Growth Masterminds: mobile growth podcast

Goodbye SKAdNetwork, hello AdAttributionKit. Or AAK, or AdKit. In this special episode of Growth Masterminds, we dive into Apple's new ad attribution kit, announced at WWDC. We discuss the nuances of the new version, not exactly SKAN 5, and its support for third-party app stores and reengagement campaigns. The episode features in-depth insights from Singular CEO Gadi Eliashiv and CTO Eran Friedman, emphasizing the changes, improvements, and expectations for adoption in the ecosystem. Additionally, they touch upon the future of measurement on iOS, the interplay with Privacy Sandbox on Android, and what it means for app developers and advertisers. 00:00 Welcome to Growth Masterminds 01:09 Understanding AdAttributionKit 02:58 Reengagement and Debugging Enhancements 05:46 Backward Compatibility and Postback Formats 10:03 Deep Dive into Retargeting 17:12 Creative Types and Engagement Types 23:20 Exploring SKOverlay and Its Implications 25:19 Understanding SK interaction Types and Attribution Windows 25:47 Custom Click Ads and Alternative App Stores 28:16 Adoption Challenges and Future Predictions 35:47 The Future of Measurement on iOS 39:34 Privacy Sandbox and Android 41:20 Q&A and Final Thoughts

WWDC kicked off today and SKAdNetwork is nowhere to be found. Instead, we have App AdAttributionKit and Web AdAttributionKit (say that 3X fast, we dare you!) and not much detail about where SKAN is going. Out guest today, however, thinks that there' won't be a SKAN 5 or a SKAN 6, and that there will just be new AdAttributionKit releases from time to time. And that all the juicy new tech promised for future SKAN versions is actually here ... So ... Join host John Koetsier in this episode of Growth Masterminds as he explores the future of ad attribution and privacy compliance post-WWDC with guest David Phillipson, CEO of DataSeat. They discuss the potential end of SKAdNetwork, the introduction of Apple's App AdAttributionKit and Web AdAttributionKit, and the challenges and implications for the ad tech industry. They delve into the reliability of modeled attribution data from media giants like Google, Meta, and TikTok, and the evolving modeling strategies used to overcome privacy blind spots. Also, David shares his personal journey into ad tech (which is interesting!), lessons from successful entrepreneurs, and the importance of unified measurement in a privacy-focused world. If you're looking to understand the impacts of Apple's recent announcements and the future of ad attribution, this episode is a must-watch (and you know this is absolutely 100% true because ChatGPT wrote this part of the show notes ... but not this sarcastic little note.) 00:00 Introduction and Opening Thoughts 00:16 The Reliability of Ad Attribution Data 00:45 WWDC and Apple's New Releases 01:05 Introducing the Guest: David Phillipson 04:45 Discussion on SKAN and Ad Attribution 07:34 Challenges and Adoption of SKAN 12:49 Future of Ad Attribution and Privacy 18:51 Unified Measurement and Market Trends 29:30 Final Thoughts and Predictions 32:53 Closing Remarks

How do you achieve insane mobile app retention rates? One way is magic. Another is pure accident. The third is by applying smart frameworks to science (and magic) your way to better retention. In this episode of Growth Mastermind, host John Koetsier speaks with mobile growth expert Jacob Rushfinn about achieving high app retention rates. They discuss four frameworks for tackling retention: Darius Contractor's Psych Framework, RICE Prioritization (Reach, Impact, Confidence, Effort), Eisenhower's prioritization matrix, and Elena Verna’s Conversion Rate Decline Diagnostic. Jacob shares insights from his diverse experience at companies like Balance, Level Up, Amwell, and Automattic. The conversation covers the practical application of these frameworks, the value of early user engagement, and the impact of better retention metrics on long-term success. 00:00 Introduction to Killer App Retention 01:15 The Journey into Retention 04:27 Understanding Frameworks for Retention 07:26 The Psych Framework Explained 14:16 Framework Number Two: RICE Prioritization 20:06 Balancing Quick Wins and Big Bets 21:14 The RICE Approach to Prioritization 21:49 Eisenhower's Prioritization Matrix 25:48 Elena Verna's Conversion Rate Decline Diagnostic 33:58 The Impact of Better Retention 38:32 Final Thoughts and Resources

