How Jest Paint built a consulting business through app store research
For e-commerce leaders looking to scale operations and stay competitive, discovering tools and sharing expertise matters more than ever. For Santiago Massano, CEO of Jest Paint, participating in app store research has transformed how he grows his business – connecting him with hundreds of entrepreneurs while earning meaningful income and shaping the future of e-commerce software.
"If I feel like I contributed to making something better, I feel great. If I feel like it was just a sales pitch, then I feel like we missed an opportunity to contribute."
We speek with
Santiago Massano, Owner at Jest Paint
Why I joined as a participant
Santiago came to app store research with a clear goal: to transition into the consulting space while helping developers build better solutions for e-commerce operators. After running Jest Paint for over a decade, he had accumulated deep expertise in what works and what doesn't in the Shopify ecosystem.
But Santiago had reason to be skeptical. He'd tried similar platforms before with disappointing results. "I had joined other websites that are mostly advertised as 'we pay you to review products or answer questions,' and never had good experiences with them."
What changed his mind was discovering Cluster – a CRO solution through app store research that proved genuinely valuable for his store. That success convinced him the platform was different.
"I wanted to get into the consulting business and this was a great way in. Being able to advise other entrepreneurs on their ideas, and if they were or not a good fit for e-commerce operators and how they could improve them."
The experience so far
"Amazing conversations about real e-commerce challenges."
Santiago describes his experience with app store research as "amazing." What sets it apart, in his view, is the caliber of conversations. The platform connects him with entrepreneurs building solutions specifically for people like him - store owners managing everything from growth strategy to compliance and tech stack selection.
What makes a call "worth it"
For Santiago, the value isn't just about the paycheck. It's about meaningful contribution. He's crystal clear about what separates productive research calls from wasted time:
"The willingness of the other person to listen to feedback, their ability to ask questions that show that they are truly interested in learning how e-commerce store owners operate, and what they need."
He's equally direct about red flags: "If I feel like it was just a sales pitch even though it was supposed to be a research call, then I feel like we missed an opportunity to contribute."
Fitting calls into a busy schedule
Santiago takes calls strategically, usually in the morning between tasks. This helps him break up his workday and avoid working outside regular business hours – though he's occasionally taken calls at 11 PM when the conversation proved interesting enough. The flexibility allows him to participate without disrupting his core responsibilities running Jest Paint.
"I try and take my calls in the morning, between tasks, it helps me break the routine, and also avoids me having to work outside regular business hours, though I have taken some calls at 11pm, and they were actually fun."
"I get to meet entrepreneurs from around the world looking to help e-commerce operators like myself run our business in a more efficient and successful way. We have great conversations about what sellers like me need, what we don't need, we get to discuss ideas and solutions and often I get to see solutions improve based on my feedback."
Other reasons to join
Beyond consulting experience, Santiago has identified five key benefits of participating:
1. Discovering tools that actually work
Learning about new apps and software that can directly improve store operations – many that wouldn't surface otherwise. One of Santiago's best discoveries through app store research was Cluster, which delivers proven value for his business.
2. Being part of the solution
Contributing directly to product development, knowing that feedback actively shapes what developers build for e-commerce operators. Santiago specifically values being able to see improvements based on his suggestions.
3. Earning meaningful side income
Getting paid fairly for expertise and time – income that scales with the value provided in each conversation. Santiago has earned over $6,750 through the platform so far.
4. Leveling up as a consultant
Developing real consulting skills – improving feedback abilities, learning to analyze other businesses, sharpening strategic thinking about operations and growth.
5. Building a network of reers
Staying connected with other entrepreneurs, discussing their challenges, wins, and lessons learned across different verticals. Santiago has built one of his best professional relationships through the platform.
"Anyone with enough years of experience in e-commerce that is willing to share honest feedback with developers that design software and apps for Shopify stores should join. But they have to be willing to spend the time analyzing the products, providing valid and strategic advice, willing to take extra calls, and willing to test things out when needed."
Closing thoughts
Santiago's participation in app store research has opened unexpected doors. He's discovered tools like Cluster that deliver real ROI, built one of his best professional relationships through the platform, and earned substantial income while doing work he finds genuinely interesting.
The bigger picture? For Santiago, app store research fills a gap he didn't know existed – a legitimate way to leverage his hard-won e-commerce expertise, discover tools that move the needle for his business, and connect with like-minded operators and builders. It's consultant work, professional development, and deal flow all wrapped into one.