Hookstr
the blog

Growing apps, the practical way.

Lessons on App Store and Play marketing, short-form content, hooks and the tactics that turn views into installs.

Beyond the First Login: Building Your App's Second Habit
app retentionuser engagement

Beyond the First Login: Building Your App's Second Habit

Getting users to open your app once is easy. Keeping them? That's the real challenge. Discover how to identify and cultivate your app's crucial "second habit" for lasting retention.

July 26, 2026 · 5 min read

Your App's Description: Stop Listing Features, Start Selling Value
app store optimizationaso

Your App's Description: Stop Listing Features, Start Selling Value

Your App Store description is often an afterthought. Learn how to transform it from a dry feature list into a powerful sales pitch that drives installs.

July 23, 2026 · 4 min read

The First 5 Minutes: How Smart Onboarding Keeps Your App Users
app onboardinguser retention

The First 5 Minutes: How Smart Onboarding Keeps Your App Users

The initial onboarding experience makes or breaks user retention. Learn how to design an intuitive first five minutes that keeps your new app users engaged and coming back.

July 19, 2026 · 4 min read

Your App Preview Video: How to Make Every Second Count
app marketingapp store optimization

Your App Preview Video: How to Make Every Second Count

Your app preview video is prime real estate for conversions. Learn how to craft a video that grabs attention, shows value, and drives installs, even without a huge budget.

July 16, 2026 · 4 min read

Hookstr
app marketingshort-form content

Your App's Secret Weapon: Turn One Feature Into Many Installs

Stop hiding your app's most unique features. Learn how to turn one powerful capability into a series of engaging short-form content that drives installs.

July 12, 2026 · 4 min read

Website to App Store: The Direct Path to More Installs
app marketingweb conversion

Website to App Store: The Direct Path to More Installs

Many app makers focus solely on App Store Optimization. But your website is a powerful, often overlooked, install engine. Learn how to bridge the gap and convert web visitors into loyal app users.

July 9, 2026 · 5 min read

Your App's Best ASO Secret: Early User Feedback
asoapp marketing

Your App's Best ASO Secret: Early User Feedback

Don't guess about ASO. Real user feedback from beta testers or early adopters is a goldmine for keywords, compelling descriptions, and understanding user intent. Learn how to turn it into installs.

July 5, 2026 · 4 min read

App Updates Aren't Just Release Notes: Make Them Marketing Gold
app marketinggrowth

App Updates Aren't Just Release Notes: Make Them Marketing Gold

Don't just bury new features in release notes. Transform every app update into compelling short-form content and drive fresh installs and re-engagement.

July 2, 2026 · 4 min read

Don't Just Read Reviews: Turn Them Into Viral App Content
app marketingaso

Don't Just Read Reviews: Turn Them Into Viral App Content

Your App Store reviews are a goldmine of genuine user feedback and social proof. Learn how to transform these insights into compelling short-form videos and carousels that drive installs.

June 28, 2026 · 6 min read

Micro-Influencers: Your App's Untapped Growth Channel
app marketinginfluencer marketing

Micro-Influencers: Your App's Untapped Growth Channel

Tired of expensive ads? Discover how small, authentic creator partnerships can skyrocket your indie app's installs without breaking the bank. Learn practical steps for finding and collaborating with micro-influencers.

June 25, 2026 · 5 min read

Small Changes, Big Installs: A/B Testing Your App Store Visuals
asoapp marketing

Small Changes, Big Installs: A/B Testing Your App Store Visuals

You do not need a big budget to A/B test your app store screenshots and boost installs. Learn practical, low-cost strategies to optimize your visuals for higher conversion.

June 21, 2026 · 6 min read

How to Smartly Target Competitors' Keywords on App Stores
asoapp marketing

How to Smartly Target Competitors' Keywords on App Stores

Discover ethical strategies for identifying and using competitor keywords in App Store Optimization. Attract users already looking for similar apps and boost your visibility.

June 18, 2026 · 5 min read

Your First 100 App Users: How to Turn Them into a Growth Engine
app growthindie dev

Your First 100 App Users: How to Turn Them into a Growth Engine

Don't chase millions. Focus on your first 100 app users and turn them into your most powerful marketing team. This guide shows you how to acquire, listen to, and empower them for organic growth.

June 15, 2026 · 4 min read

Don't Just Show, Tell: App Store Stories That Convert
app store marketingaso

Don't Just Show, Tell: App Store Stories That Convert

Your app store listing isn't just a gallery. It's a chance to tell a compelling story that connects with users and drives conversions. Learn how to craft it.

June 15, 2026 · 5 min read

Stop the Scroll: Why Your App's First 3 Seconds Matter Most
app marketingshort-form content

Stop the Scroll: Why Your App's First 3 Seconds Matter Most

In a world of endless feeds, your app has just three seconds to hook a new user. Learn how to craft scroll-stopping content that drives installs.

June 15, 2026 · 5 min read