Dating apps were created to facilitate the dating experience, so one of the essential things to consider when creating such an app is UI/UX design. The user experience goes hand in hand with user acquisition, which is why design is worth paying attention to. The clearer and simpler the navigation in a mobile app, the better the user experience.
The right balance between pleasant mobile app navigation and relevant content can attract users and reduce the bounce rate. Nearly 50 percent of users rely on one thumb to get something done on their phones. So perfect navigation is when users can get what they need with just one finger and several clicks, without any confusion. The picture below shows areas on the screen that are easy and hard to reach while using a mobile app. It’s important to place the most common actions in the blue area so they can be reached comfortably with a thumb.
This is what made these apps so popular and recognizable across the world. Users find swiping not only convenient while searching but also entertaining and exciting.
In addition, we advise a bottom navigation design. Navigation should be clear and well-structured, and should include from three to five options in order not to overwhelm users. The best way to design bottom navigation is using icons. Icons should be consistent and understandable for everyone. They provide a finger-friendly UI and enhance the overall user experience. Look at how Tinder uses a tab bar and icons to let users navigate. Tinder navigation is really simple so everyone can understand it at a glance.
User interface design in dating apps can also impact user acquisition. The palette you choose sets the tone and expectations for your app. Bright and light colors make users feel comfortable and positive. Red is a good choice for apps that promote passionate relationships, while purple, like in BeLinked, feels more serious and trusting. Tinder and Bumble choose quite similar palettes of warm yellows and oranges, which bring the feeling of happiness.
Start your marketing strategy
When you’ve determined your target audience and your app’s value, consider attracting your first users by establishing a marketing strategy. In any industry, having a well-defined marketing plan is the way to grow your business and acquire customers. Below, we share some best practices for promoting a dating app in today’s highly competitive environment.
Content is a powerful way to promote your app. Informative articles, dating statistics, and infographics generate interest not only from dating app users but from blog readers in general. OKCupid uses humorous articles that are popular among readers. Their blog posts are interesting, entertaining, and use contemporary language.
Social media
Social media is another popular way to promote a dating app. Together with a blog, compelling social media content can attract and engage users. Bumble offers one example of a successful social media campaign. This dating app knows their target group perfectly, which allows them to post relevant content on Instagram, Facebook, and 
Twitter.
Bumble posts a lot of cool content, including new app features and updates, encouraging users to try them. 487,000 Instagram followers is the result of the humorous and quality content Bumble creates. Social media campaigns help to create a friendly environment and dating app community, which engages users even more.
Partnerships
By using a partnership program for your dating app, you can double your chances to attract new users. Partnerships are beneficial for both parties, as they allow two companies to focus on the same goal and combine forces to promote each other. In the dating app industry, there can be thousands of ideas for partnerships. For example, Match created The Tie Up campaign together with Starbucks. Match users can put a Starbucks badge on their profile to show others they would love to meet for a coffee. Hundreds of first dates have taken place at Starbucks since the program was launched, and a lot of people started using Match after visiting Starbucks. Tinder created their own partnership program too, working with Domino’s Pizza to offer special discounts and free pizzas on Valentine’s Day.
