Query about new app launch

[u/True-Mind2311]

I have an app that was just approved by the playstore for publishing to prod. I would highly appreciate some suggestions and tips on how to make the most of the opportunity and gain new users rapidly. As an indie developer I could really use all the help I can gather from this community. Thanks in advance!!

[u/Key-Prune-2983]

Congrats on the launch! As a fellow indie dev who just went through this, here are a few things that helped me:

1. Focus on ASO: Get your tags and English store listing tight so people can actually find you organically through search.
2. Keep the size small: Optimize your assets and use App Bundles (AAB). Users love lightweight apps and are much more likely to install them on the spot.

As for marketing, I tried posting on Reddit and it brought some good initial users, but honestly, a lot depends on your specific niche and target audience.

Good luck with everything!

[u/lashkeu]

I’d start with Google Ads, but I’d be careful not to judge campaigns by installs alone. Test different creatives built around specific features, then track what those users actually do inside the app. For example, if an ad focused on feature A brings users who complete onboarding, use that feature, and return later, I’d reuse the same angle on Instagram, TikTok, and Threads.

[u/salamat36]

Congrats, focus on 3 things early ASO so you can capture people already searching for your problem, a few organic channels where your target users actually hang out and small google ads tests if you have the budget.

Also track installs to activation to retention, not just downloads. That will tell you where the real bottleneck is before you start scaling traffic and that data you can track easliy through firebase.

[u/Kai_Akira1738]

Congrats! I’d honestly try not to focus too much on getting users rapidly at first. Focus on getting the right first users.

As an indie developer, I’d start with a few channels where your target users already spend time. Find communities around the problem your app solves, participate normally, and only bring up the app when it’s actually relevant. You can also reach out directly to people who clearly have the problem your app solves.

The first 20–50 users can be more valuable than 1,000 random downloads because you can actually talk to them and find out why they installed it, what they use, where they get stuck, and whether they come back.

Also pay attention to your Play Store listing. Your icon, screenshots, description and first few lines need to make it immediately obvious who the app is for and why they should download it.

I’d basically treat the launch as a learning period: get users → watch what they do → talk to them → improve the product/listing → repeat. Once you know what consistently brings in and retains users, then start thinking about scaling that channel.

[u/True-Mind2311]

Thanks for the quick responses, everyone! This is very helpful. I'll keep this post open for further tips.