transcript.txt
transcript2.txt
Porn addiction is a significant issue, especially with the rise of platforms like OnlyFans. The problem is normalized, and many men hesitate to discuss it openly. There was a gap in the market for a Gen Z-focused solution, unlike existing apps targeting older demographics like Covenant Eyes. The founders recognized this need and decided to build an app to address it.
The founders were in the self-improvement space and aware of "nofap" and semen retention benefits. They observed the lack of apps specifically designed for quitting porn and recognized the market gap. Competitor analysis revealed Brain Buddy, but it lacked marketing and innovation. This insight drove the founders to build their app, starting with a simple timer for tracking "nofap streaks."
The initial product was a timer for tracking streaks. It evolved to include a community for peer support and shared goals. Features like breathing exercises and a "panic button" were added to help users stay on track.
Onboarding starts with a quiz to assess the user's need for the app. The quiz is "oddly specific" to gauge addiction severity and patterns. It acts as a psychological reinforcer, prompting self-reflection and acceptance of the issue. The high completion rate of the onboarding flow (99%) is due to high user intent.
After the quiz, users select symptoms they experience. Testimonials and reviews are displayed to provide social proof. The side effects of porn and benefits of quitting are highlighted. An App Store review request is strategically placed before the paywall for App Store optimization. The paywall emphasizes self-investment and affordability, with product features explained in detail only after the paywall.
Users are immediately taken to the app features after payment. A streak counter is prominently displayed to motivate users. Milestone badges for streak achievements and a to-do list encourage feature engagement and retention. The community feature allows peer support and breaking down barriers. The "panic button" links to the community or journaling. The "plant your seed" feature visually tracks streaks, and an AI therapist "Melus" provides personalized advice and support. A resource page with articles explains porn addiction and its effects.
A freemium model was tested but resulted in low engagement. A hard paywall drives user commitment and higher perceived value. There is undeniable data that paying for something increases its perceived value.
Initial growth strategy focused on influencer marketing. The founders targeted influencers in religious and fitness niches initially, then expanded to self-help. They paid for consulting calls with religious creators to pitch the app and negotiated view guarantees and bonuses for high performance. Influencer content was leveraged as paid ads for further reach.
A viral video on TikTok generated $100K in 65 hours. The performance-based pay structure for influencers and potentially UGC creators focuses on influencers who resonate with the brand and target audience.
Initial outreach was via DMs, consulting calls, and emails. The first outreach message emphasized "paid promo" for higher click-through rates. A verified brand account improved inbox visibility. Payment amounts were not disclosed in initial text messages, preferring calls for negotiation. Niches were targeted based on pain points and value systems.
Contracts included usage rights to repurpose influencer content as ads. View guarantees were incorporated into contracts to ensure performance. Flexibility to adjust contracts if view guarantees were not met.
Swift was used for iOS app development, and ChatGPT for coding assistance and feature implementation. Firebase was used for the backend database and community features. Figma was used for UI/UX design. Mixpanel was used for onboarding and funnel analytics, and Superwall for paywall A/B testing and management.
A black color scheme conveyed a premium product impression. The design was simple, refined, and used good fonts and colors for an enjoyable user experience. The DM Sans Google Font was used throughout the app. The "multiples of four" principle was used for padding and spacing for a clean UI.
Google Sheets was used for influencer lead tracking. Fiverr was used for finding VAs. Groy platform was used for influencer management, contracts, and payments. Agree.com was used for contract management. Zappier was used for email automation triggered by Notion contract status.
The strategy shifted towards brand awareness and viral stunts. Inspiration was drawn from "Project Liquid Death" for disruptive marketing. IRL stunts at porn conventions and provocative social media content were considered. A tweet idea about Quitter purchasing PornHub was planned for viral attention.
Influencer marketing was scaled, and CPM-based deals were optimized. Organic content marketing and SEO were expanded. Paid ad spend was increased, and ROI was optimized. Partnerships with churches and dioceses were explored, along with larger creators and podcasts.
The aim was to build authority through research studies and scientific validation. High-ticket offers and one-on-one support were considered for the future. The app was planned to be more customizable.
Reddit was used to validate product ideas in niche communities. Product Hunt was used for early user feedback and product rating.
Different marketing channels were tested, including influencers, organic content, and paid ads. The marketing strategy was tailored to the product and niche.
