The Path to $100,000 ARR - What Flopped with Paid Ads

In this episode, we’re joined by Igor Lyubimov, CEO of web2wave.com and former Chief Product Officer at FindMyKids—an app with over 100M downloads and $35M in annual revenue. Igor is a funnel optimization powerhouse with 15+ years of experience helping mobile apps grow by blending behavioral psychology with cutting-edge payment technology.Igor walks us through how to build a high-converting web-to-app funnel from scratch. You’ll learn how to tell onboarding stories that convert, optimize the first screen of your funnel, and revamp your paywall for maximum conversions. Whether you’re an indie app founder or a product marketer, this episode is your step-by-step playbook for turning web visitors into loyal, paying app users.You will discover:✅ How to build a high-converting web-to-app funnel using AI & smart tools✅ How to use storytelling to emotionally connect with users during onboarding✅ How to fix your paywall with clear pricing and a compelling value prop✅ The cheat sheet for turning passive browsers into active subscribersLearn More:All you need to build your web2app funnel:⁠https://www.web2wave.com/⁠Work with us: https://www.appmasters.comIndie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.comGet training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/*********************************************SPONSORSYou ever work with a tool where the support feels like...a ghost town? Yeah, not AppsFlyer.Their support team is massive — like 5x bigger than the industry average. They’re global, 24/7, and actually helpful!If you’re scaling your app and don’t want to be left hanging, check out AppsFlyer dot com or book a demo by clicking this https://tinyurl.com/AppsFlyerAM*********************************************Have an idea for a mobile app, but don't know how to code?Dreams Into Apps is a mobile app accelerator for non-technical entrepreneurs who want to launch their app—without hiring developers.You’ll work step-by-step with expert app builders to turn your idea into a real revenue generating product using AI and No-Code. No coding experience required.And here’s the best part—100% of apps launched through the program generate revenue within 7 days.Stop dreaming about your idea. Build it yourself!Check out:ambitiouslabs.io.*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

7 Kesä 1h 6min

This week, we’re joined by Zach Witzel, former Uber pricing lead and now founder of Helium — the AI-powered paywall engine that’s helping top apps double revenue automatically.Zach helped Uber unlock over $100M through smarter monetization — and now he’s bringing those insights to indie devs. In this episode, we dive into how to scale faster using AI, the future of paywalls, and how to monetize your app from day one.You will discover:✅ Building AI-powered paywalls that actually convert✅ Running pricing experiments without the guesswork✅ Why the best marketing happens inside your app✅ The overlooked power of discounting✅ How to build like the top 1% — even as a solo founderLearn More:Get more out of your paywall with:https://tryhelium.com/Work with us: https://www.appmasters.comIndie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.comGet training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/*********************************************SPONSORSYou ever work with a tool where the support feels like...a ghost town? Yeah, not AppsFlyer.Their support team is massive — like 5x bigger than the industry average. They’re global, 24/7, and actually helpful!If you’re scaling your app and don’t want to be left hanging, check out AppsFlyer dot com or book a demo by clicking this https://tinyurl.com/AppsFlyerAM*********************************************Have an idea for a mobile app, but don't know how to code?Dreams Into Apps is a mobile app accelerator for non-technical entrepreneurs who want to launch their app—without hiring developers.You’ll work step-by-step with expert app builders to turn your idea into a real revenue generating product using AI and No-Code. No coding experience required.And here’s the best part—100% of apps launched through the program generate revenue within 7 days.Stop dreaming about your idea. Build it yourself!Check out:ambitiouslabs.io.*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

