In a previous article, we introduced three different ways in which you can collect in-app feedback: Webviews, APIs and SDKs. We explained that each of these methods have their own strengths and weaknesses. From implementation requirements to technical know-how and from internet limitations to performance (once implemented), we just about covered it all. However, now we want to take an even closer look at one method in particular, which happens to be very much on the rise, especially in the area of digital analytics: mobile SDKs.
Updated: October 2024
This article also includes several examples of mobile feedback software providers that currently offer mobile SDKs for collecting user feedback in native mobile apps.
Some background on SDKs…
If you are unfamiliar with SDKs, don’t worry. We’ve got some background information to help fill you in… For starters, the acronym SDK stands for Software Development Kit. An SDK is a downloadable software package that includes the tools needed to build on a software platform.
A mobile SDK is a collection of software development tools that developers use to create apps for mobile platforms such as iOS and Android. It typically includes:
- Libraries: Pre-built code modules that developers can use to handle common tasks, like user interface elements, data storage, or networking.
- Tools: Debugging, testing, and compilation tools to help developers write, test, and optimize their code.
- APIs (Application Programming Interfaces): Interfaces that allow developers to interact with features of the operating system or external services.
- Documentation: Guidelines and references on how to use the SDK’s components.
In the context of apps, a mobile SDK allows developers to easily integrate third-party functionalities, like analytics, payment systems, or… customer feedback. And the best thing is you don’t have to build everything from scratch. For example, at Mopinion we provide several mobile SDKs, that allow mobile developers to add customer feedback collection to their mobile apps seamlessly.
In terms of mobile feedback software, there are various mobile solutions for collecting feedback inside an app whilst using platform-specific SDKs. Examples include a Swift SDK for iOS or a Kotlin SDK for Android.
Why are mobile SDKs so great?
Mobile SDKs (used for collecting feedback in native mobile apps) offer several different advantages in terms of implementation and usage. Let’s take a look.
Advantages of SDKs:
- SDKs allow you to quickly get things up and running. It is easy to integrate new features to your app (such as collecting feedback). A lot of things like authentication, posting feedback to your feedback supplier and validation of input fields are already taken care of.
- Frees up time for your developers to focus on other matters. As previously mentioned, there is much less legwork necessary when using an SDK so your team can focus more on the feedback rather than the set up.
- Easily make changes to the feedback form without releasing a new version of the mobile app. What this means is that you can add / change questions or designs from your feedback tool, rather than having to program it into the app.
Of course, we wouldn’t be fair to you if we were only to mention the advantages of mobile SDKs. There are, as with every method, a few disadvantages which perhaps you might be able to see pass.
Disadvantages of SDKs:
- Longer learning curve than with a webview. Similar to an API, you will need to familiarise yourself with an SDK. There are some SDKs that are very well-documented and have an active user base.
- You are reliant on the quality of the software of your app as well as the SDK. With an SDK, you are essentially running a piece of software inside a piece of software. So even if your mobile app and the SDK you are using are both developed according all software development conventions, issues still may occur.
Which feedback and survey solutions provide mobile SDKs?
There are a few feedback tools that offer a mobile SDK (with the purpose of collecting feedback in native apps). We’ve made a selection of the top tools here below.
1. Mopinion
In addition to its ability to collect and analyse feedback from websites, all-in-1 user feedback software Mopinion also captures feedback from your native mobile app users. Once you’ve implemented the software, users will have access to features such as advanced targeting (engaging particular users in key moments based on conditions the user that the has set up) and visual feedback (to reveal bugs and other usability issues with screenshots) as well as fully customisable feedback forms with various question types and a branded look-and-feel.
All user feedback captured via both web and mobile can then be visualised in your fully customisable dashboard in real-time. Various dashboards give you full control of the analysis process. Each individual feedback item captured using Mopinion’s software is accompanied with detailed data about the visitor (such as operating system, browser type, screen resolution and more). Additionally, Mopinion integrates seamlessly with your mobile app (compatible with Swift for iOS, Kotlin for Android, React Native, Flutter, Cordova, ionic, and Capacitor).
Please visit our overview via this Mobile SDK download page for more information.
Pricing: Pricing starts at €439/month. There are also Enterprise options available.
