‘You never get a second chance to make a first impression’ – this is a phrase we all know very well. It especially rings true in mobile, where customers expect more and the competition is fierce. One tried and tested way of making a great first impression is by investing time and effort into the user’s first experience – what is called the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE). In this article, we will take a closer look at the OOBE and how Dynamic Preloads can be used to create that ever-important first impression – which in turn strikes positive relationships with consumers from day one.
First Interactions When Unpacking the Out-of-Box Experience
Just like in real life, first impressions in our digital lives can make or break a relationship. For instance, when we first interact with a new mobile app, we decide pretty quickly whether it’s worth our time or not – based on factors like relevance, design, usability, functionality, and of course, speed. The out-of-box experience is the first (and maybe last) chance to impress and convince users of your app’s value.
A poorly designed and executed OOBE, or, for example, slow loading times, can cause frustration for users and lead to them giving up on your app at the get-go. But a well-designed out-of-box experience can create an instant wow moment and lead to a long-lasting relationship.
Imagine getting a new smartphone, and during the setup process, you can choose the apps you want, so when your phone is fully booted you’re ready to go. Chefs kiss! On the other hand, think of a lengthy setup process and afterward having to endlessly scroll through crowded app stores. That’s different from the experience you want. So, to ensure users have a hassle-free first interaction and OOBE, it’s wise to consider Dynamic Preloads.
The Role of Dynamic Preloads
Simply put, Dynamic Preloads involves presenting users with recommendations during onboarding. While our focus here is more on mobile device onboarding, it’s worth noting that this approach is also employed during app onboarding.
Instagram and Snapchat do a great job of making the most of the users’ first experience by preloading content, such as trends and suggested accounts, so they engage with the app right from the start. Dynamic Preloads are those account suggestions.
Mobile OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) have evolved this approach by allowing users to opt in or out of suggested apps and games during setup, thereby letting users curate the best experience for themselves. The upside to this approach? You are almost guaranteed higher engagement and user retention, as users have made their own choices and are more inclined to want to engage with the app and its content.
A Few of the Many Advantages of Dynamic Preloads
Dynamic Preloads offer a wide range of other advantages that can greatly improve user experience and performance. Here are a few:
Always delivering the latest app version directly to customers
In keeping with the theme of making the right first impression, one surefire way of doing that is ensuring that users are immediately granted access to the latest version of your app or game. This provides the smoothest experience possible, with all the kinks and bugs ironed out. Unlike factory preloads, which typically ship out a version of your app/game that is 6 months out of date, and so users have to manually update to the latest version – which is likely an off-putting experience.
Improve your apps ranking in the Google Play Store
Developers are always looking to crack those top charts on the Google Play Store but need help finding ways to improve their download numbers in order to do just that. That is where preloading enters the equation. Through Google Play Auto Install (Google PAI), every instance of a user opting to download an app/game through this preloading method is another download through Google Play. How? Dynamic Preloads gets the latest version of the app through the Google Play Store, thereby adding to its organic download numbers and aiding in the Play Store ranking and discoverability algorithms.
Reduce user acquisition costs
Compared to factory preloads, Dynamic Preloads require much lower budgets and commitments, making it perfect for developers to try. Additionally, the flexibility of setting up Dynamic Preloads at any time means no time constraints on when and how to do it. Compared to traditional app marketing, Google Play Store Sponsorships, or outright app advertising via social media and influencer sponsorships, Dynamic Preloads represent a cost-efficient yet premium user acquisition strategy that delivers results.
Add Dynamic Preloads to Your Mobile Marketing Mix
As technology advances further, the benefits of Dynamic Preloads will continue to expand. This feature is crucial for the success of any application. Developers should strongly consider integrating it into their marketing mix to enhance the out-of-box experience and overall user experience, ensure smooth functionality, and increase app installations.
To learn even more about Dynamic Preloads and how they can increase app installs by 1000% within the first six months, check out this interactive Dynamic Preloads and Mobile Gaming Guide.
Ready to level up? Connect with our team at AVOW to turn your app into a success story.