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

In this episode, we are joined by Mark Weinstein, a tech entrepreneur, thought leader, privacy advocate, and one of the original inventors of social networking. He is a founder of MeWe, the privacy-first social network app. Named one of the “Top 8 Minds in Online Privacy” and a “Privacy by Design Ambassador,” Mark has been featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Fortune, CNN, and more. His TED Talk on “The Rise of Surveillance Capitalism” has inspired technologists worldwide.He’s going to talk about how indie founders can leverage AI and social media marketing to scale apps, attract investors without massive ad spend, and why ethics, privacy, and mental health must be at the core of product design.Mark will also share the journey of building MeWe, how to stand out in a world dominated by Big Tech, and practical steps indie founders can take to future-proof their apps in the age of AI and Web3. You will discover:✅ Journey of building and scaling MeWe in a Big Tech world✅ How indie founders can use AI and social media marketing to scale apps✅ Strategies for attracting investors without massive ad spend✅ A social framework for rebooting the internet with ethics and privacy at the coreLearn More:MeWe: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mewe-the-safe-network/id918464474 Mark’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Restoring-Our-Sanity-Online-Revolutionary/dp/1394273967/Want expert guidance to grow your app? Book a quick call with App Masters:https://appmasters.com/contact-us/Indie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.comGet training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/*********************************************SPONSORSArcads is the fastest and best indie-friendly platform to create authentic, AI-powered UGC-style video ads — all from just text input.- Emotionally resonant, human-like videos- Perfect for app demos, testimonials, and paid social creatives- Built for speed, built to convertWhether you're launching or scaling, Arcads makes it easy to test and iterate video ads.Try it now: https://www.arcads.ai/?comet_custom=appmasters*********************************************Everyone's talking about web2app funnels - the breakthrough strategy maximizing mobile revenue. But building them in-house takes months of development. web2wave eliminates the complexity with their innovative all-in-one platform✅ AI funnel generator✅ powerful drag-and-drop quiz builder✅ streamlined payments✅ comprehensive analytics✅ smart A/B testing✅ and moreLaunch high-performing web2app funnels in days, not months.Visit https://web2wave.com/ to create your web2app funnel for free.*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

In this episode, we are joined by Mark Weinstein, a tech entrepreneur, thought leader, privacy advocate, and one of the original inventors of social networking. He is a founder of MeWe, the privacy-first social network app. Named one of the “Top 8 Minds in Online Privacy” and a “Privacy by Design Ambassador,” Mark has been featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Fortune, CNN, and more. His TED Talk on “The Rise of Surveillance Capitalism” has inspired technologists worldwide.He’s going to talk about how indie founders can leverage AI and social media marketing to scale apps, attract investors without massive ad spend, and why ethics, privacy, and mental health must be at the core of product design.Mark will also share the journey of building MeWe, how to stand out in a world dominated by Big Tech, and practical steps indie founders can take to future-proof their apps in the age of AI and Web3. You will discover:✅ Journey of building and scaling MeWe in a Big Tech world✅ How indie founders can use AI and social media marketing to scale apps✅ Strategies for attracting investors without massive ad spend✅ A social framework for rebooting the internet with ethics and privacy at the coreLearn More:MeWe: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mewe-the-safe-network/id918464474 Mark’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Restoring-Our-Sanity-Online-Revolutionary/dp/1394273967/Want expert guidance to grow your app? Book a quick call with App Masters:https://appmasters.com/contact-us/Indie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.comGet training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/*********************************************SPONSORSArcads is the fastest and best indie-friendly platform to create authentic, AI-powered UGC-style video ads — all from just text input.- Emotionally resonant, human-like videos- Perfect for app demos, testimonials, and paid social creatives- Built for speed, built to convertWhether you're launching or scaling, Arcads makes it easy to test and iterate video ads.Try it now: https://www.arcads.ai/?comet_custom=appmasters*********************************************Everyone's talking about web2app funnels - the breakthrough strategy maximizing mobile revenue. But building them in-house takes months of development. web2wave eliminates the complexity with their innovative all-in-one platform✅ AI funnel generator✅ powerful drag-and-drop quiz builder✅ streamlined payments✅ comprehensive analytics✅ smart A/B testing✅ and moreLaunch high-performing web2app funnels in days, not months.Visit https://web2wave.com/ to create your web2app funnel for free.*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

