5 Unique Ways to Create a Habit-Forming Mobile App

Long-term mobile user retention is built via a consistent stream of habit-forming experiences. But a habit-forming app doesn’t just capture users’ attention; it becomes a part of their daily or weekly routine.

How do you make your app indispensable in users' lives? The answer lies in creating engagement loops that keep users coming back for more, and omnichannel mobile messaging plays a significant role in achieving this. For mobile marketers, the end goal is to foster consistent user interaction that feels natural and compelling, ultimately driving retention rates.

Let’s explore five unique ways to build a habit-forming mobile app through strategic, personalized, and well-timed messaging.

1. Triggered Engagement Reminders

To build a habit, users need to be reminded of your app's value at the right moments. Triggered engagement reminders are powerful because they connect directly with users when they are most likely to take action. The key channels here are push notifications and in-app messages, which can deliver timely nudges based on user behavior or time-sensitive events.

How to Implement:

• Behavior-Based Triggers: Set up push notifications that are sent when a user reaches a specific milestone or exhibits certain behavior, like abandoning a cart or completing a task.
• Time-Based Reminders: Use in-app messages to remind users to return at a specific time, like sending a notification for a daily challenge or a weekly check-in.
• Personalized Content: Make sure the reminders are personalized to the user’s preferences or past interactions to increase relevancy and encourage engagement.

2. Daily or Weekly Challenges

Challenges are a great way to create an ongoing engagement loop that users look forward to completing. These challenges tap into the principles of commitment and reward, making users feel accomplished and motivated to continue using the app. Push notifications and email are the key channels for this strategy, as they provide both immediacy and a more detailed follow-up.

We have some perfect examples of this strategy in action in our guide: 10 Tips for Creating Engaging and Rewarding In-Game Challenges

How to Implement:

• Daily Challenges: Create a series of small tasks that users can complete each day, such as fitness goals or learning exercises, and send a push notification to remind them to participate.
• Weekly Challenges: Design a more in-depth challenge that takes place over a week, offering a special reward or recognition upon completion. Use email to provide updates, progress tracking, and encouragement throughout the week.
• Reward System: Implement a points or rewards system that incentivizes users to complete challenges, offering tangible benefits like discounts or exclusive content.

3. Personalized Content Recommendations

Users are more likely to engage with your app if they feel the content is tailored to their specific interests and needs. Personalized content recommendations keep the app experience fresh and relevant, encouraging users to return regularly. The primary channels for delivering these recommendations are in-app messages and emails, where you can provide personalized suggestions based on user behavior.

Explore these email segmentation best practices to bring personalization to your email strategy.

How to Implement:

• Content Algorithms: Use data analytics to track user behavior and preferences, then develop algorithms that recommend relevant content, such as articles, videos, or products.
• In-App Pop-Ups: Show personalized content recommendations through in-app pop-ups when users log in, making the suggestions feel immediate and relevant.
• Email Summaries: Send weekly email summaries of personalized content that users might have missed, encouraging them to re-engage with the app.

4. Social Proof and Community Building

We are social creatures, and leveraging social proof can be a powerful way to create a habit-forming app. When users see others engaging with the app, it reinforces their own behavior and encourages continued use. Building a community around your app through social channels, in-app social features, and push notifications can create a sense of belonging and encourage regular interaction.

How to Implement:

• User Testimonials: Feature user reviews or success stories within the app or in push notifications, showing how others are benefiting from using the app.
• Community Forums: Create an in-app community forum or chat feature where users can share tips, ask questions, and engage with each other.
• Social Media Integration: Encourage users to share their achievements or progress on social media, using push notifications to prompt them to share at key moments.

5. Habit Streaks and Progress Tracking

Tracking progress and maintaining streaks can be a strong motivator for users to keep coming back to your app. This strategy plays into users’ desire for consistency and the fear of losing progress. Key channels for promoting habit streaks and progress tracking are in-app messages and push notifications, as they can provide immediate feedback and encouragement.

How to Implement:

• Streak Reminders: Send push notifications to remind users to continue their streak, whether it’s logging in daily, completing tasks, or tracking their goals.
• Progress Bars: Include visible progress bars within the app that show how close users are to reaching their next milestone, providing a visual incentive to keep going.
• Milestone Celebrations: Use in-app messages to celebrate when users reach significant milestones, reinforcing their commitment to the habit.

Habit-Forming Tools For a Habit-Forming Experience

Creating a habit-forming mobile app is about more than just good design; it’s about creating consistent, meaningful engagement that keeps users coming back. A retention-focused engagement solution like OneSignal offers the tools you need to build these habits, with deep automation capabilities and a multi-channel builder tool that allows you to connect with users at the right time, on the right channel, and with the right message.