Running An App Biz, Part 3: Operating, Maintaining, and Growing

You’ve launched your app - congrats! 🎉 But launch day is just the starting line. Now comes the real work: supporting users, fixing bugs, planning new features, and keeping everything running smoothly. Here’s how to operate your app like a true business:

1️⃣ Why Maintenance Matters

Neglecting maintenance leads to:

• 🔓 Security vulnerabilities
• 🐞 Uncaught bugs
• 📉 Poor user retention
• 🚫 App store removals (outdated SDKs/APIs)

A smart maintenance plan should include:

• 🔄 Monthly updates & patching
• 👀 Uptime & performance monitoring
• 💸 Budgeting 10–20% of initial dev costs annually

2️⃣ User Feedback Loops

Build feedback into your process:

• 📝 In-app surveys
• 🎥 Session replays
• ⭐ NPS/CSAT scores
• 📊 Analytics (Mixpanel, GA4)

Use this data to guide your v2.0 features - let real usage drive your roadmap.

3️⃣ Support & SLAs

Support is non-negotiable:

• 💬 Live chat or ticketing (Zendesk, Intercom)
• 🔗 In-app support links
• ⏱️ Response SLAs (24–48 hrs max)

Prompt, reliable support builds trust and sets you up to scale.

4️⃣ Security & Compliance

If you handle PII, you must have:

• 🕵️ Regular pen testing
• 🛡️ GDPR/CCPA compliance
• 🔒 SSL, MFA, encrypted data stores

💡 Xperts’ Care Plans include ongoing compliance support - no surprises, just peace of mind.

5️⃣ Planning the Roadmap

Don’t just build what’s requested, build what matters:

• 🗳️ User demand
• 🎯 Strategic value
• ⚙️ Dev complexity
• 💰 Revenue impact

A scorecard approach ensures you’re always driving growth, not just adding features.

Launching is just the beginning. Ongoing operation, support, and strategic growth are where real app businesses win.

Ready to take your app from launch to long-term success? Connect with a Development Expert at Xperts.

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