LeMI Apps
About the Company
LeMi Apps, established in Jerusalem, Israel, in September 2013, focuses on developing SMS Marketing Auto Reply Apps specifically designed for small businesses. The company has grown to include four employees and generates a monthly revenue of approximately $14,000. Ginzburg's vision was to create a user-friendly solution that addressed the needs of small businesses, allowing them to automate responses to missed calls and messages. This service not only improves customer engagement but also reduces the costs associated with traditional SMS marketing services.
The apps allow users to automatically respond to messages across various platforms, including SMS, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger. They are tailored to suit the busy schedules of small business owners, providing them with a tool that simplifies communication with customers. As the company has evolved, it has introduced keyword-based auto responses, making it easier for businesses to interact with potential clients effectively.
Ginzburg's experience in project management and marketing has significantly influenced the company’s operations, leading to the development of multiple apps within three years. LeMi Apps initially focused on Android, where Ginzburg identified a demand for affordable autoresponders, which ultimately contributed to its early success.
Idea Behind Company
The idea for LeMi Apps originated from Ginzburg's extensive background in software and project management, coupled with encouragement from family members working in mobile technology. Recognizing a gap in the market for affordable auto responder applications, Ginzburg conducted research to validate his concept before embarking on development. He noted the increasing demand for immediate customer responses and the potential for mobile apps to fulfill that need.
Initially, Ginzburg aimed to create an app that would allow users to manage missed calls and text messages efficiently. However, an early mistake in attempting to develop for iOS revealed limitations that forced him to concentrate solely on Android development. This decision, although initially challenging, ultimately allowed Ginzburg to establish a strong foothold in the market, resulting in the creation of 17 apps within three years.
The concept of keyword-based SMS marketing was crucial to the app's development, as it enabled users to engage with customers via automated responses triggered by specific text inputs. This feature aimed to streamline communication, ensuring that small businesses could handle inquiries quickly and efficiently, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and engagement.
Creating the Company
autoresponder app, which was initially priced at $0.95. The app quickly gained traction, amassing 500,000 users in its free version and converting about 2% into paid users. This early success highlighted the effectiveness of offering both free and paid versions of the app to attract a wider audience.
To ensure quality and usability, Ginzburg implemented a thorough testing phase, recruiting freelancers to evaluate the app across various Android devices. This strategy addressed initial concerns about device compatibility and functionality, leading to high user satisfaction ratings. The integration of a hidden debug mode allowed for efficient troubleshooting and customer support, which was pivotal in maintaining app performance over time.
Over the years, Ginzburg recognized the need for continuous development and adaptation in response to user feedback. As the app ecosystem evolved, so did LeMi Apps, with a focus on refining features and expanding the range of applications offered. The company’s dedication to quality assurance and user experience set a strong foundation for its growth in the competitive mobile app landscape.
Launching the Business
The launch of LeMi Apps was marked by minimal pre-launch activities, relying heavily on organic traffic to attract initial users. Ginzburg emphasizes the importance of having a marketing budget significantly larger than development costs for successful app launches. Learning from past experiences, the company implemented a more structured approach during the launch of its B2B Keyword-based SMS Marketing Autoresponder App, utilizing social media platforms and pre-registration discounts to generate interest.
Post-launch, Ginzburg utilized A/B testing to optimize app store visibility and descriptions, which successfully drew in thousands of daily users. Despite a competitive landscape, the app garnered attention through effective App Store Optimization (ASO) and targeted marketing strategies. LeMi Apps also expanded its reach by venturing into other app stores, though results were mixed, with most revenue still derived from Google Play.
The lessons learned from initial launches influenced Ginzburg's strategy in subsequent years. Milestones such as acceptance into Facebook's FbStart program and the introduction of subscription models for apps reflected a shift towards leveraging external partnerships and diverse revenue streams. Continuous evaluation and adaptation of marketing strategies played a crucial role in sustaining growth and attracting a loyal user base.
Earnings
LeMi Apps has achieved a revenue of $72,000 annually, with a monthly income of approximately $14,000. The revenue streams primarily come from the Google Play Store, which accounts for 75% of earnings, followed by 20% from the company website and 1% from the Amazon App Store. The diversification of sales channels has been a strategic focus for Ginzburg, especially after facing challenges with Google Play's restrictions on app functionalities.
Despite the high failure rate of mobile apps, Ginzburg considers the revenue generated from his applications a significant achievement, especially given the competitive nature of the market. The transition to a subscription model for the Keyword-based SMS Marketing Autoresponder App was instrumental in boosting subscriber numbers, highlighting the importance of adapting business models to changing market demands.
Ginzburg’s long-term goals include expanding revenue to $30,000 per month and exploring opportunities for acquisition by larger mobile companies. As he reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, Ginzburg emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adaptation, both of which are essential for sustaining and growing a mobile app business in an ever-evolving industry.
