Key Strategies for Scaling a FoodTech App

I’ve grown an app 50x over 11 months. The 1 main thing that helped me do that? Introducing new channels at the right time. Oftentimes, advertisers with relatively small spends ask me: - When should they test ad networks? - When should they test programmatic? - When should they test paid content? These are important channels. But if you are not introducing them at the right stage of your app’s growth, you might burn yourself. As a mentor of mine says, "Don’t try to be 40 before you’re 40." If you try to spend on programmatic at $50k a month in ad spend, you’ll lose your shirt. Be mindful of your product’s growth stage before introducing a new channel. When I scaled from $30k to $1.5M a month in ad spend, we introduced new channels very strategically based on the stage of growth. While my experience was from a few years ago, the learning of strategically introducing channels is evergreen. Here is the framework that I’d offer to any app that is scaling today. 1. Under $50,000 in Ad Spend: Meta Only 📱 Stick to Meta (Facebook and Instagram) unless you expect to be a TikTok-first product. 💡 Meta has the widest purchaser pool and the strongest potential performance. If you’re on Android, test Google UAC. If you’re marketing a game, test an ad network(Applovin/Ironsource). 2. $50,000 to $150,000 in Ad Spend: Introduce Google(iOS)/TikTok 🔍 Start testing new channels like Google (and TikTok). TikTok wasn’t prominent back when I scaled - but I’d start testing it at this stage now. 💰 Allocate $5,000 to $10,000 as a test budget for these platforms. 📊 Evaluate their performance and scalability. 3. $150,000 to $250,000 in Ad Spend: Introduce Ad Networks 🚀 Channels like AppLovin and IronSource can be very effective. ⏳ Be aware that these channels have a learning phase, so give them time. 4. $250,000+: Programmatic Channels 🌐 Programmatic channels can be massively scalable but have a long learning curve. 📈 These may require $30,000 to $40,000 in ad spend depending on your CPA and event volume. 🏆 Best introduced once you have a solid foundation with other channels. We were able to scale programmatic channels to well over $500k/month at the time. Use a progressive outward strategy to unlock scale gradually and profitably for your subscription app. By following this progression pattern, you can unlock scale incrementally and profitably, using the same playbook that helped us grow from $30k to $1.5 million a month.

Trying hard is nice, but wins and losses in business are measured by results. We helped a client increase app downloads by 300%. My formula for success is always the same, but it is constantly adjusted to meet the needs of specific products and services. We helped a major food chain increase app traffic by 550%, driving a 300% rise in downloads. Here's how: Our client, a well-known national food and beverage chain, needed to improve their search rankings and boost the visibility of their Rewards Program and mobile app. Key challenges included: - Boosting organic traffic to critical, high-conversion pages - Navigating through a complex organizational structure - Standing out in a highly competitive market Our Strategy We crafted a multi-faceted approach: 1. Technical SEO We ran a full audit to improve site speed, ensured mobile-friendly design, and added schema markup to optimize local listings and the mobile app. 2. Keyword Research & Content Optimization Using targeted research, we identified valuable keywords relevant to loyalty programs and mobile apps, then optimized meta titles, descriptions, and page headers. We also created fresh, SEO-rich content to cover these key topics. 3. Local SEO Enhancements We optimized Google My Business listings for all locations, developed custom location pages with calls-to-action (CTAs) for the app and Rewards Program, and secured local backlinks through community sponsorships and directories. 4. App Store Optimization We researched app-specific keywords, improved titles and descriptions, upgraded visual assets, and engaged with users for reviews and feedback in the app store. 5. Link Building & Digital PR We launched a PR campaign and worked with influencers and bloggers to promote the Rewards Program and mobile app, resulting in high-quality backlinks from reputable sources. 6. Social Media Integration Our targeted campaigns on social media drove traffic to key pages. We also encouraged customers to share their experiences on social platforms, increasing brand credibility and helping boost search rankings. The Results - 400% increase in traffic to the Rewards Program page - 550% increase in traffic to the mobile app page - 200% improvement in organic visibility for key app and loyalty-related terms - 300% increase in app downloads - 275% rise in social media referral traffic - 45% improvement in user engagement (time on site) from social media Conclusion This case study showcases how combining effective SEO with a strong social media plan can yield exceptional results. By driving high-quality, engaged users to optimized pages, we saw substantial increases in traffic, visibility, and overall performance across key metrics.