Onboarding flow was optimized before investing heavily in marketing. Successful app onboarding flows were studied for inspiration.
The app was bootstrapped with a small initial investment, and revenue was reinvested. The focus was on revenue generation to fuel further growth.
A co-founder with complementary skills was found. Partnering up allowed for faster growth and shared workload.
An MVP was launched quickly and iterated based on user feedback. The focus was on the core value proposition, and procrastination was avoided.
Onboarding funnel metrics were tracked using Mixpanel. Paywalls and pricing were A/B tested using Superwall. User feedback was collected and implemented.
Successful distribution strategies from competitor apps were copied. Proven strategies were leveraged.
A clear pain point was solved, and users were made "problem aware." The value proposition was clearly communicated in onboarding and marketing.
Virality was optimized for, and brand building was crucial for long-term scalability. IRL stunts and provocative marketing were considered for brand visibility.
iOS development was focused on first for higher monetization potential. A "skip account creation" option reduced onboarding friction. A price point around $10/month or $40/year was aimed for subscriptions. The app was shown in marketing videos for better conversion.
Porn addiction is a significant issue, especially with the rise of platforms like OnlyFans. The problem is normalized, and many men hesitate to discuss it openly. The founders recognized that men often avoid talking about porn addiction with friends, highlighting a need for discreet solutions. They identified a gap in the market for a Gen Z-focused solution, unlike existing apps targeting older demographics like Covenant Eyes, which primarily serves men aged 35 and up. This insight drove the founders to build an app tailored to the younger generation.
The founders were already involved in the self-improvement space and were aware of the benefits of "nofap" and semen retention. They observed the lack of apps specifically designed for quitting porn and recognized the market gap. Competitor analysis revealed Brain Buddy, but it lacked marketing efforts and innovation despite being in the market for 14 years. This insight drove the founders to build their app, starting with a simple timer for tracking "nofap streaks."
The initial product was fundamentally a timer for tracking streaks. It evolved to include a community feature for peer support and shared goals. Users could chat with each other and help each other out, fostering a sense of camaraderie. Additional features like breathing exercises and a "panic button" were added. The panic button vibrates the user's phone and reminds them of their goals when they feel tempted, providing immediate support.
Onboarding starts with a 12-page quiz to assess the user's need for the app. The questions are "oddly specific" to gauge addiction severity and patterns, such as asking if the user's exposure to porn has become more twisted over time. The quiz acts as a psychological reinforcer, prompting self-reflection and acceptance of the issue. The high completion rate of the onboarding flow (99%) is due to high user intent, as indicated by Mixpanel analytics.
After the quiz, users select symptoms they experience, such as low drive or disinterest in social interactions. Testimonials and reviews are displayed to provide social proof, showcasing success stories from other users. The side effects of porn and the benefits of quitting are highlighted, reinforcing the app's value proposition. An App Store review request is strategically placed before the paywall to boost App Store optimization (ASO). The paywall emphasizes self-investment and affordability, personalizing the message with the user's name to encourage conversion.
Users are immediately taken to the app features after payment. A streak counter is prominently displayed to motivate users, showing the time they have been sober. Milestone badges for streak achievements and a to-do list encourage feature engagement and retention. The community feature allows peer support and breaking down barriers, with users able to journal their thoughts and engage with others. The "panic button" links to the community or journaling, providing immediate support. The "plant your seed" feature visually tracks streaks, growing from a sapling into a tree as the streak increases. An AI therapist named "Melus" provides personalized advice and support, while a resource page with articles explains porn addiction and its effects.
A freemium model was tested but resulted in low engagement. Users did not value the app when it was free, leading to a significant drop in activity. In contrast, a hard paywall drives user commitment and higher perceived value. The founders noted that when users pay for something, they value it more, leading to better engagement and retention.
Initial growth strategy focused on influencer marketing. The founders targeted influencers in religious and fitness niches initially, then expanded to self-help. They paid for consulting calls with religious creators to pitch the app, with one successful pitch resulting from a $50 consulting call. Influencers were paid on a CPM basis, aiming for $2-$3 per thousand views. For example, a contract might guarantee 250,000 views per video, with four videos totaling 1 million views for $4,000. The contract structure included a 20% upfront payment, with the remainder paid after contract completion and Apple payout.
