Sub Club by RevenueCat

David Barnard, Jacob Eiting

Interviews with the experts behind the biggest apps in the App Store.

  • 56 minutes 18 seconds
    How to Go Viral on TikTok (and Profit From It) ā€” Joseph Choi, Viral App Founders

    On the podcast I talk with Joseph about whatā€™s currently working for apps on TikTok, how to create viral content, why you should try working with influencers who donā€™t have many followers.

    Key Takeaways:

    šŸ” Getting noticed: How TikTokā€™s algorithm amplifies reach - TikTokā€™s ā€œFor You Pageā€ prioritizes engaging content over follower count, so apps can go viral without a big audience.

    šŸ“ˆ E-commerce strategies that work for apps on TikTok - E-commerce brands have mastered quick, punchy content on TikTok, and app marketers can adopt similar tactics. Short tutorials, ā€œtop 5ā€ lists, and problem-solution demos grab attention fast and build trust.

    šŸš€ Adding viral-ready app features for growth loops - Viral-ready features, like progress trackers or custom shareable visuals, give users a reason to promote the app. Highlighting milestones, achievements, or unique app insights adds a built-in social layer that drives organic growth.

    šŸ“ Think like a TikTok producer, not a consumer - Scroll with intention. Save top content by category to keep your ideas fresh and aligned with TikTok trends.

    šŸ§Ŗ Testing app ideas and features on TikTok - Test app ideas and features on TikTok with waitlists and concept marketing to validate user interest before building.

    About Joseph Choi
    šŸ‘Øā€šŸ’¼ Founder of the Viral App Founders Community, with a background in e-commerce marketing and a keen focus on helping app developers go viral, especially through innovative approaches on TikTok.

    šŸ“ˆ Joseph has a deep understanding of viral marketing and influencer strategies, emphasizing the value of working with ā€œmicro-influencersā€ or creators with smaller followings who often drive authentic engagement.

    šŸ’” "On TikTok, itā€™s not about having a huge follower count; itā€™s about connecting with users through genuine, engaging content. Even a new account can achieve millions of views with the right approach."

    šŸ‘‹Ā  Follow Joseph on X ā†’ https://x.com/JosephKChoi

    šŸ—£ļø Register for the upcoming webinar with Joseph.

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    Episode HighlightsĀ 

    [5:12] Leverage with TikTok: Joseph explains why TikTokā€™s unique ā€œFor Youā€ page allows even new accounts to reach massive audiences without needing followers.
    [11:35] Influencer shift: Why working with micro-influencers, or creators with smaller followings, can lead to higher engagement and more authentic content for apps.
    [18:43] TikTok Shop revolution: Joseph dives into how TikTok Shopā€™s affiliate model has changed the game for e-commerce, allowing products to reach audiences quickly with creator-driven content.
    [24:58] Crafting a viral hook: Apps that create emotional, relatable hooks gain traction, especially when leveraging TikTokā€™s algorithm to amplify visually appealing content.
    [32:12] Power of authenticity: How TikTok users value authenticity over polished content and what that means for brands looking to grow on the platform.
    [39:47] AI and content quality: Joseph discusses the intersection of TikTokā€™s AI and quality content, stressing that no algorithm trick beats a strong story and engaging format.
    [45:09] Effective CTAs on TikTok: Best practices for call-to-actions on TikTok, focusing on subtle prompts over traditional ā€œlink in bioā€ strategies.
    [53:20] Content inspiration: Josephā€™s method of tracking viral content trends and adapting successful formats to keep app marketing fresh and engaging.

    13 November 2024, 10:00 am
  • 53 minutes 52 seconds
    Building Trust with Users to Drive Revenue and Retention ā€“ Ryan Beck, Pray.com

    On the podcast, we talk with Ryan from Pray.com about the risk of ad creative concentration, how to reach older, high-value demographics, and why the ultimate KPI is revenue.

