The Growth Formula Nobody Talks About: Retention + ARPU Beats Acquisition

In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Rotella, a product leader who’s helped brands like Weight Watchers, Verizon, and top startups build high-retention, high-ARPU apps that turn downloads into lifelong subscribers.Mike’s obsessed with one thing — making apps people keep using.He breaks down why retention and ARPU growth aren’t outcomes of acquisition — they’re the growth strategy.He’ll share how combining habit-forming design, contextual activation moments, and leveraging AI can turn installs into sustained subscribers — without blowing the budget on ads spend.If you’re building a subscription app, this episode shows you exactly what to do after the install to keep users hooked, engaged, and paying.You will discover:✅ The growth formula nobody talks about — Retention + ARPU beats Acquisition✅ How to turn installs into subscribers in the first 24 hours✅ The habit-loop framework behind top 10% free-to-paid conversion rates✅ How to show value before the paywall and prevent early churn✅ How light AI insight amplifies retentionLearn More:📱Abide – Bible, Prayer, Meditation Apphttps://apps.apple.com/us/app/abide-bible-prayer-meditation/id726031617?ppid=2719275d-ebab-4341-9fb6-5ea68b7ef8ae 💼 Connect with Michael on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rotellaGet unlimited access to all of Abide’s meditations and bedtime stories.Get 25% Off Abide Premium! 🚀https://abide.com/ref/appmastersYou can also watch this video here: https://www.youtube.com/live/mEmInDjKInwWant 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/*********************************************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://tinyurl.com/537v4e9e*********************************************🚀 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:XSolla*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

In part 2 of this Meta Ads for Web2App campaigns series, Steve P. Young and Igor Lyubimov, CEO at web2wave, share how to optimize and scale Web2App campaigns without wasting money.You’ll discover:✅ The 2 Meta Ads strategies (Purchase vs. Proxy Events)✅ How to test creatives the smart way (and avoid rookie mistakes)✅ Scaling tactics: budgets, duplicating campaigns & targeting geos✅ Why ROAS is the only metric that matters long-termThis is your Web2App Funnels 201 — the exact playbook to scale your Meta Ads profitably 🚀Meta Business Partner specializing in web2app funnels🔗 Learn more at: https://web2wave.comYou can also watch this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isarOCLy6HQWant 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/*********************************************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.*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

Discover how to grow an app from zero to $200K/month without outside funding. Today’s guest is Desmond Ho, founder of LifeReset.com. He bootstrapped his app from $0 to $200K/month by mastering marketing strategies, Meta ads, and high-converting creatives — all while competing in a crowded market.He’ll also share how to learn marketing strategies by analyzing competitors, run profitable Meta ads, and create high-performing creatives that convert.If you’re just starting out or stuck trying to grow your app in a competitive category, this episode could be your stepping stone to success.You will discover:✅ How to bootstrap an app from $0 to $200K/month✅ Finding product–market fit in a competitive niche✅ How to learn marketing strategies by analyzing competitors✅ Real-world lessons from Desmond’s growth journeyLearn More:Check out the app:www.lifereset.comYou can also watch this video here: https://www.youtube.com/live/aGgFkAAnZFsWant 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*********************************************

Struggling to make Meta Ads work for your app? 🤔In this beginner-friendly breakdown, Steve P. Young and Igor Lyubimov, CEO at web2wave, reveal how to set up your first Web2App campaigns the right way.You’ll learn:✅ The future of Web2App funnels (why top apps are using them)✅ Campaign structure & tracking setup that actually works✅ Key funnel benchmarks & conversion math you must know✅ How to send events (Pixel vs. Conversion API)This is your Web2App Funnels 101 — the perfect starting point to grow your app with Meta Ads.Meta Business Partner specializing in web2app funnels - web2wave🔗 Learn more at: https://web2wave.comYou can also watch this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtEN-jVhpt8Want 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/*********************************************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.*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************

In this episode, we’re joined by Felix Braberg, an ad monetization expert who has helped app studios generate over $450 million in ad revenue.With experience across two DSPs, one ad network, and leadership roles at Tetris and East Side Games, Felix now consults with studios to skyrocket their ad revenue. He also co-hosts the 2.5 Gamers YouTube channel, where he shares actionable ad monetization strategies.Felix will reveal real case studies and proven tactics covering AdMob monetization models, segmentation strategies, mediation systems, and the key players driving ad revenue today.If you’ve ever wondered how to unlock serious ad revenue growth the right way, this episode is your blueprint.You will discover:✅ A real-world ad monetization case study behind $450M in revenue✅ Ad monetization models that unlock massive growth✅ Mediation system secrets, how to pick and optimize like a pro✅ Who the true power players are in ad monetization todayLearn More:Subscribe to Felix’s newsletter:https://felixbraberg.substack.com/You can also watch this video here: https://youtube.com/live/3cQAE-IbLxkWant 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*********************************************

