How I built an app that makes $2,000 in one month (from scratch)
Streamlining Development with No Login
Arthur opted to store all user data on the device itself, eliminating the need for login or signup features. This decision significantly simplified the development process, allowing him to focus on core functionalities. He also used cloud code to quickly test notifications, ensuring they worked as expected without a complex server backend. By prioritizing simplicity and efficiency, Arthur was able to accelerate the development timeline and reduce technical overhead. This approach allowed the app to work even in airplane mode, enhancing user accessibility.
Arthur on App Monetization
Arthur explains how app monetization works, highlighting Apple's 30% cut and the small business program that reduces it to 15%. He then introduces Revenue Cat, a service that handles receipt validation and subscription status, which is free for apps making under $2500 per month. He set up monthly and yearly subscription options, adjusting prices for Nordic countries due to currency differences. By leveraging Revenue Cat, Arthur streamlined the payment process and focused on building the app's core features, setting the stage for revenue generation.
Arthur Emphasizes ASO
Arthur stresses the importance of App Store Optimization (ASO) for app visibility, using a tool called Astro to find the right keywords. He aims for keywords with popularity above 20 and difficulty under 50, checking competitors' keywords and using ChatGPT for suggestions. He found 'helse' (health in Norwegian) to be a good keyword for Norway. By optimizing for relevant keywords, Arthur aimed to increase organic downloads and improve the app's ranking in the App Store, ensuring it reaches the target audience. This strategic approach is essential for driving initial traction and attracting users.
Arthur on User Retention
Arthur discovered that only 15% of users returned to the app on day two, indicating a retention problem. He addressed this by adding screens explaining the core feature of notifications and emphasizing their importance. He also focused on coding updates based on user feedback and key metrics like retention, conversion, and user demographics. By prioritizing retention, Arthur aimed to create a daily habit for users, increasing the likelihood of converting them into paying subscribers. This data-driven approach is crucial for long-term app success.
Arthur Leverages TikTok Ads
Arthur details his strategy for using TikTok ads to promote his app, including installing the TikTok events SDK for tracking and adding dark mode as a requested feature. He explains the challenges of using TikTok ads with React Native and Expo, requiring him to build his own library. He tests different ad creatives, targeting Nordic countries and using a smart campaign to optimize for app installs. Despite initial setbacks, Arthur persevered, eventually finding success with specific ad formats. This highlights the importance of adaptability and technical problem-solving in app marketing.
Arthur on Onboarding Optimization
Arthur emphasizes the importance of improving the onboarding process to increase sales. He implemented a new onboarding with more personal questions and a tutorial to explain the app's features. He also created an analytics dashboard to track user behavior during onboarding, identifying screens where users quit the app. By continuously refining the onboarding experience, Arthur aimed to improve user engagement and drive more conversions, demonstrating the power of iterative design and data-driven decision-making. The key learning is that trying to improve your onboarding can have a huge impact on sales.
Arthur Implements A/B Testing
Arthur used PostHog to A/B test different onboarding flows, tracking onboarding completion and conversion rates. He tested variants with and without specific screens, discovering that removing certain screens significantly improved conversion. He also A/B tested different paywall designs using Revenue Cat. By leveraging A/B testing, Arthur was able to make data-driven decisions about app design and monetization, optimizing the user experience and maximizing revenue. This highlights the importance of experimentation and continuous improvement in app development.
Arthur on the Value of Learning
Arthur concludes by emphasizing the importance of learning by doing and failing, rather than waiting to know everything. He encourages viewers to enjoy the process of building and creating, rather than focusing solely on the end result. He shares his own experiences of building things that nobody used and spending money on things that didn't work, highlighting the value of those failures in his learning journey. By embracing the process of learning and failing, Arthur believes that individuals can achieve sustainable success and find fulfillment in their work. The key is to enjoy learning, enjoy failing because you'll spend lots of time just in the process.
