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Make Money with your Application red filter

This eBook by Shyju M outlines the journey of developing a mobile app focused on Kerala Civil PSC exam preparation, emphasizing the potential for generating passive income through app monetization. It shares insights on app development, user feedback, and the importance of functionality and design, while also providing practical strategies for finding app ideas and choosing the right tech stack. The author encourages readers to pursue app development as a viable source of income, regardless of their initial experience level.

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George Xplor
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© © All Rights Reserved
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
3 views

Make Money with your Application red filter

This eBook by Shyju M outlines the journey of developing a mobile app focused on Kerala Civil PSC exam preparation, emphasizing the potential for generating passive income through app monetization. It shares insights on app development, user feedback, and the importance of functionality and design, while also providing practical strategies for finding app ideas and choosing the right tech stack. The author encourages readers to pursue app development as a viable source of income, regardless of their initial experience level.

Uploaded by

George Xplor
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 28

Make Money

with Your App

Shyju M
Version : 1.0
Disclaimer
This eBook is intended for educational purposes only. The content provided herein is based on
personal experiences, research, and insights from the author. While every effort has been made
to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information, the author does not guarantee any
specific outcomes or success.

Please be aware that app development, monetization, and scaling involve inherent risks, and
individual results may vary. It is important to conduct your own research, seek professional advice
where necessary, and make informed decisions based on your unique situation.

The author shall not be held liable for any losses, damages, or consequences resulting from the
application of the information contained in this eBook. By reading this eBook, you acknowledge
and accept that you are solely responsible for any actions you take based on the content
provided.

1
About Me

Shyju M
I'm a software engineer with 10 years of experience—5 years in mobile app development and 5
years in backend development. I've worked in MNC companies, product companies, and now I'm
with a startup. I'm interested in investing and working toward financial freedom by building
passive income streams.

I developed my app completely on my own, from designing the logo and UI/UX to building the
functionality, backend, integration, and deployment. I'm just an average person who's working
hard to make things happen.

If I can create a passive income from an app, you can too. Let me show you how!

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Introduction to My App
My app isn’t the most innovative or groundbreaking idea, but I’m sharing my journey to show you
that even by improving an existing app concept, you can create a steady passive income. My
apps focus on Kerala Civil PSC exam preparation, which is nothing new, but the way I approached
it made the difference.

I’ve created several apps, including PSC Guru, Knock App, and iLearn App, all related to general
PSC exams. I made some money through ads and in-app purchases, but unfortunately, these
apps were terminated due to policy violations. I was new to app development and unaware of
certain policies at the time.

Learning from those experiences, I decided to shift my focus from a general audience to a more
niche market—specifically, Civil Kerala PSC exams. That’s when I developed the "PSC Winner 4
Civil Engineering" app, which has become a consistent source of passive income for me.

This app is an exclusive competitive exam preparation tool designed for civil engineering
aspirants in Kerala. It offers features like daily exams, model exams, previous years' questions
(PYQ) exams, battles, group battles, quizzes, and games—all with over 15 years of verified
questions. By consistently providing quality content and listening to user feedback, I’ve improved
the app over time.

I started with a minimal yearly plan priced at ₹99, and as the app grew in value and features, the
plan now costs ₹999 per year. My journey shows that with dedication and the right focus, you can
make a decent income from your app, even if it’s not the most innovative idea out there.

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Chapter 1 : The Potential of Earning with Your Mobile App
Can You Earn ₹70,000 a Month from Your Mobile App?: Absolutely! It’s possible to earn a
substantial income from a mobile app. In fact, I’ve made around ₹20 lakhs from my app over the
last three years. But before you get excited, remember that this kind of success doesn’t happen
overnight.

My Journey to Earning Passive Income

Let me share my story. When I first started, it took me a full year before I saw any income. In the
beginning, I was earning nothing, but I kept pushing forward. After a year, I introduced an annual
plan for ₹99, and that’s when things started to change. It wasn’t a huge amount, but it was a start.

