Growth Masterminds: mobile growth podcast

Ever wish somebody had written the book on making mobile app businesses work? Wish no more: the job has been done. In this Growth Masterminds host John Koetsier chats with Russell Ovans, game OG, prof, brewery owner, entrepreneur, data scientist, and current Director of Analytics at East Side Games. Russell discusses his journey from social gaming through to mobile gaming. We delve into a range of topics such as the importance of understanding game analytics and monetization in mobile games, challenges in HR, managing company growth, the impact of pricing strategies on a global scale, the value of A/B testing and player retention. But the big story in this podcast is Russell Ovans' book 'Game Analytics, Retention, and Monetization in Free Play Mobile Games' which is a comprehensive guide to the mechanics of mobile game businesses. 00:00 Introduction and Background 00:00 The Challenges of Running a Mobile App Business 00:44 Introduction to the Guest Speaker: Russell Os 01:17 The Journey into Mobile Gaming 05:26 The Evolution of Facebook as a Gaming Platform 07:48 The Transition from Facebook to Mobile Gaming 09:59 The Importance of Analytics in Mobile Gaming 10:41 The Decision to Write a Book on Mobile Gaming 15:09 The Power of Building an Abstract Schema on Top of Your Data Warehouse 19:32 Understanding the Big Mac Index and AB Testing 20:01 Applying Purchasing Power Parity and Exchange Rates 20:34 Testing Market Response in Mexico 21:11 Adjusting Pricing for Different Markets 22:14 The Challenges of AB Testing 22:46 The Importance of Proper AB Testing 28:53 The Role of Retention in Gaming 33:52 The Complexity of ROAS 36:58 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

In this intriguing episode of Growth Mastermind, host John Koetsier chats with industry veteran Farhan Haq, founder of independent growth agency Hyper HQ. They explore crucial strategies to enhance CPMs, discussing the importance of manual calls and real-time bidding in optimizing ad ops within a real-time bidding world. Farhan provides an in-depth look at how games developers and publishers can navigate these processes for effective growth in the mobile gaming landscape. He further delves into ad placements, A/B testing, market strategy, and innovative methods like adjusting in-game rewards based on real-time user worth. The conversation wraps up with an exploration of emerging trends and projections for the future of in-app purchase, subscription, and ad monetization models. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Presentation 01:05 Understanding Ad Operations in an RTB World 01:57 The Importance of Manual Calls and Realtime Bidding 03:46 Optimizing Networks and Running AB Tests 04:05 The Role of Competition in Ad Monetization 04:27 Understanding the Fundamentals of AB Testing 05:53 The Impact of Ad Placement and Pricing on Monetization 06:02 The Importance of Ad Units in Monetization 07:27 The Impact of Automation on Ad Monetization 07:27 The Importance of Hands-On Approach in Ad Monetization 08:48 The Role of Google Ad Manager in Monetization 10:17 The Role of User Acquisition in Monetization 20:23 The Impact of Geographical Location on Monetization 26:59 The Future of Ad Monetization 32:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

If you're on the App Store or Google Play, you're paying the platform tax: 30% on all your IAP revenue. But can you legally AND SAFELY escape that? Maybe yes. In this episode of Growth Masterminds, John Koetsier interviews Archie Stonehill, Head of Product at Stash Gigi, to discuss the digital games industry and the evolution of direct-to-consumer platforms. They discuss the rise of third-party app stores, Apple and Google's 'app store tax', the Digital Markets Act in Europe, and how developers can shift towards alternative distribution channels. Stonehill explains the motivation behind Stash.gg, a platform that supports gaming developers in becoming their own platforms and processing their own payments, and shares insights on how developers can engage with their users directly to optimize profitability and improve overall gaming experience. 00:00 Introduction to the Gaming Industry's Challenges 00:43 The Role of Third-Party App Stores 01:29 The Impact of the Digital Markets Act 02:23 The Three Vectors of Pro-Competitive Pushes 04:23 The Importance of Direct Relationships with Players 05:11 The Evolution of the Games Industry 12:36 The Role of Stash in the Gaming Industry 32:26 The Future of the Gaming Industry 36:36 Conclusion

How do you become Apple's iPhone app of the year? In this episode of Growth Masterminds, John Koetsier sits down with Ron Schneidermann, the CEO of AllTrails, an outdoor exploration app. Out of all the millions of apps on the App Store, AllTrails won iPhone app of the year in 2023. How? How does AllTrails grow? How does AllTrails achieve 7X better retention than the average app What decisions boosted AllTrails growth? Schneidermann talks about taking over from the founder in 2015, growing the user base and revenue, and the critical role of their community. We also chat about the importance of continual product development We end with Schneidermann's thoughts on success, staying humble, and surrounding oneself with smart, passionate people can drive success. 00:00 Introduction to the Journey of Success 00:25 The Making of an iPhone App of the Year 01:45 Understanding the Significance of Being iPhone App of the Year 04:10 The All Trails App: A Closer Look 05:18 The Journey from Startup to Success 07:24 The Decision to Reject Quick Flip and Aim for Long-Term Growth 07:44 Key Decisions that Ignited Growth 12:14 The Role of Product Development in Growth 25:33 The Importance of Regular App Updates 27:50 Advice for Aspiring App Developers 28:15 Conclusion: The Importance of Humility and Openness

