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How I built a $30K/month mobile app

#Make money
2025-11-07 10:549 min read

Content Introduction
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In this episode of Starter Story, John Makavoy, a self-taught coder from Scotland, shares his journey of creating a bus and train tracking app called Mumigo, which has been downloaded over 5 million times and generates approximately $30,000 monthly. John discusses the challenges he faced while developing the app, including transitioning from ad-based revenue to subscription models during the pandemic. He reveals the importance of app store optimization, keyword research, and customer feedback in driving downloads and improving user engagement. John also highlights specific tools and technologies he employed, including Laravel PHP and event analytics, to enhance the app's functionality and growth. His story serves as inspiration for entrepreneurs, showcasing that solving personal problems can lead to successful business ventures.

Key Information

  • John Makavoy built an app called Mumigo, a bus and train tracking software that has been downloaded over 5 million times since its launch in 2017.
  • The app makes approximately $30,000 a month in revenue, primarily through subscriptions, having pivoted from an ad-based model following revenue loss during the pandemic.
  • John attributed the app's success to App Store optimization, consisting of three steps: identifying location-specific keywords, testing additional keywords, and actively requesting user ratings within the app.
  • He shared that by adapting the app for local terminologies and using AB testing for paywalls, he significantly increased conversion rates and ultimately revenue.
  • Despite lacking formal developer experience, John utilized his graphic design background, self-taught coding, and tools like Laravel and Adobe for the app's development and marketing.
  • John emphasized the importance of solving personal problems as a driving force in app development and also stressed the significance of event analytics over vanity metrics for understanding user behavior.

Timeline Analysis

Content Keywords

John Makavoy

John Makavoy from Scotland created an app called Mumigo for bus and train tracking, which has over 5 million downloads since its launch in 2017. He taught himself coding and built the app alone.

Mumigo

Mumigo is a bus and train tracking app that covers over 160 cities and has gained significant user traction, generating $30,000 monthly through subscriptions following a pandemic-driven pivot.

App Store Optimization

John achieved over 5 million downloads by implementing effective App Store Optimization strategies, including keyword research and strategic use of location-specific keywords to boost visibility.

Monetization Strategies

Initially, John monetized through banner ads, generating $8,000 monthly before transitioning to a subscription model which doubled his revenue to over $30,000.

Subscription Growth

Mumigo experienced unprecedented growth following a strategic pivot to subscription services, resulting in a substantial increase in revenue due to effective use of A/B testing on paywalls.

User Engagement

John improved user engagement by implementing features that provided real-time updates and notifications about transit delays while utilizing machine learning to enhance service.

Business Management

John emphasized the importance of handling administrative tasks efficiently with tools like Doula, which helps manage taxes and bookkeeping for entrepreneurs and solo developers.

AI in App Development

The discussion highlighted how modern app development can leverage AI tools for rapid prototyping and market research, suggesting that developers today can create apps much faster than in the past.

Related questions&answers

What is App Store optimization?

App Store optimization is the process of finding specific phrases that people are searching for and including those in your app title, subtitle, and keyword list to increase visibility.

How successful has the app been?

The app has been downloaded over 5 million times and currently generates around $30,000 in monthly recurring revenue.

What did John use to build the app?

John initially built the app using basic coding techniques he learned, and later transitioned to using Swift for iOS.

How did John monetize the app?

Initially, John monetized the app through banner ads but pivoted to a subscription model, offering premium features.

What kind of challenges did John face in the beginning?

John faced challenges like lack of previous developer experience and the need to learn on-the-go, especially during the transition to adding subscription features.

What advice did John give for starting a mobile app?

John advised solving a problem that you personally have, as it keeps you motivated during tough times.

What kind of tools did John use to support his business?

John used a range of tools including Laravel for backend development, Mixpanel for event analytics, and third-party APIs for mapping services.

What were the main costs of running the app business?

The main costs included server fees, which total about $2,500 a month, and additional expenses for third-party APIs and tools.

What role did A/B testing play in John's growth strategy?

A/B testing allowed John to find the most effective subscription models and upgrade the app’s features, which significantly increased conversion rates.

How did user onboarding affect app performance?

Optimizing the onboarding process was critical in increasing user engagement and ultimately higher subscription rates.

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