App Guardians

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner and CEO of a mobile app development company that focuses on a brand of fitness apps. We’re a small company— it’s just me, my partner, and a small Europe-based team. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with App Growth Network?

Because we’re a small team, we have limited resources. Our team handles development, but we don’t have any in-house marketing resources. We needed outside help from a reputable marketing agency to help us with ASO and gain some momentum with respect to our app store rankings and conversions / monetization.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We hired them to help us with app store optimization (ASO) as well as UI/UX analytics for two of our iOS apps, and we are currently in the middle of the engagement with them. They started with an audit of our keyword rankings and then built and executed an optimization strategy. This process will be ongoing throughout the contract.

They also recently commenced on a paid marketing campaign with Apple search ads. We’re relying on their expertise to help us gain some momentum in connection with keyword rankings and install growth through ad spend.

In addition, they performed a one-time review of our UX as well as our conversion funnel, comparing our metrics against industry averages. Based on their findings, they provided valuable recommendations as to how we can better convert free users to subscribers within our app flow. Their suggestions included different ways to message users and ways in which we can improve our graphics and app flows. They also made recommendations as to how we can improve the screenshots in our App Store listings.

What is the team composition?

We are working with three people: an Account Manager, an ASO expert, and a paid marketing expert. Although the founder of the company has not been able to participate in every update call, he has remained actively involved throughout the project, which has been great.

How did you come to work with App Growth Network?

We found them on Clutch, which is what we used as our primary research tool to find a marketing partner. As a small app company with a limited budget, we needed to partner with a marketing team that had enough flexibility to customize a contract based on our needs, which consisted primarily of some help with ASO and monetization of two of our iOS apps.

How much have you invested with them?

Our contract is for $25,000 over 5 months.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started the project in October 2020 and will wrap up in March 2021.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Much of their work has revolved around optimizing our keyword rankings. 
 In just a few short months, they have doubled the number of keywords that we rank for, and doubled the number of keywords in which we rank in the top 10.  We couldn't have been happier with the results that they have delivered to date in this respect.

They also provided a long list of logical and thoughtful recommendations to help us improve our monetization inside our apps. 

In order for keyword optimization to work properly, they requested that submit a release once every three weeks so that they can measure the results of our keywords, and then add new ones as appropriate on regular three week intervals.   There have been several times where we needed to delay releases due to development issues, and they have accommodated us by offering to extend the project a little longer so that they can complete their ASO process, which is really fantastic.  In addition, they have produced great results in spite of us interrupting their requested release cadence. 

How did App Growth Network perform from a project management standpoint?

They’ve hit every deadline we’ve given them. We have regular calls with them, and they’re always timely and punctual on those calls. There haven’t been any issues with respect to communication or delivery dates. We communicate through Slack and Asana, and I haven’t had a need to track their progress in Asana because they’re so thorough on our calls.  

On a side note, the founder went out of his way to create a mastermind group for his health and fitness clients, which included four of us.  We have bi-weekly calls and exchange ideas as to how we can improve our apps.  This was completely voluntary, as it is not part of our contract.  I really admire that they went above and beyond to try to help us improve our business in this way.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re accommodating, flexible, and they treat us like their only client. We are probably one of their smaller clients but they never make us feel that way. They have consistently been attentive, supportive, and eager to collaborate with us from day one. It feels as if they are an extension of our team and the collaboration has been completely frictionless. 

Also, they maintained the flexibility to create a contract that was customized for our needs and budget.  Because we are a smaller company, other agencies that we spoke with, many of which were amazingly talented and pleasant to speak with, simply did not have the ability to be as flexible. 

Lastly, they have gone above and beyond our contracted services in several ways as mentioned previously.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No agency is perfect but nothing is jumping out at me. They’re operating in a competitive industry, so I’d encourage them to keep learning and refining best practices. They were great with support, flexible with our budget, and offered great value. In terms of ASO and UI consulting work, they’ve really impressed.  

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be specific as possible with your goals and budget, as they can be flexible with contract structuring. Due your diligence and compare their offerings to other agencies, and try to engage with an agency that can create a proposal most suitable for your needs and budget.  In summary, I strongly recommend App Growth Network.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Founder of a Health App

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire App Growth Network?

We hired App Growth Network to grow our user base and reach a positive ROI on most of the marketing campaigns. Marketing campaigns include ASA, ASO for different regions, and other means of marketing growth.

What were your goals for this project?

