6
My first iOS app just hit 700 downloads in a week, how can I reach more people?
r/SideProject
7/12/2025
Content Summary
A developer achieved 700+ iOS app downloads in first week through Reddit communities, Product Hunt and Peerlist launch. Now seeking strategies to scale user acquisition beyond initial channels. Community suggests niche forum promotion, micro-influencers and marketing automation tools.
Opinion Analysis
Mainstream opinions advocate niche community targeting and influencer marketing. Controversy exists around self-promotion tactics (The Brag Club suggestion). Debate between organic growth vs automation tools (Beno One). Developers show strong interest in launch metrics breakdown (30% organic App Store traffic). Conflicting views on paid vs free acquisition strategies emerge in comment threads.
SAAS TOOLS
| SaaS | URL | Category | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product Hunt | https://www.producthunt.com | Launch Platform | App launch and promotion |
| Peerlist | https://peerlist.io | Professional Network | Showcase projects and connect with professionals |
| Beno One | N/A | Marketing Automation | Automated engagement on relevant threads |
| The Brag Club | https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-brag-club/id6748239459 | Self-Promotion | iOS app for sharing achievements |
USER NEEDS
Pain Points:
- Lack of marketing experience
- Saturation after initial Reddit promotion
- Need sustainable growth beyond launch platforms
Problems to Solve:
- Scaling user acquisition post-launch
- Finding new marketing channels
- Maintaining momentum after initial success
Potential Solutions:
- Niche forum promotion (Indie Hackers/BetaList)
- Micro-influencer partnerships
- Marketing automation tools
- Cross-promotion through achievement-sharing apps
GROWTH FACTORS
Effective Strategies:
- Multi-platform launch strategy (Reddit+Product Hunt+Peerlist)
- Community-driven initial traction
Marketing & Acquisition:
- Leveraging Product Hunt for launch visibility
- Reddit community engagement
- Micro-influencer collaborations
Monetization & Product:
- Free user acquisition model demonstrated
- App Store optimization (30% downloads from organic search)
User Engagement:
- Interactive Reddit Q&A with download metrics
- Potential use of achievement-sharing mechanisms