Home/r/SideProject/2025-07-07/#4425
17

How do you guys market your apps??

r/SideProject
7/7/2025

Content Summary

A developer seeks advice on ethically marketing SaaS apps in niche Reddit communities with strict anti-promotion rules. Commenters suggest using approved self-promotion subreddits, creating value-first content, engaging authentically in communities, leveraging launch platforms like Product Hunt, and using social media/email marketing tools. Key strategies include building in public, soft promotion, and community participation.

Opinion Analysis

The author expresses frustration with strict subreddit promotion rules and seeks ethical marketing methods. They value authentic community engagement over spammy tactics and show willingness to maintain integrity by not using fake accounts. The attitude combines determination to find solutions with annoyance at ineffective promotion attempts.

SAAS TOOLS

SaaSURLCategoryFeatures/Notes
Product Hunthttps://www.producthunt.com/Launch PlatformGetting a good launch can be hit or miss
Onghosthttps://onghost.com/Marketing ToolSocial media/email marketing assistance
mediafa.sthttps://mediafa.st/Marketing ToolSocial media/email marketing assistance
FazierNot providedLaunch PlatformMentioned alongside Peerlist
PeerlistNot providedLaunch PlatformMentioned alongside Fazier
MyGICTools Reddit Toolshttps://mygictools.com/reddit-toolsAnalytics ToolTracks self-promotion friendly subreddits

USER NEEDS

Pain Points:

  • Difficulty promoting apps in niche subreddits with strict anti-promotion rules
  • Posts removed even when not directly selling
  • Struggle to disclose founder status without penalty
  • Finding authentic ways to reach target audiences

Problems to Solve:

  • How to ethically promote apps in relevant communities
  • Acquiring real users without spamming
  • Building trust while disclosing product affiliation
  • Identifying effective marketing channels

Potential Solutions:

  • Use approved self-promotion subreddits (r/playmygame, r/androidapps)
  • Create valuable content instead of direct promotion
  • Engage genuinely in communities before promoting
  • Utilize launch platforms like Product Hunt
  • Leverage social media and email marketing tools
  • Share technical content and build in public

GROWTH FACTORS

Effective Strategies:

  • Building in public and sharing development insights
  • Creating educational content around problem space
  • Participating in niche communities authentically

Marketing & Acquisition:

  • Soft promotion through value-first engagement
  • Using approved self-promotion subreddits with contribution
  • Leveraging multiple launch platforms (Product Hunt, Fazier, Peerlist)
  • Paid ads (Meta/Google) depending on product type

Monetization & Product:

  • Offering free forever plans to build trust
  • Bootstrapping through community-focused free apps
  • Focusing on product-market fit through user feedback

User Engagement:

  • Community building through genuine participation
  • Using Twitter and indie communities for early adopters
  • Providing free deals and valuable resources