Customer Reviews (500)

Sandee35 • 2025-03-27T21:05:15-07:00

Easy to use and keep track of your reading sessions!

StrawberryField • 2025-03-27T20:03:18-07:00

It’s fun to see how much I read and my average read time.

Cheer cheata • 2025-03-27T16:58:28-07:00

Very nice u can give a review on what u read

Summary of Key Insights

Bookly - TBR Book Tracker is generally well-received, with users praising its ability to track reading progress, set goals, and provide insightful statistics. It's viewed as a helpful tool for building reading habits and staying motivated. However, the app's freemium model, with limitations on the number of books tracked in the free version and aggressive promotion of the Pro subscription, is a significant pain point. Users also report issues with the timer function, book database accuracy, and lack of social features. The overall sentiment is positive, as reflected in the high number of 5-star reviews, but addressing the identified pain points could significantly enhance user satisfaction.

Quantitative Metrics:

  • Overall Rating: High (based on score distribution)
  • Score Distribution:
    • 5-star: 68.8% (344 reviews)
    • 4-star: 18.4% (92 reviews)
    • 3-star: 5.8% (29 reviews)
    • 2-star: 2.8% (14 reviews)
    • 1-star: 4.2% (21 reviews)

Key Strengths:

  • Effective reading tracker with useful statistics
  • Goal setting and reminder features
  • Motivating for building reading habits
  • User-friendly interface (generally)
  • Customization options

Key Weaknesses:

  • Limitations on the free version (number of books)
  • Aggressive Pro subscription promotion
  • Timer function glitches
  • Book database inaccuracies
  • Lack of social features
  • Occasional app crashes/bugs
  • No account creation/data loss issues

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: Unspecified, but based on the review content, the reviews span a considerable period.
  • Analysis Methods:
    • Sentiment Analysis: General assessment of positive, negative, and neutral feedback.
    • Keyword Extraction: Identification of frequently mentioned terms and topics.
    • Thematic Analysis: Grouping reviews based on common themes (e.g., pricing, features, bugs).

Key User Pain Points

  • Limited Free Version: The restriction to only 10 books in the free version is a major deterrent, making the app almost unusable for avid readers without a subscription.
  • Aggressive Pro Promotion: Constant prompts to upgrade to the Pro version are perceived as intrusive and annoying.
  • Timer Issues: Glitches with the timer function, including resetting, inaccurate tracking, and not pausing correctly, are frequently reported.
  • Book Database Inaccuracies: Many users find that the app's book database is incomplete or inaccurate, requiring manual entry of book details.
  • Lack of Social Features: The absence of social features, such as the ability to connect with friends, share progress, or participate in challenges, is a common complaint.
  • App Instability: Some users experience app crashes and freezing.
  • Data Loss: Absence of account creation causes users to lose all data if the app is uninstalled or when switching devices.
  • Subscription Costs: Some users find the subscription costs to be too high.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Social Features: The ability to connect with friends, share reading progress, participate in challenges, and see other users' reviews and ratings.
  • Improved Book Database: A more comprehensive and accurate book database, with better search functionality.
  • Data Export: The option to export reading data in a CSV or other format.
  • Yearly Page Goal: The ability to set yearly reading goals based on the number of pages rather than just the number of books.
  • Kindle/Goodreads Integration: Easier import of books and reading data from Kindle and Goodreads.
  • Cloud Sync with Account: Sync books and data across devices with an account.
  • Dark Mode: An option for a dark mode.
  • Ability to edit ratings after books are finished.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Effective Tracking: Users appreciate the app's ability to track reading time, pages read, and overall progress.
  • Goal Setting: The goal-setting features and reminders are seen as motivating and helpful for building reading habits.
  • Insightful Statistics: Users find the reading statistics (e.g., reading speed, estimated finish time) insightful and useful for understanding their reading habits.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Many users find the app easy to use and navigate.
  • Customization: The ability to customize the app's appearance (e.g., themes, avatars) is appreciated.
  • Quote and Note Taking: The ability to add quotes, notes, and thoughts while reading is a valuable feature for many users.
  • Character Tracking: The ability to track book characters and their evolution is a unique and appreciated feature.
  • Ambient Sounds: The ambient sounds feature is helpful for focusing while reading.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Address Timer Issues: Investigate and fix the reported glitches with the timer function to ensure accurate tracking.
  • Re-evaluate Freemium Model: Consider increasing the number of books allowed in the free version or reducing the frequency of Pro subscription prompts.
  • Implement Account Creation/Cloud Sync: Introduce an account system to prevent data loss and enable cross-device syncing.
  • Improve Book Database Accuracy: Enhance the book database and search functionality to reduce the need for manual entry.

Medium Priority:

  • Add Social Features: Incorporate social features to allow users to connect with friends, share progress, and participate in challenges.
  • Implement Yearly Page Goal: Add functionality to set yearly reading goals based on page numbers.
  • Improve App Stability: Address any reported app crashes or freezing issues.
  • Implement Dark Mode: Add an option for a dark mode.

Low Priority:

  • Add Data Export: Add an option to export data in a CSV or other format.
  • Enhance Customization Options: Provide more customization options for the app's appearance.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Social Reading Platform: Develop a platform that combines book tracking with social networking features, allowing users to connect with friends, share recommendations, and participate in reading challenges.
  • AI-Powered Reading Assistant: Create an AI-powered assistant that provides personalized reading recommendations, tracks reading progress, and offers insights into reading habits.
  • Book Annotation and Summarization Tool: Develop a tool that allows users to annotate books, create summaries, and share their thoughts with others.

Trends and Observations

  • Positive Sentiment: The majority of users have a positive view of the app, praising its tracking features and motivational aspects.
  • Frustration with Freemium Model: A significant number of users are frustrated with the limitations of the free version and the aggressive promotion of the Pro subscription.
  • Desire for Social Interaction: Many users express a desire for social features to enhance the reading experience.
  • Importance of Accuracy and Reliability: Users value the accuracy and reliability of the app's tracking features and book database.

Conclusion

Bookly - TBR Book Tracker is a popular and effective app for tracking reading progress and building reading habits. However, addressing the identified pain points, particularly those related to the freemium model, timer issues, and lack of social features, is crucial for improving user satisfaction and retention. By implementing the prioritized action recommendations, the app can further enhance its value and appeal to a wider audience. Overall, the app has strong potential, and focusing on these improvements will solidify its position as a leading book tracking tool.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bookly-tbr-book-tracker/id1085047737?uo=2