10 Things Every Growing Mobile App Needs
1. CI/CD Pipeline
A Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) pipeline is the backbone of efficient app development. It streamlines the process of integrating code, testing, and deploying update ensuring the smooth evolution of your app without interfering with user experience.
Why It’s Essential
• Shortens time to market
• Allows for quick bug fixes and feature releases
Pro Tip
Automate your CI/CD pipeline to save time and reduce human error. Tools like Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, and Bitrise can be used as tools towards achieving this.
2. Automated Tests
A reliable, user-friendly application free from bugs is guaranteed by automated testing. At every step in the development process from end-to-end testing to unit tests automation ensure quality.
Types of Automated Tests to Focus On
• Unit Tests: Verify individual components
• UI Tests: Ensure the app looks and behaves as expected
• Regression Tests: Confirm new updates don’t break existing functionality
Pro Tip
Integrate automated tests into your CI/CD pipeline for maximum efficiency.
3. UI Component Kit
A key time saver by providing reusable design elements that align with your app’s style guide. Consistency in design improves the user experience and simplifies updates.
Benefits
• Quicker development cycles
• Consistent look and feel across the app
Pro Tip
Use tools like Figma or Storybook to create and manage your UI component kit.
At Untapped we use Figma as it offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies creating and managing components, while cloud-based collaboration lets our team work in real time for consistent results. With scalable, reusable components and variants, you can build a flexible design system effortlessly. Built-in version control tracks changes and manages iterations smoothly.
Accessible on any browser or device without installation, Figma also supports local runs. Streamline workflows with plugins like Iconify and Unsplash, and use live prototyping to test and showcase component behaviour. Centralised libraries ensure consistent design and brand coherence across all projects.
4. Transparent Reporting
Understanding how your app performs is paramount for growth. Transparent reporting tools provide real-time insights into performance metrics, user behaviour, and errors.
Metrics to Monitor
• User retention rates
• Session duration
• Crash reports
Pro Tip
Use Google Analytics or Firebase to centralise data and make reporting easy to understand for your team.
5. Load-Balanced Servers
As your user base increases, your servers need to handle the growing traffic without breaking. Load balancing ensures your app remains stable and responsive, even during traffic spikes.
Benefits
• Reduced downtime
• Enhanced user experience
Pro Tip
Use cloud services like AWS or Azure for scalable and cost-effective load balancing.
6. Good Use of Agile Processes
Agile processes allow teams to stay flexible and deliver results faster. By breaking work into sprints, allows modification of the scope based on feedback and focuses on delivering value to users.
Why Agile Works
• Encourages collaboration and accountability
• Ensures you’re always working on the most critical tasks
Pro Tip
Adopt tools like Click Up or Trello to manage Agile workflows effectively.
At Untapped, we utilise ClickUp as our agile project management tool, allowing us to design and adapt workflows such as Scrum and Kanban seamlessly. This supports effective sprint planning, backlog management, and iterative development. Equipped with integrated agile features like sprint boards, burndown charts, task dependencies, and time tracking, ClickUp enhances our efficiency and organisation.
Additionally, it offers seamless collaboration, comprehensive reporting and analytics, and integrations with platforms like GitHub and Slack. This robust toolkit empowers us to deliver outstanding quality results for our clients consistently.
7. Scalable Foundations
Scalability should be built into your app from day one. This means choosing a tech stack, architecture, and database solutions that expand with the user base.
Key Areas to Focus On
• Cloud-based infrastructure
• Microservices architecture
Pro Tip
You should factor vertical and horizontal scaling into the architecture to accommodate future expansion.
8. Experience Lead
An experienced lead ensures your app prioritises user needs and stays aligned with market trends. They act as the bridge between the development team and end users.
Why It’s Important
• Keeps the app user-focused
• Helps define a clear product vision
Pro Tip
Get the experience lead involved during the design and testing phases to ensure a seamless user experience.
9. Scrum Team
A dedicated scrum team can drive your app development forward with clear goals, accountability, and efficient collaboration. Scrum will always keep your team on target and track, ensuring real value is created at each sprint.
Roles in Your Team
• Scrum Master
• Product Owner
• Developers and QA testers
Pro Tip
Hold regular retrospectives to improve your scrum process over time.
10. ASO (App Store Optimisation)
App Store Optimisation helps your app with visibility and appeal to potential users. A well-optimised app listing can significantly increase downloads and user engagement.
Focus Areas for ASO
• Keyword research and implementation
• Engaging visuals and descriptions
• Regular updates and positive reviews
Pro Tip
Conduct A/B testing across various app store creatives (icons, screenshots, etc.) to find what resonates best with your audience.
Bonus Essentials
Sleek Onboarding
A seamless and engaging onboarding process helps users get started as quickly as possible and reduces drop-off rates.
Engaging Push Notifications
Personalised, value-driven push notifications keep users engaged without being intrusive.
Offline Functionality
Enables users to access key features even without an internet connection to boost retention.
FAQs
Why is the CI/CD pipeline important for mobile applications?
A CI/CD pipeline ensures faster development cycles, reduces errors, and enables quick releases, helping your app evolve seamlessly.
How does automated testing improve app quality?
Automated testing catches bugs early, ensures consistent performance, and saves time compared to manual testing.
Why is ASO so critical for app growth?
ASO increases your app’s visibility, drives more downloads, and improves user engagement, directly impacting your app’s success.
How do load-balanced servers improve the user experience?
Load balancing ensures your app can handle high traffic without slowing down, offering a stable experience even during peak times.
What agile tools are best for managing mobile app development?
Click Up, Trello, and Asana will make miracles in managing agile workflows and maintaining team alignment.
Address these priorities, and your mobile application will be sure to scale up, adapt, and thrive in a highly competitive marketplace. Begin applying them now to place your app well into long-term success.
