How a Solo Founder Built a $30K/Month App with 5.2M Installs

In this episode, we’re joined by one of our community members, John McEvoy, founder of Momego, the worldwide transit tracking app with over 5.2 million installs and 400,000 daily active users, built entirely by one person.John started as a graphic designer and taught himself to code. Today, his app generates $30K in monthly recurring revenue, powered by localized ASO, clever ASA, and great features.He’ll share his exact frameworks for growth, from keyword localisation to subscription retention, all based on real results from running a successful utility app in a competitive market.You will discover:✅ How localised ASO helped Momego reach 5M+ installs✅ The Apple Search Ads strategy John uses to scale profitably✅ How to test app icons, pricing, and onboarding flows that convert✅ Why reverse trials outperform free trials for mobile apps✅ The features that keep users paying (widgets + live activities)Learn More:🚊 Try Momego → https://apps.apple.com/app/momego-live-bus-train-times/id1281251210🔗 Connect with John → https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbairdmcevoyYou can also watch this video here: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/live/jN6e9sSyaooGet training, coaching, and community: https://appmasters.com/academy/*********************************************SPONSORSGot tons of freemium users who won’t upgrade? Encore turns free users into paying customers and reduces churn by adding smart, curated affiliate offers at key user moments. Everyone wins with Encore.Learn more at https://encorekit.com/*********************************************Still designing, resizing, and uploading screenshots manually? AppScreens lets you pick from hundreds of high-converting templates, generate for every device size and language in minutes, and upload automatically to directly to App Store Connect and Google Play Console. Trusted by more than 100K developers and ASO experts worldwide.Try it free: https://appscreens.com/?via=am*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

If you’re building your first app — watch this before you write another line of code.In this video, Steve P. Young reveals:✅ The #1 mistake app founders make when building their first app✅ The simplest MVP formula that actually drives revenue — not downloads✅ Why distribution matters more than features✅ How to build your Minimum Viable Revenue (MVR), not just an MVP✅ Real-world examples of indie apps making $3K–$200K/month doing one thing really wellWhether you're a developer or entrepreneur, this is your roadmap to launching an app that makes money from day one — without wasting $30K on the wrong features.🚀 Apply to work with Steve’s team: https://appmastersmvp.lovable.app/👨‍💻 Learn how to build your MVP + go-to-market strategy from App Masters’ in-house portfolio experts.Migraine Buddy: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/migraine-buddy-track-headache/id975074413Remote for Firestick & Fire TV: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/remote-for-firestick-fire-tv/id1467189269The Shortcut to Scale: The Distribution First Mindset: https://youtu.be/Dxk4TIvRa30You can also watch this video here: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/YwiXQp2CKNM Get training, coaching, and community: https://appmasters.com/academy/*********************************************SPONSORSGot tons of freemium users who won’t upgrade? Encore turns free users into paying customers and reduces churn by adding smart, curated affiliate offers at key user moments. Everyone wins with Encore.Learn more at https://encorekit.com/*********************************************Still designing, resizing, and uploading screenshots manually? AppScreens lets you pick from hundreds of high-converting templates, generate for every device size and language in minutes, and upload automatically to directly to App Store Connect and Google Play Console. Trusted by more than 100K developers and ASO experts worldwide.Try it free: https://appscreens.com/?via=am*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

Discover the app marketing strategies that actually work in 2026, from ASO and paid acquisition to creative testing and retention hacks that are driving real ROI today.In this session, Steve P. Young, Founder of App Masters, shares what’s working right now across hundreds of apps — including:✅ 2026’s best-performing ad channels (Meta, TikTok, CTV & more)✅ How to combine ASO + paid for explosive growth✅ AI tools and automation that are changing mobile marketing✅ The new rules for creative testing and user retentionWhether you’re an indie developer or running a large app studio, this episode will give you the exact strategies, frameworks, and case studies to scale your app downloads and revenue this year.Learn More:Join the App Founder’s Community:https://appfounders.co/Use Code: NEWYEAR26 to avail 26% off on annual plansYou can also watch this video here: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/live/KlYqVGudZpMWant expert guidance to grow your app? Book a quick call with App Masters:https://appmasters.com/contact-us/Get training, coaching, and community: https://appmasters.com/academy/*********************************************SPONSORSGot tons of freemium users who won’t upgrade? Encore turns free users into paying customers and reduces churn by adding smart, curated affiliate offers at key user moments. Everyone wins with Encore.Learn more at https://encorekit.com/*********************************************Still designing, resizing, and uploading screenshots manually? AppScreens lets you pick from hundreds of high-converting templates, generate for every device size and language in minutes, and upload automatically to directly to App Store Connect and Google Play Console. Trusted by more than 100K developers and ASO experts worldwide.Try it free: https://appscreens.com/?via=am*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

