The Truths and Myths of Web Engagement and Mobile App Growth

The Truths and Myths of Web Engagement and Mobile App Growth

Introduction:

In the age of digital media and mobile apps, understanding user behavior and engagement is crucial for success. However, many commonly held beliefs about web engagement and mobile app growth may not be entirely accurate. In this article, we will debunk some myths and reveal the truths behind user behavior and growth strategies.

Section 1: Web Engagement

"What You Think You Know About the Web Is Wrong"

1. The Illusion of Social Shares and Reading:

Contrary to popular belief, there is no correlation between the number of social shares and the amount of reading. Research has shown that most people who click on articles don't actually read them. Shockingly, 55% of visitors spend fewer than 15 seconds actively on a page. Even when filtering for article pages, one in every three visitors spends less than 15 seconds reading. However, articles that were engaged with tended to be actual news, while less deeply engaged-with articles had more generic topics.

2. The Disconnect Between Sharing and Reading:

Among socially-shared articles, the amount of social activity does not indicate the amount of attention readers give to the content. For every 100 visitors, there is only one tweet and eight Facebook likes. Sharing content does not necessarily mean that it has been read, indicating a disconnect between social sharing and actual engagement.

3. Holding Attention for Return Visitors:

Research has shown that if you can capture a visitor's attention for just three minutes, they are twice as likely to return compared to visitors with only one minute of attention. Holding a visitor's attention is crucial for building loyalty and encouraging return visits.

Section 2: Mobile App Growth

"This Is How You Design Your Mobile App for Maximum Growth"

1. Effective Onboarding:

Many apps make the mistake of over-educating users during onboarding. Instead of bombarding users with information, a more effective approach is to use "tool tips" layered on top of UI elements. This allows users to learn about the app while simultaneously taking actions in real-time. Learning by doing is much more effective for user engagement.

2. Streamlining User Actions:

To maximize user engagement, each screen of your app should have one clear, dominating action. By eliminating equal choices or the possibility of accidental taps on the wrong button, you reduce cognitive load and make it easier for users to take action. Additionally, rewarding users for every small action can greatly increase engagement. Adding a progress bar, for example, can increase conversions by up to 40%.

3. Identifying Key Traffic Sources and Core Use Cases:

To drive growth, it is essential to identify the main traffic sources that bring in your highest-value users. By doubling down on those sources, you can make it even easier for more people to discover and use your app. Additionally, understanding the core use case of your product and building explicit features around it can help increase user engagement. Analyzing user behavior and identifying where users drop off or uninstall the app is crucial for addressing negative user experiences.

Conclusion:

In order to succeed in the digital landscape, it is important to challenge commonly held beliefs and understand the truths behind user behavior and growth strategies. By focusing on holding attention, streamlining user actions, and identifying key traffic sources and core use cases, you can optimize web engagement and mobile app growth. Remember, the digital landscape is constantly evolving, and continuous improvement is key to long-term success.