The Social Hacking method
Attract app users without endless social media work or paying for expensive ads.
With 5.24 billion people on social media daily, you only need to attract a tiny fraction to build a profitable app business.
In This Article
What Is Social Hacking?
Social hacking is an approach for finding and connecting with potential clients who are already interested in your field. Rather than trying to "beat the algorithm" with perfect content ("the old way"), social hacking focuses on having meaningful conversations with people who are likely to need your app.
The Social Hacking Process (Step-by-Step)
1. Identify Your Dream Customers' Influencers
Ask yourself: "Who are my ideal customers currently following online?"
2. Find Engaged Prospects
- Visit these influencers' profiles
- Check comments on their recent posts
- Identify active commenters who are clearly engaged fans
- These are your highest-quality prospects out of those 5+ billion social media users
3. Send the "Magic Question" via Direct Message
Dan's exact formula:
"Can I ask for your advice on something?
I'm creating some videos to help [identity of dream customer] when it comes to [desired result]. What's your biggest challenge?"
For example: "Can I ask for your advice on something? I'm creating some videos to help wedding photographers when it comes to filling your calendar. What's your biggest challenge?"
4. Respond With Helpful Advice
When they reply with their challenge, provide genuine value with a helpful tip.
5. Wait for the "Sales Window"
They'll typically ask what you do or how you help people - this is when you introduce your app.
Why Social Hacking Works
Social hacking works because:
- People love giving advice
- You remain positioned as an expert, despite asking for input
- It doesn't feel "salesy" (unlike most outreach)
- It creates conversations about customers' goals and challenges
- Customers ask about your solution rather than you pushing it
Social hacking is all about quality connections rather than quantity. By focusing your time on people who already care about your topic, you can build your app business without the exhaustion of traditional social media marketing.
Real Success Story
Menina, a dance expert who used this exact approach. Before implementing social hacking, she earned $3,000-$5,000 monthly from her physical dance studio. After adopting this strategy, she reached $80,000 in her best month and eventually hit $1 million in yearly revenue.