In this episode of Growth Mastermind, host John Koetsier chats with Faheem Saiyad, director at App Samurai, about the intersection of AI and user acquisition. They dive deep into topics like the role of AI in game development, how AI aids in campaign optimization, and the application of generative AI in the creative process of ad creation. Faheem also shares details about App Samurai's new ad unit, Rewarded Playtime, that incentivizes users for every minute they spend engaging with a game. However, the chat concludes on the idea that AI is still not perfect; it requires human guidance for optimal performance. 00:00 Introduction and welcome 00:14 Getting to know the guest 01:19 The role of AI in game development 03:35 The Impact of AI on user acquisition 06:22 Challenges of campaign optimization 10:25 Introducing rewarded playtime: a new ad unit 13:44 The future of AI in marketing and game development 16:38 Wrapping up the discussion

In this episode of Growth Masterminds, host John Koetsier talks with Ayush Choudhary, senior product manager of GenWise. They discuss the development and growth of the GenWise app, a multifaceted platform designed specifically for elders, which is making a big impact in India. Other topics covered include the challenge of marketing to an older demographic, combining AI with real human interaction, the concept of a 'super app', and emerging monetization models. Tune in to explore how GenWise is revolutionizing the way elders interact with technology ... and how to market an app in non-traditional ways for a non-traditional audience. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:18 Introduction to GenWise App 00:26 Interview with Ayush Choudhary 00:45 Understanding the Concept of GenWise 01:16 The Gap in Elders' Navigation of the Digital World 02:03 The Two Main Focus Areas of GenWise 02:47 The Role of Technology in Combating Loneliness 03:13 The Real-life Impact of GenWise 03:46 The Features and Services of GenWise 07:49 The Growth and Funding of GenWise 07:58 Marketing Strategies for GenWise 15:00 The Concept of Super App in the Context of India 19:00 Monetization Model of GenWise 22:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Growth Masterminds, host John Koetsier speaks with mobile marketing expert Lucas Moscon. They discuss strategies to drastically increase app revenue through smart ad monetization and subscription plans. Lucas explains how he has quadrupled revenues for several apps using remote configuration logic. They also explore SKAN 4 and the use of OpenAI in generating conversion models and informing monetization strategies. Furthermore, they touch on the changing landscape of measurement platforms and the importance of understanding user psychology and behavior in subscription-based apps. The conversation wraps up with a brief discussion on the intricacies of SKAdNetwork. 00:00 Introduction 00:26 Welcome to Growth Masterminds 00:48 Guest Introduction: Lucas 01:21 Discussion on AdMon and Subscriptions 01:42 Balancing Full-Time Work and Side Projects 02:15 The Importance of AdMon for Subscription Apps 04:42 The Journey of Building AdMon Framework 11:26 Benefits of Implementing AdMon Framework 16:02 Introduction to SKAN 4 16:05 Building a Custom GPT for SKAN 4 25:44 The Impact of Scan Four on Small Developers 28:45 Conclusion and Future Discussions

According to a recent study, half of all CTV ad targeting is wrong. In this Growth Masterminds, host John Koetsier and expert Chris Kelly, CEO of Upwave, talk about: - CTV targeting - CTV benefits (and limitations) - CTV affordability for smaller advertisers - CTV ads real-time optimization capabilities We also talk about performance versus brand marketing, and the need to both pick apples that are ripe for the harvest as well as plant apple trees to enable future harvesting as well. Look for the blog post and learn about about Singular here: https://www.singular.net/blog/ Check out Upwave here: https://www.upwave.com

Can you play games and save the planet? Maybe, with Dots.eco's new rewarded ad experience that isn't like anything else I've seen. Wooga, Wild Life, and Playtika are using it, so I thought it'd be worth checking out. Maybe you will too :-) In this episode, host John Koetsier chats with Dots.eco chief growth officer Daniel Madrid. Episode summary Dots.eco is a platform that offers real-world environmental rewards to incentivize players in games. The platform allows players to engage in activities such as planting trees, cleaning plastic from the oceans, and saving sea turtle babies while playing their favorite games. The cash for these rewards comes from game publishers and other businesses who pay for the impact. By integrating these environmental rewards into games, publishers can increase engagement, retention, and monetization. Dots.eco has seen significant growth and has partnered with major gaming studios and brands to implement their platform. The results include improved player satisfaction, increased transactions and revenue, and enhanced brand reputation. Takeaways Dots.eco offers real-world environmental rewards to incentivize players in games. Publishers pay for the impact, and the cash comes from game publishers and other businesses. Integrating environmental rewards into games can increase engagement, retention, and monetization. Dots.eco has seen significant growth and has partnered with major gaming studios and brands. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:09 Overview of Dots.eco 02:12 Monetization and Business Model 03:06 Implementation in Games 04:34 Engagement and Retention Strategy 08:17 Results and Growth 12:43 Expansion to Other Industries 16:40 Partnership Process 20:38 Metrics and Results 24:48 Conclusion

Remember Office Space where the consultants came in and asked the QA manager what he actually did around here? (If not, drop everything and go watch it!) In this Growth Masterminds, we chat with Luis de la Camara, VP of Marketing at Rovio, about product marketing managers vs user acquisition managers: what they are, what they do, and why it matters. We also chat about aligning teams for success, crafting joy and a lot of other things, and more, including: - Introduction to Rovio - The difference between product marketing managers and user acquisition managers - The concept of crafts in marketing - The importance of empathy for the player - The roles of CMOs and CGOs in modern app marketing