3 software building fundamentals your customers will love

In a competitive market, building strong customer relationships is a key differentiator for businesses. While product-market fit is essential, true customer loyalty stems from prioritizing people in the product experience. Companies that design for connection, trust, and stickiness transform useful tools into indispensable partners. One crucial element is engagement that drives daily value, encouraging repeat visits beyond problem-solving. This involves regular, meaningful touchpoints that reinforce the product's worth and build habits. For instance, Shopify keeps merchants engaged with real-time notifications and insights, making it a daily tool. Seamless integration into existing workflows is another vital pillar. Products that "just work" and eliminate friction are preferred. QuickBooks, by integrating with banks and payroll systems, reduces manual work and becomes central to daily financial operations. Finally, embedded value makes a product indispensable by centralizing capabilities. Uber Eats Manager, for example, offers operational insights and financing directly, reducing the need for external tools. By meeting multiple needs, the platform becomes essential. Ultimately, these three pillars—engagement, integration, and embedded value—reduce churn, lower customer acquisition costs, and foster advocates. Focusing on these aspects elevates software from just an app to a trusted partner, driving lasting customer relationships and growth.