No Overnight Success

Building an app that generates income takes time. You should expect to spend at least 6 to 12
months developing your app. During this period, focus on perfecting your app and providing
value to your users. My journey is proof that patience and persistence pay off. While the first year
brought in no revenue, I didn’t give up.

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The Freemium Model and Gradual Growth

I decided to use the freemium model with no ads, offering basic features for free and additional
features to pro users. This approach allowed me to attract users without overwhelming them with
ads. Over time, as I improved the app and added more features based on user feedback, I
introduced new pro plans priced at ₹199, ₹399, and ₹999.

The Role of User Feedback

Listening to your users is crucial. After launching my initial plans, I continued to refine my app by
incorporating feedback from my users. This helped me understand what they really wanted, and I
was able to make my app more valuable to them.

Introducing New Features and Plans

As I gained more users and understood their needs better, I added new features and expanded
my offerings. This not only improved the user experience but also allowed me to introduce
higher-tier pro plans, which further increased my income.

This is My Passive Income

Today, this app is a source of passive income for me, supplementing my full-time job. And the
best part? You can do it too! By following the steps I’ve detailed in this series, you can build an
app that not only provides value to users but also generates a steady income.

What You’ll Learn

In this ebook, I’ll walk you through the entire process—from coming up with an app idea to
monetizing it and turning it into a source of passive income. Whether you’re a beginner or have
some experience, you’ll find valuable insights and actionable steps that can help you succeed.

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Chapter 2: How to Get App Ideas
You don’t need a groundbreaking or unique idea to make money from an app. Often, simple
ideas or existing app concepts with a few modifications can be just as successful. Here, I’ll
explain three practical approaches to finding your app idea.

Option 1: Improve on Existing Apps

● Step 1: Explore the Play Store: Start by looking at your favorite apps or popular apps in the
Play Store. Take note of their features, functionality, and overall user experience.
● Step 2: Read User Reviews: Go through the user reviews for these apps. Pay close
attention to any common complaints or issues that users mention. These could be things
like bugs, missing features, or poor user interface design.
● Step 3: Identify Improvement Opportunities: If you notice a pattern in the complaints, ask
yourself if you can create an app that solves these problems or offers a better experience.
For example, if users complain about an app being too slow or difficult to navigate, you
could develop a more streamlined version.
● Step 4: Make Your App Stand Out: Even small improvements can set your app apart. By
addressing the issues users have with an existing app, you can attract those users to your
improved version and potentially make money.

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Example: I used this approach when I created my successful "Civil PSC" app. I noticed that
existing apps were heavily focused on video classes with high fees, which many users found
expensive and overwhelming. So, I developed an interactive MCQ app with 15 years of verified
questions at a much more affordable price. This approach made my app stand out and succeed
in a niche market.

Option 2: Use AI Tools to Generate Ideas

● Step 1: Leverage AI for Brainstorming: Tools like ChatGPT and Meta AI can be incredibly
helpful in generating app ideas. You can use these tools to brainstorm ideas by giving
them specific prompts.
● Step 2: Example Prompts:
○ "Give me app ideas that solve common problems for students."
○ "Suggest features that would improve the experience of a fitness tracking app."
○ "What are some unique twists on existing social media apps?"
● Step 3: Evaluate the Suggestions: Once you get ideas from the AI, evaluate them to see
which ones resonate with you or seem viable. You can mix and match features or
concepts from different ideas to create something new.
● Step 4: Refine Your Idea: After narrowing down your options, refine your idea to make it
more practical or to better fit your target audience.

Option 3: Solve a Problem in Your Surroundings

● Step 1: Observe Your Environment: Look around your daily life or community. Are there
any problems or inconveniences that you or others face regularly?
● Step 2: Identify a Problem: Once you’ve identified a problem, think about how an app
could provide a solution. It could be something as simple as organizing local events,
helping people find parking spaces, or making it easier to manage household chores.
● Step 3: Focus on a Specific Audience: It’s often more effective to target a specific group of
users rather than trying to appeal to everyone. By focusing on a niche, you can better
tailor your app to meet their unique needs.
● Step 4: Develop Your App: Once you’ve identified a problem and a target audience, start
developing your app. Your goal is to create something that truly helps people and makes
their lives easier.

