Blog
ASO guides, case studies, and actionable growth strategies for indie developers.
Methodology8 min read
How ASOhack Scores Apps Across 6 Categories
A complete walkthrough of the ASOhack audit methodology — what each of the six scoring categories measures, how we weight them, and why we structured it this way. The same framework Sensor Tower, Data.ai, and AppTweak charge thousands per month for, distilled into a free single-page audit.
May 14, 2026
Ad Networks14 min read
Apple Search Ads: The Complete Campaign Guide for iOS App Growth in 2026
How to set up, structure, and optimize Apple Search Ads campaigns in 2026 — keyword strategy, match types, Creative Sets, Search tab ads, and how to integrate ASO with paid Apple advertising.
April 9, 2026
Ad Networks11 min read
Google Ads for Mobile Apps: The Complete Campaign Setup Guide for 2026
How to plan, launch, and scale Google App Campaigns in 2026 — from goal selection and asset strategy to bid optimization and creative rotation. Includes SEO-aligned ASO integration tips.
April 9, 2026
Ad Networks11 min read
Meta Ads for Mobile Apps: How to Run App Install Campaigns on Facebook and Instagram in 2026
The complete guide to Meta App Campaigns in 2026 — Advantage+ App Campaigns, creative strategy, audience targeting, iOS privacy workarounds, and how to scale profitably on Facebook and Instagram.
April 9, 2026
Ad Networks14 min read
TikTok Ads for Mobile Apps: How to Drive App Installs and Subscriptions in 2026
The complete guide to TikTok app install campaigns in 2026 — App Campaign setup, creative strategy, audience targeting, iOS attribution, and how to scale app growth on TikTok's short-video platform.
April 9, 2026
Ad Fundamentals6 min read
App Retargeting: How to Win Back Users Who Installed But Never Converted
The average app loses 77% of users within 3 days of install. Retargeting campaigns can recapture high-intent lapsed users at a fraction of the cost of new user acquisition. Here's how.
March 31, 2026
ASO Fundamentals5 min read
App Store Category Rankings: How to Pick the Right Category and Sub-Category
Choosing the wrong App Store category means competing against apps with 10x your budget. Here's how to find the category where you can actually rank — and what sub-categories most developers overlook.
March 31, 2026
Ad Networks7 min read
Google App Campaigns (UAC) Guide: How to Run Profitable Install Campaigns in 2026
Google's Universal App Campaigns are fully automated — but that doesn't mean you have no control. Here's how to set them up correctly, feed the algorithm the right signals, and scale profitably.
March 31, 2026
Paywall & Pricing7 min read
Introductory Pricing Strategy: How to Launch at a Discount Without Training Users to Wait
Launch discounts drive early installs and reviews — but set the wrong price and you attract the wrong users. Here's how to use introductory pricing strategically without undermining your long-term revenue.
March 31, 2026
Growth Hacks6 min read
Product Hunt Launch Strategy for Apps: What Actually Works in 2026
Product Hunt can drive thousands of installs in 24 hours — or it can be a non-event. Here's the real playbook: timing, hunter selection, gallery setup, and how to turn a top-5 finish into lasting growth.
March 31, 2026
Growth Hacks6 min read
App Referral Programs: How to Build a Viral Loop That Actually Drives Installs
Most in-app referral programs fail because they're built as an afterthought. Here's how to design a referral loop that users actually share — with real examples from apps that got it right.
March 30, 2026
Ad Networks5 min read
Apple Search Ads Creative Sets: The Underused Feature That Can Double Your CTR
Most Apple Search Ads campaigns use default creative pulled from the App Store listing. Creative Sets let you customize ads per keyword group — here's how to use them to improve CTR and lower CPA.
March 30, 2026
ASO Fundamentals6 min read
Google Play Feature Graphic: The Conversion Asset 80% of Developers Get Wrong
The feature graphic is the first visual users see on your Play Store listing. Most developers treat it as an afterthought. Here's how to make it actually drive installs.
March 30, 2026
Paywall & Pricing6 min read
Soft Paywall vs Hard Paywall: Conversion Data From Indie Subscription Apps
Should you let users try your app for free or gate content immediately? Data on conversion rates, LTV, and churn across paywall types — with guidance on which approach fits your app.
March 30, 2026
Paywall & Pricing6 min read
Annual vs Monthly Subscriptions: The Revenue Data Behind Which Pricing Model Earns More
Should you offer annual plans? At what discount? Real data on LTV, churn, and revenue per user from indie subscription apps that have tested both models.
March 29, 2026
ASO Fundamentals5 min read
App Store Connect A/B Testing: What You Can Test and What Actually Moves the Needle
A practical guide to App Store Connect's product page optimization feature. Learn which elements to test, how to read results, and what indie developers are seeing in 2026.
March 29, 2026
Ad Fundamentals5 min read
CPM vs CPC vs CPI: Choosing the Right Bidding Model for App Advertising
CPM, CPC, CPI — three bidding models with very different risk profiles. Here's how to choose the right one for your app campaign and budget.
