He Made $10M with 3 iPhone Apps

Summary

Blake Anderson, a self-taught developer, shares his journey of building and scaling three successful iPhone apps that generated millions in revenue. He emphasizes the power of AI tools, particularly ChatGPT, to help with coding and marketing. Blake’s approach combines simple MVPs, fast iteration, influencer marketing, and user-generated content to rapidly gain attention and grow apps. He also highlights the importance of building an app that solves real problems, validating ideas with social media research, and continuously refining the product based on customer feedback. His success story offers valuable insights for aspiring app entrepreneurs.

Takeaways

• 😀 Blake Anderson taught himself to code using ChatGPT and built three successful AI apps, generating over $10 million in revenue.
• 😀 The rise of AI and tools like ChatGPT has opened up new opportunities for solving problems more efficiently and at lower costs.
• 😀 Novel distribution techniques, especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, can help apps go viral and reach millions of users.
• 😀 Apps have become easier to build and market, making them a great business opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs.
• 😀 Blake set a goal to make $50,000 in his first year after graduation and used his personal experiences to inspire his app ideas.
• 😀 The key to success in app building is starting with a simple MVP (Minimum Viable Product) and iterating based on user feedback.
• 😀 Influencer marketing and organic content creation (UGC) are powerful tools for promoting apps and scaling revenue.
• 😀 Blake emphasizes the importance of identifying niches with high demand and strong monetization potential, such as AI-powered tools and language learning apps.
• 😀 Validation of app ideas involves deeply immersing oneself in the target market and gathering real-world feedback from the customer base.
• 😀 When building an app, mastering design tools like Figma and using frameworks like React Native with Expo can help speed up the development process.
• 😀 Subscription models are often the most effective way to monetize apps, with A/B testing tools like Superwall helping maximize revenue.

Q & A

What inspired Blake Anderson to pursue creating AI apps?

Blake Anderson was inspired to create AI apps after finding himself at a crossroads, struggling financially post-college. He set a goal to make $50,000 in a year, which pushed him into entrepreneurship and the creation of AI apps.

How did Blake Anderson's first app, Riz GPT, become successful?

Riz GPT, a dating assistant app, gained success due to Blake's smart influencer marketing strategy. By paying influencers to promote the app, it received millions of views, resulting in rapid downloads and significant revenue.

What made Blake’s AI apps different from other products in the market?

Blake's AI apps stood out because they combined AI technology with a strong focus on influencer marketing. He leveraged the growing AI tools like ChatGPT and social media platforms to quickly reach large audiences, allowing for quicker app validation and success.

What were the key factors that contributed to Blake's rapid success with multiple AI apps?

Two key factors contributed to Blake's success: the rise of AI technology, especially tools like ChatGPT, and the ability to use social media platforms effectively for marketing, allowing him to generate massive user engagement without relying on traditional ads.

How did Blake validate his app ideas before building them?

Blake validated his app ideas by immersing himself in niche communities on social media, acting as the target user. This allowed him to understand the needs of potential users and make more informed decisions before building his products.

What tools did Blake use to develop and design his apps?

Blake used Figma for app design and React Native for development. These tools helped him efficiently build and design his apps, making the process smoother and faster.

What monetization strategy does Blake recommend for AI apps?

Blake recommends using a subscription-based model to monetize AI apps. He also advises experimenting with different price points and testing subscription offerings using tools like Superwall.

How does Blake approach marketing for his AI apps?

Blake focuses on influencer marketing and user-generated content (UGC) for promoting his apps. He uses social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram to reach millions of potential customers, bypassing traditional advertising.

What are the primary costs involved in running an AI app business according to Blake?

The majority of costs in running an AI app business come from marketing, not from the AI backend itself, which is typically inexpensive. Marketing strategies like influencer collaborations and content creation drive most of the expenses.

What lessons did Blake learn that helped him achieve success in the AI app space?

Blake learned the importance of creating a sense of urgency, working relentlessly toward goals, and thinking independently. He also realized that experimenting with different marketing and monetization strategies is crucial for long-term success.