Building a Personal Ecosystem of Applications: Why I Create Multiple Products Instead of Focusing on One

In the world of app development, the conventional advice is often to pour all your energy into a single product, refining it until it shines.

But I’ve taken a different route — one that involves building and managing multiple applications at the same time.

This approach has allowed me to create a personal ecosystem of apps that serve diverse needs, complement each other, and provide a safety net for my entrepreneurial journey.

In this article, I’ll explore why I chose to build multiple apps instead of focusing on one, how I manage the chaos of multiple projects, how I optimize my Minimum Viable Products (MVPs), and how I attract users to keep the ecosystem thriving.

App Ecosystem. mage generated by Mid Journey

Why Build Multiple Apps?

Diversification of Risk

Relying on a single app can feel like putting all your eggs in one basket. If it flops, everything you’ve worked for could collapse. By building multiple apps, I spread the risk.

For example, when my task reminder app didn’t take off as expected, my expense tracking app stepped in to keep the revenue flowing. This diversification gives me peace of mind and a buffer against failure.

Catering to Different User Needs

Each app in my ecosystem solves a unique problem or serves a specific audience. Instead of creating a bloated, all-in-one solution, I craft tailored tools that excel in their niches.

My vocabulary learning app helps students ace their exams, while my project management tool keeps freelancers organized. This approach lets me reach a wider audience without diluting the value of any single product.

Leveraging Synergies

Multiple apps aren’t just standalone projects — they’re part of a network. Users of one app might discover another, creating organic growth across the ecosystem.

Plus, the insights I gain from developing one app — like a clever marketing trick or a coding shortcut — can be applied to the others, making the whole system stronger and more efficient.

Family Tree Insight. The insight I got from building a Family Tree app, then I shared to X

Managing Multiple Apps

Running several projects at once isn’t easy — it requires structure and discipline. Here’s how I keep everything on track:

• Time Management: I break my day into focused blocks. Mornings might be for coding on one app, afternoons for marketing another, and evenings for planning the next. This rhythm keeps me productive without burning out.

• Resource Allocation: Not every app gets equal attention. I prioritize based on potential and performance. If one app is gaining traction, I’ll invest more time and money into it, while keeping the others ticking along at a baseline level.

• Task Prioritization: Tools like Notion help me stay organized. I list tasks for each app, tagging them by urgency and impact. This way, I tackle the most critical items — like fixing a crash or launching a killer feature — before anything else.

Cooking App. One of my successful apps recently — The cooking app

Optimizing MVPs

With multiple apps in play, speed and efficiency are key. That’s where Minimum Viable Products come in. Here’s how I make them work:

• Focus on Core Features: Each MVP is lean, built around its most essential function. For my note-taking app, that meant nailing fast syncing before worrying about fancy fonts. This keeps development quick and focused.

• Quick Launches and Feedback Loops: I aim to launch each MVP in 1–2 weeks. Once it’s out there, I collect feedback through surveys and direct messages. Users tell me what they love, what they hate, and what they’re missing — priceless insights for the next step.

• Iterative Development: Armed with feedback, I update each app every few weeks, adding only the most-requested features. This iterative cycle ensures my apps evolve based on real user needs, not guesswork.

Attracting Users

Getting people to download and use my apps is the final piece of the puzzle. Here are the strategies that work for me:

• Cross-Promotion: I use my existing apps to advertise new ones. A subtle banner in my vocabulary app might nudge users toward my note-taking tool, driving installs without spending a dime.

• Community Engagement: Platforms like Product Hunt, Reddit, and Indie Hackers have been goldmines for early traction. Launching there and chatting with users not only boosts visibility but also builds a loyal base.

• Content Marketing: I write blog posts tied to my apps’ niches — like “Top Tips for Freelance Productivity” to promote my project management tool. These pieces draw in organic traffic and position my apps as solutions to real problems.

Conclusion

Building a personal ecosystem of applications is a juggling act. It demands sharp time management, smart resource allocation, and a relentless focus on user feedback. But the rewards are worth it: lower risk, diverse income streams, and the chance to serve a wide range of users. If you’re thinking about taking this path, keep your MVPs lean, your processes flexible, and your users front and center. It’s a wild ride, but for me, it’s been a game-changer.

What about you? Have you tried managing multiple projects, or do you swear by the one-app focus? I’d love to hear your take!

Hey, I’m Mikel. You can read more of my stories here.

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