Let’s be clear: this isn’t a marketing masterclass.
If you’ve been in the game since 2001 like I have, you’ll find this basic.
But if you’re a dev or a “vibe-coder” with zero marketing experience, this is for you.
I’m sharing this here and on my Altis ASO (transparence, im the founder) blog because it’s the exact foundation beginners need.
The 3 Golden rules
- Forget the “Big App”: You want stable, growing income? Build a boring utility app. It’s much easier to charge for a concrete solution than for “innovation.”
- Be Patient: Whether you use UGC or ASO, growth takes time. Don’t rely on a hypothetical “Apple boost.”
- Don’t Fear Your Price: $4.99/week or $49.99/year isn’t too expensive. For utility apps, it’s actually the sweet spot for conversion.
Step 1: Find a recurring problem
- Bad idea: One-time use apps (ex, a passport photo maker).
- Good idea: Recurring needs (ex., currency converters or auto white teeth photo filters).
- The catch: Those niches are saturated. Finding your own is up to you.
Step 2: Ruthless positioning
Don’t try to solve everything. Solve one problem better than the rest.
Analyze the top 10 apps for your target keywords. Look for their weaknesses: bad reviews, zero updates, or ugly screenshots. Make those weaknesses your strengths.
Whether you use Altis ASO or another tool doesn’t matter, what matters is analyzing user frustration before you write a single line of code.
Step 3: Build the onboarding
It’s counter-intuitive, but:
- Longer onboardings convert better, especially if they are interactive.
- Emotional onboardings leading to a hard paywall are highly profitable, even without massive daily downloads.
Apply the AIDA pattern: grab Attention, spark Interest, create Desire, and trigger Action. Show the user you truly get their problem.
Step 4: The Pricing Formula
This setup works wonders:
- Weekly Plan: $X (with a 3-day free trial).
- Annual Plan: 10x the weekly price (no trial).
The perceived value of the discount is instant. It drives conversions. Just check your specific niche first, as some SERPs have unique pricing expectations.
The result
Optimize your metadata (title, subtitle, description, etc), and you should hit $175 MRR in under 6 months. It’s a humble promise, but a realistic one.
The routine after launch: Track your keywords, iterate on your ASO, and post one UGC video daily (TikTok/Shorts/Reels). Do this, and you’ll fly past that $175 mark.
