App Marketing by App Masters

Steve Young
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Oct 11, 2025 • 1h 15min

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*********************************************
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Oct 7, 2025 • 22min

Copy This Meta Ads Strategy to Scale Your Web2App Campaigns (Part 2/2)

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*********************************************
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Oct 4, 2025 • 1h 19min

This Founder Bootstrapped to $200K/month in a Competitive Market

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*********************************************
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Oct 1, 2025 • 1h 13min

Top 5 App Monetization Trends You Can’t Ignore for 2026

Struggling to grow your app’s revenue in 2025? In this episode, we break down the Top 5 App Monetization Trends you can’t afford to ignore this year, backed by real data and growth insights.We’re joined by Daphne Tideman, Growth Consultant, author, and former Head of Growth at Heights, where she helped 10x their subscriber base in just 18 months. Daphne reveals what'll really drive app growth in 2026, from premium pricing and smarter packaging to hybrid monetization models and beyond.If you’re stuck or searching for new ways to monetize your app, this is a must-watch episode that shows exactly what’s working right now.You will discover:✅ The 5 biggest monetization trends shaping the app industry in 2026✅ Why premium pricing is the new normal (and users are okay with it)✅ How smart pricing & packaging boost conversions and ARPU✅ Why app-to-web checkout is becoming a growth weaponLearn More:Connect with Daphne:https://growthwaves.substack.com/ https://daphnetideman.com/You can also watch this video here: https://www.youtube.com/live/0WESZA_fj_AWant 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*********************************************Arcads 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*********************************************Follow us:YouTube: ⁠AppMasters.com/YouTube⁠Instagram: ⁠@App MastersTwitter: ⁠@App MastersTikTok: ⁠@stevepyoung⁠Facebook: ⁠App Masters⁠*********************************************
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Sep 30, 2025 • 18min

The Beginner's Guide to Meta Ads for Web2App Campaigns (Part 1/2)

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*********************************************
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Sep 27, 2025 • 1h 9min

This Guy Generated $450M in Mobile Ad Revenue

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*********************************************
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7 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 9min

Develop MONEY-Making Apps at Lightning Speed

Discover how indie founders are creating money-making apps without code! Learn why simple, niche utility apps can generate impressive revenue. The podcast highlights successful strategies for viral marketing and emphasizes the power of subscriptions over ads. You’ll find out how to target specific emotional needs for better conversions and why launching quickly is key. Tune in to explore real-world examples of apps hitting $40K monthly and the importance of marketing the problem rather than the category. It's all about simplicity and smart strategies!
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Sep 20, 2025 • 1h 1min

How to Compete With Multi-Million Dollar Brands (Live Coaching Call)

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*********************************************
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Sep 16, 2025 • 12min

100K Downloads TWICE & $4K Revenue in 2 Months (Indie App Growth Case Study)

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*********************************************
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Sep 13, 2025 • 1h 5min

This Guy Made $1M ARR Using No-Code Tools

Offer Yehudai, CEO of Arya, discusses the importance of intimacy in relationships and how his platform helps couples rekindle passion. With over 15 years in marketplace development, he emphasizes a strategic go-to-market approach over chasing virality. Offer shares insights on designing impactful paywall experiments, optimizing customer engagement, and focusing on retention with a strong onboarding process. He also explores the psychological factors behind consumer spending and advocates for sustainable growth through targeted marketing metrics.

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