    Key Takeaways:

    šŸ› ļø A unified roadmap eliminates silos - Operating with one shared roadmap ensures alignment across product, marketing, and engineering, promoting collaboration and agility.

    šŸ’” Monetization might require more than just subscriptions - Post-IDFA, blending subscriptions with ads and one-time purchases maximizes revenue and reaches non-subscribers.

    šŸ“ŗ TV and radio ads still build trust - Older audiences trust TV more than digital ads. A diversified media mix and real-time tracking can make these channels highly effective.

    šŸ“Š Creative testing prevents costly surprises - Diversifying creative assets across platforms reduces risk and ensures consistent ad performance, even when policies change.

    šŸŽÆ Empathy boosts customer loyalty in niche markets - High-touch, personal responses to customer feedbackā€”especially in sensitive sectorsā€”can build trust and long-term loyalty.

    About Ryan BeckĀ 

    šŸ‘Øā€šŸ’» Co-founder and CTO at Pray.com ā€” an app with a mission to grow faith, cultivate community, and leave a legacy of helping others through faith-based content and community-building features.

    šŸ‘„ Ryan Beck is driven by innovation in technology for the faith space, successfully navigating the complexities of building digital platforms that resonate with older, high-value demographics while maintaining exceptional retention rates.

    šŸ’” "We saw a space that was underserved, where technology could bridge the gap between faith organizations and their communities, making faith more accessible in the digital age.ā€

    šŸ‘‹ Ā LinkedIn

    Resources


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    Episode Highlights:

    [00:57] Digitizing faith: Pray.comā€™s mission to modernize faith organizations with digital platforms.
    [02:49] Better together: The challenges and benefits of building a platform for diverse faiths with shared goals.
    [04:47] Generation gap: Addressing tech adoption and user retention challenges with older demographics.
    [06:47] Traditional values: How Pray.com used TV and radio ads to reach older, high-value users.
    [09:16] Say your prayers: The devotional content that strengthened Pray.comā€™s user engagement and retention.
    [11:52] Keeping the faith: Introducing subscription models without losing the trust of a faith-driven community.
    [19:59] Lessons in diversification: The risks of relying too heavily on a single ad creative.
    [31:08] Faith meets tech: Blending technology with spirituality to create accessible digital content for all.
    [41:26] Data-driven decisions: How the Pray.com team optimized their TV and digital ad strategies for maximum impact.

    30 October 2024, 9:00 am
  • 48 minutes 48 seconds
    How to Reduce Churn & Boost Growth with Fast, Empathetic Customer Support ā€” Eli Winderbaum, Captions

    On the podcast: effectively scaling support for an app, why the time to first response is so important, and why you should treat support more like a concierge experience.

    Key Takeaways:

    šŸ’” Personalized customer support is a competitive advantage - Eli emphasizes that providing fast, personal responses to customers sets brands apart from competitors. Even in a world of increasing automation, building a concierge-like experience can boost customer loyalty.


    šŸ¤– AI and human support can work in harmony - Eli explains how Captions blends AI-driven automation with human agents, allowing the support team to focus on more complex customer needs while AI handles repetitive tasks, creating a seamless experience.


    ā³ Speed matters: Time to first response is key - Captions prides itself on a 58-second average response time, which Eli believes is critical to keeping customers satisfied and preventing churn. Quick responses signal that the company is engaged and ready to help.

    šŸ“Š Building customers for life through proactive support - Eli shares Captionsā€™ philosophy of nurturing ā€œcustomers for lifeā€ by going beyond just resolving issues. Sharing customer success stories with the team helps build a culture focused on long-term user satisfaction.


    šŸŒ Scaling with localization and 24/7 support - Captions serves users globally by providing 24/7 support and localized services, ensuring that customers in every market receive timely, effective assistance regardless of their language or region.


    About Eli Winderbaum:

    šŸ‘Øā€šŸ’» Head of Customer Experience at Captions, an AI-powered video creation and editing app designed to help users tell better stories through seamless video content.

