Niche AI App Teardown & Growth Coaching

Jul 12, 2025

Max Gorman, a 20-year-old indie developer and Computer Science student, shares insights into his journey creating CarSnap, an AI-driven app that simplifies car identification. He discusses innovative growth strategies, focusing on influencer marketing and ASO. Max reveals quick wins for improving user onboarding and retention, as well as navigating the challenges of growing without paid ads. With a light-hearted approach, he highlights the importance of audience engagement and offers tips tailored for indie developers aiming to upscale their niche apps.

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INSIGHT

Car Buyers Often Uncertain

Many car buyers are uncertain about the make and model they want before shopping.
CarSnap uses AI to identify cars from photos and presents specs, listings, and reviews conveniently.

ANECDOTE

Mom's Experience Inspired CarSnap

Max created CarSnap partly inspired by his mom's car buying experience where she faced gender discrimination.
The app empowers users with knowledge to negotiate car purchases confidently without bias.

ADVICE

Smarter ASO Keyword Strategy

Don’t focus ASO solely on competitor brand keywords; instead, target relevant but less competitive keywords.
Use competitor-related keywords in alternate App Store localizations like Spanish Mexico to gain organic lift without direct conflict.

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This week’s episode is something special, a live coaching session with Max Gorman, the 20-year-old indie dev behind CarSnap - an AI-powered app that helps users identify and compare cars in seconds.

Max built the entire app himself while studying Computer Science at the University of Michigan and working full-time as a software engineer. He’s grown the app with zero paid ads, leveraging influencer marketing, ASO, and scrappy growth tactics, but now he’s ready to take it to the next level.

Max is one of Steve’s youngest (and longest-time) followers and in this livestream, Steve coaches Max live - breaking down what’s working, what to improve, and how to grow CarSnap into a top-ranked AI app for car lovers. If you’re an indie dev building in public or working on your own apps, this is the real-time roadmap you’ve been looking for.

You will discover:

✅ Steve’s live teardown of CarSnap’s ASO strategy

✅ Quick wins for improving onboarding & retention

✅ Growth hacks for niche apps without paid ads

✅ How to stand out when your audience isn’t on the App Store

Learn More:

Connect with Max:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-gorman

Work with us: https://www.appmasters.com

Indie App Santa: https://www.indieappsanta.com

Get training, coaching, and community: ⁠https://appmastersacademy.com/

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