Tools Behind a $40K MRR Mobile App

January 09, 2025

Hey buddy,

When I started with mobile apps, I wasted so much time figuring out which tools were worth it and which tasks I’d better automate. Chances are you have a similar problem.

After scaling Puff Count to over $40k MRR, I finally discovered all the tools you need for a successful mobile app.

It’s all about having the right tools at the right stage of your app. Here’s my tech stack for each phase:

Phase 1: Research

This is where the idea for your app begins. Most people skip this phase—you don’t, okay? Put in the work here because it will pay off big time.

Tools I use:

  • My brain: I was looking at everyday problems other people had.

  • Google Trends: Validate your idea based on search volume trends.

  • SensorTower: Check the competitor's apps and how they are performing.

Example: I validated the Puff Count idea because vaping was a thing in college. Also, “quit vaping” had a decent search volume. Then I checked competitors like alcohol or cigarette quitting apps. Everything was set up to build something great.

Once you validate your idea, it’s time to build. Here’s how:

Phase 2: Building 

Time to bring your idea to life. Start by brain-dumping your ideas onto a piece of paper:

  • Sketch features and solutions.

  • Draw user flows and interfaces.

  • Write down any ideas you have.

Tools I love:

  • 99designs: Run contests for UI designs and pay for the best.

  • Upwork: Hire devs, marketers, and more.

  • Mobbin: Analyze onboarding flows of top apps.

  • Paywall Screens: See which paywall converts best for others.

Once you’ve built your app, I bet you want to make money too, right? This is where the next phase comes in.

Phase 3: Optimization 

Where you turn users into paying customers.

Game-changer tools:

  • Superwall: Split-test paywalls remotely, without pushing app store updates.

  • RevenueCat: Monitor LTV and subscriptions.

  • Mixpanel & Amplitude: Track performance and improve user flows.

Phase 4: Marketing 

I scaled Puff Count to $40k MRR by mastering TikTok, but not everyone can do this effectively. That’s where Posted comes in. It solves the biggest problem brands have: wasting money on bad UGC creators. You only pay for creatives that drive actual results. 

  • Run content contests where creators compete.

  • Pay only for the winning videos with the most views.

For example: A gluten-free app ran a contest and the top 4 creators reached 10M organic views combined. Fair to say, the contest was a win-win situation for the brand and creators.

If you are a brand owner, you can try Posted here: postedapp.com/brands 

PS: Next time, I’ll show you how to validate app ideas like a pro.

Cheers,
Steven

Work 1o1 with me: https://www.joinsaasaccelerator.com/ 
Get content created for your apps: https://postedapp.com/brands

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