Should you stop A/B testing creative right now? In this episode of Growth Masterminds, host John Koetsier chats with Ellad Matarasso, Director of Growth at Alison.ai. They discuss the limitations of traditional A/B testing in growth marketing and how Google and Meta do essentially massively multivariate simultaneous testing. Matarasso shares insights on how AI can analyze creative elements frame by frame and correlate them with performance data, thereby recommending the best combinations to maximize ad campaigns. They also chat about the importance of creative in advertising, common mistakes marketers make, and emerging trends such as generative AI in creative production. 00:00 Stop A/B Testing? 00:31 The Evolution of A/B Testing 01:54 How Allison.ai Tests 07:12 How Important is Creative? 12:59 Human Creativity vs. AI 15:51 Trends in Creative Optimization 17:04 Challenges with Major Platforms 19:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Protected Audiences has grown a lot since it was FLEDGE, and even this year. As such, it’s going to be useful for much more than just retargeting, according to 2 experts. In this episode of Growth Mastermind, host John Koetsier explores the intricacies of Google's Privacy Sandbox with a particular focus on the Protected Audiences API. He’s joined by experts Omri Gal, Head of Privacy Sandbox at Singular, and Lucky Harpley, a Product Manager at Remerge. The discussion covers the evolving landscape of retargeting and attribution on Android. They delve into the technical workings, the impact on marketers, and insights from recent testing. The conversation also highlights the challenges and preparation steps for the transition from GAID to Privacy Sandbox, emphasizing the importance of understanding and adapting to new industry standards. Finally, they highlight the key difference between attribution and optimization via GAID right now versus Privacy Sandbox on Android in the future. 00:00 Introduction to Privacy Sandbox and Its Evolution 04:10 Deep Dive into Protected Audiences API 11:32 The Future of Targeting and Retargeting in Privacy Sandbox 19:16 Testing and Implementing Privacy Sandbox Solutions 27:22 Preparing Marketers for the Privacy Sandbox Transition 31:10 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

Everyone needs better app retention. Especially in health and wellness categories. One app, Welltory, has an insane 56% retention rate for users over the last 3 years. As in ... people installed 3 years ago, and THEY ARE STILL USING THE APP today. How? Perhaps some Jedi mind tricks, which Asya Paloni, VP of Strategy, shares with us in this episode of Growth Masterminds. We chat about Welltory's success in overcoming the notoriously poor retention rates in the fitness and wellness app industry by implementing innovative strategies. We also talk about making the app experience magical, hyper-personalizing content, offering new experiences with each app interaction, and ensuring users never feel bad for not meeting their goals. With a focus on making mundane data engaging and displaying it in real-time in a way that makes sense to users, Welltory has achieved a remarkable 56% usage retention rate over three years. The conversation highlights the importance of user engagement, the psychological aspects of app design, and the power of keeping users interested without relying on notifications or making them feel inadequate. 00:00 Introduction to Jedi Mind Tricks for App Retention 00:53 Unlocking Jedi Mind Tricks: Insights from a Content Creator 02:37 The Wellness App Dilemma: Retention Challenges and Solutions 07:31 Welltory's 5 Core Strategies for User Retention 08:48 Exploring Welltory's Innovative Features and User Engagement 22:47 The Impact of Welltory's Strategies on User Retention 28:48 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Should you have an AI agent assigned to every single app user? In this episode of Growth Masterminds, host John interviews Shaun Wheeler, a data scientist at Aampe. They focus on mobile user engagement and the innovative approach of assigning an AI agent to each app user. They discuss the limitations of traditional user engagement strategies, such as generic pop-up messaging, and the power of AI agents in providing tailored interactions based on individual user behavior. Through examples, including a nursing scheduling app and e-commerce platforms, they explore how AI-driven personalization can significantly impact user retention, monetization, and overall satisfaction, while also reducing communication volume. The conversation highlights the use of surrogate models to predict user behavior, the importance of first-party data, and the future potential of AI in enhancing mobile user experiences. 00:00 Introduction to AI in User Engagement 01:15 A Deep Dive into Messaging Strategies 07:01 The Power of Personalization with AI Agents 09:50 Exploring the Impact of Over-Instrumentation 20:05 Case Studies and Real-World Applications 29:20 Concluding Thoughts on AI-Driven Engagement