• Grow our user base from scratch
• Kick off ASO for several regions
• Start ASA for several regions
• Reach a positive ASA ROI
• Investigate other efficient ways to grow our app

SOLUTION

How did you select App Growth Network?

I considered App Growth Network after contacting several companies and freelancers specialising on App Growth. Their extensive experience in the Health and Lifestyle sector, including high ratings, and support / offers were deciding factors of our partnership.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

AGN scope of work included setting up ASA and ASO campaigns from scratch for a number of regions such as US, Canada, UK. They are also involved in the decision we make for media buying to identify the best way to grow our app.

What was the team composition?

AGN teams included a number of experts, some dedicated to ASO, others to ASA and small startups.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

AGN Engagement is outstanding, and well above your average partner. They review results, adapt to issues, and always try to do their best. A traditional growth company will look at how much you will spend with them first, then about your growth. It is the opposite of AGN, they help you to grow first.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Good communication, feedbacks on progress given regularly.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They have a great attitude, a supportive environment, and a willingness to help our business grow.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am VP of Operations at our company. I manage a diverse workforce in my organization to ensure day-to-day operations and guiding its overall projects. Our company is a start up company based in Maryland. We focus creating and designing mobile apps.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire App Growth Network?

We reached out to App Growth Network to promote our recently developed mobile app. We needed expert help to launch the game app effectively in various countries.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal was/is simply to reach many users as possible. We wanted to create a game that's unique and fun for all age users. There is no language barrier or in appropriate contents. Our game is a kid friendly game so we think it's a great app for any users around the world.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We had a several marketing contacts and researched different groups of marketing team. We came across App Growth Network in midst of our initial search. We sent our RFPs to the marketing companies. Based on the App Growth Networ's past marketing experiences, knowledge, and good reviews, we decided to select the company for its service.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

App Growth Network guided us how to begin targeting right users. Even though we think our app is viable for any users. App Growth Network provided us to narrow down our user demography.

The initial set up and meetings were flawless. The AGN team provided detail list of services they are providing in the package. The services include creating and launching social media digital media marketing campaigns, creating videos and screenshots for the app, they created effective ASO and keywords that are researched and analyzed.

Currently the team is helping us to analyze the marketing data.

What was the team composition?

The AGN team is resourceful. They are knowledgeable and helpful throughout the process. The principal is an excellent leader. He is man of his words and keep the promises as he initially said. Any dispute can disccused and the team is willing to help your team to succeed. Most importantly, they respect their clients.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

It's still an early stage of our company's marketing campaign. However, I can confidently say that the AGN team is here to help us and guide us throughout the process.

They are easily reachable and any questions may be asked. If they do not know the answer, they are willing to learn and provide the best recommendations to get the answers. Overall, I am excited to see great outcome as our compang team up with App Growth Network.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The team is willing to work with your schedule. Even though we are in a different time zone, AGN team was available and our account manager (Zak) was/is good keeping up with our requests.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

App Growth Network is reputable and professional. I am impressed with their honesty and support for any of the questions that we didn't know. They weren't trying to hide anything that they didn't know and they were being transparent through out the working process.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I would ask that AGN to provide different tiers of packaged services. Yes, they are willing to customize your service based on your needs. I would be interested looking into various presented options that are more easily understandable.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of a social media startup.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with App Growth Network?

I needed help in marketing my app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They helped me generate a strategy to acquire more users. They conducted ASO (App Store Optimization) and implemented app-testing. By conducting beta-testing, they helped me target the right demographic for my product. They also suggested functionality improvements to organically increase the platform’s appeal.

What is the team composition?

My two main points of contact were Hector (Business Creative & Growth Hacker, App Growth Network) and Fouad (CEO, Analytics Guru & Growth Marketer, App Growth Network), but I know that there were more people working on the team.

How did you come to work with App Growth Network?

I randomly found them at a networking event.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together between September–December 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

They helped me from start to finish in terms of marketing my product. I’m seeing levels of growth that would’ve been impossible had I approached the project by myself. We’ve already enjoyed a couple hundred downloads although the product is still being developed.

How did App Growth Network perform from a project management standpoint?

Their project management was brilliant. Communication was great, as they provided frequent updates.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I really enjoyed their energy. They provide high-quality services at a low cost.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Stay in regular communication with them, and you’re set to go.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I work for an app that connects GenZ with jobs via video and I am the cofounder

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire App Growth Network?