Before App Masters became a leading app marketing agency, I built a LOT of businesses that went absolutely nowhere. 😅In this video, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing all the failed businesses, side projects, and lessons that paved the way for App Masters. If you’re struggling with your app, startup, or any business, this is for you. You’ll see how:✅ Every “failure” teaches you the next step.✅ How I went from $0 side hustles to running a 30+ person global team.✅ Why distribution (not features) was the ultimate game changer.✅ The exact moment I quit my job and went all-in on App Masters.Whether you’re an indie app founder, marketer, or dreamer trying to make it work, keep going. You’ll figure it out, too. 💪You can also watch this video here: ⁠https://youtu.be/acJF7kqtx2Y👥 Want to Join the App Founders Community?Get mentorship, accountability, and insider growth tactics from real app founders →👉 https://appfounders.coWant expert guidance to grow your app? Book a quick call with App Masters:https://appmasters.com/contact-us/Get training, coaching, and community: https://appmasters.com/academy/*********************************************SPONSORSGot tons of freemium users who won’t upgrade? Encore turns free users into paying customers and reduces churn by adding smart, curated affiliate offers at key user moments. Everyone wins with Encore.Learn more at https://encorekit.com/*********************************************Still designing, resizing, and uploading screenshots manually? AppScreens lets you pick from hundreds of high-converting templates, generate for every device size and language in minutes, and upload automatically to directly to App Store Connect and Google Play Console. Trusted by more than 100K developers and ASO experts worldwide.Try it free: https://appscreens.com/?via=am*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

In this episode, discover the app marketing strategies that helped LingQ scale to millions of users with zero ad spend. We are joined by Mark Kaufmann, Co-Founder and CEO of LingQ, to reveal exactly how they built a product people love.A former pro hockey player turned tech founder, Mark brings a unique perspective on performance, resilience, and building products that scale. Together with his father, polyglot and YouTuber Steve Kaufmann, he built LingQ, a product-led app that teaches languages through real-world immersion.Mark will share how a small, mission-driven team grew LingQ into one of the most recognized language apps without relying on massive ad budgets, just product innovation, community, and data-driven growth.You will discover:✅ The product-led growth strategy behind LingQ’s global success✅ How to scale organically by focusing on community and retention✅ Building for long-term engagement: what keeps users coming back daily✅ Why founder-led storytelling still matters in 2026’s crowded app marketLearn More:🌐 Explore LingQ: https://www.lingq.comYou can also watch this video here: ⁠https://youtube.com/live/NSyW0hxytrU👥 Want to Join the App Founders Community?Get mentorship, accountability, and insider growth tactics from real app founders →👉 https://appfounders.coWant expert guidance to grow your app? Book a quick call with App Masters:https://appmasters.com/contact-us/Get training, coaching, and community: https://appmasters.com/academy/*********************************************SPONSORSGot tons of freemium users who won’t upgrade? Encore turns free users into paying customers and reduces churn by adding smart, curated affiliate offers at key user moments. Everyone wins with Encore.Learn more at https://encorekit.com/*********************************************Launch a high-performing branded Web Shop in minutes—or build a fully custom storefront without the hassle.Xsolla’s modular solution reduces platform fees, supports 1,000+ global payment methods, and ships with built-in LiveOps and customization tools—so every purchase puts more revenue back in your studio’s pocket.Check out now: https://tinyurl.com/43hda5tf*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