A viral video on TikTok generated $100K in 65 hours, with $40K in sales in a single day. The performance-based pay structure for influencers focuses on those who resonate with the brand and target audience. The founders considered implementing view rewards, paying people retroactively based on every thousand views they get.
Initial outreach was via DMs, consulting calls, and emails. The first outreach message emphasized "paid promo" for higher click-through rates. A verified brand account improved inbox visibility, with the founders noting that verified accounts bump messages higher in the inbox. Payment amounts were not disclosed in initial text messages, preferring calls for negotiation. Niches were targeted based on pain points and value systems, such as religion (porn is against God), fitness (low testosterone, no gains), and self-help (semen retention benefits).
Contracts included usage rights to repurpose influencer content as ads. View guarantees were incorporated into contracts to ensure performance. For example, a contract might guarantee 500,000 views per month for $1,500, with flexibility to adjust if view guarantees were not met. The founders noted that they could prorate contracts if necessary, paying based on actual views received.
The app was developed using Swift for iOS, with ChatGPT assisting in coding and feature implementation. Firebase was used for the backend database and community features, while Figma was used for UI/UX design. Mixpanel was used for onboarding and funnel analytics, and Superwall for paywall A/B testing and management. The founders noted that Superwall allowed them to test different pricing and designs on the fly, monitoring results to optimize conversion.
A black color scheme conveyed a premium product impression. The design was simple, refined, and used good fonts and colors for an enjoyable user experience. The DM Sans Google Font was used throughout the app. The "multiples of four" principle was used for padding and spacing, with text sizes and padding following this rule for a clean UI. The founders emphasized the importance of making everything simple and refined, using good fonts and colors to create an enjoyable experience.
Google Sheets was used for influencer lead tracking, with Fiverr used for finding VAs. The Groy platform was used for influencer management, contracts, and payments. Agree.com was used for contract management, while Zappier automated email sending triggered by Notion contract status. The founders noted that once an influencer signed a contract and it was checked off in Notion, an onboarding email was automatically sent.
The strategy shifted towards brand awareness and viral stunts, with inspiration drawn from "Project Liquid Death" for disruptive marketing. The founders considered IRL stunts at porn conventions and provocative social media content, such as a tweet about Quitter purchasing PornHub. They noted that virality is valuable, as demonstrated by a video with Jeremiah that reached $100,000 in a day. The goal was to take risks and build brand association, with a focus on awareness and brand building for long-term scalability.
Influencer marketing was scaled, and CPM-based deals were optimized. Organic content marketing and SEO were expanded, with increased paid ad spend and ROI optimization. The founders explored partnerships with churches and dioceses, as well as larger creators and podcasts like Theo Von and George Janko. They noted the importance of expanding marketing channels and optimizing ROI for sustained growth.
The aim was to build authority through research studies and scientific validation. High-ticket offers and one-on-one support were considered for the future, with the app planned to be more customizable. The founders noted the importance of involving scientists and neurologists in research studies to build credibility and authority. They also considered the next level of support, such as one-on-one coaching or high-ticket offers, to further monetize the app.
Reddit was used to validate product ideas in niche communities, with Product Hunt used for early user feedback and product rating. The founders noted that Reddit has every sub-niche and community imaginable, making it an ideal platform for validating product ideas. Product Hunt democratizes new product launches, allowing users to rate and review products, providing valuable early feedback.
Different marketing channels were tested, including influencers, organic content, and paid ads. The founders emphasized the importance of not relying solely on one marketing channel and tailoring the strategy to the product and niche. They noted that there are multiple ways to market a product, and it is important to keep testing and iterating to find what works best.
Onboarding flow was optimized before investing heavily in marketing. The founders studied successful app onboarding flows for inspiration, noting that optimizing onboarding is the single most important thing in consumer apps. They emphasized the importance of studying top-performing apps and replicating their onboarding strategies to improve conversion rates.
The app was bootstrapped with a small initial investment of $3,000, and revenue was reinvested to fuel further growth. The founders noted the importance of turning $1 into $4 and staying bootstrapped as long as possible. They emphasized the difficulty of marketing without initial funding, suggesting that aspiring entrepreneurs should secure some money upfront, whether through savings, gifts, or loans.
A co-founder with complementary skills was essential for the app's success. The founders noted the importance of finding someone good at marketing or product development to share the workload and accelerate growth. They emphasized the challenges of going it alone and the benefits of partnering up, suggesting that Discord is a great place to find potential co-founders.
