
Growth Masterminds: mobile growth podcast
Growth Masterminds is smart user acquisition and mobile growth pros sharing their best insights on UA, retention, mobile measurement, privacy, mobile marketing data, and much more.
Hosted by John Koetsier, we chat with brands like IMVU, DraftKings, and Mixtiles. We interrogate ad networks like Fyber, Kidoz, AppLike, Vungle, Bluestacks, and more. And we feature global experts like Eric Seufert and Jayne Peressini. Along the way, we hit topics like pLTV, creative optimization, incrementality, granularity, fraud, privacy, success in China ... and much, much more.
Latest episodes

Mar 20, 2024 • 37min
The best ad networks on the planet
Discussion on Singular's ROI Index for 2024, best ad networks like Google Ads and TikTok, potential of Apple Search Ads, strategic use of AI in marketing, innovations in the mobile industry, and personalized ads through generative AI

Mar 12, 2024 • 19min
Google's new CMP requirement FAQ
Exploring Google's new CMP requirement for mobile app publishers, discussing the role of CMPs in ensuring privacy compliance, customizing consent messages, simplifying consent across platforms, and the future of privacy management. Insights from experts on integrating CMPs into user experience without impacting app engagement.

Mar 5, 2024 • 32min
Gaming DNA shows why players like specific games
Discover how GameTree uses Gaming DNA to analyze why players like specific games, explore gender differences in gaming preferences, dive into the social dynamics of gaming, and discuss the future of mobile gaming, VR, and blockchain. Learn about the importance of supporting diversity in gaming, especially the inclusion of women in gaming communities and development.

Feb 29, 2024 • 30min
Web3 and mobile gaming in 2024: new opportunity?
Explore the current state and future of web3 in 2024 with $91 billion funding and 95 unicorns. Delve into blockchain's impact on gaming ecosystems, marketing challenges, and mobile integration. Learn about the potential of asset sharing across games, bridging marketing data with blockchain conversions, and the future of app development on blockchain technology.

Feb 23, 2024 • 23min
Tracking ROAS for cross-platform PC, console, mobile marketing
The podcast delves into the challenges of cross-platform marketing, the impact of the pandemic on the gaming industry, and the importance of tracking user journeys for effective marketing strategies. It highlights the need for comprehensive solutions to manage data influx, the role of privacy in marketing, and the future of cross-platform games.

Feb 15, 2024 • 19min
Privacy safe post-ATT behavioral targeting?!?
Gunay Aliyeva, co-founder of Gamelight, an AI-powered tool that analyzes game play and user behavior to understand gamers and recommend games. They discuss collecting and utilizing user data for targeted ads, the cost and returns of their ad network, AI algorithms in behavioral targeting, a loyalty program for gamers, and their global reach and expansion plans.

Feb 14, 2024 • 39min
Making mobile games work (yeah, someone wrote the book on it)
Russell Ovans, game OG, discusses his journey from social gaming to mobile gaming. Topics include game analytics, monetization, HR challenges, managing company growth, pricing strategies, A/B testing, and player retention. The main focus is on Russell Ovans' book 'Game Analytics, Retention, and Monetization in Free Play Mobile Games'.

Feb 8, 2024 • 33min
RTB vs manual: BOTH needed for max admon $$$
In this intriguing episode of Growth Mastermind, host John Koetsier chats with industry veteran Farhan Haq, founder of independent growth agency Hyper HQ.
They explore crucial strategies to enhance CPMs, discussing the importance of manual calls and real-time bidding in optimizing ad ops within a real-time bidding world. Farhan provides an in-depth look at how games developers and publishers can navigate these processes for effective growth in the mobile gaming landscape. He further delves into ad placements, A/B testing, market strategy, and innovative methods like adjusting in-game rewards based on real-time user worth.
The conversation wraps up with an exploration of emerging trends and projections for the future of in-app purchase, subscription, and ad monetization models.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Presentation
01:05 Understanding Ad Operations in an RTB World
01:57 The Importance of Manual Calls and Realtime Bidding
03:46 Optimizing Networks and Running AB Tests
04:05 The Role of Competition in Ad Monetization
04:27 Understanding the Fundamentals of AB Testing
05:53 The Impact of Ad Placement and Pricing on Monetization
06:02 The Importance of Ad Units in Monetization
07:27 The Impact of Automation on Ad Monetization
07:27 The Importance of Hands-On Approach in Ad Monetization
08:48 The Role of Google Ad Manager in Monetization
10:17 The Role of User Acquisition in Monetization
20:23 The Impact of Geographical Location on Monetization
26:59 The Future of Ad Monetization
32:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Jan 31, 2024 • 37min
No more app store tax? How to legally & safely skip IAP platform tax on Google Play & App Store
Archie Stonehill, Head of Product at Stash Gigi, discusses the gaming industry's challenges, the rise of third-party app stores, and the impact of the Digital Markets Act in Europe. They explore ways for developers to bypass in-app purchase platform taxes and the benefits of multi-platform usage and loyalty programs. The podcast speculates on the future of app store legislation and innovation.

Jan 23, 2024 • 30min
How AllTrails won 2023 iPhone app of the year
How do you become Apple's iPhone app of the year?
In this episode of Growth Masterminds, John Koetsier sits down with Ron Schneidermann, the CEO of AllTrails, an outdoor exploration app. Out of all the millions of apps on the App Store, AllTrails won iPhone app of the year in 2023.
How?
How does AllTrails grow?
How does AllTrails achieve 7X better retention than the average app
What decisions boosted AllTrails growth?
Schneidermann talks about taking over from the founder in 2015, growing the user base and revenue, and the critical role of their community. We also chat about the importance of continual product development
We end with Schneidermann's thoughts on success, staying humble, and surrounding oneself with smart, passionate people can drive success.
00:00 Introduction to the Journey of Success
00:25 The Making of an iPhone App of the Year
01:45 Understanding the Significance of Being iPhone App of the Year
04:10 The All Trails App: A Closer Look
05:18 The Journey from Startup to Success
07:24 The Decision to Reject Quick Flip and Aim for Long-Term Growth
07:44 Key Decisions that Ignited Growth
12:14 The Role of Product Development in Growth
25:33 The Importance of Regular App Updates
27:50 Advice for Aspiring App Developers
28:15 Conclusion: The Importance of Humility and Openness