Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
If you're looking to provide lasting value to your clients, a subscription-based app service is the way to go — and the best part is, it's a win-win. When you offer real value, your revenue grows. No wonder the subscription economy is growing five times faster than the traditional one.
In fact, the U.S. subscription market is expected to hit $1.5 trillion by 2025, according to Sell Courses Online.
But here's the thing: Most apps don't make it because they don't keep users coming back. If your app isn't getting opened daily or weekly, you're losing money fast. It's not about flashy features or gimmicks — it's about delivering real value every time users log in.
That's where Utah Tech Labs comes in.
Here's how they can not only help you survive the subscription economy, but thrive in it:
Successful subscription services are about relationships
The first thing you need to understand is that you're not out to make a quick buck. You want an app that helps you develop a long-lasting relationship with your customers.
People tend to only subscribe to apps that make their lives easier, more fun or more productive.
Those are what you might call sticky apps. Some good examples include Spotify, Netflix or even Grammarly. These apps don't just offer a useful tool — they form habits, and habits are powerful.
Your job is to create an app that becomes a regular part of your user's daily life.
Retention is the new growth
The financial benefits of building customer relationships are huge. Zippia reports that acquiring new customers can cost six to seven times more than retaining existing ones.
What's more, Forbes notes that a 5% increase in customer retention can increase your profits between 25% to 95%.
And don't forget to nurture those relationships! Customer loyalty and satisfaction is absolutely paramount when it comes to the long-term success of your app. According to Soocial, 90% of Americans consider customer service a crucial factor when deciding to do business with a company.
The five secrets to building a sticky app
Now that you know why a sticky app is important, the next step is learning how to build one. To make an app that will have users sticking to it like glue, there are certain tools that work like a charm.
Follow these five steps and get ready to watch your retention rate soar:
Solve a real problem
Most app ideas fail because they don't solve a real problem. A cool design or unique concept isn't enough. Your app needs to make life easier, faster or better for your users.
For example, Calm is currently dominating the meditation app space because it helps users de-stress and sleep better at night. It's solving a real problem.
Pro tip: Talk to your target users. Once you understand their pain points, you'll be able to start building an app that helps solve those issues.
Deliver micro wins
Micro wins are the small moments of satisfaction that keep your users hooked.
Notifications like, "You've completed three tasks today!" or "You saved $32 this week!" leave people feeling accomplished, even in small ways. Design your app to deliver these dopamine hits and your users won't want to leave.
Onboard like a boss
First impressions matter. If your users don't see the value of your app in the first five minutes, they're gone. A killer onboarding process should:
- Show users how to use your app (without overwhelming them).
- Highlight the app's main benefit upfront.
- Encourage small actions to create a habit.
For example, Canva's onboarding shows users how to create a stunning design in seconds. It's simple, effective and makes you feel like a pro from the start.
Engage consistently
Your users are busy. If you're not reminding them to come back, they won't. This doesn't mean spamming them with notifications. It means providing real value, such as personalized reminders, updates about new features or weekly progress reports.
The MyFitnessPal app nails this by sending nudges like, "You've logged five meals this week. Keep it up!"
Make it ridiculously easy to use
If your app is clunky or confusing, people won't stick around. The best apps are intuitive. Every click, swipe or tap should feel seamless. Test your app with real users and watch where they get stuck. Simplify until it feels effortless.
Ready to dominate the subscription economy?
To sum things up, users want easy-to-use apps that solve their problems and deliver real value, ensuring they keep coming back again and again.
Whether you're building your first app or optimizing your 10th, Utah Tech Labs is here to help you create something engaging with lasting impact. With a proven track record of creating sticky apps that users love, they've delivered impactful solutions across healthcare, finance, e-commerce, education, and more industries.
Notable collaborations include leaders such as Aptive, Amber Alert GPS, Adobe, Drift, and House of Marley, showcasing their ability to build apps that meet diverse needs and thrive in the subscription model.
If you're ready to build an app your users will love — and stick with — schedule a free 15-minute discovery call to discuss your ideas and explore how Utah Tech Labs can help turn your vision into a subscription-based success.
Visit Utah Tech Labs today and start creating the app your users won't be able to live without.