    šŸ‘„ Eli is passionate about scaling customer support with a focus on personal, concierge-level experiences that build long-term customer loyalty, rather than simply deflecting inquiries with automation.


    šŸ’”
    "Even if we don't resolve their issue right away, providing a fast, empathetic response builds trust and shows our users that we're here to support themā€”turning a quick interaction into a lasting connection."


    šŸ‘‹
    LinkedIn

    Resources:Ā 

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    Episode HighlightsĀ 

    [3:18] Donā€™t just deflect: Why support isnā€™t just about reducing ticketsā€”itā€™s about creating a concierge-like experience.
    [8:26] Support as a moat: Great customer support can be your competitive edge, especially when users are comparing similar apps.
    [12:15] Hiring right: How curiosity and embracing change are key traits for building a top-tier support team.
    [16:44] The AI edge: Blending AI and human agents to enhance, not replace, the customer experience.
    [21:22] Scaling globally: How Captions offers 24/7 support across different time zones and languages.
    [27:50] Community roots: The role that platforms like Discord can play in early-stage customer feedback and feature development.
    [34:10] Docs and AI: Keeping documentation up to date is crucial for effective AI-powered support.
    [41:35] Turn feedback into features: Captions' approach to quickly implementing user feedback to create loyal customers.

    16 October 2024, 9:00 am
  • 1 hour 39 seconds
    The Subscription App Industry Rebound ā€” Eric Crowley, GP Bullhound

    On the podcast: the rebound of consumer subscription valuations and investor interest, how to generate Net Revenue Retention in consumer, and why you should pinpoint where your app sits on Maslowā€™s Hierarchy of Needs.

    Key Takeaways:

    šŸ“ˆ The subscription app industry is rebounding in 2024 - After setbacks in 2022 and 2023, surviving companies are now leaner, more focused, and showing strong profitability and retention. This resurgence is reflected in both private transactions and public valuations, signaling positive momentum.


    šŸ’” Net Revenue Retention (NRR) is achievable in consumer apps - Top-performing apps boost NRR by stabilizing churn and driving revenue growth through price increases, family plans, and premium features. The key is delivering ongoing value to loyal users while maintaining strong retention.


    šŸŽÆ Maslow's Hierarchy of Subscription Needs offers a roadmap for retention - Successful apps align with user passions by addressing needs like safety (e.g., Life360) or self-actualization (e.g., Calm). Integrating features like leaderboards and community functions deepens user engagement and fosters long-term loyalty.

    šŸ›” Platform threats like Apple's "Sherlocking" can be overcome with specialization - Apps that go deep in their verticals (e.g., Flo or AllTrails) offer premium, differentiated experiences that platform-native features canā€™t replicate. Innovation and specialization are key to thriving despite competition from OS-level features.

    šŸš€ Floā€™s success shows the power of retention and long-term engagement - Floā€™s $200M raise and $1B+ valuation were driven by its freemium model and strong user retention across life stages. By building long-term relationships with users, Flo has positioned itself as a leader in the female health space.


    About Eric Crowley

    šŸ‘Øā€šŸ’» Ā Technology investment banker and partner at GP Bullhound.


    šŸ’µ Eric is passionate about providing advice and capital to consumer subscription software (CSS) businesses.


    šŸ‘‹
    Ā LinkedIn

    Resources:

    Follow us on X:Ā 


    Episode Highlights


    [4:32] The Rule of 40: A good rule of thumb for correlating your businessā€™s trading value with your growth rate and profitability.

    [9:10] Rising tide: Successful app businesses like Flo are part of a recent wave of mergers and acquisitions in the CSS industry.

    [15:39] Land and expand: How consumer subscription services are improving net revenue retention (NRR) with their existing users.

    [23:15] Sherlocked: The threat of Apple and Google releasing new platform features that compete with niche subscription apps.

