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We’ve got 400k downloads on our game… but subs are way lower than expected. What would you do?
r/indiehackers
8/15/2025
Content Summary
The post is from an indie developer who launched a mobile game with 400k downloads but only 0.5%-1% subscription rate. They are struggling with low conversion despite positive user feedback. The team has not invested in paid ads and lacks marketing expertise. They are seeking advice on whether to focus on marketing, seek investors, or explore other strategies to boost subscriptions.
Opinion Analysis
Mainstream opinions suggest focusing on existing content strategies, increasing Pro subscription prices, and using in-game ad space for promotions. Some suggest experimenting with pricing models, such as adding a 'price anchor' to influence user perception. There's a debate on whether to invest in marketing or seek external funding. Others emphasize the importance of user engagement and direct communication with users to refine the product. A few commenters also mention the value of A/B testing and working with CRO experts.
SAAS TOOLS
| SaaS | URL | Category | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AdMob | https://admob.google.com | Advertising | Used for revenue generation, but low eCPM in the target audience |
| ASO | N/A | App Store Optimization | Mentioned as a technique to improve app visibility and conversions |
| CRO | N/A | Conversion Rate Optimization | Mentioned as a strategy to increase subscription rates |
| In-app purchases | N/A | Monetization | Suggested as a way to increase revenue from premium users |
USER NEEDS
Pain Points:
- Low subscription conversion rate (only 0.5%-1% of active users)
- Limited marketing expertise and budget
- Lack of effective use of in-game ad spaces
- Over-reliance on organic content promotion
Problems to Solve:
- Increase subscription rates without spending large amounts on ads
- Improve marketing strategies to grow the user base and conversions
- Optimize in-game monetization opportunities
- Expand reach to more regions
Potential Solutions:
- Focus on content promotion that already drives downloads
- Increase Pro subscription price or add additional tiers
- Use in-game ad spaces to promote subscriptions
- Leverage user referrals and invite-player bonuses
- Run A/B tests and experiments to find what works best
GROWTH FACTORS
Effective Strategies:
- Leverage existing content channels (TikTok, Instagram, etc.) to drive more downloads
- Focus on high-converting features (e.g., Pro tier with higher conversion rate)
- Use psychological pricing tactics like 'price anchors' to influence user decisions
Marketing & Acquisition:
- Prioritize organic content marketing over paid ads
- Focus on the most effective social media platforms
- Consider working with fractional CRO experts for optimization
Monetization & Product:
- High conversion rate to Pro tier suggests potential for upselling
- Test different pricing models and subscription tiers
- Use in-game advertising to promote subscriptions
User Engagement:
- Encourage user referrals and social sharing
- Engage with users directly to refine the product and improve satisfaction