Hey everyone! November 2023, I had an amazing speaking experience at Google DevFest Accra 2022, a fantastic community event powered by Google Developers Group (GDG). As many of you know, I've been a proud member of the GDG community since 2011, representing the Cape Coast University arm.

So, at that year's DevFest, I decided to step up and give back to the community that has given me so much. Even though I have a busy day-to-day job as a Growth Marketing professional at Fido, a fintech app, I volunteered to be a speaker at the event. And you know what? It was totally worth it!

My session was titled "How to Grow Your App," and it was an eye-opening 30-minute presentation! I focused on a topic that's often overlooked - the importance of marketing and growing your app beyond just developing it. I mean, we developers can get so caught up in creating our dream apps that we forget about the crucial marketing aspect.

During the talk, I touched on various subtopics that I believe are vital for successful app growth:

· Growth Projections: Knowing where you want your app to be and setting realistic goals. It's essential to have a clear vision of your app's potential growth to create effective strategies.

· Growth Strategies: Exploring the various techniques and approaches to get your app out there and noticed by the right audience. From Google Universal App Campaigns to Social Media Marketing to Influencer partnerships, there are numerous avenues to explore.

· Budgeting: Emphasizing that you don't need a massive budget to start marketing, but you do need to allocate resources wisely. Smart budgeting can yield significant results.

· Analytics: Understanding user behaviour through data is essential for optimizing your app's performance and making data-driven decisions. Analyzing key metrics can help identify areas for improvement. Apps like Firebase, AppsFlyer, Kochava, and Indicative can all help.

· The Importance of a Marketing Team: Highlighting the significance of having a strong marketing team. Surrounding yourself with talented individuals who know the ins and outs of marketing can make all the difference in the success of your app.

The best part was the Q&A session after my presentation. The audience had some fantastic questions, and I was thrilled to engage with them for about 15 minutes. It was rewarding to see how I could inspire and build confidence in fellow tech makers in Ghana's tech ecosystem. Sharing my story and experiences seemed to resonate with them, and I hope I motivated them to pursue their dreams fearlessly.

To watch my full presentation, visit my YouTube channel.

Moreover, I was honoured to be part of an all-women panel discussion at the event, which was specifically focused on empowering #WomeninTech. The panel provided a platform to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities that women face in the tech industry. It was incredible to see the support and knowledge among the panelists and the audience, and I firmly believe that events like these are crucial for fostering diversity and inclusion in tech.

DevFest Accra 2022 was an unforgettable experience. Being part of such an enthusiastic tech community and contributing to its growth has been an absolute privilege. I can't wait to see how all the developers and tech enthusiasts in Ghana will implement the insights they gained from this event. Remember, there is no point in having a great app with no usage -it's not just about the app you build; it's about how you market and grow it!

Thank you, GDG, for giving me this platform, and thank you all for being an amazing audience! Let's continue to learn, share, and grow together in this exciting tech journey! See you at the next #DevFest!