What are the most common blockers to growing games profitably? In other words, why won't your game grow? You built a game and it’s awesome, but it’s not growing like you want it to. What’s wrong? Maybe this episode of Growth Masterminds holds the answer. Today we’re chatting with who reminds me of Ben Affleck in The Consultant, because she’s called in when nothing else is working Her name is Sara El Bachri. She runs ShamsCo, does the mobile gaming growth masterclass, and has worked with 40+ gaming studios over the last few years including EA, Rovio, Gameloft, DoubleDown, Netflix Games, and TutoToons. All of that means: she’s seen a few things. And fixed a few things. We hear about the biggest blockers for growth for games both big and small ... and a little about Sara's journey to becoming an internationally renowned UA consultant. 00:00 The Growth Dilemma 00:33 Introducing Sarah El Bachri 01:27 Mobile Game Growth: Strategies and Insights 11:44 Bridging the Gap: Communication and Creativity in Game Studios 18:10 Unlocking Organic Growth: The Power of Testing and Education 21:49 The Importance of Internal Education and Collaboration 27:12 The Complexity of User Acquisition

Where is IAP spend going in 2024? It’s tough out there: inflation is still high, ad revenue is underpacing GDP, and GDP growth is softening in key countries including the USA. So what can we expect from in-app payers in 2024? In this episode of Growth Masterminds, host John Koetsier delves into the future of in-app spend and gamer loyalty with guest Jason Heller, CEO of Mistplay. The conversation covers the expected decrease and concentration of in-app spending in fewer games, the importance of understanding consumer spending motivation, and the use of data to drive personalization and engagement. Insights reveal a shift towards more thoughtful spending among gamers, potentially leading to a landscape with fewer winners among game publishers. The discussion also explores loyalty and monetization strategies, user acquisition challenges, and the rising interest in the loyalty and engagement space for mobile gaming. 00:00 The Future of In-App Spending: Winners and Losers 00:32 Diving Deep into the Spend Report with Jason Heller 01:58 Analyzing Spending Trends and Predictions for 2024 08:59 The Importance of Personalization in Gaming Offers 13:07 Exploring Loyalty and Incentives in Mobile Gaming 30:43 The Rise of Loyalty Platforms in the Gaming Industry

How can you kill it on TikTok, generate more organic downloads, and build your community quickly? Oh ... and by the way ... you don't have a huge budget. In this episode of Growth Masterminds we meet Sarah Neill, founder and CEO of Mys Tyler, a platform connecting women with 'body doubles' to find clothing that fits perfectly, thus solving the common problem of shopping disappointment. Sarah shares her growth story, explaining how they use Meta ads, paid PR opportunities with major publications and what they've done in an experimental but highly successful use of TikTok for organic growth. She shares an insightful strategy involving unpaid internships, where interns created TikTok content that significantly boosted app downloads and engagement, demonstrating the power of authentic, user-generated content in digital marketing. 00:00 Exploring Paid Performance Opportunities in Digital Media 01:07 Introducing Ms. Tyler: A Revolutionary Fashion Platform 03:46 Growth Channels and Strategies for Startups 08:34 Mastering TikTok: A Unique Internship Approach 20:28 Reflecting on Marketing Insights and Future Plans

In this episode of Growth Mastermind, host John Koetsier discusses the challenges of iOS mobile measurement in the era of privacy updates, focusing on the difficulty of distinguishing between organic and paid acquisition and the fragmentation of measurement across different methods: SKAN, IDFA, IDFV, MMP, and more. Guests Evyatar Ram and Kelsey Lee, product and marketing managers, introduce Singular's solution to these challenges: unified measurement. This innovative approach combines SKAdNetwork and tracker data to provide marketers with a single, de-duplicated, and accurate view of user acquisition (UA) activity on iOS, tackling issues like over/under counting and data fragmentation. The solution enhances decision-making by offering comprehensive insights into installs, revenue cohorts, and event tracking without the typical delays or inaccuracies stemming from data fragmentation. Beta testers report significant improvements in campaign performance and attribution accuracy thanks to unified measurement, indicating a strong step forward in resolving iOS attribution woes. 00:00 Navigating the Chaos of iOS Mobile Measurement 01:32 The Fragmentation Problem in iOS Attribution 04:37 Unified Measurement: A Revolutionary Solution 07:18 Beta Testers Validate Unified Measurement's Impact 11:12 Differentiating Unified Measurement from Other Solutions 13:54 The Future of Unified Measurement and Its Evolution 17:29 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

