Cover Image Credits
Photo by Pascal Meier on Unsplash
Client Background
The Jacobson Flare, founded by David Jacobson, a 24,500-hour airline pilot with over fifty-five years of experience, provides specialized training for pilots and flight students. His method focuses on a precise, visual landing technique, offering safety, consistency, and universal applicability across aircraft types. Prior to PressPad, David shared his expertise via his website, blog, public presentations, and training manuals. His goal was to make high-quality aviation training accessible worldwide.
Challenges
- Monetization: David had valuable PDF-based educational content but needed a way to sell it globally in a secure, user-friendly format.
- Audience Engagement: While he had an established following, converting website visitors and blog readers into paying app users required a more effective approach.
- Distribution Limitations: Earlier digital solutions were limited to iOS only and lacked flexibility for updates or Android support.
- Content Marketing: There was a need to create a free, engaging channel to attract new potential users without cannibalizing paid content.
Solution with PressPad
David implemented a dual-app strategy leveraging PressPad platforms:
- The Jacobson Flare Paid App:
- PDF-based flipbook format delivering the full, interactive landing manual for iOS and Android.
- Combines portrait e-book and landscape presentation into a single, interactive experience.
- Features HD videos, illustrated references, and five onboard calculators.
- Paid app only — no ads or in-app purchases, providing complete access upon purchase.
- Flexible content updates via PressPad platform, ensuring high-quality educational content remains current.
- The Jacobson Flare News App:
- Free, companion news app pulling dynamic content directly from the website’s blog via WordPress API and RSS feeds.
- Provides pilots and students with tips, news, and educational insights in a mobile-friendly format.
- Push notifications alert users to new content, maintaining engagement.
- Serves as a marketing channel to introduce potential users to the full paid app without diluting its value.
Results
- Global Reach: Paid app downloaded and used by pilots in 67 countries.
- Revenue Generation: Single paid app model successfully monetizes PDF content globally, offering affordable access compared to traditional flight training costs.
- Audience Growth: Free news app expanded engagement, driving awareness of the paid app and reinforcing David’s credibility.
- Seamless Updates: Both apps are easily updated, allowing continuous content improvements without additional development costs.
Client Feedback
David Jacobson emphasizes:
“The PressPad apps represent great value — we gained Android support, improved flexibility, and professional guidance from the PressPad team. The results speak for themselves.”
He also notes that the free news app strengthened the marketing of the paid app:
“The free app offers potential purchasers a no-risk way to explore the Jacobson Flare system. It hasn’t replaced the paid app; instead, it drives interest and trust, increasing conversions.”
Key Takeaway
The Jacobson Flare demonstrates how combining a paid PDF flipbook app with a free, dynamically updated news app creates a robust, self-reinforcing sales funnel. Free content builds awareness and engagement, while the paid app monetizes expertise in a narrow, high-value niche.
Discover how PressPad can help you implement a dual-app strategy to expand reach, engage audiences, and monetize specialized content effectively.
