📝 Template: From Idea to $6M App
Here’s the framework I use for building, launching, growing, and eventually selling an app for six- or seven-figure exits. Think of it as a checklist you can follow and adapt to your own project. Module 1: Problem Discovery - Distinguish between “pain-killer” (must-have) vs. “vitamin” (nice-to-have) problems - Quick validation techniques: surveys & interviews - Example: youth pastor needing post-Bible-study guidance Module 2: Customer Targeting - Build an ideal customer avatar (demographics, frustrations, goals) - Find and qualify prospects in communities, social media, and local groups Module 3: Lead Magnet & List Building - Lead magnet ideas: guides, checklists, mini-training - Landing-page essentials & free tools (Mailchimp, ConvertKit, Carrd) - Best practices for capturing emails Module 4: Lean MVP Development (with AI) - Xcode project setup & Git baseline - Define the “absolute minimum” feature set - AI-powered code scaffolding, copy-paste workflows, live debug loops - Quick deploy to TestFlight with AI-written release notes Module 5: Monetization & Recurring Revenue - Subscription vs. one-time fee vs. freemium upsell - Pricing psychology & payment setup (Stripe, in-app purchases) - Key metrics: MRR, churn, LTV:CAC Module 6: Sales Email Sequence - 5-email sequence: welcome, quick win, case study, objection handling, CTA - Swipe file for subject lines & templates Module 7: Customer-Driven Iteration - Feedback loops: surveys, session recordings, in-app chat - Prioritize requests without scope creep - Simple referral program setup Module 8: Low-Budget Paid Marketing - Choose channels: Facebook/Instagram, Google Ads, niche forums - Run ad creative tests under $50 - Track installs → trials → conversions Module 9: Acquisition Readiness - Metrics acquirers care about: revenue multiples, growth, retention - Code, docs, and legal housekeeping - Finding buyers (strategic vs. financial)