Hi everyone,
I recently published my first Android game on Google Play, and I'm struggling with something I didn't really expect: the app is basically stuck at 0 organic downloads.
I'm not expecting hundreds or thousands of installs, especially for a new app with no existing audience, but I thought I would at least see a few organic installs over time.
So far, almost all the installs I've had came from people I know or from testing. I'm getting essentially no discovery from Google Play itself.
I've already worked on the store listing, localization, screenshots, description, keywords, website, social media, etc., but I'm starting to wonder whether I'm missing something fundamental.
For those of you who have launched apps before:
Is 0 organic installs normal for a brand-new app?
Does Google Play eventually start testing a new app with users, or do you basically have to generate the initial traffic yourself?
What helped you get your first 10 / 100 real users?
Are there specific Play Console metrics I should look at to understand where the problem is?
Could a poor initial acquisition signal prevent Google Play from giving the app visibility?
What would you focus on first: ASO, paid acquisition, reviews, retention, or something else?
I'm not looking for shortcuts or fake installs. I'd really like to understand how the early discovery phase works and what I can improve.
If useful, i can share the link of the app page but i'm afraid it Will be violation of the rules.
Thanks!
submitted by /u/ironbraingames[link] [comments]