We hired app growth network to acquire new users via digital media channels. We used some marketing tools before and some freelancer before but we never really convinced we wanted something professional efficient. We wanted to test different platforms like Facebook and Snapchat and Instagram yet increase our install rates as well as decrease our CPI

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal was to increase our app in stalls drastically but also test different markets and obviously decrease our cost per installs

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We were referred by our VC that funded our Seed round

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

So the project was very clear we set clear KPI‘s in the very beginning and we wanted to test three different platforms Snapchat Instagram Facebook + create and submit new creatives every 2 Weeks to drive installs and decrease CPI.

We also worked a lot with ASA and ASO to optimize our Apple Store presence. It was great to work together and discuss different types of creative as well as look at how to improve conversion and also maintain our CPI little while growin in instal’s

What was the team composition?

Hector was our main contact and any work sometimes with Fay as well that was a gen z expert that could help us for the content but it was mostly Hector and I working together on this with solal from our team that was just tracking numbers

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Well the outcome is that we decrease CPI by 73% which is a great start. We also were able to automate a lot of the processes and report more efficiently. We now know which asset and creative work better. We also have a better idea of how much our users cost us in different markets.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

They're super effective, with nearly 24/7 response and contact.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their will to always do better

Are there any areas for improvement?

More creatives

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I oversee marketing services for a PR & Marketing agency. We focus on aligning brands with their markets, and often serve as strategic counsel to our clients as they take their companies to the next level. This means becoming more strategic in their marketing and messaging, and occasionally leveraging channels with which they are unfamailiar.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire App Growth Network?

We continue to work with App Growth Network as they optimize all possible levers to increase downloads and activations for a client's mobile app. We count on them to provide operational guidance on how to stage the app for success, tactical direction on where to focus marketing activities, and executional implementation of bidding and keywords in the key marketplaces.

What were your goals for this project?

The baseline goals were to increase downloads by 25% MoM and reduce CPIs by 30%.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I had previously worked with the CEO and knew first-hand his expertise in mobile acquisition strategy and tactics. What I didn't know was what kind of team he had built since then, how well he had managed to infuse his organization with his expertise, or how much they might shared his passion.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

This project involves every aspect of ASO: product descriptions, listing graphics, keyword selection and bidding, competitive performance tracking, basic analytics, and more. They have been managing the day-to-day activities directly as well as providing routine strategic counsel. We have yet to leverage their more advanced analytics and behavior tracking, but we know it's there.

What was the team composition?

We have a primary Account Executive (who is awesome) for the day-to-day, and the CEO joins the regular strategy sessions. We have also started conversations with their advanced analytics lead as we look ahead to optimizing the campaign further.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The app went from #40 to #20 in the first week, and broke into the top 10 in the first 30 days. Downloads have doubled. Even more importantly, the activations have doubled while the CPI has been cut in half.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

AGN operates like an extension of our agency. Communications are always candid and clear. We share a desire to see that the client succeeds and that we exceed their expectations. We really feel like their team are colleagues who share our values.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

In a word: Integrity. The mobile app world is kind of the wild west, with lots of dark corners, bogus metrics, and questionable practices. AGN is savvy to all those challenges, but works at a level above them. We know we can trust App Growth Networks's counsel and the results they produce.

Are there any areas for improvement?

AGN is growing fast and going fast (as they deserve). So things can feel a little loose at times. Since we're an agency too, we get it. And AGN is aware of this, so this will undoubtedly improve

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the president of a small startup focused on developing a health and productivity app.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with App Growth Network?

I had a lack of knowledge when it came to optimizing my marketing operations. We needed help managing the technical aspects of getting up marketing platforms.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

From soup to nuts, they developed a marketing and advertising strategy. To start, we did plenty of brainstorming together on how to focus the money we spent to gain conversions. In that effort, they helped us understand what’s important in the current marketplace and how to appeal to different focus groups.

In addition to strategy, the team worked out the mechanics of setting up accounts for Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Apple Search Ads. They helped with the technical implementation of their strategy. In the end, they walked me all the way through the initial launch.

After creating and delivering the ads, they helped with Apple Search optimization (ASO) and SEO for the website. The team also did an examination of our keywords to refocus on target audiences.

What is the team composition?

We worked with Jennifer (Customer Success Manager, App Growth Network) and Michaela (Growth Manager, App Growth Network).

How did you come to work with App Growth Network?

I visited a website that provided ratings and reviews on various marketing companies and selected a few to reach out to. Their president was very responsive, so I went with them.

How much have you invested with them?

