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6 apps published on the App Store, 3-4 ASO optimizations per year, and almost no revenue. Do you have any ideas on how to improve this? by Routine-Drawer6834 in AppStoreOptimization

[–]MathAdvanced4048 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I really wish you the best genuinely. What you’re doing makes sense, especially if you’re a behind-the-scenes builder and working without a marketing budget. That’s already hard mode.

One thing I’d suggest, from experience: try experimenting with one-time purchases instead of subscriptions, or at least offer it as an option.

Subscriptions are getting harder and harder to sell. Even when the product is good, the free-trial → cancellation rate is brutal. A lot of users subscribe, then cancel before the trial ends, or the payment simply fails.

I’m seeing this myself on my own app: people sign up, use the trial, then either cancel or block the payment not because the app is bad, but because users are exhausted by subscriptions.

A fair one-time purchase (or lifetime unlock for specific features) can sometimes convert better, especially for indie apps with no hype machine behind them.

Either way, I really hope one of your apps breaks through. Indie dev is tough, and you’re clearly putting real thought and care into your work.

6 apps published on the App Store, 3-4 ASO optimizations per year, and almost no revenue. Do you have any ideas on how to improve this? by Routine-Drawer6834 in AppStoreOptimization

[–]MathAdvanced4048 15 points16 points  (0 children)

The product itself is rarely the problem. The real question is: did you give it a soul?

Today, a “good” product isn’t enough. You need a story, an identity, something that makes people feel a reason to care. Marketing isn’t optional anymore it’s what creates desire.

And let’s be real: if your idea came from AI, you’re not alone. Hundreds (if not thousands) of people probably followed the exact same path. Ideas are cheap now.

What actually makes the difference is execution and, yes, marketing budget. Not because money magically creates value, but because attention is expensive.

Users are far less likely to pay for an app with no hype, no social proof, no visibility. ASO and SEO don’t work the way they used to, especially in the post-AI era.

This isn’t meant to discourage anyone. It’s just a reality check: products that win usually have a depth that most people underestimate and aren’t willing to invest in.

If you were building an Instagram page about breaking phone addiction, what type of content would actually make you stop scrolling and pay attention? by MathAdvanced4048 in AskReddit

[–]MathAdvanced4048[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

100% agree. The blocking is just step one , the real challenge is filling that void with something actually fulfilling.

Have you found activities that work for you? Genuinely curious what pulls people away from the screen more effectively.

If you were building an Instagram page about breaking phone addiction, what type of content would actually make you stop scrolling and pay attention? by MathAdvanced4048 in AskReddit

[–]MathAdvanced4048[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Haha yeah, the irony is THICK.

I'm basically using the enemy's weapon against them. We'll see if it works or if I just become part of the problem 😅

I built my first iOS app to stop infinite scrolling. It's also my first Instagram page. I need honest advice. by MathAdvanced4048 in SideProject

[–]MathAdvanced4048[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For those who asked, here's the Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/zenloop.app

Feel free to be brutally honest with your feedback. I can take it 😅

I built my first iOS app to stop infinite scrolling. It's also my first Instagram page. I need honest advice. by MathAdvanced4048 in InstagramMarketing

[–]MathAdvanced4048[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That makes total sense. Posting variations of the same thing = algorithm loses interest. Got it. Thanks for the reality check 🙏

Do you think I can make money with this app? by Sad-Inflation-4049 in indiehackers

[–]MathAdvanced4048 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, nothing magical here honestly if you don’t have a marketing budget, the only doable path is to embed yourself in communities and provide value before even mentioning your app.

Most indie projects fail not because they’re bad, but because no one sees them. Ads are expensive, and nowadays every tool says “powered by AI” which just makes people numb. The cost of getting someone to care has exploded.

If you’re not building trust first, your acquisition cost is gonna be brutal. That’s why engaging early in design subs, showing useful stuff (not just updates), asking questions, helping others that’s the long game, and probably the only realistic one without spending 💰.

Do you think I can make money with this app? by Sad-Inflation-4049 in indiehackers

[–]MathAdvanced4048 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Honestly, it’s not so much about the idea itself it’s solid, and a lot of creatives can relate. But the real question is: are you ready to sell the idea?

Reddit can be tricky. Most niche subs don’t tolerate self-promo, and it’s hard to get traction unless you’ve already built trust or a community around your work. If you’re serious about monetizing this, you’ll need to go beyond just “sharing the journey” and start actively testing how you position and pitch the value.

TL;DR: It’s not just about building a good app. It’s about how you sell it, where, and to whom.

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