This special episode of Growth Masterminds features an all-women panel discussing their experiences and challenges in the growth industry. The guests share their career paths, biggest triumphs, and the key challenges they've faced, offering advice for women considering a career in growth. The panel comprises of five accomplished women from various companies who delve into topics such as the importance of self-advocacy, the value of mentorship, and the need to be adaptable and data literate in a fast-evolving field. The conversation also highlights the significance of community and support among women in tech and growth sectors. Guests include: Adrienne Rice, Performance Media Director, M&C Saatchi Performance Dr. Matina Thomaidou, VP data science, Dataseat Tamanda Itaye, Senior Global Performance Marketing Manager, WFP - ShareTheMeal Saadi Muslu, VP Marketing, Singular Susan Kuo, Chief Operating Officer, Singular 00:00 Welcome to the Women in Growth Special Episode 00:32 Introducing the Panel: Leaders in Growth 02:26 Journey into Growth: Panelists Share Their Stories 12:50 Biggest Career Triumphs: Stories of Success 22:53 Overcoming Challenges: Insights from the Panel 25:53 Cross-Functional Collaboration in Data Science 27:07 Navigating Leadership and Personal Growth 31:30 Challenges of Balancing Professional and Personal Life 36:47 Empowering Women in the Workplace 45:21 Advice for Women Considering the Growth Space 52:45 Closing Remarks and Appreciation

How do you get more data from ad platforms than they offer? Simple: use Singular. No, we're not talking about anything underhanded or tricky. We're simply getting multiple dimensions and breakdowns that are individually available but not generally visible together. That lack of visibility has a cost: complexity, time, and your ability to see optimization or targeting capability. In this Growth Masterminds, host John Koetsier chats with Singular product manager Maayan Shor about the companies' new feature to bring as much data into your BI system as possible, allowing marketers to make the smartest optimization and allocation decisions. Multiple Breakdowns helps marketers by enabling access to a broader range of data breakdowns without the need to switch views constantly. This capability allows marketers to uncover hidden trends, fine-tune targeting strategies, and make more informed decisions by providing a more comprehensive view of campaign data across platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Snapchat. We also chat about how specific breakdowns, such as age and gender, can lead to more precise targeting and identification of unexpected audience segments. 00:00 Navigating Data Challenges in Ad Platforms 00:28 The Struggle for More Data: Challenges and Solutions 03:15 Introducing Multiple Breakdowns: A Game-Changer for Marketers 04:55 Unlocking New Marketing Strategies with Enhanced Data 06:21 Optimizing Creative Strategies with Targeted Insights 07:11 Frequency and Impact of Data Analysis in Marketing 09:09 Exploring New Dimensions: DMA Breakdowns and Their Impact 11:07 Selecting the Right Data Breakdowns for Your Marketing Goals 12:37 Closing Thoughts and Appreciation

Welcome to a podcast crosspost from SplitMetrics' App Growth Talks. Host Lina Danilchik chats with usual Growth Masterminds host John Koetsier as they talk about Singular's ROI Index for 2024 highlighting the best ad networks on the planet. I chat about the significance of Singular's ROI Index, detailing the best mobile ad networks across various geographies and verticals. Lina asks me about my background in mobile ad tech and my path from journalist to VP of Insights at Singular, plus my philosophy on app growth and user acquisition. Key topics include the effectiveness of various ad networks like Google Ads, Meta, TikTok, and ironSource, the surprising success of smaller networks like Moloco, the potential of Apple Search Ads, and the strategic use of artificial intelligence in marketing. We also talk about future innovations in the mobile industry, including multiple app stores and ads personalized through generative AI. See a full transcript on SplitMetrics' website:https://splitmetrics.com/blog/category/app-growth-series/ 00:00 Welcome to a Special Crossover Episode! 00:43 Introducing John Koetsier 03:58 Unveiling the ROI Index: A Deep Dive into Mobile Ad Networks 05:21 The Golden Six: Top Ad Networks Uncovered 08:40 Exploring Apple's Search Ads Performance 15:08 Reddit's Unique Position in the Ad Space 19:10 Exploring AI's Impact and Future in Tech 21:15 The Evolution of Advertising with AI 24:49 Emerging Technologies and Innovations in the Industry 28:47 Insights from the ROI Index Report 30:55 Advice for Small and Growing Mobile Businesses 36:09 Concluding Thoughts and Future Sessions

