Partner Spotlight: How FeedPreview Became the Solo Developer’s Secret Weapon

In the fast-paced world of social media, managing and curating our online presence has become more important than ever. With Instagram being a prominent platform for self-expression, users often seek ways to organize and enhance their feeds. That’s where FeedPreview comes in — a tool that serves as a personal assistant for Instagram feeds. This ingenious app was developed by Charly Berthet, a founder of BerthetX and a developer behind 5 apps with more than 8 million worldwide downloads. 

In this interview, we dive into the background of Charly, the inspiration behind the app, the challenges faced during development, the app’s evolution based on user feedback, and the decision to collaborate with a publisher. Let’s take a closer look at the journey behind FeedPreview and the valuable insights gained along the way.

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From Sports to App Development: Unveiling A Unique Journey

Charly Berthet shares a unique journey into the world of app development. Initially drawn to sports and hesitant about pursuing a career in IT, his perspective changed when he attended an IT conference and discovered the vast range of opportunities and industries available. Starting as a JavaScript full-stack engineer, he soon delved into mobile app development using Apache Cordova and React Native, while continuing to build servers and web apps.

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From Side Projects to FeedPreview: The Spark of an Idea

During his studies, Charly consistently worked on side projects, driven by the hope of discovering a breakthrough. While some ventures failed, one cryptocurrency app brought in a modest income through in-app ads. Recognizing the potential, he decided to develop multiple small apps, with the aim of generating enough revenue to pursue his passion full-time. However, as he evaluated the performance of these apps, Feed Preview emerged as the standout. As Charly says, “Thus I have dug in the results of each app and figured one that one app stood out from the crowd, it was Feed Preview. So I have pivoted my strategy, started to focus on Feed Preview and closed all my other apps.”

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Overcoming Marketing Challenges and Balancing User Needs and App Vision

Marketing an app can be a challenge, especially for those without a marketing background. Charly Berthet, acknowledging his own limitations, turned to user reviews as a crucial feedback channel. He shares, 

“Because I lack marketing skills, I have focused on user reviews. I was fixing every bug reported and developing each user’s feature request with the goal of gathering as many good reviews as possible, so the Apple Store would rank my app first in search results.”

Throughout the development process, Charly initially prioritized incorporating every user’s feedback to ensure a seamless and frustration-free user experience. However, as the app evolved, he recognized the importance of maintaining focus and simplicity. Understanding that it’s impossible to implement every feature request, he now evaluates user needs based on their potential to benefit a wider user base. As Charly explains, 

“I think an app that is straight forward is easier to maintain and market, so now I check each user’s needs and figure out if this could really help all my other users or not.”

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Evolution Based on User Feedback

FeedPreview has undergone significant evolution since its launch, driven by valuable user feedback. In a bold move, Charly decided to rewrite the app from scratch, addressing technical debt and ensuring improved performance and stability. In response to user requests, he also added an image editor feature, empowering users to apply specific image filters and enhance their visual content.

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Collaboration with a Publisher: Choosing MWM

The increasingly competitive landscape of app stores, coupled with the challenges of effective marketing, led Charly to seek support from a publisher. 

“Ever since Apple introduced Search Ads, I’ve noticed that the competition on the App Store has been intensifying. Now, if you fail to adequately market your app in a market where every other app is doing just that, your app inevitably falls lower in the App Store search results. This realization is what led me to decide to collaborate with a publisher.” 

By partnering with MWM, he found a like-minded company with a strong track record. This collaboration not only provided marketing expertise but also fostered a shared sense of motivation and success.

Reflecting on his journey, Charly offers invaluable advice. He emphasizes the importance of either finding a sales/marketing partner or identifying a niche with low competition. By differentiating oneself or seeking specialized assistance, developers can stand out in a crowded market and increase their chances of success. FeedPreview represents the culmination of Charly Berthet’s journey — a tale of determination, innovation, and the desire to create an app that empowers users to effectively manage and elevate their digital presence.

Charly Berthet found his secret weapon in MWM, and you could too. If you’re an app developer looking for expert marketing skills, visibility, and a collaborative environment, MWM might just be the perfect fit. By working with us, you can transform your app from a well-kept secret to a prominent player in the market.

Contact our Publishing Team.