ValidationEmerging Pattern

ASO-first validation: check keyword metrics and competitor revenue before building

Before writing code, validate market size using ASO tools. Check keyword popularity (20%+) and difficulty (60-70%). Verify top competitors make real revenue (€100-200/month minimum). If competitors can't monetize, market too small - don't build. This prevents wasting weeks on apps nobody will pay for.

When to use

When building consumer apps where app store search is primary discovery method

Don't do this

Building app based on gut feeling then discovering keyword has no search volume or monetization potential

2 Founders Who Did This

1
Portfolio of 28 appsby Max

Uses Astro for keyword popularity/difficulty, Sensor Tower for competitor revenue validation before building each app

Result:80/20 distribution: 4 apps make $1.5K each, avoiding complete failures by validating market first
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2
Puff Countby Steven Cravotta

Used Sensor Tower to research competitor apps and Google Trends to check keyword metrics and confirm rising demand for quit-vaping tools before building

Result:Validated market opportunity leading to a sub-$5K MVP that reached $40K MRR
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