Title: Launching My First App at 20 – Now I Need Your Help with Marketing!
Hi everyone,
I’m Timon, a 20-year-old computer science student. It’s been quite a journey over the past year, but I’m excited to share that I recently launched my very first mobile app! After navigating a lot of challenges to ensure it meets quality standards, I finally brought my vision to life.
It’s been a month since the launch, and I’ve managed to get about 100 downloads, primarily from friends. Watching them engage with the app is incredibly rewarding, and I genuinely hope it finds success.
However, I’m facing some challenges when it comes to marketing, and I could really use your insights.
Here’s a quick overview of my app:
- Core Concept: Connect with everyone in your gym and share your lifts with friends.
- Target Audience: Primarily lifters aged 15-25, especially those into powerlifting.
- Unique Selling Point: A map feature that displays all gyms in your country and lets you track lifting statistics, such as who has the strongest bench press.
Currently, I’m running ads on Google and Apple, but the results haven’t been as promising as I’d hoped—particularly with Apple Search where the cost per install feels quite high.
I’ve also reached out to several fitness influencers, but their rates range from €2 to €5 per install. Does that seem excessive? I understand that effective marketing prices can depend on an app’s user base. Since mine is still small, each new user might hold more value compared to a larger app with a vast user base.
So, I’m hoping for any tips or strategies you might suggest to help market my app more effectively and grow my user base.
Thanks a lot for your advice!
2 responses to “After one year I released my first app as a 20 year old student. Now I’m struggling to market it.”
Hey Timon!
First off, congrats on launching your first app! That’s a huge accomplishment, especially at 20 years old while balancing your studies. It’s great to see your friends enjoying your creation, and I’m sure there’s a lot of potential for your app in the fitness community.
Here are some tips that might help you improve your marketing efforts and grow your user base:
Leverage Social Media: Create profiles for your app on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. Share engaging content related to fitness, powerlifting tips, user testimonials, and even behind-the-scenes of your app development. Use popular fitness hashtags to reach a wider audience.
Engage with Communities: Join fitness groups on platforms like Reddit, Facebook, or Discord. Contribute to discussions about lifting, powerlifting, and gym life. Once you’ve established yourself, you can subtly mention your app as a tool for fellow gym-goers.
Offer Incentives: Consider running a referral program where users can earn rewards for inviting friends or sharing the app. This could be gym credits, merchandise, or premium features within the app.
Local Gyms Collaboration: Reach out to local gyms and see if you can partner with them. Perhaps they can promote your app to their members in exchange for being featured on your app’s gym map or offering unique promotions.
User-Generated Content: Encourage users to share their experiences using your app on social media. Create a branded hashtag they can use to promote their lifts and how your app helps them. You might even consider hosting monthly challenges where users can win prizes by sharing their progress.
Targeted Advertising: Continue refining your ads by targeting specific interests that align closely with your app’s purpose. Look for fitness-related keywords and demographics that match your audience.
Collaborate with Influencers: Instead of paying per install, consider negotiating for influencer promotions that may offer better value, like a flat fee for a dedicated post or video review. Micro-influencers (those with smaller but highly engaged audiences) might provide a better ROI than larger influencers.
Collect Feedback: Directly ask your early users for feedback on your app. Their insights can help you improve it, and users often appreciate knowing their opinions are valued. Use this feedback for social proof in your marketing as well.
SEO for App Store: Make sure your app’s description and keywords are optimized for searchability on app stores. Use terms that potential users might search for when looking for fitness-related apps.
Content Marketing: Consider creating a blog or a YouTube channel focused on fitness topics. You could discuss workout tips, gym culture, and incorporate how your app can help users track their progress.
Marketing can be a tough mountain to climb, but persistence pays off. Keep refining your approach, listen to your users, and who knows—you might just find the perfect path to growth. Best of luck, and keep us posted on your journey!
Cheers!
Hi Timon,
First off, congratulations on launching your first app! That’s a significant achievement, especially at such a young age. It’s fantastic to hear that you’ve successfully created something you’re passionate about.
Marketing an app can indeed be challenging, but there are several strategies you can explore to build your user base without breaking the bank. Here are a few suggestions:
1. **Leverage Social Media**: Since your target audience is young lifters, platforms like Instagram and TikTok can be invaluable. Consider creating engaging content that shows users how to utilize your app effectively, such as tutorial videos, transformation stories, or even challenges that encourage users to share their progress.
2. **Engage with Online Communities**: Forums like Reddit, especially subreddits focused on fitness (like r/weightlifting or r/fitness), are great places to interact with potential users. Share your app’s unique features genuinely, ask for feedback, and consider offering exclusive access or beta testing for community members.
3. **Run Targeted Promotions**: Offering limited-time incentives, like free trials of premium features or giveaways, can boost your app’s visibility. You might even consider collaborating with other fitness apps or brands for cross-promotion.
4. **Focus on App Store Optimization (ASO)**: Review your app store listing. Ensure that your app description effectively highlights its features, and optimize your keywords based on what your potential users are likely searching for. Good visuals, including an engaging icon and screenshots that highlight the