An MVP was launched quickly and iterated based on user feedback. The founders emphasized the importance of taking action and not overcomplicating things. They noted that it is better to launch something good enough and target communities within the niche, rather than waiting for everything to be perfect. Procrastination was avoided, with a focus on continuous improvement and iteration.
Onboarding funnel metrics were tracked using Mixpanel, with paywalls and pricing A/B tested using Superwall. The founders noted the importance of collecting user feedback and implementing changes based on that feedback. They emphasized the need for a system to gather and act on user feedback, continuously improving the product and marketing strategies.
Successful distribution strategies from competitor apps were copied, with a focus on leveraging proven strategies. The founders noted the importance of not reinventing the wheel and instead replicating successful tactics from other apps. They emphasized the need to study competitors and adapt their strategies to fit the unique needs of the app and its target audience.
A clear pain point was solved, and users were made "problem aware." The founders emphasized the importance of clearly communicating the value proposition in onboarding and marketing. They noted that solving a real problem and making users aware of that problem is crucial for success. The app's features and benefits were highlighted, with a focus on the outcome and instate, rather than the features themselves.
Virality was optimized for, with a focus on creating content that has the potential to go viral. The founders noted the importance of brand building for long-term scalability, with a focus on getting the brand in people's heads. They considered IRL stunts and provocative marketing to increase brand visibility and awareness, emphasizing the need to take risks and think outside the box.
iOS development was focused on first for higher monetization potential, with Android development deprioritized due to lower revenue potential. A "skip account creation" option reduced onboarding friction, with users more likely to convert at the end of the paywall if they create an account. The founders noted the importance of having users' emails for sending updates and discounts, but also emphasized the need for a skip option to avoid deterring potential users. A price point around $10/month or $40/year was aimed for subscriptions, with the founders noting that this is the sweet spot for impulse buys. The app was shown in marketing videos to improve conversion rates, with the founders emphasizing the importance of showcasing the app's features and benefits in marketing materials.
Porn addiction is a significant issue, especially with the rise of platforms like OnlyFans. The problem is normalized, and many men hesitate to discuss it openly. The founders recognized that men often avoid talking about porn addiction with friends, highlighting a need for discreet solutions. They identified a gap in the market for a Gen Z-focused solution, unlike existing apps targeting older demographics like Covenant Eyes, which primarily serves men aged 35 and up. This insight drove the founders to build an app tailored to the younger generation.
The founders were already involved in the self-improvement space and were aware of the benefits of "nofap" and semen retention. They observed the lack of apps specifically designed for quitting porn and recognized the market gap. Competitor analysis revealed Brain Buddy, but it lacked marketing efforts and innovation despite being in the market for 14 years. This insight drove the founders to build their app, starting with a simple timer for tracking "nofap streaks."
The initial product was fundamentally a timer for tracking streaks. It evolved to include a community feature for peer support and shared goals. Users could chat with each other and help each other out, fostering a sense of camaraderie. Additional features like breathing exercises and a "panic button" were added. The panic button vibrates the user's phone and reminds them of their goals when they feel tempted, providing immediate support. The app also includes a "plant your seed" feature, where users plant a virtual seed that grows into a tree as their streak increases, creating a visual representation of progress.
Onboarding starts with a 12-page quiz to assess the user's need for the app. The questions are "oddly specific" to gauge addiction severity and patterns, such as asking if the user's exposure to porn has become more twisted over time. The quiz acts as a psychological reinforcer, prompting self-reflection and acceptance of the issue. The high completion rate of the onboarding flow (99%) is due to high user intent, as indicated by Mixpanel analytics.
After the quiz, users select symptoms they experience, such as low drive or disinterest in social interactions. Testimonials and reviews are displayed to provide social proof, showcasing success stories from other users. The side effects of porn and the benefits of quitting are highlighted, reinforcing the app's value proposition. An App Store review request is strategically placed before the paywall to boost App Store optimization (ASO). The paywall emphasizes self-investment and affordability, personalizing the message with the user's name to encourage conversion.