We've spent under $10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in April 2019, and the collaboration is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

We’re still in the early stages since the app launched in the summer of 2019. At this point, we have a little more than 1,000 downloads, which has allowed us to get enough data points to do additional analysis of our target groups.

App Growth Network has helped with each step of that process. Now, they’re providing feedback based on those insights to improve the app. So far, they’ve suggested incorporating a backend server into our operation, so we have the ability to engage more with customers and collect in-app reviews.

I’m quite satisfied with what they’ve accomplished. It’s an interactive process, so I’m looking forward to working through this with them. They’ve met all our goals so far.

How did App Growth Network perform from a project management standpoint?

Their team was creative, friendly, and helpful. We had a few technical challenges with starting the Facebook ads, but they definitely met the extended deadlines I gave them for that.

Our teams collaborate through Asana, and they’ve been responsive to video teleconferences and email as well. Their communication has been impressive. They’re honest, upfront, accurate, and timely in their engagements with us.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They brought enthusiasm to the development. I appreciated that. They put in the effort to understand exactly what we wanted and what the solution was supposed to accomplish. I felt like they cared about our team.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could provide more of their own ideas proactively. However, I’m pretty happy with everything they’ve produced.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Have as much communication with them as possible. They’re very responsive and happy to jump on teleconferences or email chains. Their team adapted well to our communication limitations, including time zone differences.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Founder of sports app company based in Philadelphia- Sports Debatable

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire App Growth Network?

Consulting on analytics and advertising, plus app store optimization

What were your goals for this project?

Learn more about app growth and analytics

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Internet research- Business of Apps

Describe the project in detail.

Worked with them to get training on Firebase, Flurry, and other tools. Advised on app store optimization, helped set up events and conversions

What was the team composition?

Just me

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Succesfully set up events and conversions, plus custom audience notifications.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very effective- Skype dialog was responsive

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their team is knowledgable and establishes good back and forth communication.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, not now

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the CEO of Sweat Pea, a small startup in the mobile social discovery space.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire App Growth Network?

We were looking to optimize our digital ad spend across multiple channels, increase retention, and implement an ASO strategy on both iOS and Android.

What were your goals for this project?

Lower CPIs, higher retention + subscriber conversion rates, greater organic uplift from marketing spend.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Hector and Fouad reached out to me and said they wanted to work together. After a few phone calls, I knew it would be a great fit. It was obvious that they were honest people who just want to show up and work hard every day.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Lower CPIs. Work with team to inform creative strategy, audience creation, and budget on a city-by-city level.

What was the team composition?

AGN worked directly with the marketing team and myself.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Since starting the project, we've been able to refine and create rules-based ad automation on many of our digital marketing channels. CPIs are trending downward while retention is trending upward. We have a much stronger understanding of our users' in-app behaviors, as well as the customer lifecycle.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Really easy team to work with. Communication has never been a problem.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The willingness to learn and contribute sweat equity. It's not just about billable hours to these guys. They really want to be long term partners in your business and see it succeed.

Are there any areas for improvement?

If you're a startup that needs a helping hand, these guys are the real deal.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO of Sentry Parental Control. Sentry is helping parents protect their children while they use smartphones. Sentry monitors the content created or received on the mobile device and notifies parents if suspicious content is detected.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire App Growth Network?

The goal was and still is to help the user acquisition process. Which means ASO, content marketing, help with Google Ads campaigns and general guidance on the marketing strategy.

What were your goals for this project?

Optimize and reduce the cost of user acquisition. Find new channels for advertising.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I was actively looking for an agency, but eventually, I answered a cold email from AGN and fell in love with the people there.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

After several Skype calls (we are on different continents) AGN has asked me many questions and asked to me to do homework, so them and I will have a better understanding of what is the current situation and what are the challenges ahead. After that, they have sent me a detailed plan of what needs to be done and their prices. They also offer to be a part of their network, which is a great bonus.

What was the team composition?

I was in contact with the founder and several key members of the team. I am not sure who actually done the work, but I do know that the management could answer all the needed questions I had

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

While I can't discuss the metrics, I can mention that we had a significant increase in downloads and conversion rates.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was very straight forward. The response time was amazing (despite the 10hr difference) and we communicated mainly via emails.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They have a huge experience in the apps marketing world. I've spoken with many agencies who claim to know all there is to know, but when it comes down to business, app promotion is different from web marketing or any other industry. AGN knows its way not only in ASO but in analytics, funnels, and many more required fields of expertise.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I would always be happy to pay less, but I guess when you want high-quality service, the price will always be the same level