How will Google’s new consent management platform requirement impact mobile app and game publishers? You now need a CMP ... what's that all about? In this Growth Masterminds we dive into the complexities of managing user privacy and consent in mobile apps and websites. Google's new consent management platform requirements for AdMob, AdSense, and Ad Manager users are in effect right now. So we chat with Gabe Morazan, a product director, and Achraff-Nour Meski, a client services leader from Source Point, a CMP provider. Together, we explore what CMPs are, their role in ensuring compliance with privacy laws like GDPR, and how they can be seamlessly integrated into the user experience without negatively impacting app engagement. 00:00 Introduction to Privacy and Consent Management 00:36 Understanding Google's New Consent Management Platform Requirement 00:51 Expert Insights: The Role and Functionality of CMPs 04:53 Customizing Consent Messages for User Experience 09:09 Global Privacy Control: Simplifying Consent Across Platforms 15:16 The Future of Privacy and Consent Management 18:37 Closing Thoughts and Acknowledgements

Why do gamers like certain games and not others? GameTree is a LFG (looking for group) app that connects gamers to play together. To do that, GameTree leverages psychology to build Gaming DNA, which analyzes why certain players like specific games. Gaming DNA shows what kinds of gamers there are, who likes which games, and who might enjoy playing with others. In this Growth Masterminds, host John Koetsier chats with GameTree founders Dana Sydorenko and John Uke. Their conversation reveals insights into how gaming preferences differ across genders, ages, and platforms, touching on the social dynamics of gaming, the role of gamer psychology, and the implications for game design and marketing. Key topics include the surprising patterns of gaming among men and women, the importance of social connections in gaming, and how GameTree's technology is pioneering personalized gaming experiences. Additionally, the discussion delves into the potential of mobile gaming, the impact of VR and Web3 on the gaming landscape, and the significance of supporting diversity in gaming, particularly the inclusion of women in gaming communities and development. 00:00 Introduction to Gamer Psychology 00:59 Introducing GameTree and its Founders 01:34 Gender Differences in Gaming 03:22 Platform Preferences and Gaming Patterns 04:58 The Importance of Gaming DNA 06:21 The Social Aspect of Gaming 15:30 The Role of Mobile Gaming 22:38 The Future of Gaming: VR and Blockchain 26:39 Women in Gaming 31:51 Conclusion

Where is web3 in 2024? Investment is down, but there is still $91 billion of funding and 95 current unicorns in the space. Asaf Nadler, CEO of Addressable, says the game has shifted from hype to build mode. In this Growth Masterminds, host John Koetsier chats with Asaf to discuss the current state and future of web3, especially in relation to marketing and gaming. They delve into how blockchain can revolutionize game ecosystems by enabling asset sharing across different games and discuss the integration between Singular and Addressable. This integration aims to bridge the gap between marketing data and blockchain conversions, potentially transforming web3 advertising and marketing strategies. Also, Nadler provides insights into the challenges and opportunities of marketing in the web3 space, the transition towards mobile in the web3 ecosystem, and the potential future of app and game development on blockchain technology. 00:00 Introduction to Web3 and Gaming Ecosystems 00:36 Welcome to Growth Masterminds Podcast 01:49 The Current State of Web3 and Blockchain 03:56 The Impact of Web3 on Gaming 07:33 The Role of Web3 in Decentralized Finance (Defi) 09:51 The Challenges and Opportunities of Web3 in Mobile 10:29 Addressing the Disconnect Between Data Sets in Marketing 19:37 The Future of Web3 and its Penetration in Various Verticals 28:16 Conclusion: The Potential of Open, Decentralized Data