In the fast-paced world of startups, we often hear buzzwords like 'going from 0 to 1' or 'scaling from 1 to 10.' But when I go to events, people always ask me- "How do we actually avchieve that scale?" Now, having been in the ecosystem for 15+ years, I've come to realize that achieving scale isn't just about following a set formula or ticking off a checklist. It takes much more than that. Here's what I've learned along the way: 👉Start with a Solid Foundation: Before you even think about scaling, make sure your basics are rock solid. That means having a clear vision, a killer product, and a sustainable business model. Keep a close eye on metrics like Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) and customer acquisition costs to ensure you're on the right track. 👉Listen to Your Customers: Your customers hold the key to your success. Listen to their feedback, understand their pain points, and use that insight to refine your product or service. Implement tools like the AARRR framework (Acquisition, Activation, Retention, Revenue, Referral) to track user behavior and identify areas for improvement. 👉Stay Agile and Adaptive: Change is the only constant. Stay nimble and ready to pivot at a moment's notice. Also, keep a close watch on your cash flows and burn rate to ensure you're not overspending in areas that aren't delivering results. 👉Focus on Growth Channels: Identify the channels that drive the most value for your business and double down on them. Whether it's organic search, paid advertising, or strategic partnerships, focus your efforts where they'll have the biggest impact. Experiment, measure, and optimize relentlessly. 👉Build a Strong Team: Scaling isn't a solo endeavor—it takes a village. Surround yourself with a team of talented individuals who share your vision and can help you execute on it. Invest in their development, foster a culture of collaboration, and empower them to take ownership of their roles. 👉Think Long-Term: Scaling ≠ rapid growth. Scaling = sustainable growth. Keep your eye on the long-term prize and resist the temptation to chase short-term gains at the expense of your long-term viability. In the end, achieving scale is as much about mindset as it is about strategy. Stay focused, stay determined, and above all, stay hungry for success. The journey may be challenging, but the rewards are well worth the effort. P.S. Enjoy this? Share it with your network and follow me Ashim Jolly for more such growth hacks every Tuesday! #startups #growth #entrepreneurs #scaling #india

Scaling tech solutions isn’t just about growing fast. It’s about growing smart. Over the years, I’ve seen what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to scaling effectively. Here are 7 strategies to help you build for the future: 1. Understand Your Market [Growth starts with knowing your audience] • Identify your target market. • Understand their needs and preferences. • Tailor your solutions accordingly. • A well-defined market is half the battle. 2. Build a Scalable Architecture [Your tech should grow with you.] • Choose flexible, modular systems. • Use cloud services for easy scaling. • Plan for future growth from the start. • A strong foundation supports expansion. 3. Invest in Talent [Your team and partners drive success.] • Hire skilled professionals. • Provide ongoing training. • Foster a culture of innovation. • The right people are your biggest asset. 4. Leverage Data Analytics [Data drives better decisions.] • Regularly analyze data. • Use insights to refine strategies. • Continuously iterate based on results. • Growth thrives on informed choices. 5. Focus on User Experience [A great product needs a great UX.] • Simplify your interfaces. • Gather and act on user feedback. • Prioritize usability and satisfaction. • Happy users stick around. 6. Secure Your Solutions [Security builds trust.] • Implement robust measures. • Regularly patch and update systems. • Educate your team on best practices. • Protect your growth by staying secure. 7. Stay Agile [The only constant in tech is change.] • Embrace agile methodologies. • Be open to pivoting when necessary. • Innovate continuously. • Adaptability is your competitive edge. Scaling isn’t easy—but with the right strategies, it’s achievable. Which of these resonates most with your experience? Let’s talk about it.