Welcome back to another edition of “Diary of an Indie App Developer.” This week, I’m diving into the quirky yet surprisingly significant world of poop tracking apps. Yes, you read that right—today’s feature is about an app dedicated to monitoring your bowel movements. Buckle up for an insightful journey through the development of the “Poop Tracker Deluxe.”
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The Journey of an Indie App Developer
Being an indie app developer is a rollercoaster of excitement and challenges. Initially, the thrill of starting a new project keeps you motivated. However, the journey often gets tougher as the initial excitement wanes, and the real work begins. It’s a test of endurance, requiring consistent effort and a long-term vision.
As I ventured into developing my poop tracking app, I experienced these ups and downs firsthand. The gratification from app development is rarely immediate. Often, the positive outcomes of today’s hard work are visible only months down the line. This reality hit home as I tackled multiple projects simultaneously, including the semi-viral “Poop Tracker Deluxe.”
Why a Poop Tracking App?
You might be wondering, “Why create an app for tracking poop?” The idea stemmed from simple keyword research. Surprisingly, there was a significant demand for a poop tracker app. Despite the unglamorous subject matter, people needed a reliable way to monitor their bowel health, whether for personal insights or medical consultations.
In Australia, we commonly refer to it as “poo,” but for global appeal, “Poop Tracker” was the chosen name. I aimed to differentiate my app by making it aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly, avoiding the common, less appealing brown or yellow color schemes. Instead, I opted for a sleek blue design, symbolizing cleanliness and water.
Overcoming App Store Challenges
Developing the app was relatively straightforward, taking about a week and a half. However, the real challenge was getting it approved by the App Store. Initially, my app was rejected for including “objectionable content”—specifically, poop imagery. It was a frustrating moment, considering the app’s medical purpose and the tasteful design choices.
To overcome this, I added a modal dialogue that required users to opt-in to see any poop imagery. This approach mirrored the notification permission requests commonly seen in apps. Thankfully, this tweak led to the app’s acceptance on the App Store.
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
One crucial lesson from this experience is the importance of resilience and adaptability. The app review process, though sometimes frustrating, ensures the safety and appropriateness of content for users. This experience has also reinforced my strategy of validating app ideas through keyword research and user demand before diving into development.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about refining “Poop Tracker Deluxe” and exploring new features, possibly even monetizing it. Each step in this journey reaffirms my passion for app development and the joy of creating tools that meet real-world needs.
Stay Connected
Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support means the world to me. If you haven’t already, please subscribe to my podcast on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. Your engagement and feedback fuel my motivation to keep creating and sharing these experiences.
Until next time, happy developing!
Adam Lyttle
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