31 Touko 1h 4min

This week, we’re joined by Zach Witzel, former Uber pricing lead and now founder of Helium — the AI-powered paywall engine that’s helping top apps double revenue automatically.Zach helped Uber unlock over $100M through smarter monetization — and now he’s bringing those insights to indie devs. In this episode, we dive into how to scale faster using AI, the future of paywalls, and how to monetize your app from day one.You will discover:✅ Building AI-powered paywalls that actually convert✅ Running pricing experiments without the guesswork✅ Why the best marketing happens inside your app✅ The overlooked power of discounting✅ How to build like the top 1% — even as a solo founderLearn More:Get more out of your paywall with:https://tryhelium.com/Work with us: https://www.appmasters.comIndie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.comGet training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/*********************************************SPONSORSYou ever work with a tool where the support feels like...a ghost town? Yeah, not AppsFlyer.Their support team is massive — like 5x bigger than the industry average. They’re global, 24/7, and actually helpful!If you’re scaling your app and don’t want to be left hanging, check out AppsFlyer dot com or book a demo by clicking this https://tinyurl.com/AppsFlyerAM*********************************************Have an idea for a mobile app, but don't know how to code?Dreams Into Apps is a mobile app accelerator for non-technical entrepreneurs who want to launch their app—without hiring developers.You’ll work step-by-step with expert app builders to turn your idea into a real revenue generating product using AI and No-Code. No coding experience required.And here’s the best part—100% of apps launched through the program generate revenue within 7 days.Stop dreaming about your idea. Build it yourself!Check out:ambitiouslabs.io.*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

31 Touko 1h 3min

Want to grow your app like Cal AI, which now makes $20M+ a year? In this video, I break down the top word-of-mouth marketing / referral strategies that actually work in 2025 — with real examples and tactics you can copy today.📊 Stats You'll Learn:76% of users make purchases from social media recommendations74% of users buy because an influencer recommended a productReal-world examples from Calm, Crossy Road, Flappy Bird, and ZeroYou’ll Discover:✅ How to drive downloads using influencers✅ Viral growth through referral marketing✅ Proven partner marketing strategies using email confirmations✅ How to make your users want to share your app for free✅ Affordable tracking tools (like Airbridge) to measure what worksThis isn’t theory — these are tested frameworks we’ve used to help over 3,000 apps grow their downloads and revenues. ***************Firebase Dynamic Links is shutting down on August 25.A lot of app marketers are searching for deep linking alternatives. If you’re still using FDL, it’s time to make the switch (no, seriously) before broken links derail your user journeys.Airbridge DeepLinks is a lightweight, affordable replacement for Firebase Dynamic Links. Offering everything you loved about FDL, plus more control, customization, and insight.What makes Airbridge DeepLinks different?→ Migrate FDL links in minutes with a no-code template (just 3 steps in 3 minutes)→ Edit and manage all links (including API-created ones) in one dashboard→ Customize your branding and track performance in real time→ Update redirects, paths, and branding even after links go live🚨 Special Offer for App Masters viewers 🚨Use promo code APPMASTERS (available to the first 300 users) to claim your 3-month free trial. Offer ends August 25—when Firebase Dynamic Links shuts down!What happens after the free trial, you might ask?→ The first 10,000 MAU stay free forever.→ Beyond that, it’s just $3 per 1,000 MAU.🔗 Redeem Now:→ Get Airbridge: https://appmasters.com/deeplinks***************Work with us: https://www.appmasters.comIndie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.comGet training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/*********************************************SPONSORSYou ever work with a tool where the support feels like...a ghost town? Yeah, not AppsFlyer.Their support team is massive — like 5x bigger than the industry average. They’re global, 24/7, and actually helpful!If you’re scaling your app and don’t want to be left hanging, check out AppsFlyer dot com or book a demo by clicking this https://tinyurl.com/AppsFlyerAM*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

