20 Steps to Get Your First 10,000 Users and $1,000 MRR: Not Your Broke Brother-In-Law's Opinion at the Thanksgiving Table
A Practical Guide for Indie Developers Navigating the App Landscape.
Navigating the app world can be a maze, especially when you're starting out. Today, I'd like to share some strategies and lessons I've learned while developing and promoting my own app - Codehub, a mobile alternative to LeetCode. By implementing these strategies, I was able to achieve 10,000 installs, 1000 MAU and around $1,000 MRR by September 3, 2023. My hope is that this guide will serve as a roadmap for you on your journey.
1. Test Flight Promotion
Before officially launching on the App Store, I tapped into various TestFlight communities. These platforms are a goldmine for recruiting beta testers and gathering early feedback. Communities like Airport Community, TestflightLinks on Twitter, TestFlightX on Telegram, TestFlightLinks on Telegram, and the r/TestFlight subreddit were instrumental in this phase.
2. Beta Testing Communities
Beta testing is a crucial step in refining your app. I reached out to communities on Telegram, Reddit, and Discord. Platforms like r/BetaTestersNeeded and r/iOSBeta were particularly helpful. Engaging with these communities not only provided feedback but also led to a surge of 1,500 installs in just three days!
3. Reddit Communities To Share New Creations
Reddit is a hub for creators and enthusiasts. I showcased Codehub on subreddits dedicated to new apps and tech innovations. Communities like r/androidapps, r/ios, r/apple, r/IMadeThis, and r/somethingimade were great platforms for this.
4. Targeted Reddit or Discord Communities
I delved deep into niche communities related to programming and computer science on Reddit. Instead of blatant advertising, I crafted engaging content that subtly highlighted Codehub. For instance, I'd share insights like "Top 5 Python Challenges on Codehub" or "Can you solve Codehub's toughest challenge?". This strategy was a hit, bringing in 3,000 installs in under a month.
5. ASO (App Store Optimization)
ASO was my secret weapon. I researched competitor keyword rankings and settled on names like "Learn Python Fast" or "Code Challenges Hub". The goal was to rank organically for these terms. A few ASO tips I swear by:
Begin by searching for a competitor on App Figures to identify high popularity keywords they rank for.
Calculate a popularity to competition ratio by dividing each keyword's popularity score by its competitiveness score. Keywords with high values typically face lower competition.
Check if that exact keyword is available on the app store. This can be done by attempting to create an app in App Store Connect with that name. If it's available, you're onto something.
For instance, I initially chose "Python Code Challenges" because when you start typing "Python Code" in the app store, "Python Code Challenges" appears as a suggestion.
Front-load your keywords for better visibility.
Keep your app name concise and relevant.
Launch with In-App Events for added exposure.
Use tools like App Figures to identify high popularity keywords.
Check the availability of these keywords on the App Store using App Store Connect.
6. Mobile Application Promotion Services
I dabbled with platforms like Keyapptop to buy targeted installs. While it's a gray area in terms of ethics, it can provide an initial boost. However, it's essential to use this strategy judiciously and ensure genuine user engagement.
7. Ad Credits
Ad credits from platforms like Facebook, Apple Search Ads, and Snapchat were a boon. These credits allowed me to run initial campaigns, aiding ASO efforts, testing ad creatives, and driving more installs.
8. Launch Premium Features Upfront
Bootstrapping has its challenges. To fund my marketing efforts, I introduced premium features early on. This not only generated revenue but also added value for dedicated users.
9. Remote Paywall Config Tools
Paywalls can be tricky. I used platforms like Superwall and Purchasely to set up and test them efficiently. These tools streamlined the A/B testing process, ensuring optimal conversion rates. It's essential to have paywalls before onboarding, after onboarding, every app open, and a button to trigger a paywall from the homepage of your app.
10. Influencers
Influencer partnerships, especially with niche tech influencers on Instagram and Twitter, were gold. Collaborations under $50 with targeted pages ensured that Codehub reached the right audience.
11. Product Analytics and CRM
Understanding user behavior is crucial. I integrated Mixpanel for in-depth product analytics. Additionally, OneSignal helped send targeted push notifications, enhancing user engagement. Both tools offer free plans and are incredibly handy.
12. Invite Friends Program
Word of mouth is powerful. I built an "Invite Friends" program, using Branch for deep linking. This feature encouraged users to share Codehub, amplifying organic growth.
13. Paid User Config
Instead of building a backend infrastructure for paid users, I leveraged Revenuecat. This tool efficiently handled all aspects of the paid user experience, saving tons of development time.
14. Producthunt
Launching on Producthunt was time-intensive but worth it. The exposure led to an additional 300 installs, and the feedback from the community was invaluable.
15. Communities Outside of Reddit
Diversifying platforms is key. I explored various communities outside Reddit, especially those focused on coding and tech, to share Codehub and gather feedback.
16. Newsletter Partnerships
Collaborating with thematic newsletters was a win-win. I offered guest posts in exchange for a mention of Codehub, reaching a wider, targeted audience.
17. Colleges and Students
Students were a significant demographic for Codehub. I offered lifetime premium access to those signing up with .edu emails. This strategy was a hit, especially in student communities on Reddit.
18. Hackernoon
I utilized Hackernoon's free article offer for new signups. This platform provided a broader audience and added credibility to Codehub.
19. Hacker News
Sharing an engaging story on Hacker News led to 100-200 additional installs. The platform's tech-savvy audience provided constructive feedback.
20. Fiverr Press Release Announcements
Press releases can be a game-changer. I collaborated with Fiverr professionals for distribution. While the reach was broad, it did bring in some valuable installs and feedback.
In conclusion, the path to growth is paved with experimentation, learning, and persistence. While every app and target audience is unique, these strategies can serve as a starting point for indie developers looking to make their mark. Remember, it's not just about the numbers but the value you bring to your users. Keep iterating, stay curious, and most importantly, enjoy the journey of bringing your vision to life. Here's to your success and growth! 🌱🚀