013: Making $30k/Month Selling App Developments

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— Welcome, everyone, to the journey of Pioneer Mobile Applications, a story of passion, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. I am Phil Scarfi, the founder. As we navigate through the chapters of Pioneer's evolution, you'll witness the highs, the lows, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. So, sit back and join me as I unravel the tapestry of Pioneer's story, woven with threads of determination, innovation, and the spirit of entrepreneurship. —

— So, what is Pioneer? Well, we're a team that's all about crafting mobile apps quickly and without breaking the bank. We're the go-to guys for both iOS and Android platforms, not forgetting the web backend that ensures everything runs like a well-oiled machine. Though we call Long Island, New York home, we've got clients spread out all across the US. —

— We cater to a broad spectrum of clients, from startups working with budgets between ten grand and fifty grand to big enterprises ready to invest over a hundred grand. The exciting news is, in just a year and a half, we've nearly tripled our client base and the leads coming our way. But more on that later! —

— My journey started back in high school when I got hooked on software and coding. It was like learning a new language that I couldn't get enough of. By senior year, I was all in, deciding to major in Computer Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where my adventure truly began. —

— Now, here's a fun fact about UMass Amherst — it boasts the best dining nationwide. It was a place where students, including myself, would hang out for hours, enjoying good food and company. But here's the catch, sometimes you'd trek all the way to a dining hall only to find out they weren't serving anything to your taste. It was a bummer, especially during a blizzard when delivery would have been a warmer and tastier option. —

— That's when I had a lightbulb moment. Why not create an app that consolidates all the dining menus in one handy place? No more checking different websites or Facebook pages to know what's on the menu. Freshman me got to work, and before I knew it, the app was a hit, catching the attention of the university's dining services head. What started as a solution to my dining dilemma led to my first sale — the university bought the app! —

— This experience was a revelation. It opened doors to countless opportunities, including working with BuzzFeed during my junior and senior years on various app projects. It was exhilarating, and it helped me chip away at my college loans. —

— As I delved deeper into the business world, joining the Isenberg School of Business, a mentor introduced me to the Lean Startup Methodology. It was a game-changer, teaching me to approach business with a scientific mindset. It dawned on me that this strategy could be a goldmine in developing successful apps. —

— And that's how Pioneer Mobile Applications was born, blending tech know-how with savvy business insights to bring app ideas to life, one successful project at a time. —

— At Pioneer, we have a six-step process to make sure your app not only comes to life but thrives in the app market. —

— First off, we don't just take your idea and run with it; we give it a good shake, mix it with our mobile expertise to find the best direction to go. It's like drawing a map before setting off on a road trip. It means we can avoid any roadblocks and get to the destination faster, saving time and stress later on. —

— Next, we make sure your app isn't just cool but something people will actually want to use. It's like testing the waters before a big dive, ensuring there's a crowd waiting to cheer when you launch. We use what we call our "Lean App Methodology" to validate your idea, making sure it's not just good, but great. —

— Then comes the branding part. We sit down with you to craft that wow factor, the thing that makes people stop and pay attention. It's all about creating a buzz, getting people talking, and making sure your app shines bright in the crowded app store. —

— But before we start building, we plan. We figure out the best tech for your app, kind of like choosing the best materials before you start building a house. It means your app won't just be fantastic now; it'll be easy to expand and won't cost you an arm and a leg down the line. —

— Testing is a big deal for us. Throughout the whole creation process, we're like detectives, constantly checking that everything works perfectly and makes sense to users. It's a cycle of testing and tweaking, making sure the app is not just good, but perfect. —

— Finally, it's time to launch. But launching isn't just hitting a button; it's shouting from the rooftops, telling everyone your app is here. We help you with that, getting the word out and drawing users in, turning that app dream into a buzzing reality. It's not just about building an app; it's about launching it into success. —

— When I decided to officially kickstart Pioneer, I knew being online was key. But here's the thing, web development and graphic design weren't really my strong suits. So, creating a website was kind of a mountain to climb. I took the first step by buying a domain and tweaking some free website templates to echo what Pioneer is all about. I shared this initial version with friends and family, gathered their thoughts, and after a bit of polishing, voila, our website was born. —

— But a website with no visitors is like a party with no guests, right? That's when I dove headfirst into the world of SEO. The goal was simple: pop up on Google when someone searches for an "affordable app developer." It took a bit of experimenting with blog posts and keywords, but soon enough, people started noticing us, and the inquiries began pouring in. The trick was to really nail down what we wanted to be known for in the SEO space and to tailor our content to match that vision. —

— Now, let's talk about our relationship with our clients because that's the real heart of Pioneer. We believe in keeping the lines of communication wide open. Whether it's through regular check-ins on Slack or giving clients a peek behind the curtain with Asana, we make sure they're in the loop every step of the way. It's all about transparency and working together as a team. —

— We're fully aware that many of our clients are startups operating on tight budgets. That's why we've honed our development process to be as cost-effective as possible, without compromising on quality. We've created our own frameworks, drawing from the common elements we found in various projects. This not only saves time but gives us a leg up in the competitive market. —

— Looking at where we are now, it's safe to say Pioneer is on solid ground. Our focus on customer satisfaction has paid off big time, with many happy clients coming back for more and even referring us to others. It turns out, a good word from a satisfied customer is way more effective than any Google search. And speaking of online presence, our SEO and social media efforts have boosted our website visitors massively, even though paid ads didn't really work out for us. —

— Our team has grown to include seven hardworking individuals, juggling roles from design to development. We're on track to double our client base and slash the development time in half by the end of this year. But it hasn't all been smooth sailing. Back in twenty eighteen, we faced a hiccup when a sudden surge in client demand led to a hasty hiring spree. Unfortunately, it didn't pan out as expected, teaching me a valuable lesson on the importance of careful hiring and not biting off more than you can chew. —

— So, here's a piece of advice to anyone starting out: take it slow with hiring and don't hesitate to say no when necessary. Sometimes, limiting your workload to maintain quality can be a blessing in disguise, even leading to a beneficial waitlist system. It's all about learning and growing, and at Pioneer, we're doing that every single day, striving to be the best in the business. —

— As we draw the curtains on the Pioneer story, I hope it has been a source of inspiration, a testament to what dedication and a relentless pursuit of innovation can achieve. Pioneer Mobile Applications stands today as a beacon of quality and trust in the app development landscape, a dream nurtured with hard work, and a vision fueled by passion. Thank you for walking this path with me, and remember, this is not the end; it's just the beginning of more exciting chapters waiting to be written in the Pioneer chronicle. Here's to forging new paths, building dreams, and reaching unprecedented heights.—

—Thank you for being part of today's adventure through the world of startups and innovation. Did this episode ignite any fresh perspectives or ideas? Share your reflections and favorite takeaways in a review wherever you’re listening now. Remember to stay curious, continue to forge your own path, and subscribe and follow Startup Gems to be the first to access stories that will fan the flames of your entrepreneurial passion.