What if the next million-dollar app doesn’t require code, a big team, or a computer science degree?In this episode, we break down the exact strategy indie founders are using to launch money-making apps with no code tools.These "single-player utility apps" solve niche problems and scale like crazy.From one-time utility apps to AI-powered tools and hyper-niche meditation apps, Alim and Steve unpacked how today’s smartest builders are skipping the complexity and going straight for conversions.You’ll discover:✅ Why app ideas don’t need to be complex to make money✅ How simple 15-screen apps are hitting $40K MRR✅ The viral strategy behind Cal.ai, Umax, Quitter & more✅ Why TikTok + Subscriptions = mobile app goldmine✅ How to niche down for emotional impact (the "Seizure Relief" insight 💡)These are battle-tested mobile growth lessons from founders who are crushing it without overbuilding.💬 Drop your biggest app idea mistake in the comments. We’ve all been there.You can also watch this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDgdcTHoomsWant 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*********************************************

Ever wonder how smaller apps can go head-to-head with giants like Headway and Hip? In this live coaching session, Steve P. Young works with Sebastian Belachur, CEO of Kibit, and Gabriel Bahash, CEO of Giftology, two of App Masters’ clients, to reveal the exact strategies used to carve out market share, boost downloads, and build loyal audiences without million-dollar budgets.You’ll see real challenges, real solutions, and actionable steps you can immediately apply to your own app. This isn’t theory—it’s a front-row seat to the tactics that actually work when you’re competing against the big players.Here’s what you’ll learn:📌 How to position your app to stand out against well-funded competitors📌 Cost-effective growth tactics that still deliver big results📌 Proven ways to build retention and loyalty without huge ad spend📌 Real-time insights from live coaching you can apply right awayYou can also watch this video here: https://youtube.com/live/gMY5bSyaciwWant 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 go viral without having to create content?In this case study, we'll show you what we did to drive 100K downloads TWICE in 3 months. And how we took an indie app from zero traction to $4,000 in sales in just 2 months? 📲In this case study, I’ll walk you step-by-step through how one indie founder used Indie App Santa and ASO optimization to supercharge downloads, grow revenue, and turn early users into paying customers.You’ll see the exact numbers, the growth hacks that worked, and why running the right promotions can kickstart your app’s journey to long-term success.You’ll learn:✅ The exact promo strategy we used to supercharge downloads✅ How ASO (App Store Optimization) boosted organic growth long-term✅ The role of user feedback & feature updates in scaling revenue✅ Why Indie App Santa is the best affordable alternative to paid ads👉 Perfect for indie developers and app founders who want a proven strategy for scaling fast without burning thousands on ads.You can also watch this video here: https://youtu.be/Po44HS490IkWant 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’re joined by Offer Yehudai, CEO at Arya - a subscription platform helping couples around the world reignite passion and intimacy through curated products, educational videos, and expert guidance.With 15+ years of experience building marketplaces and keeping apps free, Offer co-founded Inneractive, scaled it to an acquisition, then led at Fyber and Digital Turbine before switching gears to tackle one of the most universal human needs: connection.Offer will share real-world insights on go-to-market strategy, paywall experiments, monetization tactics, retention strategies (like hitting 87% usage retention by month-12), and how to apply a product-driven mindset across both apps and subscription businesses.Whether you’re an indie founder or a scaling studio, this session is packed with actionable strategies for launching, growing, and sustaining a successful product in today’s competitive landscape.You will discover:✅ How to design paywall experiments that actually move the needle✅ Go-to-market strategies for launching and scaling apps✅ Web vs App: when and how to go beyond the stores✅ Retention strategies to turn early users into long-term customersLearn More:Arya is hiring marketers and product managers - check out https://www.arya.fyi/ if you’re looking to join a mission-driven team!You can also watch this video here ⁠https://youtube.com/live/xHB1N14DBIMWant 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*********************************************

Struggling to get app store reviews? Or maybe you’ve hit a wall with your average rating stuck at 4.2 or 4.3? 🤔In this video, I’ll show you how we took one client from 50 reviews a month with a 4.3 rating → to nearly 400 reviews a month and a 4.5 rating, all by changing when and how we asked for reviews.You’ll learn:✅ Why timing is everything when asking for app reviews✅ The psychology of “win moments” that drives 5-star ratings✅ How one simple A/B test 3X’d reviews and boosted ASO✅ Proven strategies for brand-new apps, established apps, and everything in between✅ Extra hacks like lifetime free promos and web-to-app funnels to accelerate ratingsMore reviews = better ASO, lower cost-per-install, and higher trust with users. Whether you’re a solo indie dev or running a top-grossing app, these tactics will help you scale ratings, improve retention, and grow revenue.You can also watch this video here ⁠https://youtu.be/vWCn_y5ANHUWant 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*********************************************