27 Touko 13min

We just got back from MAU Vegas — slightly jet-lagged, seriously inspired, and armed with spicy takes on app growth, monetization, and what not to do with your onboarding.In this impromptu, caffeine-fueled debrief episode, Steve P. Young unpacks his favorite learnings and wildest strategies from the conference.Didn’t make it to MAU? Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. Let’s laugh, learn, and spill a little post-MAU tea together. 🍸📱You will discover:✅ The best app growth tips we brought back from MAU✅ How to turn post-conference inspiration into Monday execution✅ The AI tools and frameworks top app marketers are using right nowWork with us: https://www.appmasters.comIndie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.comGet training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/*********************************************SPONSORSYou ever work with a tool where the support feels like...a ghost town? Yeah, not AppsFlyer.Their support team is massive — like 5x bigger than the industry average. They’re global, 24/7, and actually helpful!If you’re scaling your app and don’t want to be left hanging, check out AppsFlyer dot com or book a demo by clicking this https://tinyurl.com/AppsFlyerAM*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

24 Touko 46min

We just got back from MAU Vegas — slightly jet-lagged, seriously inspired, and armed with spicy takes on app growth, monetization, and what not to do with your onboarding.In this impromptu, caffeine-fueled debrief episode, Steve P. Young unpacks his favorite learnings and wildest strategies from the conference.Didn’t make it to MAU? Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. Let’s laugh, learn, and spill a little post-MAU tea together. 🍸📱You will discover:✅ The best app growth tips we brought back from MAU✅ How to turn post-conference inspiration into Monday execution✅ The AI tools and frameworks top app marketers are using right nowWork with us: https://www.appmasters.comIndie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.comGet training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/*********************************************SPONSORSYou ever work with a tool where the support feels like...a ghost town? Yeah, not AppsFlyer.Their support team is massive — like 5x bigger than the industry average. They’re global, 24/7, and actually helpful!If you’re scaling your app and don’t want to be left hanging, check out AppsFlyer dot com or book a demo by clicking this https://tinyurl.com/AppsFlyerAM*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

24 Touko 46min

Want to boost app revenue and retention without major redesigns or dev time? In this video, I break down two easy A/B tests that delivered massive gains in trial conversions and lifetime value (LTV) — fast.📌 See how a simple change to our paywall doubled trial activations📌 Learn the psychology behind “priming” your users📌 Discover the UX tweak that improved trial-to-paid conversion📌 Includes real-world examples from our own appsWhether you're an indie developer or scaling an app portfolio, these insights will give you actionable tests you can implement today.Work with us: https://www.appmasters.comIndie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.comGet training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/*********************************************SPONSORSYou ever work with a tool where the support feels like...a ghost town? Yeah, not AppsFlyer.Their support team is massive — like 5x bigger than the industry average. They’re global, 24/7, and actually helpful!If you’re scaling your app and don’t want to be left hanging, check out AppsFlyer dot com or book a demo by clicking this https://tinyurl.com/AppsFlyerAM*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

20 Touko 10min

In this episode, we’re breaking down how you can build a revenue-generating app — without writing a single line of code.Our guest is Alim Charaniya, 4x founder and the brains behind Ambitious Labs. He’s helped generate over $100M+ in app revenue, scaled apps from 10K to 2M+ users, and was previously Head of Mobile at PrizePicks, the #1 sports app on the App Store.Alim shares the exact blueprint for building with Flutter, AI tools, and no-code platforms — proving that launching a successful app business is more accessible than ever.You’ll learn the secrets behind building fast, validating your idea early, launching MVPs and making real money — all without hiring expensive developers.You will discover:✅ Why most apps aren’t actually hard to build — and how to get started✅ How to validate and launch an MVP quickly (without burning cash)✅ Monetization strategies that work for indie developers✅ Why understanding user behavior is more important than codeLearn More:Build your app without code: (Use this code and enjoy $500 off on their plans)https://start.ambitiouslabs.io/appmasters?utm_campaign=appmastersWork with us: https://www.appmasters.comIndie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.comGet training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/*********************************************SPONSORSYou ever work with a tool where the support feels like...a ghost town? Yeah, not AppsFlyer.Their support team is massive — like 5x bigger than the industry average. They’re global, 24/7, and actually helpful!If you’re scaling your app and don’t want to be left hanging, check out AppsFlyer dot com or book a demo by clicking this https://tinyurl.com/AppsFlyerAM*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

17 Touko 1h 1min