Example: Instead of trying to cater to a large audience with a general PSC app, I focused on a
niche—Civil PSC aspirants. By tailoring my app to their specific needs and offering something
different from what was already available, I found success.

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Chapter 3: UI/UX Design
UI (User Interface) and UX (User Experience) design are crucial components of any successful
mobile app. However, it's important to approach them with a practical mindset, especially when
you're starting out and don't have a large budget. In this chapter, we'll discuss why it's okay to
prioritize functionality first and how you can create a clean, effective design without breaking the
bank.

Focus on Functionality First

● Why Functionality is Key: When you’re developing an app, the most important thing is to
ensure that it works well and fulfills its intended purpose. A visually stunning app with
poor functionality won’t keep users engaged.
● Build the Core Features: Before diving into detailed UI design, focus on building the core
features of your app. Make sure that the functionality is solid from end to end. This
includes everything from the backend processes to the way users interact with the app.
● Clean and Simple UI: While you’re focusing on functionality, ensure that the UI is neat and
clean. It doesn’t need to be flashy at this stage, but it should be intuitive and easy to
navigate.

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Minimizing Initial Design Costs

● Don’t Hire a Designer Right Away: Hiring a professional UI/UX designer can be expensive,
and it’s not always necessary in the early stages. If you’re unsure whether your app will
make money, it’s better to minimize your initial investment.
● Prototype First, Get Feedback: Instead of spending a lot of time and money on design,
create a basic prototype of your app. This can be a simple version with all the key
functionalities in place. Share this prototype with potential users and gather their
feedback. This approach allows you to focus on what really matters to users and make
improvements based on real-world input.

Using Pre-built Templates

● Affordable Design Solutions: If you’re looking for a quick way to improve your app’s
design without hiring a designer, consider purchasing pre-built templates. Websites like
CodeCanyon offer a wide range of mobile app templates that you can buy for a
reasonable price.
● Customizing Templates: These templates are often easy to customize, so you can tweak
them to fit your app’s branding and style. This approach saves time and money while still
providing a polished look for your app.

My Experience with UI/UX Design

● No Designer, No Problem: In my experience, I haven’t hired a UI/UX designer for my app,


yet I’ve been generating consistent passive income for the past few years. The reason is
simple: my app delivers value to users, and that’s what matters most. Users are more
concerned with how well the app works and the value it provides, rather than how flashy
the design is.
● Evolution of Successful Apps: Consider the early versions of successful apps like
Facebook or Instagram. Their initial designs were minimal and functional, focusing on
delivering value to users. As they grew, their UI/UX evolved and improved. The same can
happen with your app—start simple, and improve the design as your app gains traction.

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Chapter 4: Choosing the Right Tech Stack
Choosing the right tech stack is a crucial decision when developing an app. Your choice will
depend on your target audience, your development experience, and the platforms you want to
support. In this episode, we'll explore different options and discuss how to make the best choice
for your app.

Platform-Specific Development

● Targeting Android: If your audience is primarily on Android, you can develop your app
using Java or Kotlin with Android Studio. These are the standard tools for building
Android apps and provide robust support for native features.
● Targeting iOS: If you're focusing on iOS users, you'll need to learn Swift and use Xcode for
development. Swift is the official language for iOS apps, and Xcode is the integrated
development environment (IDE) provided by Apple.
● Pros and Cons:
○ Android Development: Android has a larger user base globally, especially in
markets like India. However, developing for Android can be more complex due to
the variety of devices and screen sizes.

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○ iOS Development: iOS users tend to spend more on apps, but the audience size is
smaller compared to Android. Developing for iOS can be simpler due to the
limited range of devices.

Cross-Platform Development

● Cross-Platform Tools: If you want to reach both Android and iOS users, cross-platform
tools like Flutter and React Native are great options. These tools allow you to write code
once and deploy it to both platforms.
● Flutter: Flutter, developed by Google, has become increasingly popular for cross-platform
development. It allows for faster development and offers a rich set of pre-built widgets
that help in creating a consistent look and feel across platforms.
● React Native: Another popular option is React Native, developed by Facebook. It uses
JavaScript and is widely adopted by developers who are familiar with web development.

