Launched my finance app 2 weeks ago - it's not making me rich but I learned a ton
Content Summary
Opinion Analysis
Mainstream opinion supports the idea of building a simple, privacy-focused finance app with a freemium model. Many commenters appreciate the emphasis on user data privacy and the lack of ads. Some users debate the choice of using SwiftUI over cross-platform frameworks like Flutter, with opinions split between native performance and cross-platform flexibility. A few suggest that adding ads could help monetize the app more effectively, while others believe that the current model is sufficient. There is also discussion about the importance of localization and targeting non-English markets. Overall, the post receives positive feedback, with many encouraging the author to continue building and improving the app.
SAAS TOOLS
| SaaS | URL | Category | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SwiftData | n/a | Data Management | Used for offline-first approach in the app |
| CloudKit | n/a | Cloud Sync | Used for syncing data across devices |
| RevenueCat | n/a | In-App Purchases | Used for handling subscriptions and payments |
| SwiftUI | n/a | UI Development | Used for building the app's interface |
| Claude.ai | https://www.claude.ai | AI Translation | Used for translating the app into 13 languages |
| Xcode | n/a | Localization | Used for creating localized strings and managing translations |
USER NEEDS
Pain Points:
- High costs of finance apps with basic features
- Difficulty in transaction entry speed
- Concerns about data privacy and security
- Need for multilingual support
- Lack of seamless integration with local banking systems
Problems to Solve:
- Provide a free, simple personal finance tracking solution
- Offer premium features for advanced users (e.g., unlimited accounts, budgets)
- Ensure user data is private and not stored on third-party servers
- Support multiple languages for global accessibility
- Enable integration with local banks for better financial tracking
Potential Solutions:
- Use native iOS development tools like SwiftUI and CloudKit for secure, fast performance
- Implement a privacy-first model where user data is not stored or accessed by the developer
- Leverage AI tools like Claude.ai for efficient and natural language translations
- Focus on App Store Optimization (ASO) and organic growth through community engagement
GROWTH FACTORS
Effective Strategies:
- Focusing on a clear value proposition: free core features with paid premium options
- Building a product that solves a real user pain point (personal finance management)
- Prioritizing user privacy and security as a key differentiator
- Leveraging Apple's ecosystem for native performance and user trust
Marketing & Acquisition:
- Organic growth through Reddit posts and App Store search optimization
- Utilizing word-of-mouth and community feedback for early traction
- Targeting non-English markets by supporting multiple languages from the start
Monetization & Product:
- Starting with a $4.99/month pricing model and adjusting it to $2.99 based on user feedback
- Offering limited free features with optional paid upgrades
- Avoiding ads to maintain a clean and user-friendly experience
User Engagement:
- Engaging with the community on Reddit and responding to user questions and feedback
- Using localization and cultural adaptation to build trust in international markets
- Encouraging user participation by asking for feature suggestions and feedback