Beta-testing is an important step for any app developer who wants to release a strong, stable app into the app stores. To make your beta-testing as thorough and effective as possible, try following these 4 tips:
1) Create a list of objectives
Before beginning your beta test, make sure you outline your objectives and what metrics you want to measure. You should ask yourself some questions before you start. Do you want to release to friends and family? Do you have contacts from a previous app release? How long will the test period be? How are you going to measure your results? Who is your target customer?
If you are unsure when deciding what to measure, here is a short list of key metrics that you should include in your beta-testing strategy:
- Sign-up and log-in: If users have trouble signing in to your app, it doesn’t matter how fantastic the rest of your it is.
- Menu Options: Make sure that your menu options are easily accessible and options like “support” or “help” are easy to locate.
- Data Handling: If your app stores data, make sure the data is stored properly and isn’t deleted without notice.
- Interruptions: How does your app function when a user gets and SMS or a call? How does it function on low battery v. full battery?
2) Screen Your Testers
Public beta tests may seem like a great idea because of the time and energy it saves. While it is true that your beta tester pool will be larger, the feedback you receive will most likely be low-quality. Public beta testers usually sign up out of curiosity and grow bored with the process and/or never submit any feedback. In addition, public beta tests open up your unfinished product to the public. If the public’s first interaction was with an unfinished app, they may not be willing to re-try your app once it is out of beta.
Go for a private beta-testing. Private beta testers are much more invested in the process than public testers. The testing group can be as large or as small as you would like. You can also have them submit a tester application to help you choose the best testers for your app. Look for testers who are fully committed and who seem like they will give you valuable feedback.
By screening your testers, you can also make sure that a diverse group of software and hardware is represented. As we all know, the mobile industry is extremely fragmented, with hundreds of devices and mobile software versions. You want to make sure your app is tested across a variety of devices and software versions by a variety of testers.
3) Be Attentive
You need to engage with your beta testers and make sure the beta testing process is smooth. First, you should have open channels of communication. Be up front with what your testers should expect once they begin using your app. If there are areas of your app that are not yet functional at the start of the test, your beta testers should be the first to know.
There should also be an easy way for your testers to give you feedback or report any bugs. Try setting up a forum or a database where they can easily enter information. A forum is also a good way to connect all of your beta testers. This way, they can discuss any issues in your app. You will also be able to see if a bug is widespread or only occurred on one tester’s device. This can help you prioritize which bugs or issues that you should tackle first.
Most importantly, you should acknowledge that you received the feedback from your testers. A simple “thank you for your feedback” is sufficient. If you are able to, give your testers an estimate for when a bug will be fixed. This will let them know that you heard their feedback and that you are actively addressing it. Your beta testers are giving up some of their own time to help you out. If it seems like you are ignoring their feedback, they may abandon the whole process.
4) Incentivize Your Active Testers
As your beta test is coming to a close and your ready to publish, it is important to consider one thing: you already have a group of active users in your beta tester pool. If you have been analyzing your data well enough, you should be able to easily identify who the power-users are. Capitalize on this. Give your beta testers some incentives for downloading your app once it hits the app stores. If your app is paid or freemium, give them a coupon code so they can get the app for free. Show them that you appreciated the time they took to help you perfect your app.
Clearly, the active testers enjoyed engaging with your app. By treating them well, you can turn them into advocates for your app and your company. You will have downloads from the beginning and you can count on your active testers for accurate and fair app reviews.
Keep the contact information for the most active testers. If you decide to develop another app down the road, you already have a list of dedicated and enthusiastic app testers.
Beta-testing your app gives you a chance to fix any major bugs or performance issues before releasing it into the app stores. This will not only ensure that you are releasing the best possible version of your app, but it will also cut down on negative reviews and ratings when your app is released.
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