My Experience and Choice

● Why I Chose Flutter: My target audience was mainly on Android, so I decided to start with
what I was familiar with—Flutter. I had previous experience with cross-platform tools like
Xamarin and Flutter, which made it easier for me to get started. Flutter’s growing
popularity and support from Google also influenced my decision.
● Previous App Development: This wasn’t my first attempt at app development. I had
already worked on 3-4 apps using cross-platform tools. Some of those apps made a bit of
income, but I couldn’t scale them successfully. Additionally, I faced challenges like one of
my accounts being terminated due to ad policy violations, and another due to developer
policy violations. These experiences taught me valuable lessons about compliance and
the importance of building a solid foundation for an app.

Choosing What Works for You

When choosing a tech stack, consider your target audience, your familiarity with the tools, and
your long-term goals. Whether you decide to go with native development or a cross-platform
approach, the key is to start with what you know and gradually build on your skills. Remember,
the tech stack you choose will play a significant role in the success of your app, so make sure it
aligns with your needs and the needs of your users.

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Chapter 5: Backend and Database Development
Have you ever wondered where your likes, comments, or messages are stored when you use
social media apps? That's where the backend and database come into play. The backend is like
the engine of your app—it handles all the processes and logic behind the scenes. The database
is where all the app's data is stored, such as user profiles, posts, and interactions.

My Initial Approach

● Delegating Backend Work: When I started developing my app, I wasn't confident in


building the backend myself. So, I asked a friend who was experienced in C# and
ASP.NET to handle it. He helped me set up the backend, and we hosted it for testing.
● Challenges Faced: However, there were some challenges. My friend was busy, so the
APIs I needed were often delayed. The hosting was also slow, and the costs were
high—over ₹10,000 for premium plans, which wasn't affordable for me at that early stage.

The First Database

● Using MySQL: Initially, we used MySQL, a relational database that organizes data in
tables. It's a reliable option, but it wasn't the best fit for my app's needs as it grew.

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Switching to Firebase

● Searching for Alternatives: After facing these challenges, I started searching for better
alternatives. I needed something faster, more scalable, and within my budget. That’s when
I discovered Firebase, a platform by Google that offers various backend services,
including databases.
● Why Firebase?: Firebase was a great choice for my app because it allowed me to scale
easily as my user base grew. It also had a free plan (the Spark plan) that was sufficient to
get started, with no upfront costs.

Choosing Firestore as the Database

● Firestore and NoSQL: For my database, I chose Firestore, a NoSQL database that stores
data in a more flexible way compared to traditional relational databases like MySQL. This
allowed me to easily manage and scale the app's data. However, since it's a different type
of database, I had to redesign how data was structured in my app.
● Advantages and Drawbacks: Firestore was faster and highly available, which meant my
app could handle more users and data without slowing down. The only drawback was
that I couldn't write complex business logic on the backend, but I was okay with that. Most
of my app’s logic was handled on the front end, which worked well for my needs.

Firebase: More Than Just a Database

● Additional Features: Firebase offers much more than just a database. It's a one-stop
solution for many backend needs:
○ OTP Authentication: Firebase makes it easy to add secure OTP (One-Time
Password) authentication to your app, which is essential for user verification.
○ Messaging: Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) allows you to send notifications and
messages directly to users, keeping them engaged with your app.
○ Firebase Storage: You can use Firebase Storage to save images, PDFs, and other
files securely in the cloud. This is particularly useful if your app needs to store
user-generated content or media files.
○ Firebase Hosting: I utilized Firebase Hosting to deploy both the admin panel and
the main website for my app. Firebase Hosting provides a secure and scalable
infrastructure, which ensures fast and reliable delivery of my web content.

Managing Costs with Firebase

● Billing with Blaze Plan: As my app grew and started generating income, I upgraded to
Firebase’s Blaze plan, which is a pay-as-you-go model. This plan charges based on how
much you use the service, particularly the number of document reads and writes in the
database.