March 29, 2026
Growth Hacks5 min read
Reddit Marketing for Apps: How to Get Your First 1,000 Users Without Getting Banned
Reddit can drive thousands of installs if you approach it right. Here's the exact playbook indie developers use to launch on Reddit without being flagged as spam.
March 29, 2026
Ad Networks5 min read
Unity Ads vs IronSource vs AppLovin: Which Mobile Ad Network Performs Better in 2026
A head-to-head breakdown of the three dominant mobile ad networks for indie app developers — fill rates, eCPMs, SDK complexity, and which one to start with.
March 29, 2026
Paywall & Pricing7 min read
The 7-Day Trial Is Winning: What 2025 Paywall Data Says About Trial Length and Conversion
2025 paywall data shows 7-day trials convert at 5.2%. Learn which trial length, paywall type, and timing drives the most subscription revenue for indie apps.
March 28, 2026
ASO Fundamentals8 min read
Your App Title Is Your #1 Ranking Signal — How to Rewrite It Without Losing Brand Identity
Learn how to add high-value keywords to your app title without looking spammy. Data-backed ASO strategies for indie developers on App Store and Google Play.
March 28, 2026
Ad Fundamentals7 min read
Apple Ads in 2025: Basic vs. Advanced — Which One Should Indie Developers Start With?
Apple rebranded Search Ads in 2025. Learn whether Basic or Advanced Apple Ads fits your indie app budget, goals, and technical comfort level.
March 28, 2026
Ad Networks8 min read
Apple Ads vs. Google App Campaigns vs. Meta: Which Wins for Subscription Apps in 2025?
Compare Apple Ads, Google App Campaigns, and Meta for subscription apps in 2025. Real CPI/ROAS benchmarks, use cases, and a recommendation matrix by budget.
March 28, 2026
Growth Hacks7 min read
The TikTok-to-App-Store Funnel: How Indie Apps Are Getting 100K+ Downloads Without Paying for UA
Learn how indie app developers use TikTok UGC to drive 100K+ downloads without paid UA. Includes hooks, video formats, and link-in-bio strategies that convert.
March 28, 2026
ASO Fundamentals7 min read
A/B Testing App Store Listings: A Complete Guide for Indie Developers
Learn how to A/B test your app store listings to boost downloads. Practical strategies for indie developers to optimize icons, screenshots, and descriptions.
March 26, 2026
Ad Networks7 min read
Apple Search Ads Advanced vs Basic: Which Is Right for Indie Developers?
Compare Apple Search Ads Advanced vs Basic to find the best fit for your indie app. Learn costs, controls, and ROI differences in this practical guide.
March 26, 2026
ASO Fundamentals6 min read
The Complete ASO Guide for Indie Developers (2026)
Everything you need to know about App Store Optimization — from keyword research to screenshot design. A comprehensive guide for developers just getting started with ASO.
March 26, 2026
Growth Hacks8 min read
Beta Testing Communities and Early Adopters: A Growth Hack for Indie App Developers
Learn how to find beta testers, build early adopter communities, and use pre-launch feedback to skyrocket your app's growth and store ratings.
March 26, 2026
Paywall & Pricing7 min read
Freemium vs Free Trial vs Paid Upfront: Which Model Wins for Indie Apps?
Compare freemium, free trial, and paid upfront pricing models for indie apps. Data-driven breakdown to help you pick the right monetization strategy.
March 26, 2026
Ad Fundamentals8 min read
Measuring True ROAS for Subscription Apps
Learn how to calculate true ROAS for subscription apps beyond first purchase. Actionable frameworks for indie developers to track real ad profitability.
March 26, 2026
ASO Fundamentals4 min read
How to Do Keyword Research for Your Mobile App
A step-by-step guide to finding high-value, low-competition keywords for your app store listing. Includes free and paid strategies that actually work.
March 25, 2026
Growth Hacks4 min read
App Store Screenshots That Convert: A Data-Driven Guide
Learn what makes app store screenshots convert browsers into downloaders. Real examples, best practices, and common mistakes to avoid.
March 24, 2026
Ad Fundamentals6 min read
Mobile Ad Metrics 101: The Complete Guide for App Developers
Learn the essential mobile advertising metrics every app developer needs — CPI, ROAS, LTV, CTR, CVR, and more. Understand what they mean and how to use them.
March 15, 2025
Ad Networks6 min read
Apple Search Ads: The Complete Guide for Indie Developers (2025)
Learn how to set up, optimize, and scale Apple Search Ads campaigns for your iOS app. Includes bidding strategies, keyword tips, and budget recommendations.
March 10, 2025
Ad Networks6 min read
Meta Ads for App Installs: A Practical Guide for Indie Developers
How to create profitable Facebook and Instagram app install campaigns on a budget. Targeting, creative strategy, optimization, and budget tips for indie apps.
March 5, 2025
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