Want to instantly double your app retention? 🎵In this episode, we interviewed with Lauren Puffpath, Co-Founder & COO of Feed.fm, to uncover one of the most overlooked ingredients in app success: music integration.Most indie founders and app developers focus on onboarding, UI, or push notifications—but adding the right music can dramatically boost engagement, retention, and even revenue.You’ll discover:✅ How music impacts user behavior & session length✅ Real-world data: 1.7x–2.5x lift in D90 retention with music✅ Why music works across verticals (fitness, wellness, social, gaming, retail, sleep apps & more)✅ The hidden challenges of licensing—and how Feed.fm solves them✅ Practical tips to integrate music into your app without huge costsWhether you’re building a fitness app, meditation app, game, or e-commerce experience, this conversation will give you a proven strategy to keep users coming back and paying.Connect with Lauren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenpufpaf/📌 Work with us: https://appmasters.com📌 Join the App Masters Academy for advanced strategies: https://appmasters.com/academy*********************************************SPONSORSEveryone's talking about web2app funnels - the breakthrough strategy maximizing mobile revenue. But building them in-house takes months of development. web2wave eliminates the complexity with their innovative all-in-one platform✅ AI funnel generator✅ powerful drag-and-drop quiz builder✅ streamlined payments✅ comprehensive analytics✅ smart A/B testing✅ and moreLaunch high-performing web2app funnels in days, not months.Visit https://web2wave.com/ to create your web2app funnel for free.*********************************************Apps are shifting billions. Timing is everything. iOS users are your VIPs.If you're in e-commerce and still running last year's playbook, you're already behind.The State of eCommerce App Marketing 2025 by AppsFlyer breaks down $4.2B in spend to show exactly how top Shopping apps are winning - from smarter UA and AI-driven scaling to the death of “just Android” and the rise of web-to-app.Peak season is coming. Want to win it? Check out the report: https://shorturl.at/Av8fR*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

Want to instantly double your app retention? 🎵In this episode, we interviewed with Lauren Puffpath, Co-Founder & COO of Feed.fm, to uncover one of the most overlooked ingredients in app success: music integration.Most indie founders and app developers focus on onboarding, UI, or push notifications—but adding the right music can dramatically boost engagement, retention, and even revenue.You’ll discover:✅ How music impacts user behavior & session length✅ Real-world data: 1.7x–2.5x lift in D90 retention with music✅ Why music works across verticals (fitness, wellness, social, gaming, retail, sleep apps & more)✅ The hidden challenges of licensing—and how Feed.fm solves them✅ Practical tips to integrate music into your app without huge costsWhether you’re building a fitness app, meditation app, game, or e-commerce experience, this conversation will give you a proven strategy to keep users coming back and paying.Connect with Lauren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenpufpaf/📌 Work with us: https://appmasters.com📌 Join the App Masters Academy for advanced strategies: https://appmasters.com/academy*********************************************SPONSORSEveryone's talking about web2app funnels - the breakthrough strategy maximizing mobile revenue. But building them in-house takes months of development. web2wave eliminates the complexity with their innovative all-in-one platform✅ AI funnel generator✅ powerful drag-and-drop quiz builder✅ streamlined payments✅ comprehensive analytics✅ smart A/B testing✅ and moreLaunch high-performing web2app funnels in days, not months.Visit https://web2wave.com/ to create your web2app funnel for free.*********************************************Apps are shifting billions. Timing is everything. iOS users are your VIPs.If you're in e-commerce and still running last year's playbook, you're already behind.The State of eCommerce App Marketing 2025 by AppsFlyer breaks down $4.2B in spend to show exactly how top Shopping apps are winning - from smarter UA and AI-driven scaling to the death of “just Android” and the rise of web-to-app.Peak season is coming. Want to win it? Check out the report: https://shorturl.at/Av8fR*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

In this episode, Asher Herbstman and Thatcher Clough, co-founders of Clear30, share the journey of taking their app, Clear30, from idea to 6,000 weekly downloads, $8K MRR, and $100K ARR through subscription revenue.They reveal how a broken onboarding flow nearly stalled growth—and the psychology-driven A/B tests that turned it around. You’ll also hear what worked (and what flopped) with paid ads, plus how they leveraged research partnerships and federal grants to fuel momentum.Whether you’re an indie founder or scaling your own app, this conversation is packed with real-world lessons on user psychology, onboarding optimization, retention strategies, and sustainable growth that you can start applying today.You will discover:✅ How to spot and fix a broken onboarding flow✅ AB test ideas that actually move the needle✅ Psychology tactics to persuade and retain usersLearn More:🌐 Website: https://clear30.org/📲 App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/clear30-quit-smoking-weed/id6476418203Want expert guidance to grow your app? Book a quick call with App Masters:https://appmasters.com/contact-us/Indie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.comGet training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/*********************************************SPONSORSArcads is the fastest and best indie-friendly platform to create authentic, AI-powered UGC-style video ads — all from just text input.- Emotionally resonant, human-like videos- Perfect for app demos, testimonials, and paid social creatives- Built for speed, built to convertWhether you're launching or scaling, Arcads makes it easy to test and iterate video ads.Try it now: https://www.arcads.ai/?comet_custom=appmasters*********************************************Everyone's talking about web2app funnels - the breakthrough strategy maximizing mobile revenue. But building them in-house takes months of development. web2wave eliminates the complexity with their innovative all-in-one platform✅ AI funnel generator✅ powerful drag-and-drop quiz builder✅ streamlined payments✅ comprehensive analytics✅ smart A/B testing✅ and moreLaunch high-performing web2app funnels in days, not months.Visit https://web2wave.com/ to create your web2app funnel for free.*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

