Hacking Growth: How We Scaled a Ride-Sharing App's User Base

Client Profile: An emerging Ride-Sharing/Delivery App in Sylhet and Chittagong.
Goal: App Installs and First Ride Bookings.

1. The Challenge

Competitors had millions in funding. Our client needed to grow users without burning cash on massive billboard campaigns.

 

2. Our Strategy: “Referral Loops & Local Pride”

We used social media to trigger organic word-of-mouth.

  • Localized Memes: We created content in the local Chittagonian and Sylheti dialects. Example: “Why wait for hours? Get a bike faster than light.” (in local dialect). This made the content highly shareable.
  • The “Share-to-Win” Campaign: We launched a campaign where users could win a customized helmet by sharing their “First Ride” selfie on Instagram Stories tagging the app.
  • Influencer Promo Codes: Instead of just paying influencers, we gave them unique promo codes. They pushed their codes aggressively to their followers to earn commissions (Affiliate Model).

 

Mobile app store growth results showing increased downloads and referral campaign interface.
3. The Results
  • User Acquisition: Gained 25,000 active users in the first 2 months.
  • Cost Per Install (CPI): Achieved a CPI of $0.15 (Industry average is $0.50+).
  • Viral Factor: The localized dialect memes were shared by major city pages, giving free exposure worth Lakhs.