The Growth Formula Nobody Talks About: Retention + ARPU Beats Acquisition

2025-10-11

In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Rotella, a product leader who’s helped brands like Weight Watchers, Verizon, and top startups build high-retention, high-ARPU apps that turn downloads into lifelong subscribers.Mike’s obsessed with one thing — making apps people keep using.He breaks down why retention and ARPU growth aren’t outcomes of acquisition — they’re the growth strategy.He’ll share how combining habit-forming design, contextual activation moments, and leveraging AI can turn installs into sustained subscribers — without blowi...

Mike’s obsessed with one thing — making apps people keep using.

He breaks down why retention and ARPU growth aren’t outcomes of acquisition — they’re the growth strategy.

He’ll share how combining habit-forming design, contextual activation moments, and leveraging AI can turn installs into sustained subscribers — without blowing the budget on ads spend.

If you’re building a subscription app, this episode shows you exactly what to do after the install to keep users hooked, engaged, and paying.

You will discover:

✅ The growth formula nobody talks about — Retention + ARPU beats Acquisition

✅ How to turn installs into subscribers in the first 24 hours

✅ The habit-loop framework behind top 10% free-to-paid conversion rates

✅ How to show value before the paywall and prevent early churn

✅ How light AI insight amplifies retention

Learn More:

📱Abide – Bible, Prayer, Meditation App

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/abide-bible-prayer-meditation/id726031617?ppid=2719275d-ebab-4341-9fb6-5ea68b7ef8ae

💼 Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rotella