Website: www.mopinion.com
2. Apptentive
Apptentive – acquired by Alchemer – is a US based in-app feedback tool that is built around helping tech startups connect with their mobile audience. Users can employ in-app surveys, targeting users who completed some sort of action (e.g. spent a certain amount, viewed over 15 pieces of content, customer who has already made several purchases, etc). This tool collects both qualitative and quantitative data, which once collected, can be viewed in the Apptentive dashboard.
Pricing: on request
Website: www.apptentive.com
3. Doorbell.io
Doorbell enables developers to collect and analyse elaborate, mobile in-app feedback from users. It provides users with instant notifications when they’ve received feedback by email or via the chat system. Visitors can also submit screenshots or attachments along with their feedback. All feedback you receive is automatically tagged using sentiment analysis, which classifies it as either positive or negative. This tool can be integrated with various project management software such as Pivotal Tracker, Asana, Trello, Sprint.ly and more.
Pricing: Business – $49/mo, Startup – $29/mo, Bootstrap- $9/mo.
Website: www.doorbell.io
4. Pollfish
Pollfish is a panel survey platform that collects mobile in-app feedback on a global scale. The tool offers a wide variety of survey templates that can be sent to research panels. Examples of templates include ‘brand loyalty’, ‘target market analysis’, ‘market research – product feedback’ and more. Once you’ve received feedback, you can sort, filter and analyse the data in real-time from your dashboard.
Pricing: This varies depending on the number of completed surveys, panel size, age range, and number of questions. Starts from $1.
Website: www.pollfish.com
5. SurveyMonkey
SurveyMonkey is a well-known cloud-based SaaS company that focuses on online surveys. Having just released a new SDK (software development kit) for mobile integration, surveys can now be sent out on mobile apps. These surveys can be used to conduct market research, gauge customer satisfaction and can even be sent out in brief online polls. With this mobile in-app feedback tool, users have access to unlimited surveys, real-time results and actionable data.
Pricing: Basic – Free, Standard – €420/Year, Advantage – €456/Year, Premier- €1.188/Year
Website: www.surveymonkey.com
6. UserVoice
UserVoice is a product feedback and community tool that enables its users to listen and obtain feedback from its customers. Aside from submitting feedback via portal, widget or a contributor sidebar, visitors can also submit feedback on mobile. The tool offers a feedback forum where visitors can voice feedback, poll on new features and update visitors on development. With iOS and Android SDKs (software development kit), UserVoice guarantees your users will get the best experience.
Pricing: on request
Website: www.uservoice.com
7. Instabug
Instabug is an application performance monitoring (APM) and bug reporting tool for mobile apps. It helps developers, QA teams, and product managers identify and fix issues related to app crashes, bugs, performance bottlenecks, and user experience problems. Instabug can also be used for feedback collection in both iOS and Android apps, making it valuable during the development, testing, and post-launch phases.
Pricing: starting at $249 /mo
Website: www.instabug.com
8. Qualtrics
Qualtrics Digital is a suite of tools within the Qualtrics Experience Management (XM) platform that focuses on capturing and analyzing customer feedback across digital channels like websites, mobile apps, and other online platforms. It helps businesses understand and improve the digital customer experience by collecting feedback and monitoring user behavior in real time.
Pricing: available on request
Website: www.qualtrics.com
9. Survicate
Survicate is a customer feedback tool designed to help SMB’s collect user feedback across various channels, including websites, emails, and mobile apps. For mobile specifically, Survicate offers tools to gather in-app feedback from users, allowing companies to understand the customer experience, identify issues, and gather insights for product improvements.
Pricing: starting at $249 /mo
Website: www.survicate.com
But what about the Analysis process?
Interestingly enough, what many of these feedback tools seem to lack are strong analysis capabilities. Collecting feedback is relatively easy. The real challenge lies in actually taking the feedback you’ve collected and putting it into action.
Mopinion offers lots of possibilities to do this. Via its intuitive analysis and action management capabilities, it’s the perfect mobile solution – with the right SDKs – for boosting your Mobile User Experience (UX).
Ready to see Mopinion in action?
Want to learn more about Mopinion’s all-in-1 user feedback platform? Don’t be shy and take our software for a spin! Do you prefer it a bit more personal? Just book a demo. One of our feedback pro’s will guide you through the software and answer any questions you may have.
