From $650 Test to $56K Profit: Sergey Ovseenko’s ASO Success

Introduction

Sergey Ovseenko started building iOS apps 10 years ago to improve his language-learning routine. He created separate apps for six languages, charging $2 per unlock after three free lessons. Years later he discovered affiliate marketing via ASO (App Store Optimization), a simpler path to higher earnings.

Why ASO and WebView Apps?

ASO is like SEO for mobile apps, optimize keywords, graphics, and screenshots so apps rank high in the App Store. Sergey’s trick: build a minimal app with a WebView that always points to a finance offer. Once the placeholder app passes review, he switches content to a debit card, microloan or insurance landing page.

The $650 Test Budget

To test ASO, Sergey invested:

• $100 for an App Store account
• $150 for design, icon, screenshots
• $400 for development

With just $650, he was live in days. But success isn’t guaranteed: you need the right keyword set, compelling visuals, and clean white-label creatives.

Choosing the Financial Vertical

Competition for slots and casino apps is fierce; finance apps, especially microloans and credit cards, face much lower ASO competition. Sergey climbed to top results on keywords like “loans, ” “credit, ” and “money” so quickly that users flocked to his offers.

Partnering with Pampadu

Direct advertiser deals were slow and rigid. Pampadu’s affiliate program offered:

• Fast support and creative approval
• Upfront high rates and quick payouts
• Pre-built white-label showcases

No tracker needed, Pampadu’s dashboard shows clicks, approvals, and CR in real time.

Results and Scaling

In month one, Sergey netted $56,000. Now he’s adding new teams, niches, and geos for 2024. He believes the finance vertical may overheat in 4–5 years, so he’s doubling down now.

Lessons for New Affiliates

Avoid direct ad buys at first, use affiliate programs with white-label support. Focus on perfecting one channel, then scale. Test multiple keyword sets and creatives. Don’t quit after failures: refine until you hit a winning combination.