Looking into what your competitors are doing is very important. We must take a step to ensure that our app does well. Even though we’d like to think our app is one of a kind, the reality is we’re always facing competition. More apps are being made daily, increasing the chance that someone else might be working on an idea similar to ours. But studying our competitors isn’t just about seeing what they’re doing but learning from their mistakes and successes.
In the world of mobile apps, instead of seeing competition as a barrier, think of it as a boost to help us reach our goals.
Why Analyzing Competitors Matters When Creating an App
Imagine this: a developer comes up with an idea, pours their effort into creating it, and when it’s finally released, the feedback is, “This just looks like a worse version of game X.” That’s not what we want to hear.
Before developing our app, we should “scan the market.” We need to understand:
- The potential of the market we’re entering
- The segment of the market we can connect with
- How much of the market we can capture
The Core Idea Behind Analyzing Competitors
The key is to sidestep the errors they’ve made. We’re not trying to be pioneers without a map; we’re using the map to know where to go and what pitfalls to avoid.
Getting Started
Once we’ve identified the competitors we want to study, our main task is to dissect their strategies to uncover the keys to their success. We don’t want to make more work for ourselves, so we focus on specific areas:
- Keywords: Crucial for App Store Optimization (ASO). Knowing the main keywords helps us later.
- Screenshots and Videos: We assess how engaging these are and what draws attention.
- Reviews and Ratings: These offer insights into what users think. Pay special attention to reviews with 3-4 stars, often providing balanced feedback.
- Localization: Check if the app is available in multiple languages and review the keywords in those languages.
Analyzing Strengths and Weaknesses
Our goal is to outshine our competitors. We need to identify what they’re good at (to inspire us) and their weaknesses (to avoid them). Look at their app descriptions and user reviews to gather this information.
Critical Elements of Competitor Analysis
Choosing the right competitors is crucial. Using top app lists by category can help. Also, compare their main keywords with ours using tools like Spy Competitors.
Beyond the app, consider the company’s social media presence and pricing and monetization strategies. These factors can significantly contribute to its success.
In Conclusion
Competitor analysis is a vital step in app development. It helps us understand our app’s position, define our objectives, and enhance our chances of success. While it can be challenging, using analytical tools ensures a thorough process. So, delve into this process and aim for your app’s success.