[HeatherFarmer]

After spending the last few years learning mobile development, I've decided to seriously focus on building a portfolio of Android and iOS apps. Once I have a solid collection of apps running, I'd also like to move into mobile game development.

My goal isn't to release dozens of low-effort apps like wallpaper collections or simple clones. I'd rather build apps that solve real problems, provide value to users, and keep people coming back. Long-term user retention is much more important to me than quick installs.

Money isn't the main reason I'm doing this. Of course, the mobile app industry still offers huge earning potential if you build something people actually want. Some people say the market is too crowded in 2026, but I don't see it that way. Every competitive market still has room for developers who create better products and keep improving them.

My Background​

I started learning app development back in February 2020 with absolutely no programming experience.

At first it felt overwhelming. There were programming languages, design patterns, app store policies, APIs, debugging, publishing... everything seemed complicated.

Instead of trying to learn everything at once, I focused on improving a little every day. Every project taught me something new, whether it was coding, UI design, marketing, or App Store optimization.

Since then I've published and monetized around five different apps.

Some projects performed better than others, but every release helped me understand the ecosystem better. I also experimented carefully with advertising strategies and learned where Google's policy boundaries are. Those lessons alone were incredibly valuable.

Overall, my apps have generated a little over $5,000, which isn't life-changing money, but it's proof that the process works.

What I Have Going Into This Journey​

• Experience publishing apps on both Android and iOS
• Active Apple Developer and Google Play developer accounts
• Marketing and user acquisition experience
• Accounts with multiple mobile ad networks
• A much better understanding of App Store and Google Play policies
• Practical experience from launching real apps instead of just tutorials

Monetization Plan​

For now I'll keep things simple.

I'll monetize primarily through advertisements.

I'm not planning to add subscriptions or in-app purchases until I have apps with strong daily active users and solid retention.

Ad Networks I'll Be Using​

From my experience these have performed well:

• Google AdMob
• Meta Audience Network (where available)
• Appodeal mediation for selected apps

I'll continue testing different mediation strategies to maximize revenue without hurting the user experience.

Development Stack​

Depending on the project I'll be using:

• Swift for native iOS apps
• Java for Android
• Flutter whenever cross-platform development makes sense

Each project will use whichever technology is the best fit rather than forcing one framework for everything.

User Acquisition Strategy​

I'll focus on legitimate growth channels, including:

• App Store Optimization (ASO)
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Social media marketing
• Paid advertising
• Cross-promotion between my own apps
• Building useful products that generate word-of-mouth downloads

Black Hat?​

No.

I've learned that Google and Apple are extremely strict when it comes to policy violations. Trying to exploit loopholes might bring short-term gains, but it can also result in account suspensions or permanent bans.

I'd rather build a business that lasts for years than risk losing everything over shortcuts.

Everything I build will follow platform guidelines as closely as possible.

One Thing I Won't Be Sharing​

I won't be revealing my app ideas, niches, or specific projects publicly.

The app market is highly competitive, and it's common to see successful ideas copied within days. I'd rather share my progress, lessons learned, wins, failures, and milestones without exposing the products themselves.

Hopefully this thread keeps me accountable as I continue building.

I'll update it regularly with new launches, revenue milestones, marketing experiments, and everything I learn along the way. Hopefully others starting their own app journey can learn from both my successes and my mistakes.

 

[ehamilton478]

Great mindset. I like that you're focused on building useful apps instead of chasing quick money. That's usually what leads to sustainable success.

 

[ChristineMccullough]

Starting with zero coding experience and making over $5k is already a solid achievement. Looking forward to seeing your progress over the next few months.

 

[tjohnson]

I agree with keeping your niches private. The mobile app space can be very competitive, and protecting good ideas makes sense.

 

[Cynthia Lucas]

Your approach reminds me that consistency beats talent in the long run. Learning from 2020 until now shows real dedication.

 

[tbrown]

Native development plus Flutter gives you a lot of flexibility. It'll be interesting to see which projects perform best on each platform.

 

[TiffanyBurch]

Focusing on retention instead of downloads is something many developers overlook. A smaller audience that sticks around is often more valuable.

 

[PeggyGates]

Thanks for sharing your journey. It's refreshing to read a realistic post instead of someone claiming they made six figures overnight.

 

[psmith]

The experience you've gained from publishing multiple apps is probably worth more than any online course. Real-world testing teaches lessons you can't get elsewhere.