Users are immediately taken to the app features after payment. A streak counter is prominently displayed to motivate users, showing the time they have been sober. Milestone badges for streak achievements and a to-do list encourage feature engagement and retention. The community feature allows peer support and breaking down barriers, with users able to journal their thoughts and engage with others. The "panic button" links to the community or journaling, providing immediate support. The "plant your seed" feature visually tracks streaks, growing from a sapling into a tree as the streak increases. An AI therapist named "Melus" provides personalized advice and support, while a resource page with articles explains porn addiction and its effects.
A freemium model was tested but resulted in low engagement. Users did not value the app when it was free, leading to a significant drop in activity. In contrast, a hard paywall drives user commitment and higher perceived value. The founders noted that when users pay for something, they value it more, leading to better engagement and retention.
Initial growth strategy focused on influencer marketing. The founders targeted influencers in religious and fitness niches initially, then expanded to self-help. They paid for consulting calls with religious creators to pitch the app, with one successful pitch resulting from a $50 consulting call. Influencers were paid on a CPM basis, aiming for $2-$3 per thousand views. For example, a contract might guarantee 250,000 views per video, with four videos totaling 1 million views for $4,000. The contract structure included a 20% upfront payment, with the remainder paid after contract completion and Apple payout.
A viral video on TikTok generated $100K in 65 hours, with $40K in sales in a single day. The performance-based pay structure for influencers focuses on those who resonate with the brand and target audience. The founders considered implementing view rewards, paying people retroactively based on every thousand views they get.
Initial outreach was via DMs, consulting calls, and emails. The first outreach message emphasized "paid promo" for higher click-through rates. A verified brand account improved inbox visibility, with the founders noting that verified accounts bump messages higher in the inbox. Payment amounts were not disclosed in initial text messages, preferring calls for negotiation. Niches were targeted based on pain points and value systems, such as religion (porn is against God), fitness (low testosterone, no gains), and self-help (semen retention benefits).
Contracts included usage rights to repurpose influencer content as ads. View guarantees were incorporated into contracts to ensure performance. For example, a contract might guarantee 500,000 views per month for $1,500, with flexibility to adjust if view guarantees were not met. The founders noted that they could prorate contracts if necessary, paying based on actual views received.
The app was developed using Swift for iOS, with ChatGPT assisting in coding and feature implementation. Firebase was used for the backend database and community features, while Figma was used for UI/UX design. Mixpanel was used for onboarding and funnel analytics, and Superwall for paywall A/B testing and management. The founders noted that Superwall allowed them to test different pricing and designs on the fly, monitoring results to optimize conversion.
A black color scheme conveyed a premium product impression. The design was simple, refined, and used good fonts and colors for an enjoyable user experience. The DM Sans Google Font was used throughout the app. The "multiples of four" principle was used for padding and spacing, with text sizes and padding following this rule for a clean UI. The founders emphasized the importance of making everything simple and refined, using good fonts and colors to create an enjoyable experience.
Google Sheets was used for influencer lead tracking, with Fiverr used for finding VAs. The Groy platform was used for influencer management, contracts, and payments. Agree.com was used for contract management, while Zappier automated email sending triggered by Notion contract status. The founders noted that once an influencer signed a contract and it was checked off in Notion, an onboarding email was automatically sent.
The strategy shifted towards brand awareness and viral stunts, with inspiration drawn from "Project Liquid Death" for disruptive marketing. The founders considered IRL stunts at porn conventions and provocative social media content, such as a tweet about Quitter purchasing PornHub. They noted that virality is valuable, as demonstrated by a video with Jeremiah that reached $100,000 in a day. The goal was to take risks and build brand association, with a focus on awareness and brand building for long-term scalability.
Influencer marketing was scaled, and CPM-based deals were optimized. Organic content marketing and SEO were expanded, with increased paid ad spend and ROI optimization. The founders explored partnerships with churches and dioceses, as well as larger creators and podcasts like Theo Von and George Janko. They noted the importance of expanding marketing channels and optimizing ROI for sustained growth.
The aim was to build authority through research studies and scientific validation. High-ticket offers and one-on-one support were considered for the future, with the app planned to be more customizable. The founders noted the importance of involving scientists and neurologists in research studies to build credibility and authority. They also considered the next level of support, such as one-on-one coaching or high-ticket offers, to further monetize the app.
Reddit was used to validate product ideas in niche communities, with Product Hunt used for early user feedback and product rating. The founders noted that Reddit has every sub-niche and community imaginable, making it an ideal platform for validating product ideas. Product Hunt democratizes new product launches, allowing users to rate and review products, providing valuable early feedback.
