Building a successful app takes more than just good code. Just ask Marvin Tiebout, who turned his food app Snap2Cook from an idea into something people actually use. While most app creators chase trendy marketing tactics, Marvin keeps it simple: find partners who make sense, talk to the right people on social media, and make it worth users’ time to spread the word. His no-nonsense approach cuts through the usual tech hype, focusing instead on what actually gets people to download and stick with an app.
Here’s his three ideas for scaling and marketing a successful app business:
Leverage Partners For A Broader Reach
Marvin doesn’t believe in going it alone. His first piece of advice cuts straight to the chase: team up with companies that make your app better. “Look to partner with vendors to co-promote and co-branded campaigns,” he says. It’s not just about any partnership – it’s about finding the right fit.
For Snap2Cook, that means getting specific. “We’re looking at vendor partners such as food outlets, delivery services, and things like that,” Marvin explains. His approach is straightforward: find partners who share your customers, then create something they can’t get anywhere else. “Joint offers or exclusive bundles available only when shopping with this particular partner” give people a reason to choose your app.
Use Social Media Campaigns
Social media isn’t just about posting and hoping for the best. Marvin’s team gets down to the details of who they’re trying to reach. “Run targeted campaigns on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook,” he advises, “especially focusing on audiences that have a specific interest in what your app provides.” But there’s more to it than just running ads. Snap2Cook takes it further by working with people who already have the audience’s trust. “Working alongside content creators with food that do recipes and also with bloggers,” Marvin notes. His team recently brought on food bloggers who are spreading the word globally. “They’re going to be putting things out all over the world to our users in other countries.”
Incentivize User Generated Content
Word of mouth still sells apps better than anything else. That’s why Marvin puts real thought into making it worth people’s while to tell their friends. His strategy? “Create a referral program where users get benefits – like a month’s discount on your app when they invite friends to sign up.” But referrals are just the start. Marvin believes in getting users involved in building the community. By encouraging user-generated content and running challenges, they’re not just growing numbers – they’re building a community around food and cooking.
When you’re building an app, it’s easy to get caught up in downloads and metrics. But Marvin’s approach shows something different: focus on giving people something worth talking about, team up with partners who make sense, and make it easy for users to spread the word. His methods aren’t flashy or complicated. They’re about understanding what works in the real world. By focusing on partnerships that make sense, social media that reaches the right people, and word-of-mouth that feels natural, Snap2Cook keeps growing one satisfied user at a time.
For anyone building an app today, Marvin’s advise is simple: “Your best marketing often comes from making something people want to share, and then making it easy for them to do just that.” Sometimes the simplest approaches work best.
To learn more about Marvin Tiebout and his approach, check out his website or visit his LinkedIn profile.
