have been instrumental in this feat. However, these social media companies had to play by ear as there were no predecessors. Some of the popular social apps of the early 2010s are either sold or no longer in existence. Take a leaf from the top social media apps book, including Facebook, Whatsapp, and YouTube. Learn how they rose to the top, the mistakes they made, how they overcame obstacles, and what they are doing currently to get to the next level.
4. Define your target users
For over a decade, Facebook managed to pride itself as the one-size-fits-all social app for both young and old. Today, Facebook ranks a distant sixth among the most used social media platforms for Gen Z and Millennials. To get the best out of your social media app, consider targeting a specific age group or category of users. For instance, if you want to target the Gen Z audience, look at social apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Discord for cues.
5. Make a sustainable development plan
Treat your social app as a business. Just as you prepare a business plan before commencing a business, make a sustainable plan for your social app. Make a plan that can help build and sustain the app despite the number of users. Likewise, make provision for developing your app in the future when it starts to gain more users. Also, identify and plan for staffing, maintenance, and future app upgrades.
6. User experience is vital
Besides connecting people or helping businesses grow, social media users desire a top-quality user experience. First, work on the UX design to ensure that it has all the necessary tools to help users navigate the app easily. Your social app users should have no difficulty installing, running, and making changes to the default app settings. Prioritize user-friendliness while developing your app.
7. Technical support is non-negotiable
As a potential social media app developer, you are responsible for the safety and positive experience of the app user. Your app users will always need help with numerous aspects of the app, from installation to navigation. This service is essential to meet the needs of your app users. Technical support should be available 24 hours daily to meet users’ needs with varying time zones globally.
8. Promotion is key
Every top brand keeps advertising their business to remain in the public eye. Thus, social media apps do not rest on their laurels; promotion is essential to introduce them to the world. Start a promotion plan for your social media app online and ensure that it reaches your target audience.
Final Thoughts
When social media was first introduced, none could have predicted how powerful it would be. From social reforms to creating streams of income for people, social media is changing the world. Yet, before diving in headfirst, pay attention to some core factors vital to successfully running a social media app. Finally, develop a sustainable plan, prioritize mobile compatibility, learn from the top social apps, and promote your app.