Different marketing channels were tested, including influencers, organic content, and paid ads. The founders emphasized the importance of not relying solely on one marketing channel and tailoring the strategy to the product and niche. They noted that there are multiple ways to market a product, and it is important to keep testing and iterating to find what works best.
Onboarding flow was optimized before investing heavily in marketing. The founders studied successful app onboarding flows for inspiration, noting that optimizing onboarding is the single most important thing in consumer apps. They emphasized the importance of studying top-performing apps and replicating their onboarding strategies to improve conversion rates.
The app was bootstrapped with a small initial investment of $3,000, and revenue was reinvested to fuel further growth. The founders noted the importance of turning $1 into $4 and staying bootstrapped as long as possible. They emphasized the difficulty of marketing without initial funding, suggesting that aspiring entrepreneurs should secure some money upfront, whether through savings, gifts, or loans.
A co-founder with complementary skills was essential for the app's success. The founders noted the importance of finding someone good at marketing or product development to share the workload and accelerate growth. They emphasized the challenges of going it alone and the benefits of partnering up, suggesting that Discord is a great place to find potential co-founders.
An MVP was launched quickly and iterated based on user feedback. The founders emphasized the importance of taking action and not overcomplicating things. They noted that it is better to launch something good enough and target communities within the niche, rather than waiting for everything to be perfect. Procrastination was avoided, with a focus on continuous improvement and iteration.
Onboarding funnel metrics were tracked using Mixpanel, with paywalls and pricing A/B tested using Superwall. The founders noted the importance of collecting user feedback and implementing changes based on that feedback. They emphasized the need for a system to gather and act on user feedback, continuously improving the product and marketing strategies.
Successful distribution strategies from competitor apps were copied, with a focus on leveraging proven strategies. The founders noted the importance of not reinventing the wheel and instead replicating successful tactics from other apps. They emphasized the need to study competitors and adapt their strategies to fit the unique needs of the app and its target audience.
A clear pain point was solved, and users were made "problem aware." The founders emphasized the importance of clearly communicating the value proposition in onboarding and marketing. They noted that solving a real problem and making users aware of that problem is crucial for success. The app's features and benefits were highlighted, with a focus on the outcome and instate, rather than the features themselves.
Virality was optimized for, with a focus on creating content that has the potential to go viral. The founders noted the importance of brand building for long-term scalability, with a focus on getting the brand in people's heads. They considered IRL stunts and provocative marketing to increase brand visibility and awareness, emphasizing the need to take risks and think outside the box.
iOS development was focused on first for higher monetization potential, with Android development deprioritized due to lower revenue potential. A "skip account creation" option reduced onboarding friction, with users more likely to convert at the end of the paywall if they create an account. The founders noted the importance of having users' emails for sending updates and discounts, but also emphasized the need for a skip option to avoid deterring potential users. A price point around $10/month or $40/year was aimed for subscriptions, with the founders noting that this is the sweet spot for impulse buys. The app was shown in marketing videos to improve conversion rates, with the founders emphasizing the importance of showcasing the app's features and benefits in marketing materials.
Porn addiction is a significant issue, especially with the rise of platforms like OnlyFans. The problem is normalized, and many men struggle silently. The founders recognized that men often avoid talking about porn addiction with friends, highlighting a need for discreet solutions. They identified a gap in the market for a Gen Z-focused solution, unlike existing apps targeting older demographics like Covenant Eyes, which primarily serves men aged 35 and up. This insight drove the founders to build an app tailored to the younger generation.
The founders were already involved in the self-improvement space and were aware of the benefits of "nofap" and semen retention. They observed the lack of apps specifically designed for quitting porn and recognized the market gap. Competitor analysis revealed Brain Buddy, a 14-year-old app with minimal marketing and innovation. As one founder noted, "Brain Buddy has been in the market for about 14 years, and they have zero marketing efforts. They’ve barely innovated in the last decade." This gap in the market inspired them to build Quitter.
The initial product was fundamentally a timer for tracking streaks. It evolved to include a community feature for peer support and shared goals. Users could chat with each other and help each other out, fostering a sense of camaraderie. Additional features like breathing exercises and a "panic button" were added. The panic button vibrates the user's phone and reminds them of their goals when they feel tempted, providing immediate support. The app also includes a "plant your seed" feature, where users plant a virtual seed that grows into a tree as their streak increases, creating a visual representation of progress.