In this episode, Asher Herbstman and Thatcher Clough, co-founders of Clear30, share the journey of taking their app, Clear30, from idea to 6,000 weekly downloads, $8K MRR, and $100K ARR through subscription revenue.They reveal how a broken onboarding flow nearly stalled growth—and the psychology-driven A/B tests that turned it around. You’ll also hear what worked (and what flopped) with paid ads, plus how they leveraged research partnerships and federal grants to fuel momentum.Whether you’re an indie founder or scaling your own app, this conversation is packed with real-world lessons on user psychology, onboarding optimization, retention strategies, and sustainable growth that you can start applying today.You will discover:✅ How to spot and fix a broken onboarding flow✅ AB test ideas that actually move the needle✅ Psychology tactics to persuade and retain usersLearn More:🌐 Website: https://clear30.org/📲 App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/clear30-quit-smoking-weed/id6476418203Want expert guidance to grow your app? Book a quick call with App Masters:https://appmasters.com/contact-us/Indie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.comGet training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/*********************************************SPONSORSArcads is the fastest and best indie-friendly platform to create authentic, AI-powered UGC-style video ads — all from just text input.- Emotionally resonant, human-like videos- Perfect for app demos, testimonials, and paid social creatives- Built for speed, built to convertWhether you're launching or scaling, Arcads makes it easy to test and iterate video ads.Try it now: https://www.arcads.ai/?comet_custom=appmasters*********************************************Everyone's talking about web2app funnels - the breakthrough strategy maximizing mobile revenue. But building them in-house takes months of development. web2wave eliminates the complexity with their innovative all-in-one platform✅ AI funnel generator✅ powerful drag-and-drop quiz builder✅ streamlined payments✅ comprehensive analytics✅ smart A/B testing✅ and moreLaunch high-performing web2app funnels in days, not months.Visit https://web2wave.com/ to create your web2app funnel for free.*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

Want to grow your app without burning cash? 💸In this video, I’m revealing six powerful app marketing strategies that have helped indie developers and startups drive tens of thousands of downloads, all on a limited or zero budget.These are the exact tactics we’ve used to take apps from a few hundred downloads a month to six-figure app businesses, without relying on massive ad spends.You’ll learn:✅ How to use App Store Optimization (ASO) to drive free, high-intent downloads✅ The “Lifetime Free Offer” growth hack for instant traction & reviews✅ Localization tricks that open up whole new markets overnight✅ How to use Apple Search Ads & Meta Ads efficiently (even with $10/day)✅ Why focusing on the right keywords can make or break your launch✅ The simple math formula that keeps your app business profitableWhether you’re launching your first app or trying to revive a stalled product, these budget-friendly app marketing strategies can help you scale faster without overspending.📌 Work with us: https://appmasters.com📌 Join the App Masters Academy for advanced strategies: https://appmasters.com/academy*********************************************SPONSORSEveryone's talking about web2app funnels - the breakthrough strategy maximizing mobile revenue. But building them in-house takes months of development. web2wave eliminates the complexity with their innovative all-in-one platform✅ AI funnel generator✅ powerful drag-and-drop quiz builder✅ streamlined payments✅ comprehensive analytics✅ smart A/B testing✅ and moreLaunch high-performing web2app funnels in days, not months.Visit https://web2wave.com/ to create your web2app funnel for free.*********************************************Apps are shifting billions. Timing is everything. iOS users are your VIPs.If you're in e-commerce and still running last year's playbook, you're already behind.The State of eCommerce App Marketing 2025 by AppsFlyer breaks down $4.2B in spend to show exactly how top Shopping apps are winning - from smarter UA and AI-driven scaling to the death of “just Android” and the rise of web-to-app.Peak season is coming. Want to win it? Check out the report: https://shorturl.at/Av8fR*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