How do you go from endless side projects to building a 7-figure business you love?The answer isn’t a marketing hack, or even an app idea — it’s community.In this video, Steve P. Young takes you behind the scenes of his entrepreneurial journey — from launching his first app while working full-time, to quitting his corporate job, to scaling App Masters into a global business.You’ll discover how joining the right community changed everything — and how starting his own mastermind (that later became the App Founders Community) became the foundation for long-term success.You’ll Learn:✅ The real reason community accelerates success faster than any marketing hack✅ How to find and join a community that supports your goals✅ Why mentorship and collaboration beat “solo hustle” every time✅ The framework Steve used to grow from $0 → 7 figuresYou can also watch this video here: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKlscFzwNnA👥 Want to Join the App Founders Community?Get mentorship, accountability, and insider growth tactics from real app founders →👉 https://appfounders.coWant expert guidance to grow your app? Book a quick call with App Masters:https://appmasters.com/contact-us/Get training, coaching, and community: https://appmasters.com/academy/*********************************************SPONSORSGot tons of freemium users who won’t upgrade? Encore turns free users into paying customers and reduces churn by adding smart, curated affiliate offers at key user moments. Everyone wins with Encore.Learn more at https://encorekit.com/*********************************************Launch a high-performing branded Web Shop in minutes—or build a fully custom storefront without the hassle.Xsolla’s modular solution reduces platform fees, supports 1,000+ global payment methods, and ships with built-in LiveOps and customization tools—so every purchase puts more revenue back in your studio’s pocket.Check out now: https://tinyurl.com/43hda5tf*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

What if one tiny visual tweak could send your app viral? 👀In this episode, we dive into newsjacking — also known as situational marketing — with a real case study from the crypto world. When CoinStats swapped its Bitcoin logo with the SEC Chairman’s face during the Bitcoin ETF approval hype, things blew up.💡 You’ll learn:✅ How to use newsjacking to ride trending moments✅ Why timing and humor drive engagement in niche communities✅ How a single push notification led to massive UGC and downloads✅ The power of creative risk-taking in app growth📈 Results:69K+ impressionsRecord app downloadsHighest branded search traffic in 16 monthsSometimes, it’s not about spending more — it’s about knowing when to strike. ⚡You can also watch this video here: https://youtu.be/xkpMXmO1074Want expert guidance to grow your app? Book a quick call with App Masters:https://appmasters.com/contact-us/Get training, coaching, and community: https://appmasters.com/academy/*********************************************SPONSORSYou don’t need a big team or budget to succeed in ASO.ASOMobile helps you find the best keywords, track your rankings, and see what competitors are doing — all in one simple platform.And if you want to keep growing, use the promo code APPMASTERS40 to get 40% off any plan, for any period at http://bit.ly/49y6rEP*********************************************Launch a high-performing branded Web Shop in minutes—or build a fully custom storefront without the hassle.Xsolla’s modular solution reduces platform fees, supports 1,000+ global payment methods, and ships with built-in LiveOps and customization tools—so every purchase puts more revenue back in your studio’s pocket.Check out now: https://tinyurl.com/43hda5tf*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

Headway is one of the biggest spenders in mobile marketing, generating hundreds of millions in revenue through its insanely effective Web2App funnel.In this breakdown, Steve P. Young and Igor Lyubimov, CEO, web2wave, reveal the exact flow Headway uses to turn cold traffic into paying users — and how you can model it for your app.You’ll discover:✅ The psychology behind high-converting Web2App funnels✅ How Headway turns quiz-takers into subscribers✅ The “winback” email sequence that drives extra revenue✅ Smart upsells & pricing tricks that boost LTV✅ Why longer funnels sometimes convert betterIf you’re spending money on Meta, TikTok, or influencer ads, this strategy could completely change your ROAS.Try web2wave: https://web2wave.comSpecial App Masters Offer: Get the lowest plan for $199/month + concierge service to help you build your funnel — mention 'App Masters' on your call with the web2wave team or in chat after creating your account👉 Watch now to learn how to build a Web2App funnel that actually makes money.Check out Diversify Your Facebook Ads with Web2App Campaigns:https://youtu.be/NMtxdFyV3E8Check Headway:https://apps.apple.com/us/app/headway-daily-micro-learning/id1457185832The Anatomy of a High-Converting Paywallhttps://youtu.be/7B3Y2THVEEwThe Beginner's Guide to Meta Ads for Web2App Campaigns (Part 1/2)https://youtu.be/BtEN-jVhpt8?si=JXNdQCl4rFClOtUDYou can also watch this video here: https://youtu.be/ELt0hjABIqYWant expert guidance to grow your app? Book a quick call with App Masters:https://appmasters.com/contact-us/Get training, coaching, and community: https://appmasters.com/academy/*********************************************SPONSORSYou don’t need a big team or budget to succeed in ASO.ASOMobile helps you find the best keywords, track your rankings, and see what competitors are doing — all in one simple platform.And if you want to keep growing, use the promo code APPMASTERS40 to get 40% off any plan, for any period at http://bit.ly/49y6rEP*********************************************Launch a high-performing branded Web Shop in minutes—or build a fully custom storefront without the hassle.Xsolla’s modular solution reduces platform fees, supports 1,000+ global payment methods, and ships with built-in LiveOps and customization tools—so every purchase puts more revenue back in your studio’s pocket.Check out now: https://tinyurl.com/43hda5tf*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