Onboarding starts with a 12-page quiz to assess the user's need for the app. The questions are "oddly specific" to gauge addiction severity and patterns. Examples of questions include:
The quiz acts as a psychological reinforcer, prompting self-reflection and acceptance of the issue. The high completion rate of the onboarding flow (99%) is due to high user intent, as indicated by Mixpanel analytics.
After the quiz, users select symptoms they experience, such as:
Testimonials and reviews are displayed to provide social proof, showcasing success stories from other users. The side effects of porn and the benefits of quitting are highlighted, reinforcing the app's value proposition. An App Store review request is strategically placed before the paywall to boost App Store optimization (ASO). The paywall emphasizes self-investment and affordability, personalizing the message with the user's name to encourage conversion.
Users are immediately taken to the app features after payment. A streak counter is prominently displayed to motivate users, showing the time they have been sober. Milestone badges for streak achievements and a to-do list encourage feature engagement and retention. The community feature allows peer support and breaking down barriers, with users able to journal their thoughts and engage with others. The "panic button" links to the community or journaling, providing immediate support. The "plant your seed" feature visually tracks streaks, growing from a sapling into a tree as the streak increases. An AI therapist named "Melus" provides personalized advice and support, while a resource page with articles explains porn addiction and its effects.
A freemium model was tested but resulted in low engagement. Users did not value the app when it was free, leading to a significant drop in activity. In contrast, a hard paywall drives user commitment and higher perceived value. The founders noted that when users pay for something, they value it more, leading to better engagement and retention.
Initial growth strategy focused on influencer marketing. The founders targeted influencers in religious and fitness niches initially, then expanded to self-help. They paid for consulting calls with religious creators to pitch the app, with one successful pitch resulting from a $50 consulting call. Influencers were paid on a CPM basis, aiming for $2-$3 per thousand views. For example, a contract might guarantee 250,000 views per video, with four videos totaling 1 million views for $4,000. The contract structure included a 20% upfront payment, with the remainder paid after contract completion and Apple payout.
A viral video on TikTok generated $100K in 65 hours, with $40K in sales in a single day. The performance-based pay structure for influencers focuses on those who resonate with the brand and target audience. The founders considered implementing view rewards, paying people retroactively based on every thousand views they get.
Initial outreach was via DMs, consulting calls, and emails. The first outreach message emphasized "paid promo" for higher click-through rates. A verified brand account improved inbox visibility, with the founders noting that verified accounts bump messages higher in the inbox. Payment amounts were not disclosed in initial text messages, preferring calls for negotiation. Niches were targeted based on pain points and value systems, such as religion (porn is against God), fitness (low testosterone, no gains), and self-help (semen retention benefits).
Contracts included usage rights to repurpose influencer content as ads. View guarantees were incorporated into contracts to ensure performance. For example, a contract might guarantee 500,000 views per month for $1,500, with flexibility to adjust if view guarantees were not met. The founders noted that they could prorate contracts if necessary, paying based on actual views received.
The app was developed using Swift for iOS, with ChatGPT assisting in coding and feature implementation. Firebase was used for the backend database and community features, while Figma was used for UI/UX design. Mixpanel was used for onboarding and funnel analytics, and Superwall for paywall A/B testing and management. The founders noted that Superwall allowed them to test different pricing and designs on the fly, monitoring results to optimize conversion.
A black color scheme conveyed a premium product impression. The design was simple, refined, and used good fonts and colors for an enjoyable user experience. The DM Sans Google Font was used throughout the app. The "multiples of four" principle was used for padding and spacing, with text sizes and padding following this rule for a clean UI. The founders emphasized the importance of making everything simple and refined, using good fonts and colors to create an enjoyable experience.
Google Sheets was used for influencer lead tracking, with Fiverr used for finding VAs. The Groy platform was used for influencer management, contracts, and payments. Agree.com was used for contract management, while Zappier automated email sending triggered by Notion contract status. The founders noted that once an influencer signed a contract and it was checked off in Notion, an onboarding email was automatically sent.
