Updater: An App to Take the Pain Out of Moving
Moving is complicated. We helped build an app for that.
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Services offered
Product strategy, technical project management, React Native development, user experience audit and design
Outcomes
- 3x increase in TV and internet signup conversion rates
- 4.5+ star ratings in the iOS and Android app stores
- iOS and Android apps developed and released in under three months
Background
Established in 2010, Updater’s vision is to make moving a frictionless and delightful experience. They deliver this by helping users organize and complete moving-related tasks like booking movers, buying boxes, securing insurance, setting up services like utilities, TV, and internet, and more.
Updater hadn’t built a mobile app because its users weren’t demanding one – historically, Updater found that people weren’t willing to download an app for such a short period of time (while preparing for a move).
But, as the business grew and Updater began to tackle both pre- and post-move needs, the Updater team realized that their reliance on email, SMS, and mobile web could be better complemented with a mobile app. Updater approached Able to help craft and implement a new mobile strategy that would lay a strong foundation for the future and help them engage with users throughout the move journey in a modern way.
Our strategy prioritized speed over feature expansion to capture revenue and better serve customers.
Because “moving season” takes place every summer in America and Updater reached out in early Spring, we knew that transitioning user behaviors to the app fast was the key to ensure continuous and increased revenue for moving season. Our strategy prioritized speed over feature expansion to capture revenue and better serve customers when they need Updater the most.
Our development approach applied a hybrid app strategy, leveraging React Native, web wrappers, and web views to create the initial release in less than three months. After launch, we cycled through the app to replace wrappers with native components where we felt the impact justified the effort. We also conducted a thorough UX review and introduced a consistent design system using Updater’s design components.
The success of the initial release and UX enhancements have helped Updater triple its order rates for critical products within the app—a primary driver for their business. The dramatic impact of the work on their bottom line was the validation Updater needed to double-down on the future of their mobile app, and we are looking forward to building more incredible tech as partners.