    [31:52] Law and order: How app business owners and investors are thinking about new regulations like the Digital Markets Act (DMA).


    2 October 2024, 9:00 am
  • 1 hour 2 minutes
    The Advantages of Working On an App You Care About ā€” Christian Selig, Apollo

    On the podcast: The benefits of building something you personally care about, how to balance user feedback with product intuition, and why process, frameworks, and outside advice are often worth ignoring.

    Key Takeaways:

    šŸš€ You donā€™t need complex processes to build a successful product

    Building something meaningful doesnā€™t always require elaborate processes or formal business structures. With passion, a clear vision, and consistent execution, developers can create successful products without overcomplicating the journey.

    šŸ”„ A strong feedback loop with your community can drive product evolution

    Engaging with an active user community creates a continuous feedback loop that helps developers iterate faster and build more relevant features. Listening to real users and balancing their input with your vision can transform a product into something that truly resonates.


    šŸ“ˆ Pricing strategies require experimentation, not perfection

    Initial pricing doesnā€™t need to be perfect. By experimenting with different price points over time, you can find a balance that works for your users. Significant price increases might not impact demand as much as youā€™d expect, giving you room to adjust and optimize without overthinking the starting point.

    šŸ’” Reactive development can lead to faster, more informed decisions

    Acting quickly in response to persistent customer requests can help validate new features and insights faster. Instead of over-analyzing, shipping updates rapidly provides real-world feedback that guides better decision-making.

    šŸ’ø Plan for risks when relying on third-party dependencies

    Building heavily on a third-party API can expose you to unexpected changes in pricing or policies, potentially leading to unsustainable costs. Always evaluate the long-term stability and alignment of external platforms with your business goals to safeguard against disruption.

    About Christian SeligĀ 

    šŸ‘Øā€šŸ’» Indie iOS developer and creator of the Apollo for Reddit app.


    šŸ“±In addition to Apollo, Christian is also the creator of Juno, Pixel Pals, and a burgeoning YouTube channel.


    šŸ‘‹
    LinkedIn


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    Episode Highlights


    [3:33] Origin story: Christianā€™s time at Apple and path to indie development.


    [4:58] Positive feedback loop: How collecting user input from Reddit users helped shape Apollo.


    [8:23] Go your own way: Thereā€™s no one-size-fits-all formula for creating a successful app.


    [15:25] Passion project: Truly caring about what youā€™re building is one of the most important factors for success.


    [26:48] Just say no: How to decline feature requests without alienating your users.


    [30:10] Choose your own adventure: Understanding the venture-backed model versus indie development.


    [36:30] End of the line: How and why Christian made the decision to shut down Apollo.


    [47:40] Vision for the future: Christianā€™s post-Apollo projects: Juno, Pixel Pals, and YouTube.

    18 September 2024, 8:00 am
  • 1 hour 19 seconds
    Marketing Your App More Efficiently with Apple Search Ads ā€” Dilip Reddy, Search Ads Optimization

    On the podcast: The impact of Apple Search Ads on organic search, how to save money on brand defense, and why ROAS shouldnā€™t be the only thing you optimize for.

    Key Takeaways:

    šŸ“Š Optimizing brand keyword bids can protect traffic and reduce costs
    Running ads on brand keywords helps protect your traffic from competitors. By experimenting with lower bids, you can often maintain visibility while reducing costs, ensuring that you capture valuable traffic efficiently.


    šŸ’ø Long-term ROAS is key for subscription app growth
    Subscription apps should focus on the lifetime value (LTV) of users rather than just immediate ROAS. A campaign that breaks even over 365 days, rather than in the first week, can still be highly profitable if it contributes to stacking valuable subscriber cohorts that generate long-term revenue.


    šŸ”„ Broad match keywords can uncover valuable, unexpected search terms
    Using broad match in Apple Search Ads can help discover new, high-intent keywords that might not have been initially considered. Regularly reviewing search term reports allows you to identify and capitalize on these hidden opportunities, expanding your appā€™s reach effectively.