The strategy shifted towards brand awareness and viral stunts, with inspiration drawn from "Project Liquid Death" for disruptive marketing. The founders considered IRL stunts at porn conventions and provocative social media content, such as a tweet about Quitter purchasing PornHub. They noted that virality is valuable, as demonstrated by a video with Jeremiah that reached $100,000 in a day. The goal was to take risks and build brand association, with a focus on awareness and brand building for long-term scalability.
Influencer marketing was scaled, and CPM-based deals were optimized. Organic content marketing and SEO were expanded, with increased paid ad spend and ROI optimization. The founders explored partnerships with churches and dioceses, as well as larger creators and podcasts like Theo Von and George Janko. They noted the importance of expanding marketing channels and optimizing ROI for sustained growth.
The aim was to build authority through research studies and scientific validation. High-ticket offers and one-on-one support were considered for the future, with the app planned to be more customizable. The founders noted the importance of involving scientists and neurologists in research studies to build credibility and authority. They also considered the next level of support, such as one-on-one coaching or high-ticket offers, to further monetize the app.
Reddit was used to validate product ideas in niche communities, with Product Hunt used for early user feedback and product rating. The founders noted that Reddit has every sub-niche and community imaginable, making it an ideal platform for validating product ideas. Product Hunt democratizes new product launches, allowing users to rate and review products, providing valuable early feedback.
Different marketing channels were tested, including influencers, organic content, and paid ads. The founders emphasized the importance of not relying solely on one marketing channel and tailoring the strategy to the product and niche. They noted that there are multiple ways to market a product, and it is important to keep testing and iterating to find what works best.
Onboarding flow was optimized before investing heavily in marketing. The founders studied successful app onboarding flows for inspiration, noting that optimizing onboarding is the single most important thing in consumer apps. They emphasized the importance of studying top-performing apps and replicating their onboarding strategies to improve conversion rates.
The app was bootstrapped with a small initial investment of $3,000, and revenue was reinvested to fuel further growth. The founders noted the importance of turning $1 into $4 and staying bootstrapped as long as possible. They emphasized the difficulty of marketing without initial funding, suggesting that aspiring entrepreneurs should secure some money upfront, whether through savings, gifts, or loans.
A co-founder with complementary skills was essential for the app's success. The founders noted the importance of finding someone good at marketing or product development to share the workload and accelerate growth. They emphasized the challenges of going it alone and the benefits of partnering up, suggesting that Discord is a great place to find potential co-founders.
An MVP was launched quickly and iterated based on user feedback. The founders emphasized the importance of taking action and not overcomplicating things. They noted that it is better to launch something good enough and target communities within the niche, rather than waiting for everything to be perfect. Procrastination was avoided, with a focus on continuous improvement and iteration.
Onboarding funnel metrics were tracked using Mixpanel, with paywalls and pricing A/B tested using Superwall. The founders noted the importance of collecting user feedback and implementing changes based on that feedback. They emphasized the need for a system to gather and act on user feedback, continuously improving the product and marketing strategies.
Successful distribution strategies from competitor apps were copied, with a focus on leveraging proven strategies. The founders noted the importance of not reinventing the wheel and instead replicating successful tactics from other apps. They emphasized the need to study competitors and adapt their strategies to fit the unique needs of the app and its target audience.
A clear pain point was solved, and users were made "problem aware." The founders emphasized the importance of clearly communicating the value proposition in onboarding and marketing. They noted that solving a real problem and making users aware of that problem is crucial for success. The app's features and benefits were highlighted, with a focus on the outcome and instate, rather than the features themselves.
Virality was optimized for, with a focus on creating content that has the potential to go viral. The founders noted the importance of brand building for long-term scalability, with a focus on getting the brand in people's heads. They considered IRL stunts and provocative marketing to increase brand visibility and awareness, emphasizing the need to take risks and think outside the box.
iOS development was focused on first for higher monetization potential, with Android development deprioritized due to lower revenue potential. A "skip account creation" option reduced onboarding friction, with users more likely to convert at the end of the paywall if they create an account. The founders noted the importance of having users' emails for sending updates and discounts, but also emphasized the need for a skip option to avoid deterring potential users. A price point around $10/month or $40/year was aimed for subscriptions, with the founders noting that this is the sweet spot for impulse buys. The app was shown in marketing videos to improve conversion rates, with the founders emphasizing the importance of showcasing the app's features and benefits in marketing materials.
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