In a Localytics.com study, in 2010, 26% of mobile applications were used only once. Of the 200,000 Android users and 400,000 iPhone users surveyed, the rate rose over the year of the number of apps that were only used once.
The good news for those of you who are sinking money into apps being developed for your firm or for yourself is that the willingness to download an app is high, but first impressions matter in order to keep that user from moving on to the next shiny object.
But what is the major challenge to real estate applications? A real estate consumer has a limited shelf life. Once they’ve found a Realtor, they’re not going to use a “find a Realtor” app anymore. Once they’ve found a house, they’re not going to use a “find a house” app anymore.
But for an app to be only used once, the implication is that it was downloaded, the user didn’t like it, and they moved on likely to a competitive app.
We bring you this information not only so you’re aware of the trend of your own use, but in case you’re investing in mobile… you should know the trends and you should be monitoring user’s behaviors- don’t just assume that you’re hot stuff because you or your broker have a fancy app.
Dave Kinkade
February 6, 2011 at 6:19 pm
I am so guilty of this! Half the apps on my phone are ones that I thought might be great but they were quickly forgotten about and left to die a lonely death.
MH for Movoto
February 7, 2011 at 2:30 pm
wow, interesting. I guess this is okay for real estate, since the average person only needs real estate help a couple of times in a lifetime – but 26%??? that’s really a LOT!!
KCinvestmentproperty
February 7, 2011 at 7:06 pm
I guess I’m old. I think most apps are just too stupid to be bothered with.