Mobile Commerce Growth Strategies

App Marketing: How to Retain Customers

Acquiring new users is expensive. But losing them? That’s even worse. Studies show that 90% of users abandon an app within 30 days of download.

March 7, 2025

If your app isn’t built to keep users engaged, you’re burning money.

The good news? You can fix it. The key to app success isn’t just downloads—it’s retention.

Let’s dive into the proven strategies that keep users coming back.

Onboarding: Hook Them Instantly

First impressions matter. A confusing sign-up process kills retention before it starts. Research shows that users who experience a smooth on boarding process are 80% more likely to stay.

Make it easy. Cut the clutter. Show value within seconds. Dropbox increased retention by 60% just by simplifying onboarding.

Push Notifications: The Right Nudge at the Right Time

Push notifications boost retention by 88% when done right. But spam them, and users will disable them—or worse, delete your app.

Personalization is the game-changer. Netflix’s hyper-personalized recommendations keep users engaged, reducing churn significantly. Your app should send notifications that feel like a helpful nudge, not an annoying interruption.

Gamification: Make It Addictive

People love rewards. That’s why apps like Duolingo and Starbucks thrive. Duolingo’s streak system increased user retention by 55%. Progress bars, leaderboards, and rewards trigger adopamine rush, making users want to return.

Does your app incentivize engagement? If not, you’re missing out on a proven psychological trigger.

Loyalty Programs: Keep Users Hooked

Customer retention increases by 5% when a loyalty program is in place. Starbucks’ rewards program keeps users coming back for their next coffee fix. You can do the same.

Offer discounts, credits, or exclusive content for repeat users. Make them feel special, and they’ll stick around.

Community Building: Users Stay Where They Belong

People stay where they feel valued. Apps with a strong community see 2x higher retention rates. Reddit, Strava, and even fitness apps thrive on user interactions.

Encourage discussions. Create user groups. Offer exclusive member perks. When users feel connected, they don’t leave.

AI-Driven Personalization: The Future of Retention

Amazon, Netflix, and TikTok thrive on personalization. Apps that use AI-driven recommendations increase retention by 70%.

Machine learning can predict user preferences, send tailored offers, and improve engagement. The more personalized the experience, the longer users stick around.

Boost mobile app retention with Tapday

Getting downloads is easy. Keeping users is the real battle. Companies that increase retention by just 5% can boost profits by 25% to 95%.

Tapday is the ultimate app builder for mobile loyalty, trusted by thousands of Shopify and Shopify Plus brands to captivate and retain customers for the long haul.

With a stellar reputation backed by glowing reviews on the Shopify App Store, Tapday delivers powerful tools like personalized push notifications, interactive live selling, and effortless integration with your existing tech stack.

Experience Tapday’s game-changing features for yourself—start with a 30-day free trial or book a demo today for a hands-on look at how it can transform your business.

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