856: How to Get Traction Before Building Your Product

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 Maj 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 Maj 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 Maj 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 Maj 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 Maj 1h 1min

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 Maj 1h 2min

Discover the paywall A/B test that tripled our revenue for an AI app—without changing pricing or getting more downloads. In this video, we break down the exact test we ran (weekly vs yearly subscriptions, trial vs no trial) and how paywall optimization can completely change your app business.💡 If you’ve ever said:“I need more downloads!”…You might just need a better paywall.🔍 What You’ll Learn:📌 Which paywall format 3x our AI app's revenue📌 How a weekly plan with a 3-day trial beats a yearly plan📌 What RevenueCat’s latest subscription report tells us🔗 Know More:RevenueCat State of Subscription Apps 2025 Report: https://www.revenuecat.com/state-of-subscription-apps-2025/Work with us: https://www.appmasters.comIndie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.comGet training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/*********************************************SPONSORSIf you’re running paid campaigns without a measurement partner, you’re basically flying blind. It’s not just about installs—it’s about understanding what’s working, where your users are coming from, how they perform in your app, and how to grow efficiently.AppsFlyer gives you clarity across platforms, channels, and devices while staying privacy-first. If you're serious about scaling your app, 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*********************************************

13 Maj 8min

In this episode, we’re joined by Hamza Alsamraee, CEO of NewForm — a top-tier NYC-based app marketing agency producing over 2,500 ads every month.Hamza’s journey started at just 16 when he built the largest math page on Instagram, eventually driving 100M+ organic impressions and over $1M in book sales. With a strong background in math and a knack for creative growth, Hamza has led performance-driven campaigns across consumer apps, including scaling Faves to a $1M ARR in just months.We’ll dive into how AI-generated content (AIGC) is changing the marketing game — from TikTok-first strategies to AI agents in UGC creation, and why many AI creatives fail to convert.Whether you’re just launching or managing multi-million-dollar ad budgets, this episode delivers the math-backed truth on what’s working (and what’s not) in 2025.You will discover:📌 How AI agents are reshaping marketing & creative workflows📌 Why most AI-generated UGC ads flop — and how to fix them📌 How to implement AI agents (even with a small team)📌 Where the future of AIGC, creative testing & performance is headedLearn More:https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamza-alsamraee/www.newform.comBook a consultation call: https://calendly.com/appmasters-alok/30min Work with us to grow your apps faster & cheaper: http://www.appmasters.com/Get training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/*********************************************SPONSORSIf you’re running paid campaigns without a measurement partner, you’re basically flying blind. It’s not just about installs—it’s about understanding what’s working, where your users are coming from, how they perform in your app, and how to grow efficiently.AppsFlyer gives you clarity across platforms, channels, and devices while staying privacy-first. If you're serious about scaling your app, 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*********************************************

10 Maj 1h 18min