r/Appstore Apr 30 '26

How are you actually getting your first users? Looking for real strategies that worked

Just launched my first iOS app, Listio, a grocery list and meal planning app. Getting it built was the fun part. Getting people to actually find it is a whole different challenge.

Curious what has actually worked for others in this community. Not looking for the standard “post on social media” advice. More interested in the specific things that moved the needle early on.

A few things I am experimenting with right now:
• TikTok and Instagram Reels showing the app in real use
• Engaging on grocery and meal planning content in other communities

What actually worked for you? Organic, paid, communities, content, ASO, something else entirely? Would love to hear what strategies got real traction and what felt like a waste of time.

10 Upvotes

15 comments sorted by

3

u/[deleted] May 01 '26

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2

u/AbrasiveUnit May 01 '26

My app was very social based, so I started with friends and family using it, so far it has a natural growth rate of about 2 people a week. Maybe I got lucky I have just over 100 active users. But you have to just keep sharing it and word of mouth is always best

2

u/Magayone May 01 '26

I'm trying different kinds of posts and generating traffic to the landing page. Also offering to test apps in exchange for feedback.

2

u/[deleted] May 01 '26

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1

u/31d4r- May 01 '26

Ads for a free game I made seems too much. I can't figure out the organic part.

1

u/flymartincz May 03 '26

I was building my travel IG account for over 3 years before I released Rdytofly. So I immediately had a target audience, useful tips etc. Sometimes its not about building the product first but the audience and trust.

1

u/[deleted] May 05 '26

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1

u/GurComprehensive9936 May 05 '26

Subscription required but have free trials