In this live session, Steve P. Young will perform a real-time ASO audit using ASOMobile.net, the powerful all-in-one tool for keyword research, competitor analysis, and app visibility tracking.He’ll analyze 3 different apps of our App Founders Community members, each with unique ASO challenges — and show how to find keyword opportunities, optimize metadata, and boost organic downloads:🔥 Piko AI: Mood Tracker Journal🔥 ZipSign 🔥 Bodpic: AI Body VisualizerYou will discover:✅ How to find high-impact keywords using ASOMobile’s ASO tools✅ Real examples of title, subtitle, and keyword optimizations✅ How to identify high-opportunity, low-competition terms✅ Pro ASO workflow you can apply to any app todayLearn More:🧠 Try ASOMobile → http://bit.ly/49y6rEP 🎁 Use promo code APPMASTERS40 to get 40% OFF any planYou can also watch this video here: https://youtube.com/live/f4ZnGy-1S9cWant expert guidance to grow your app? Book a quick call with App Masters:https://appmasters.com/contact-us/Get training, coaching, and community: https://appmasters.com/academy/*********************************************SPONSORSYou don’t need a big team or budget to succeed in ASO.ASOMobile helps you find the best keywords, track your rankings, and see what competitors are doing — all in one simple platform.And if you want to keep growing, use the promo code APPMASTERS40 to get 40% off any plan, for any period at http://bit.ly/49y6rEP*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

If you’re spending money on paid app marketing, Meta Ads, ASA, CTV, or influencer campaigns, you need to understand what’s really working behind the scenes.AppsFlyer just rolled out its biggest product release yet, launching 8 new tools for app marketers. In this video, Steve P. Young breaks down the 2 most game-changing tools for UA managers and how they’re transforming the way we measure performance:🔥 True Lift Measurement - See the real impact of your ad campaigns and uncover how much of your “organic” growth actually comes from paid channels.📊 Unified Journeys – Finally track cross-platform user behavior across mobile, web, and connected TV, and get a true picture of what drives revenue.You’ll learn:✅ How Meta Ads secretly boost your organic downloads✅ How to measure incrementality (without spreadsheets)✅ Why cross-channel tracking is the next big thing in 2026✅ How top apps are using these insights to scale profitablyWhether you’re an indie developer or managing millions in ad spend, these tools can help you make smarter decisions and stop wasting budget.👉 Watch now to future-proof your app marketing strategy.📍 Learn more about AppsFlyer’s updates: https://shorturl.at/ltVvMYou can also watch this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-czKhL0c4YWant expert guidance to grow your app? Book a quick call with App Masters:https://appmasters.com/contact-us/Get training, coaching, and community: https://appmasters.com/academy/*********************************************SPONSORSThe new Appsflyer Benchmarks siteAttention mobile marketers! Want to invest smarter? The new AppsFlyer Benchmarks site is here! Check out performance over time across countries, media types, and app categories to find growth opportunities, optimize spend, and see how you stack up.With two years of data, quarterly updates, and an upcoming AI co-pilot, it’s the must-have tool for smarter UA. Check it out today and take the guesswork out of your next move.Check out now:https://www.appmasters.com/benchmarks*********************************************Launch a high-performing branded Web Shop in minutes—or build a fully custom storefront without the hassle.Xsolla’s modular solution reduces platform fees, supports 1,000+ global payment methods, and ships with built-in LiveOps and customization tools—so every purchase puts more revenue back in your studio’s pocket.Check out now: https://tinyurl.com/43hda5tf*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************