    šŸŒ Emerging markets offer untapped Apple Search Ads potential
    As Apple expands its App Store presence in new regions, testing campaigns in countries like Brazil can lead to unexpected gains. Often, these markets have less competition and lower CPAs, making them fertile ground for scaling your appā€™s user base efficiently.


    šŸ› ļø Custom product pages can enhance campaign performance by targeting specific user segments
    Leveraging custom product pages in Apple Search Ads allows you to tailor the App Store experience to specific keywords or user segments. This strategy can improve conversion rates by aligning the app's messaging and visuals with the search intent, making it especially useful during seasonal promotions or for targeting niche audiences.


    About Guest

    šŸ‘Øā€šŸ’» Data engineer and founder of Search Ads Optimization.


    šŸ“¢ Dilip helps app developers and marketers optimize their Apple Search Ads campaigns and increase their ROI using data-driven insights and automation.


    šŸ‘‹
    LinkedIn


    Follow us on X:


    Episode Highlights

    [5:35] Everybodyā€™s changing: Trends for Apple Search Ads in 2024.


    [11:09] Running (brand) defense: Experimenting with lower bids to save money while maintaining the level of impressions you want.


    [19:16] Widening the search: How to leverage exact match and broad match keywords in Apple Search Ads.


    [29:46] ā€˜Tis the season: How different times of year and holidays can affect CPA and ROI for Apple Search Ads campaigns.


    [35:05] Playing the long game: Why subscription app developers should think about long-term ā€” not short-term ā€” return on ad spend (ROAS).


    [48:16] Tipping the scales: How to scale Apple Search Ads.


    [55:11] Custom-fit: How to implement custom product pages in your Apple Search Ads strategy.



    4 September 2024, 9:00 am
  • 1 hour 6 minutes
    Understanding When to Use Web2App and How to Do It Well ā€” Thomas Petit, Independent App Consultant

    On the podcast: How to find success with web2app, the value (and challenges) of ā€œowning the transactionā€, and why avoiding app store fees isnā€™t a great reason to experiment with web2app, but might work out anyway.


    Key Takeaways:

    šŸ’° Thereā€™s much more to web2app than avoiding app store fees - In fact, looking at app store fees alone disregards the benefits of going via the app store, such as a substantially better conversion rate. Even if web acquisition is cheaper, those users are not worth the same to your business.

    šŸ” Better advantages of web2app to focus on includeā€¦ Greater flexibility with attribution, access to new audiences (via organic and paid), and support for B2B use cases, among others.

    šŸ’¼ Use web2app for B2B billing - IAPs lack an elegant solution for B2B billing, whether itā€™s making it easy for individuals to expense purchases or offering teams a simple way to manage group billing.

    šŸŽÆ Web2App allows for greater customization of user journeys - To fully capitalize on web funnels, tailor user journeys based on their entry point ā€” for instance, a user coming from a branded Google search shouldnā€™t see the same journey as one coming from TikTok.

    šŸ“ˆ Web2App is crucial for scaling up advertising - When ad campaigns plateau, running both web and app campaigns in parallel helps reach new audiences and convert users who might not engage with app install ads alone. This approach allows for better targeting and expands your overall reach.


    About Guest:

    šŸ‘Øā€šŸ’»Independent subscription app growth consultant.

    šŸ’øThomas has worked with hundreds of clients and helped manage tens of millions of dollars in ad spend.

    šŸ‘‹LinkedIn

    Follow us on X:


    Episode Highlights:

    [1:48] Web2App: The advantages of capturing users on the web before sending them to your app.

    [6:51] One size doesnā€™t fit all: To reap the benefits of web2app, donā€™t just create one user experience on the web.

    [11:30] Catch-22: The trade-offs of owning your customer transactions on the web versus paying app store fees.