In this episode of Growth Masterminds, host John Koetsier chats with Singular product manager Gali Housman and product marketing manager Kelsey Lee about the complexities of cross-platform performance marketing. They discuss the necessity of tracking customer journeys across platforms to gain full return on investment and to adhere to user privacy concerns. Singular, their platform of choice, has increasingly evolved to address these intricacies providing tools to measure gaming engagement and the effectiveness of marketing strategies across platforms. Kelsey emphasizes the need for an end-to-end solution to manage the influx of data while ensuring full measurement by marketers. 00:00 Introduction to Journey Tracking in Marketing 00:27 Welcome to Growth Masterminds 00:56 Challenges in Cross-Platform Marketing 01:30 Changes in the Gaming Industry 01:45 The Impact of the Pandemic on Gaming 02:27 The Shift to Mobile Marketing 03:05 The Role of Privacy in Marketing 03:24 The Future of Cross-Platform Games 05:06 The Challenges of Cross-Platform Marketing 06:17 The Importance of User Tracking 10:58 The Role of Conversions API in Marketing 16:13 The Benefits of Cross-Platform Solutions 20:52 The Future of Cross-Platform Marketing 22:17 Conclusion and Wrap Up

How can you get pre-ATT levels of behavioral targeting in a privacy-safe way? Can you? In this Growth Masterminds we’re chatting with the co-founder of an AI-powered tool that says it analyzes game play and user behavior to understand gamers and what they do. Then it recommends games that they’ll like, while rewarding them for playing recommended games. Our guest is a co-founder of Gamelight, Gunay Aliyeva. Host John Koetsier interviews her about Gamelight, an AI-powered tool that analyzes user behavior and gameplay for targeted recommendations. The tool utilizes AI algorithms and a user's data (with given permission) to suggest games based on their preferences. Gamelight endeavors to minimize game downloads and maximize user retention through personalized recommendations. They also discuss Gamelight's arbitrage strategy of acquiring users at a generalized level, then offering highly targeted advertising opportunities to their partners, focusing on long-term user quality and satisfaction. They also touch on the company's expansion into non-gaming apps, the use of a consumer rewards system, and their global reach. 00:00 Introduction 01:15 Exploring the Functionality of Gamelight 03:02 Discussing the Privacy Aspect of Gamelight 04:32 Understanding the User Acquisition Strategy 05:12 Challenging the Traditional Ad Network Model 06:14 The Long-Term Vision of Gamelight 07:08 Understanding User Behavior and Gamelight's Approach 10:03 Discussing the Pricing and Value Proposition of Gamelight 11:08 Expansion into Non-Gaming Apps 15:14 Understanding the Loyalty Program of Gamelight 16:56 Discussing the Global Reach of Gamelight 18:35 Wrapping Up the Discussion

Ever wish somebody had written the book on making mobile app businesses work? Wish no more: the job has been done. In this Growth Masterminds host John Koetsier chats with Russell Ovans, game OG, prof, brewery owner, entrepreneur, data scientist, and current Director of Analytics at East Side Games. Russell discusses his journey from social gaming through to mobile gaming. We delve into a range of topics such as the importance of understanding game analytics and monetization in mobile games, challenges in HR, managing company growth, the impact of pricing strategies on a global scale, the value of A/B testing and player retention. But the big story in this podcast is Russell Ovans' book 'Game Analytics, Retention, and Monetization in Free Play Mobile Games' which is a comprehensive guide to the mechanics of mobile game businesses. 00:00 Introduction and Background 00:00 The Challenges of Running a Mobile App Business 00:44 Introduction to the Guest Speaker: Russell Os 01:17 The Journey into Mobile Gaming 05:26 The Evolution of Facebook as a Gaming Platform 07:48 The Transition from Facebook to Mobile Gaming 09:59 The Importance of Analytics in Mobile Gaming 10:41 The Decision to Write a Book on Mobile Gaming 15:09 The Power of Building an Abstract Schema on Top of Your Data Warehouse 19:32 Understanding the Big Mac Index and AB Testing 20:01 Applying Purchasing Power Parity and Exchange Rates 20:34 Testing Market Response in Mexico 21:11 Adjusting Pricing for Different Markets 22:14 The Challenges of AB Testing 22:46 The Importance of Proper AB Testing 28:53 The Role of Retention in Gaming 33:52 The Complexity of ROAS 36:58 Final Thoughts and Conclusion