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Abubaker Siddique
Abubaker Siddique

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How to Build, Sell, and Market Apps That Actually Make Money

Stop wasting time overthinking. If you want to succeed, you’ve got to focus on action. Forget about “original ideas” or waiting for some perfect opportunity—it’s time to dominate what’s already working. Here’s how you go from zero to earning money with your own app:


Step 1: Get Over Your Ego—Copy What Works

You don’t need to be a “genius” to succeed. Originality is overrated.

  1. Find successful apps: Use tools like AppBrain or Sensor Tower to spy on trending apps.
  2. Validate ideas: Search the top apps in your target category on Google Play or App Store and see what’s working.

Forget the haters: They’ll tell you “it’s been done before.” So what? If McDonald’s exists, does that mean no one else can sell burgers? Stop thinking. Start building.


Step 2: Build Smart, Not Fancy

If you don’t know where to start, don’t waste your life learning every framework out there. Just pick the tools that work fast and efficiently.

  • Build for web? Use Next.js. Deploy it on Vercel.
  • Build for mobile? Use Expo (React Native). Cross-platform, one codebase. Keep it simple.
  • Backend? Use Supabase. Handles databases, authentication, and storage—all in one.
  • Payments? Use Stripe. Why? It’s proven, reliable, and stupidly easy to implement.

This isn’t about becoming a “tech nerd.” You’re not trying to impress other developers. Your goal is to get the damn thing live and start earning money.


Step 3: Market Like You Mean It

Nobody cares about your app unless you make them care. Marketing is where you separate the winners from the wannabes.

1. Social Media Domination

  • Be Shameless: Copy what works. Use tools like AdSpy to find top-performing ads.
  • Create short, punchy videos using Canva or CapCut. Show them how your app solves a problem in their life—don’t bore them with features.

2. Reddit Ambush

  • Find where your audience hangs out (use RedditSearch.io to target specific subreddits).
  • Jump into threads, add value, and drop your app link strategically. Don’t spam—play it smart.

3. Leverage the Competition

  • Watch your competitors using SimilarWeb or Ahrefs. Find out where they’re getting traffic, and target the same places.
  • Their audience is already primed to spend money. Steal their users.

Step 4: Track, Tweak, and Win

Your app doesn’t end at launch—it’s just the beginning.

  • Use PostHog or Mixpanel to track user behavior. What are people clicking? What’s being ignored? Use that data to improve.
  • Add features only after you see results. Stop chasing perfection. Get it working. Get it sold. Iterate later.

Resources to Fast-Track Your Success

Here’s a curated list of tools and resources to get started:

  1. Learning Platforms:

  2. Building Tools:

    • Figma: Design your UI like a pro.
    • Expo: Build mobile apps without headaches.
  3. Marketing:

    • Hootsuite: Manage social media campaigns.
    • AppTweak: Optimize your app for app stores.
  4. Monetization:


Final Words: Execute or Stay Mediocre

Talk is cheap. Ideas mean nothing without action. If you’re serious about building an app and making money, stop procrastinating and get started today.

Most people fail because they never start. Don’t be “most people.” Be relentless. Be ruthless. Dominate. The money is out there—go take it.


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Top comments (4)

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zaid_sunasra profile image
Zaid Sunasra • Edited

If you want to make desktop app using tauri, then check this link on how to combine server with your app.
Also I have created an expense tracker webapp. Budget Buddy

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kingcold_d4ecd11c785e3d8c profile image
KingCold

Hey i wanted your help in exploring the open source community
i usually work on random things like
hackernewspro.netlify.app/ -- made this today
i wanted to gain insights from people on how to improve it or just show people i have made this tool they can use

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syedgi profile image
syedGi

Awesome. Thank you very much👍🏻

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kingcold_d4ecd11c785e3d8c profile image
KingCold

Thank You very Much 👌

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