    [27:21] Learn by example: Whoā€™s doing web2app well ā€” and why it works for them.

    [37:45] To B2B or not to B2B: How web2app helps B2B apps overcome the team billing and expensing challenges of in-app purchases.

    [41:55] Owning it: Owning your transactions on the web can be a great way to reduce churn.

    [44:34] World wide(er) web: Break through marketing plateaus by running both web and app ad campaigns in parallel.

    [53:52] Cross-platformer: A web2app flow can help you go beyond the App Store and Google Play (to Roku, Apple TV, or the Amazon Appstore) to reach a wider audience.

    21 August 2024, 8:00 am
  • 26 minutes 14 seconds
    Marketing an Award-Winning Language Learning App through Offline Channels ā€” Steven Meyers, Babbel


    On the podcast: Implementing effective offline marketing campaigns for acquiring, engaging, and retaining paid subscribers in the app space.Ā 

    Key Takeaways:


    šŸ“¢ Look beyond digital channels for app growth. Consider offline advertising channels such as radio, linear TV, and podcasts to reach untapped demographics. These channels can help you target non-digital audiences, particularly older, higher-income users who can be more lucrative for subscription-based apps.


    šŸ”„ Use diverse methods to measure offline marketing. Utilize a variety of attribution methods, including how-did-you-hear-about-us surveys, incrementality tests, and media mix modeling (MMM) to assess the effectiveness of offline channels. Accept the inherent ambiguity in measurement and use multiple data points to guide your strategy.


    šŸŽÆ Embrace customer-centered metrics for better retention. Focus on creating proprietary metrics that align with your usersā€™ goals rather than relying on standard industry metrics like daily active users. Babbelā€™s "learner success" metric prioritizes user progress and satisfaction, leading to higher retention rates.


    šŸ” Rethink freemium models to boost engagement and conversions. Freemium isn't always the best choice. Consider a hard paywall to increase user commitment and filter out less-engaged users. Itā€™s about quality over quantity ā€” attracting users who truly value your app.


    šŸŒ Optimize both web and app experiences for user journeys. Users often start on the web before downloading your app. Ensure seamless transitions between platforms to improve user experience and conversion rates. Informative web experiences can ease app adoption.

    About Guest

    šŸ‘Øā€šŸ’» SVP of Growth at Babbel.

    šŸ“¢ Steven and his team have taken a non-traditional approach to marketing Babbel: leveraging offline advertising channels like radio and TV, measuring the success of marketing efforts through a proprietary model, and tracking metrics like learner success instead of monthly active users.


    šŸ‘‹
    LinkedIn


    Follow us on X:


    Episode Highlights

    [0:44] Thereā€™s (more than) an app for that: Potential users arenā€™t just on the app stores, so shouldnā€™t your marketing campaigns be everywhere too?


    [3:54] Radio star: How and why Babbel buys radio spots to advertise their subscription app.


    [7:43] Attribution remix: Measuring the success of offline ads can be a challenge and requires a blend of data analysis methods (like user surveys, incrementality tests, and media mix modeling).


    [13:57] Freemium isnā€™t free: Why Babbel rejects the freemium model in favor of a hard paywall.


    [18:15] The measure of success: Is Monthly Active Users (MAU) really a good metric to optimize for? (For some mission-driven companies like Babbel, no.)


    [18:46] You get what you pay for: Paid subscriptions ā€” especially premium tiers ā€” often see higher levels of user engagement and retention.


    [21:43] Web slinger: An optimized web experience can boost app downloads and paid conversions.


    7 August 2024, 9:00 am
  • 1 hour 4 minutes
    Building an Effective Data Product Strategy ā€” Taylor Wells, News Corp

    On the podcast: How to make better decisions with data, the many pitfalls of collecting and interpreting data, and why the best executive dashboard is probably a hand-written weekly email.