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● Affordable Costs: On average, my monthly bill with Firebase is between ₹300 to ₹600
INR, which is very reasonable considering the services it provides. The ability to manage
everything directly within Firebase without relying on external APIs also helped me
develop and scale the app more efficiently.

Finding the Right Fit

Choosing the right backend and database is crucial for the success of your app. It’s important to
find a solution that fits your budget, meets your app’s needs, and can scale as you grow. For me,
Firebase and Firestore were the perfect choices, allowing me to build, launch, and scale my app
without breaking the bank. By exploring different options and finding the right fit, you can set
your app up for long-term success.

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Chapter 6: Monetization Strategies
Monetization is how you make money from your app. There are several strategies you can use,
depending on the type of app you have and your target audience. Let's go over the three main
ways to monetize an app, with examples to help you understand each one.

1. Ads

● How It Works: One of the most common ways to make money from an app is by
displaying ads. These can be banner ads, video ads, or pop-up ads that users see while
using your app. Every time someone views or clicks on an ad, you earn money.
● Example: Google AdMob is a popular platform that allows you to integrate ads into your
app. Many free apps use this model to generate revenue.
● Caution: While ads can be a good source of income, you need to be careful with Google’s
ad policies. If you violate their rules, your account could be terminated without any way to
recover it, which means you would lose all your earnings from ads.

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2. Premium Model

● How It Works: The premium model involves charging users directly for your app or
offering in-app purchases. This could be a one-time fee to download the app or payments
within the app for additional features or content.
● Example: Many mobile games use in-app purchases to sell virtual items like coins, extra
lives, or special abilities. Users pay real money to buy these items.
● Paid Apps: Some apps charge an upfront fee to download, but this model is less common
today as users generally prefer free apps.

3. Freemium Model

● How It Works: The freemium model is a combination of free and premium. Most of the
app’s features are available for free, but users can pay to unlock extra features or remove
ads.
● Example: YouTube offers a freemium model where users can watch videos for free but can
pay for YouTube Premium to get an ad-free experience and access to additional content.

My Experience with Monetization

● Trying Different Models: Over the years, I’ve experimented with different monetization
strategies. I’ve tried ads and in-app purchases in some of my earlier apps, but each came
with its challenges. For instance, with ads, I had to be extremely cautious to avoid
violating Google’s policies. Eventually, I had accounts terminated due to policy violations,
which was a hard lesson.
● Freemium Model Without Ads: In my current app, I decided to go with a freemium model
without any ads. Most features, like daily quizzes and exams, are free for all users.
However, I also offer premium features that are only accessible to paying users. These
premium features are available through different plans—monthly, half-yearly, and yearly.
● Why This Works for Me: This model has been successful for me because it strikes a
balance between providing value to free users and generating income from those who
are willing to pay for additional features. By avoiding ads, I also reduce the risk of account
termination and provide a cleaner, more user-friendly experience.

Choosing the Right Monetization Strategy

When choosing a monetization strategy, consider your audience and the type of app you’re
building. Each method has its pros and cons, so think about what aligns best with your app’s
goals and your users’ preferences. Whether you choose ads, the premium model, or the
freemium model, the key is to provide value that users are willing to pay for while ensuring that
your app remains accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

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Chapter 7: Payment Integration
Integrating a payment gateway into your app is a crucial step if you're planning to charge users
for services, subscriptions, or any other in-app purchases. It’s important to choose the right
payment method to ensure smooth transactions while maximizing your profits.

Why Avoid In-App Payments via Google?

● Google’s Commission: When you use Google’s in-app payment system, they take a 30%
commission from every transaction. For example, if a user pays ₹100, you only receive
₹70. This can significantly reduce your earnings, especially if your app relies heavily on
in-app purchases.
● Alternative Payment Gateway: To avoid this high commission, you can integrate an
external payment gateway. In my app, I chose Razorpay, which only takes about 4% of the
transaction amount. This means you get to keep more of your earnings, making your app
more profitable.

