Mobile apps often seem like the domain of tech companies with large development teams. Yet sometimes the most successful apps come from passionate individuals who identify a gap in the market and find the right tools to fill it. This is exactly what happened with Gary Patterson's hiking and cycling apps in New Zealand.
With a strong concept, personal passion, and the right software platform, Gary created two successful mobile apps without writing a single line of code. To add cherry on top, he was also able to monetize them with paid advertising.
Gary’s story demonstrates how entrepreneurs can turn outdoor expertise into thriving digital businesses.
The Inspiration Behind Great Hikes and Great Rides
Gary Patterson loved exploring New Zealand's trails. During his adventures, he noticed a significant problem. The country's Department of Conservation maintained numerous "Great Walks" that attracted both tourists and locals, but no single app provided comprehensive guidance for these popular trails. Information existed but remained scattered across various websites.
This fragmentation created an opportunity. Gary decided to develop two free mobile apps that would solve this problem. Great Hikes would guide walkers along New Zealand's iconic trails, while Great Rides would help cyclists navigate routes through towns, vineyards, and countryside landscapes.
Choosing an App-Building Platform
Gary knew exactly what he wanted to create but like many entrepreneurs, he faced a familiar challenge. He needed a development platform that did not require coding expertise, supported drag-and-drop content management, and included reliable customer support. Most importantly, it needed to be built for location-based experiences.
From an end-user perspective, Gary wanted to provide hikers and bikers:
- All walks and bike paths available under one mobile app
- The ability to track their position on the map
- Points of interest so users can learn about what they're seeing live
- Multimedia content for a richer user experience
- Trail content downloads for offline access
With STQRY’s no-code technology, Gary found the ideal solution.
Creating Apps with STQRY
As Gary developed his content and built the apps, STQRY's specialized platform provided several significant advantages that accelerated his progress.
Focusing on Storytelling and Content
STQRY's platform includes all the essential features for trail storytelling. Users can organize content into separate tours (in this case, individual hikes or rides) and create points of interest along each route. These stops can include images, text descriptions, videos, and audio files that enhance the visitor experience.
This structure allowed Gary to concentrate on what matters most—creating engaging content.
"I've created over 1,000 points of interest spread across the 55 hiking and cycling trails," Gary explains. "Because of STQRY, I'm able to focus the majority of my time creating content instead of worrying about the technology."
Easy No-Code Development
The technical simplicity transformed Gary's workflow. STQRY's drag-and-drop builder enabled him to manage all content without hiring expensive developers. He could upload materials and arrange them on GPS-powered maps independently, reducing annual maintenance costs by approximately 90%.
This affordability directly impacts his business model. Using a platform specifically designed for guided tours means Gary retains more revenue from advertisers rather than spending it on technical overhead.
Responsive Customer Support
Reliable assistance proved invaluable throughout development. "I can send an email and the STQRY team always comes back really quickly," Gary shares. "They will hop on a call and work through an issue. The support is really important for my users and app store ratings. I also have 500 or 600 advertisers that rely on the app being current and working properly."
This dependable support provides peace of mind, ensuring Gary can quickly resolve any issues that might affect user experience or advertiser satisfaction.
Digital Asset Management
Content organization streamlines ongoing development. STQRY includes a comprehensive digital asset management system that works across Gary's entire account. This allows him to search and locate multimedia content from both apps, reusing materials efficiently rather than constantly creating new assets from scratch.
Reaching 75,000 Users
The project has become both financially rewarding and personally fulfilling. Gary personally walks or cycles every trail featured in his apps, combining business development with his passion for outdoor adventure.
His dedication has yielded impressive results. "I've hit 75,000 users between the two apps," he notes proudly. "Because the STQRY platform is constantly being updated and improved, I never have to worry about quality. Plus, I get to add new features to my app easily, like the panoramic images and slides which were recently launched.”
Building with the Right Foundation
The selection of STQRY as his development platform has created virtually unlimited growth potential. Gary can continue expanding his user base into the hundreds of thousands without confronting typical technical challenges like scalability issues, quality assurance testing, or app store update complications.
Perhaps most importantly, he avoided being locked into an expensive ongoing relationship with a software development firm. This strategic choice keeps his overhead low while maximizing flexibility and profit margins.
When entrepreneurs select the right no-code platform for their specific application type, they establish a strong foundation that supports sustainable profitability and growth.
Key Takeaways
Gary's success with Great Hikes and Great Rides offers valuable lessons for aspiring app entrepreneurs:
- Find inspiration in existing resources that lack digital companions
- Choose software that lets you invest your time creating content, not managing technology
- Select an app builder specifically designed for your particular use case
- Maintain low recurring expenses to improve profit margins
- Focus on a niche you're passionate about and will enjoy exploring long-term
By following these principles and leveraging STQRY's specialized platform, Gary transformed his outdoor enthusiasm into two successful apps serving 75,000 users and counting.
Create Your Own Tour App Today
STQRY makes it easy to build interactive mobile experiences with no coding required. Whether you're creating walking tours, audio guides, or educational content, the platform’s intuitive software and hands-on support help you share stories in powerful, engaging ways.
Ready to bring your ideas to life? Try the STQRY Builder for free and start building your own mobile tour app today.