    Key Takeaways:
    šŸ“Balance data collection with business goals.
    Collecting all possible data can drown teams in noise and lead to compliance risks. Focus on collecting semantically important data that aligns with business goals and use cases to avoid unnecessary complexity and costs.

    šŸ’”Prevent exponential cost increases by structuring data early. Establishing a well-structured data collection and management process early on prevents costly modifications and adjustments later. Early alignment and thoughtful planning are crucial.

    šŸ”’ Maintain control over data collection to simplify compliance. Managing your own data collection processes can reduce legal and compliance challenges associated with third-party data processors. This is especially crucial for adhering to regulations like GDPR.

    šŸ”§Opt for off-the-shelf data solutions early on. Leveraging open-source or ready-made solutions can save time and resources. Maintain a clear evaluation structure for transitioning to custom solutions when needed, and accept changes in data collection methods to avoid outdated systems.

    šŸ“ŠSimplified insights over complex dashboards. Dashboards can overwhelm executives with too much data. Instead, providing a succinct, focused summary of key insights through something as simple as a weekly email can be more effective for decision-making.


    About GuestĀ 

    šŸ“ˆ Director of Data Products at News Corp.

    šŸ’”With over 15 years of experience, Taylor is an expert in building and implementing effective data collection and analytics strategies ā€” helping organizations like Disney+, Business Insider, and Deloitte collect the right data and turn it into actionable insights.

    šŸ‘‹ LinkedIn

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    Episode Highlights

    [3:44] Laying a foundation: Data collection is a lot like constructing a building ā€” setting up the right framework from the beginning can save you a lot of time, effort, and money later.

    [7:30] The Goldilocks zone: Collecting either too much or too little data is costly and can potentially have ramifications for data regulation and privacy laws.

    [16:58] Information overload: Data is only helpful if you derive actionable information from it.

    [20:33] Distilling data: What is a ā€œdata productā€ team? (And why might you need one?)

    [26:13] Build vs. buy: Most companies should start with an off-the-shelf data collection solution instead of building something internally ā€” then consider a switch later when the scale and financials make sense.

    [33:45] Whatā€™s in a name? What you call specific data points and even your data collection system can be very important.

    [42:11] Ditch the dashboard: Fancy data analytics dashboards need to be interpreted to be valuable ā€” and without context, they can be misleading.

    [51:27] Trix are forā€¦ kids?: How Taylorā€™s experience promoting the television show ā€œBlueyā€ on Disney+ illustrates the incredible power of data analytics.

    24 July 2024, 9:00 am
  • 48 minutes 51 seconds
    Growing to $1M MRR with Paywall and Pricing Experiments ā€” Francescu Santoni, Mojo

    On the podcast: How Mojo grew to over $1M in MRR, the most impactful pricing and paywall experiments, and why itā€™s important to choose complexity instead of just letting it happen.

    Key Takeaways:

    šŸ’ŖBravery to pivot leads to long-term success. Early popularity can be deceiving. Without strong retention, it's time to pivot. Build features users love to evolve from a gimmick to a sustainable business.


    šŸ§±Make your paywall more prominent. Show your paywall during onboarding. Then, iterate on messaging, design, and pricing, focusing on one element at a time.


    šŸ’²Pricing will always annoy someone. If no one complains, youā€™re underpricing. Be strategic about who you upset and how many people.


    šŸ¤Viral loops reduce the need for ads. Heavy ad spend can hide a lack of product-market fit. Build sharing and virality into your app first, then consider paid acquisition.


    šŸ“ˆChoose complexity based on impact. Focus on your teamā€™s strengths. Growth can be product-led or through, for example, paid acquisition, depending on what suits your team and app best.


    About Guest


    šŸ‘Øā€šŸ’»
    CEO and co-founder of the video editing app Mojo.


    šŸŽ¬ Former GoPro employee and graduate of the Y Combinator accelerator program, Francescu and his team have built one of the top mobile apps for creating and editing social video content.


