Walled Garden

A walled garden is a closed ecosystem where the platform controls user access and data sharing, limiting interoperability with external systems.

Why it matters

Restricts user data flow to external platforms.
Enhances control over user experience and monetization.

How to measure

Analyze user retention and engagement within the ecosystem.
Evaluate conversion rates and revenue metrics over time.

Details

In the context of mobile applications, a walled garden refers to a controlled environment where the platform owner dictates the rules of engagement, often limiting the ability of users to interact with external apps or services. This approach is commonly seen in ecosystems like Apple's iOS, where strict guidelines govern app interactions and data sharing. For mobile engineers and growth teams, understanding the constraints and opportunities within a walled garden is crucial for optimizing app performance and user acquisition strategies.

While walled gardens can enhance security and user experience by providing a seamless and controlled environment, they also pose challenges for interoperability and data portability. Engineers must navigate these limitations to ensure compliance while maximizing user engagement and retention.

Examples & formulas

A common scenario is the restriction of app-to-app communication, where deep linking strategies must adapt to the platform's guidelines to ensure smooth user transitions.

Stickiness = DAU / MAU

Common mistakes

Ignoring platform guidelines, leading to app rejection or removal.
Underestimating the impact of limited data sharing on user acquisition strategies.