Business Model: Freemium, Subscriptions, Lifetime

On the podcast, I talk with Sebastian about the power of building in public, how persistence pays off when growth is slow, and why focusing on user needs and iterative improvement can lead to unexpected success in indie app development.

Top Takeaways:

💡 Building in public isn’t a marketing trick — it’s a momentum engine
Sebastian didn’t have a marketing budget when he launched his first apps. Instead, he built in public, sharing screenshots, updates, and revenue transparently on X (Twitter). This not only brought early users but also helped him stay motivated through long stretches of slow growth.

🧩 Success comes from clarity, not complexity
His first app, LiftBear, was a workout tracker that tried to do too much. It didn’t fail to live up to expectations because it was bad — it didn’t succeed because it wasn’t distinct. HabitKit, on the other hand, had a single, instantly recognizable visual hook: a GitHub-style contribution grid that turned habit tracking into a game of consistency.

🚀 Patience pays off — app store algorithms can change your life overnight
After months of steady updates and reviews, HabitKit suddenly began ranking for “habit tracker” in several major markets — without any new marketing push. The result: downloads and revenue skyrocketed.

💰 Lifetime plans build trust — even if you love subscriptions
All of Sebastian’s apps use a freemium model, with monthly, annual, and lifetime options. He believes offering a one-time purchase alongside subscriptions reduces friction and builds goodwill among users who hate recurring payments.

🧠 Building a new app can reignite your creativity
After three years of improving HabitKit, Sebastian started to feel burned out. His new app, FocusKit, gave him a chance to learn SwiftUI, experiment with Apple’s new Liquid Glass aesthetic, and explore productivity from a fresh angle.

About Sebastian Röhl:

🎤 Founder and CEO of HabitKit & FocusKit

📱 Sebastian Röhl is a passionate indie app developer and tech entrepreneur. With a background in computer science and a drive for solving real-world problems, he created HabitKit and FocusKit to help users build productive habits and stay focused. After working at top software companies, Sebastian followed his entrepreneurial spirit, focusing on mobile apps that combine simplicity with powerful functionality.

👋 LinkedIn

 💻 Substack https://sebastianroehl.substack.com/ 

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• Charlie Chapman - @_chuckyc
• RevenueCat - @RevenueCat
• Launched - @LaunchedFM 

Episode Highlights: 

[0:00] Introduction to Sebastian Röhl and his journey into indie app development

[2:20] The power of building in public: How sharing your process helps you grow

[5:41] Persistence in the face of slow growth: Why consistency is key to success

[9:02] Focusing on user needs: How Sebastian’s personal challenges shaped his apps

[12:45] From LiftBare to HabitKit: Pivoting after initial setbacks

[16:00] The importance of simplicity and design in HabitKit and FocusKit

[19:55] Using feedback and iteration to improve your product over time

[24:30] How small wins, like app store ranking boosts, can lead to bigger success

[28:10] Learning from competitors, but staying true to your own vision

[32:05] The role of data in guiding decisions and refining your product

[36:15] Why Sebastian chose SwiftUI for FocusKit and the importance of native development

[40:02] Continuing to build and evolve: How building in public keeps you motivated

[43:45] The importance of not rushing to judgment: Embracing learning and testing in the process

[47:02] Insights on the future of indie app development and staying innovative

[49:55] Final thoughts on how to balance building apps and long-term growth