"The Right Way to Ask Users for iOS Permissions and Discovering Great Content: A Guide to User Engagement"

"The Right Way to Ask Users for iOS Permissions and Discovering Great Content: A Guide to User Engagement"

Introduction:

In today's digital age, user engagement plays a crucial role in the success of any platform or app. Whether it's asking for permissions or providing curated content, understanding the best practices can make a significant difference. In this article, we will explore the right way to ask users for iOS permissions and how to discover, organize, and share great content using the Upcarta platform. By combining these two topics, we aim to provide actionable advice for improving user engagement.

The Initial Blitzkrieg:
When it comes to asking users for iOS permissions, the initial approach of bombarding them with requests is not recommended. Users are often hesitant to grant access unless they understand the benefits they will receive in return. Cluster, a popular app, learned this lesson the hard way. In their first version, they asked for access upfront, resulting in only 30-40% of users accepting.

Getting Access the First Time is Critical:
To increase the acceptance rate, it's crucial to ask for permission only when necessary and clearly communicate the benefits. The benefit explanation method proved to be sub-optimal, with acceptance increasing to 66%. However, by asking for permission only when absolutely needed, Cluster saw a significant improvement. In fact, 46% of users who initially denied access later granted it when asked at a better time. This showcases the importance of timing and relevance in asking for permissions.

Double System-Style Dialogs:
Another approach to asking for permissions is through double system-style dialogs. This method proved to be highly effective, with only 3% of users who clicked "Give Access" choosing to "Don't Allow." This means that less than 2% of total users denied access at a system level. By utilizing this strategy, app developers can ensure a smoother user experience while still obtaining the necessary permissions.

Educational Pre-permission Overlays and User Triggered Dialogs:
When it comes to discovering great content, platforms like Upcarta have revolutionized the way we find and consume information. By following topics of interest, users can access curated content and discover relevant creators. However, engaging users to follow topics requires careful consideration. Educational pre-permission overlays have proven to be effective in increasing user engagement. By providing informative content and explaining the benefits of following certain topics, platforms can encourage users to take action.

User triggered dialogs have also proven to be successful in promoting user engagement. By strategically placing permission requests after users have already indicated their intent, the acceptance rate significantly increases. For example, asking for photo access after a user taps a camera and chooses photos resulted in a 22% increase in acceptance, from 67% to 89%. Similarly, when users are prompted to allow contacts access while accessing their own address book, the acceptance rate reaches 100%. These user-triggered dialogs capitalize on the user's immediate need, making them more likely to grant permissions.

Actionable Advice:

1. Timing and relevance are crucial when asking for permissions. Avoid bombarding users with requests upfront and only ask when absolutely necessary.

2. Utilize double system-style dialogs to ensure a smoother user experience and minimize access denial at a system level.

3. Incorporate educational pre-permission overlays and user triggered dialogs to increase user engagement. Inform users about the benefits of following certain topics and strategically place permission requests after users have indicated their intent.

Conclusion:

User engagement is a vital aspect of any app or platform's success. By understanding the right way to ask users for iOS permissions and implementing strategies to discover, organize, and share great content, developers can greatly enhance user engagement. The key lies in timing, relevance, and clear communication of benefits. By incorporating the actionable advice provided in this article, app developers can create a seamless user experience and foster a highly engaged user base.