    šŸ‘‹
    LinkedIn


    Resources


    Follow us on X:


    Episode HighlightsĀ 


    [4:27] AI + Mobile = ā¤ļø: Why AI is probably the next mobile revolution.

    [6:16] Going Pro: How Francescu got his start building mobile subscription apps.

    [7:44] Pivotā€¦ PIVOT: Despite early success with their augmented reality app, Francescu and his team had to shut it down and pivot to a new idea.

    [15:12] Pricing and paywalls and packaging, oh my: Why you need to show your paywall during onboarding (and other monetization lessons Francescu learned building Mojo).


    [27:42] Viral moments: Building social sharing features into your app could save you time and money on user acquisition.


    [36:19] The product-led growth trap: Developing new product features isnā€™t always the key to growth.

    [41:15] Priced to annoy: If no one is mad about the cost of your app, your prices are probably too low.

    10 July 2024, 9:00 am
  • 51 minutes 3 seconds
    From Corporate Web Developer to Full-Time Indie Hacker ā€” Sebastian Rƶhl, HabitKit

    On the podcast: Quitting a job to build your own apps, returning to that job after failing to gain traction, and the inflection point that allowed our guest to finally quit for good.

    Key Takeaways:


    šŸ’”If your first side project doesnā€™t take off, try again ā€” Reviving a lackluster launch can be tempting, but it might indicate a lack of demand. Instead, start fresh with a new idea and watch for early signs of product-market fit.


    šŸ’°Invest more in your product once you have ā€œpullā€ and a channel ā€” Achieving early product-market fit and having a reliable acquisition channel allows you to focus on enhancing your product and experimenting with monetization strategies.


    šŸ”žAvoid relying solely on one acquisition channel ā€” While a dependable early channel like ASO is crucial, it comes with risks outside your control. Diversify by investing in owned or paid channels to adapt to changes more effectively.


    šŸ§‘ā€šŸ’»Building in public offers numerous advantages ā€” Developing your app publicly immerses you in a supportive community of indie developers, providing motivation, inspiration, and valuable feedback. However, it can also attract copycat competitors.


    šŸ“ˆ"Test higher prices" should be at the top of your to-do list ā€” Raising your appā€™s price may seem risky, but many indie developers are overly cautious. A/B testing can help you safely explore the impact of different price points without significant customer backlash.


    About Guest


    šŸ‘Øā€šŸ’»
    Independent app developer and creator of HabitKit and Liftbear.

    šŸ’”Sebastian began his career as a corporate web developer and became a full-time indie app developer after his habit-tracking app HabitKit took off.


    šŸ‘‹
    LinkedIn


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    Episode Highlights

    [1:04] Web versus mobile: What motivated Sebastian to switch from web to mobile app development.

    [4:17] Free solo: Having a corporate day job might not let you stretch your creative muscles as much as building your own concepts.

    [6:43] Drive: If youā€™re going to build an indie app or venture-backed startup, make sure itā€™s something you need to do.

    [12:13] Risky business: The riskiness of leaving a full-time job to pursue an indie venture is different for everyone, depending on life stage, finances, and family obligations.

    [16:39] Just ship it: Your first idea might not be great, but getting started will lead to new, better ideas.

    [24:04] If at first you donā€™t succeed: Sometimes itā€™s better to give up on an idea that isnā€™t working so you can focus on one with better product-market fit.

    [28:38] Doing the (side) hustle: Making the decision to keep your day job or fully commit to your side gig can be tough.

    [34:45] Changing the channel: The app stores are a black box ā€” itā€™s a good idea to invest in additional acquisition channels in case of algorithm changes.

    [38:26] Building in public: Having a following on social media can be a great source of support and user loyalty outside of the app stores.

    [45:00] Raising prices: Donā€™t be afraid to experiment with higher prices ā€” many apps are leaving money on the table.



    26 June 2024, 9:00 am
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