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Choosing Razorpay

● Why Razorpay?: Razorpay is a popular payment gateway in India that offers a wide range
of payment options like credit/debit cards, UPI, and net banking. It also provides a
developer-friendly SDK, which makes integration easier, especially if you’re using Flutter
like I did.
● Example: Suppose a user pays ₹100 through Razorpay. After deducting their 4% fee, you
receive ₹96. This is much better than the ₹70 you would get through Google’s in-app
payment system.

Testing Before Going Live

● Importance of Testing: Before launching your app with real payment options, it’s essential
to thoroughly test the payment process to ensure everything works smoothly.
● Test Payment Feature: Razorpay provides a test dashboard where you can simulate
transactions using test payment keys and passcodes. This allows you to verify that your
payment integration is functioning correctly before going live.
● Example: During testing, you can simulate a payment of ₹100 and check if the correct
amount is being processed and that your app is handling the transaction response
properly.

Implementation in the App

● Making a Payment Request: Once a user initiates a payment, your app sends a request to
Razorpay. The payment gateway processes the transaction, and your app waits for a
response.
● Verifying the Response: After the payment is processed, Razorpay sends a response back
to your app, confirming whether the payment was successful or not. You need to ensure
your app handles these responses correctly to update the user’s status or provide access
to premium features.

Maximizing Profit with the Right Payment Gateway

Choosing the right payment gateway is essential for maximizing your profits from in-app
purchases. By using an external payment gateway like Razorpay instead of Google’s in-app
payment system, you can significantly increase your earnings. Just remember to test everything
thoroughly before launching your app to ensure a smooth user experience.

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Chapter 8: App Publishing Process
Once your app is fully developed and tested, the next step is to make it available to users. This
involves publishing your app on a platform where users can download and install it. The two main
platforms for mobile apps are the Google Play Store for Android and the Apple App Store for iOS.

Publishing on Google Play Store

● One-Time Fee: The Google Play Store is popular among developers because it only
requires a one-time registration fee of $25 to publish apps. This makes it an affordable
option, especially for new developers or those targeting Android users.
● Ease of Use: Publishing on the Play Store is relatively straightforward. Once you’ve paid
the fee, you can upload your app, add necessary details like the app description,
screenshots, and pricing, and submit it for review. The review process is usually quick,
and your app can be available to users within a few hours or days.

Targeting Your Audience

● Why Only Play Store?: In my case, most of my users are based in Kerala, where Android is
more prevalent than iOS. Since there are fewer iPhone users in my target audience, it

19
made more sense to focus on the Play Store. The one-time fee and ease of maintenance
also played a big role in this decision.
● App Store Considerations: The Apple App Store, on the other hand, requires a yearly
subscription of $99. While it offers access to a different audience, it didn’t align with my
primary user base, so I initially chose not to publish there.

Expanding to Web Version

● User Requests: Over time, some of my users requested an iOS version of my app. Instead
of investing in the Apple App Store, I decided to create a web version of my app. This
allowed me to cater to both Android and iOS users without having to develop a separate
app for the App Store.
● Using the Same Codebase: One of the major advantages of using Flutter and Firebase is
that they allow you to create a web version of your app using the same codebase. This
saves a lot of time and effort since you don’t have to start from scratch to create a web
version.
● Hosting on Firebase: I hosted the web version of my app on Firebase, which made the
process quick and easy. Firebase also offers features like fast loading times and
scalability, ensuring a smooth experience for users.

Advantages of a Web Version

● Cross-Platform Access: By creating a web version, I could reach a broader audience,


including iOS users, without needing to invest in the App Store. This approach also offers
flexibility, as users can access the app on any device with a web browser.
● Cost-Effective: Hosting the web version on Firebase was cost-effective and required
minimal additional effort since I was already familiar with the platform.

Choosing the Right Publishing Strategy

The platform you choose for publishing your app depends on your target audience, budget, and
long-term goals. The Google Play Store is an excellent choice for developers targeting Android
users, especially if you’re looking for an affordable and straightforward option. However,
expanding to a web version can also be a smart move to reach users across different platforms
without the need for separate apps.

