8 Freelance App Developer Success Stories [2024]

Updated: November 19th, 2023
Become A Freelance App Developer

A freelance app developer is a programmer who creates mobile apps for Android and iOS devices. Freelance app development business targets creating various apps that give a user-friendly experience.

To become a freelance app developer, first, touch up on your skills. There are several courses available online. Once you obtain the certification, choose your niche and focus on your skill set.

Then the best way to showcase your work is to build a portfolio website where you will display your skills, projects, and testimonials. Another way to promote yourself is to create your brand and blog. This will, in turn, build a network, and you will be able to connect with people and attract more clients.

Here are some real life success stories of starting a freelance app developer:

1. LowCode Agency ($120K/year)

Jesus Vargas, founder of LowCode Agency, came up with the idea for his business after discovering a tool called Glide apps that allowed him to easily create apps from Google Sheets. He realized he could use this no/low code tool to build custom apps for businesses at a fraction of the cost and time of traditional app development. After finding success with his first client, an Airbnb owner, Vargas rebranded his company and has since been growing double digits every month, on track to do $150,000 in sales in their first year.

How much they make: $120K/year
How much did it cost to start: $500
Current team size: 3

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How I Started A $10K/Month App Building Agency Using No/Low Code Tools

LowCode Agency uses no/low code tools to build custom-made apps at 80% lower cost and 70% faster than traditional app development agencies, growing double digits every month and targeting $150,000 in sales in their first year.

About
Jesus started LowCode Agency about 4 years ago
Revenue
Jesus grew the business to $10K/month
Costs
It cost Jesus $500 to start the business
Read by 20,251 founders

2. Krit ($1.09M/year)

Andrew, the founder of Krit, initially had no intention of starting a software agency. However, after taking an intro to Computer Science class in college, he became hooked on programming and the startup world. Through various pivots and a failed product launch, Andrew and his team eventually made the tough decision to shut down their product and transition into a full-time agency.

How much they make: $1.09M/year
Current team size: 7

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How I Started A $69K/Month Software Agency After A Failed Product Launch

A software agency started by a non-technical founder helps diverse clients with their minimum lovable product, boasting a revenue of over $700,000 this year with a 20% profit margin and a team of 8.

About
Andrew started Krit about 10 years ago
Revenue
Andrew grew the business to $91K/month
Read by 24,363 founders

So... can you actually make money with a freelance app developer?

Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.

But how?

  1. Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
  2. Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
  3. Take action, because now you have the roadmap.

Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:

Start Now

3. Pioneer Mobile Applications ($360K/year)

Phil Scarfi, founder of Pioneer Mobile Applications, came up with the idea for his business while in college. He noticed the inefficiency in accessing dining hall menus online and developed an app that consolidated all the menus in one place. Word quickly spread about his app, leading to opportunities to develop apps for others and ultimately forming Pioneer Mobile Applications.

How much they make: $360K/year
Current team size: 3

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How I Started A Successful Mobile App Development Agency

Phil Scarfi, Founder of Pioneer Mobile Applications, shares how he tripled his client base and nearly doubled his website's monthly visitors through SEO, social media marketing and standardization of the development process.

About
Phil started Pioneer Mobile Applications over 7 years ago
Revenue
Phil grew the business to $30K/month
Read by 12,189 founders

4. Appsitude ($600K/year)

Cameron acquired a stagnant app development company and relaunched it from the ground up. With a monthly revenue of $30,000 to $50,000, he plans on making Appsitude one of the biggest app development companies in the world.

How much they make: $600K/year
Current team size: 8

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Acquiring A Stagnant App Development Company And Leading It To $50K/Month

Cameron Upson acquired Appsitude, a stagnant app development company, and turned it into a thriving business earning between $30,000 to $50,000 a month by hiring overseas developers and investing in marketing.

About
Cam started Appsitude over 9 years ago
Revenue
Cam grew the business to $50K/month
Read by 3,191 founders

So... can you actually make money with a freelance app developer?

Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.

But how?

  1. Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
  2. Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
  3. Take action, because now you have the roadmap.

Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:

Start Now

5. Zovo Team Ltd. ($240K/year)

Mahamud Hasan, the founder of Zovo Team Ltd, started his business as a freelance graphic designer in 2016. After realizing the lack of technical and business knowledge among entrepreneurs, he expanded his services and formed a team of experts to provide comprehensive solutions for startups. With an estimated revenue of 12.5k$/month and yearly 150k$+, Zovo Team Ltd has become a top branding agency in Bangladesh.

How much they make: $240K/year
How much did it cost to start: $200
Current team size: 40

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We Built A $150K/Year Portfolio Of Online Businesses [From Bangladesh]

Zovo Team Ltd, founded by Mahamud Hasan and his co-founders, is a full-stack digital marketing solutions company with an estimated revenue of $12.5k/month and yearly $150k+. They have six subsidiary brands that provide A to Z solutions for entrepreneurs, and their team is dedicated to the development of new entrepreneurs by offering effective solutions.

About
Mahamud started Zovo Team Ltd. over 4 years ago
Revenue
Mahamud grew the business to $20K/month
Costs
It cost Mahamud $200 to start the business
Read by 3,906 founders