Want to grow your app without burning cash? 💸In this video, I’m revealing six powerful app marketing strategies that have helped indie developers and startups drive tens of thousands of downloads, all on a limited or zero budget.These are the exact tactics we’ve used to take apps from a few hundred downloads a month to six-figure app businesses, without relying on massive ad spends.You’ll learn:✅ How to use App Store Optimization (ASO) to drive free, high-intent downloads✅ The “Lifetime Free Offer” growth hack for instant traction & reviews✅ Localization tricks that open up whole new markets overnight✅ How to use Apple Search Ads & Meta Ads efficiently (even with $10/day)✅ Why focusing on the right keywords can make or break your launch✅ The simple math formula that keeps your app business profitableWhether you’re launching your first app or trying to revive a stalled product, these budget-friendly app marketing strategies can help you scale faster without overspending.📌 Work with us: https://appmasters.com📌 Join the App Masters Academy for advanced strategies: https://appmasters.com/academy*********************************************SPONSORSEveryone's talking about web2app funnels - the breakthrough strategy maximizing mobile revenue. But building them in-house takes months of development. web2wave eliminates the complexity with their innovative all-in-one platform✅ AI funnel generator✅ powerful drag-and-drop quiz builder✅ streamlined payments✅ comprehensive analytics✅ smart A/B testing✅ and moreLaunch high-performing web2app funnels in days, not months.Visit https://web2wave.com/ to create your web2app funnel for free.*********************************************Apps are shifting billions. Timing is everything. iOS users are your VIPs.If you're in e-commerce and still running last year's playbook, you're already behind.The State of eCommerce App Marketing 2025 by AppsFlyer breaks down $4.2B in spend to show exactly how top Shopping apps are winning - from smarter UA and AI-driven scaling to the death of “just Android” and the rise of web-to-app.Peak season is coming. Want to win it? Check out the report: https://shorturl.at/Av8fR*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

We just wrapped up another exciting round of the popular ‘Ask Me Anything’ session with Steve P. Young! 🎙️From monetization and paid ads to scaling your app business — no topic was off-limits.If you missed it live, catch the full conversation on our podcast and get all the valuable insights.Learn More:Want expert guidance to grow your app? Book a quick call with App Masters:https://appmasters.com/contact-us/Indie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.comGet training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/*********************************************SPONSORSArcads is the fastest and best indie-friendly platform to create authentic, AI-powered UGC-style video ads — all from just text input.- Emotionally resonant, human-like videos- Perfect for app demos, testimonials, and paid social creatives- Built for speed, built to convertWhether you're launching or scaling, Arcads makes it easy to test and iterate video ads.Try it now: https://www.arcads.ai/?comet_custom=appmasters*********************************************Everyone's talking about web2app funnels - the breakthrough strategy maximizing mobile revenue. But building them in-house takes months of development. web2wave eliminates the complexity with their innovative all-in-one platform✅ AI funnel generator✅ powerful drag-and-drop quiz builder✅ streamlined payments✅ comprehensive analytics✅ smart A/B testing✅ and moreLaunch high-performing web2app funnels in days, not months.Visit https://web2wave.com/ to create your web2app funnel for free.*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

We just wrapped up another exciting round of the popular ‘Ask Me Anything’ session with Steve P. Young! 🎙️From monetization and paid ads to scaling your app business — no topic was off-limits.If you missed it live, catch the full conversation on our podcast and get all the valuable insights.Learn More:Want expert guidance to grow your app? Book a quick call with App Masters:https://appmasters.com/contact-us/Indie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.comGet training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/*********************************************SPONSORSArcads is the fastest and best indie-friendly platform to create authentic, AI-powered UGC-style video ads — all from just text input.- Emotionally resonant, human-like videos- Perfect for app demos, testimonials, and paid social creatives- Built for speed, built to convertWhether you're launching or scaling, Arcads makes it easy to test and iterate video ads.Try it now: https://www.arcads.ai/?comet_custom=appmasters*********************************************Everyone's talking about web2app funnels - the breakthrough strategy maximizing mobile revenue. But building them in-house takes months of development. web2wave eliminates the complexity with their innovative all-in-one platform✅ AI funnel generator✅ powerful drag-and-drop quiz builder✅ streamlined payments✅ comprehensive analytics✅ smart A/B testing✅ and moreLaunch high-performing web2app funnels in days, not months.Visit https://web2wave.com/ to create your web2app funnel for free.*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************