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Chapter 9: Marketing Your App (with Personal Experience)
Creating a great app is just the first step. To make money from your app, you need people to
know about it and use it. That’s where marketing comes in. Marketing your app effectively can
help you reach your target audience, increase downloads, and ultimately generate more revenue.

Why Marketing is Important

● Visibility: The app stores are crowded with millions of apps, so it’s easy for your app to get
lost in the crowd. Effective marketing helps your app stand out and get noticed by
potential users.
● User Acquisition: Marketing strategies are essential to attract new users to your app.
Whether it's through social media, search engines, or word-of-mouth, getting users to
download your app is crucial for its success.
● Revenue Growth: More users typically mean more revenue, especially if you’re using
monetization strategies like in-app purchases or subscription models.

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Understanding Your Target Audience

● Identify Your Audience: Before you start marketing, it’s important to know who your target
users are. Are they students, professionals, or hobbyists? Knowing this helps you tailor
your marketing messages and choose the right platforms to reach them.
● Example: In my case, my app is designed for people preparing for Kerala PSC exams,
particularly civil engineering students. This focus allowed me to create marketing content
that directly appeals to their needs and interests.

Marketing Strategies

1. Social Media Marketing:


○ Platforms: Use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to
promote your app. Share engaging content like tips, updates, and success stories
to build a community around your app.
○ Personal Experience: I used Instagram and Facebook ads to promote my app,
targeting a specific audience interested in Kerala PSC exams. Initially, I spent
money on paid ads, and I continue to run ads during discount sales or special
offers in the app.
2. App Store Optimization (ASO):
○ What is ASO?: ASO is the process of optimizing your app’s listing on the app store
to improve its visibility. This includes using relevant keywords in the app title,
description, and adding attractive screenshots and videos.
○ Example: For my app, I used keywords related to “Kerala PSC exams” and “civil
engineering” to help it appear in relevant search results on the Play Store.
3. Content Marketing:
○ Blogging and Videos: Create content related to your app’s niche, such as blog
posts, YouTube videos, or even podcasts. This content can drive traffic to your app
and establish you as an expert in the field.
○ Personal Experience: I have two YouTube channels where I share MCQ questions
and answers related to Kerala PSC exams. These channels help drive organic
traffic to my app.
4. Influencer Marketing:
○ Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with influencers in your app’s niche who have
a following that matches your target audience. They can help promote your app to
their audience.
○ Example: Collaborating with educational influencers who share your target
audience can increase your app’s visibility and downloads.
5. Email Marketing:
○ Building an Email List: Collect email addresses from your users or website visitors
and send them regular updates, tips, and promotions. Email marketing is a direct
way to engage with your users and keep them informed about your app.

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○ Example: Collecting emails from users who visit your app’s website and sending
them regular updates about new features or exam-related tips can keep them
engaged and increase loyalty.
6. Paid Advertising:
○ Google Ads and Social Media Ads: Consider running paid ads on Google or social
media platforms to reach a larger audience quickly. You can target specific
demographics or interests to ensure your ads reach the right people.
○ Personal Experience: I ran targeted Google ads, which, combined with my social
media ads, helped attract more users, especially during promotional periods.

Organic Growth and Word of Mouth

● Organic Traffic: While paid ads are effective, most of my users came from organic traffic
and word of mouth. Providing quality content and a good user experience can naturally
lead to more downloads as satisfied users recommend your app to others.

Tracking and Improving Your Marketing Efforts

● Monitor Performance: Use tools like Google Analytics or the analytics provided by app
stores to track how your marketing efforts are performing. Look at metrics like downloads,
user engagement, and conversion rates.
● Adjust Strategies: Based on your analytics, adjust your marketing strategies to focus on
what’s working and improve what’s not. This might mean changing your ad targeting,
creating different content, or trying new platforms.

The Key to Long-Term Success

Marketing is an ongoing process, not a one-time effort. To keep your app growing, you need to
continuously engage with your audience, promote your app, and adapt to changes in the market.
With the right marketing strategies and a focus on organic growth, your app can reach more
users and generate consistent passive income.

