I agree, it's easier to do for web apps since you don't have to contend with "app store reviews", that can potentially leave a lasting blemish on your product.

I agree, it's easier to do for web apps since you don't have to contend with "app store reviews", that can potentially leave a lasting blemish on your product. So far I've done it as you describe as well and it's the "getting enough users" part that's a pickle. If you get X users on to sign up for a beta, only a fraction of those will actually ever install the app and give it a spin and again, only a fraction of those will give you any real feedback to work from. Finding real testers without breaking the budget, of your (maybe zero-profit) app is the challenge.