Mobile Dev Memo Podcast Season 6, Episode 2: MDM Mailbag #4 (with David Barnard)
Jul 22, 2025
Join David Barnard, an independent app developer and Growth Advocate at RevenueCat, as he shares insights from his extensive experience in mobile apps. He discusses Apple's policy changes and their impact on link-out strategies, revealing how developers adapt. Barnard offers valuable retention strategies for subscription apps and debates when to choose subscription monetization over other models. He also addresses the challenges indie developers face regarding sustainability and burnout, emphasizing the importance of passion and effective differentiation.
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Intermittent Apps Need Realistic Retention
- David Barnard shares how intermittent app use requires different retention strategies than daily use apps.
- He gives examples like Scanner Pro and VSCO, products used infrequently but deeply valued.
Don't Force Frequent App Use
- Don't force daily engagement on products naturally used intermittently.
- Focus on excelling at core use and creating natural touchpoints like monthly tips or relevant content.
Press Spikes Aren't Sustainable
- David Barnard describes his weather app's rise and fall with press-driven traffic spikes.
- He highlights sustainable marketing methods like ASO, paid ads, and affiliate partnerships for indie success.