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Chapter 10: User Feedback and Continuous Improvement
In this chapter, we’ll discuss how crucial user feedback is for the success and continuous
improvement of your app. Whether you’re just starting or already have an established app,
listening to your users can make all the difference in creating a product they love and want to
keep using.

Importance of User Feedback

● Understanding User Needs: User feedback helps you understand what your users really
want. It gives you insights into their pain points, preferences, and how they use your app.
● Driving App Success: By paying attention to what users are saying, you can make
informed decisions about which features to add, improve, or remove. This can increase
user satisfaction, reduce churn, and lead to more downloads and higher ratings.
● Building Trust and Loyalty: When users see that their feedback leads to real changes in
the app, they feel valued. This builds trust and makes them more likely to stay loyal to
your app and recommend it to others.

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Collecting Feedback

There are several ways to gather feedback from your users, and each method can provide
valuable insights:

● Surveys: Use in-app surveys or email surveys to ask users specific questions about their
experience. Keep surveys short and to the point to encourage more users to complete
them.
● App Store Reviews: Monitor the reviews left by users on the app store. These can provide
immediate feedback on what users like and dislike about your app.
● In-App Prompts: Implement prompts within your app asking users to rate their experience
or give feedback on specific features. This is a convenient way for users to share their
thoughts while using the app.
● Social Media and Online Communities: Engage with users on social media platforms or
create online communities like Telegram groups where they can discuss the app, share
suggestions, and report issues.
My Experience:
● I created a Telegram group specifically for users of my app, where they could discuss
issues, report incorrect questions, and clarify doubts. This direct line of communication
helped me stay connected with my users and address their concerns promptly.

Iterative Development

● Implementing Feedback: Collecting feedback is just the first step; the real impact comes
from acting on it. Use the feedback to guide your app updates and improvements.
○ Example: When I first launched my app, it had minimal features. I offered it for free
for a year, during which I collected feedback and gradually improved the app
based on user suggestions. I corrected incorrect database entries, added features
they requested, and enhanced the overall experience.
● Regular Updates: Keep your app up-to-date by regularly releasing updates that address
user feedback. Even small updates can show users that you are actively working on
improving the app.
● Dedicated Support: As your app grows, it might become challenging to manage user
feedback and updates on your own, especially if you have a full-time job like I do. That’s
why it’s important to have a dedicated person or team to handle customer support,
feedback collection, and implementation. This leverage allows you to focus on other
aspects of the app or your job while still ensuring that your app continues to improve.

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Long-term Growth

● Continuous Improvement: Never stop improving your app. User needs and preferences
evolve, and so should your app. By continuously iterating on feedback, you can keep your
app relevant and valuable to your users.
● Expand Features: As you receive more feedback, consider adding new features that align
with user requests. This can help keep users engaged and attract new users who are
looking for those specific features.
● Maintain User Engagement: Keep users engaged by regularly communicating with them,
whether through in-app messages, social media, or email newsletters. Share updates,
new features, and how you’re addressing their feedback.
My Experience:
● Over time, I have gradually increased the app’s pricing as I added more features and
improved content based on user feedback. This not only enhanced the app’s value but
also helped me grow my passive income from it.

Conclusion

User feedback is not just a tool for improving your app; it’s a key component of your app’s
long-term success. By actively listening to your users, implementing their suggestions, and
continuously updating your app, you can build a product that not only meets their needs but also
stands out in the market. Remember, your users are your most valuable resource—keep

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Final Thoughts and Motivation
Success doesn’t happen overnight, but with perseverance and the right strategy, you can turn
your app into a reliable source of income. Remember, every great app started small and grew
over time through continuous improvement and dedication.

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

Thank you for taking the time to read this eBook. I hope you found the information helpful and
inspiring. Remember, we’re all on this journey together, and I’m here to support you.

If you have any questions, need guidance, or just want to share your progress, feel free to reach
out. I’d love to hear from you and help you along your path to success.

Connect with Me:

● Email: [email protected]
● YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShyjuTalks
● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shyjutalks/

Let’s build, learn, and grow together. Your success is just as important as mine.

Let’s build something amazing together!

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