Mar 17, 2025 – Apr 13, 2025
Growing an indie app without a marketing budget is tough, but with the right tools and a bit of strategy, it’s possible to gain real traction. In this post, I'll share how a small update to Jigger’s ASO (App Store Optimization) resulted in a significant boost in visibility, along with what I’ve learned throughout the process. Whether you’re just starting or trying to scale your app on a budget, this one’s for you.
Additionally, I'll share how I’ve been employing AI tools to accelerate development and build smarter solutions, including a recent experiment that enabled me to create a complete admin panel in just a couple of evenings. I’ll also provide a sneak peek at one of the most requested features coming to Jigger—custom cocktail recipes—and how I’m working to make it a reality.
Improved ASO
With the latest app update, I launched a new ASO strategy, and the results have been amazing. Using Astro (App Store optimization tool), I focused on finding keywords that had low competition but high relevance, and updated my app’s subtitle and keyword list to better match what people are actually searching for. Astro made it simple to track keyword rankings in real time, letting me quickly see which ones were worth optimizing.
What changed since April 4?
Impressions skyrocketed. We hit a high of 204 daily impressions just one day after the update.
Product page views doubled, now regularly reaching over 20 views per day, compared to just 4–10 before the update.
But the most exciting improvement happened in the Ukrainian App Store. Jigger is now:
Ranking #1 for 10 different keywords
In the top 10 for 65 out of the 154 keywords I’m tracking
This huge boost in visibility means a lot for an indie app. With every new release, I'll keep working on improving this, especially targeting important markets like the US, UK, and Canada.
If you’re an indie developer looking to grow your app without spending money on ads, tools like Astro can be game-changers. A bit of data and some smart adjustments can help your app punch way above its weight in the App Store.
This blog is documenting my journey as an indie developer, building Jigger, a mobile app for cocktail enthusiasts.
Turning an idea into a polished, well-designed product that people love is challenging.
That’s why I’m sharing my experiences, lessons, and insights as I navigate app development, covering everything from coding and UX decisions to product strategy and indie hacking.
Each post breaks down the technical and creative processes behind building Jigger, offering practical takeaways for fellow indie developers and makers.
If you’re interested in indie development, app building, or just following along with my journey, subscribe to stay updated on my latest posts!
How I use AI
You've probably noticed how quickly AI tools have improved lately. I use them daily for quick answers, problem-solving, and handling repetitive tasks.
Recently, I experimented with vibe-coding using Bolt.new, and the results were incredible. I built a custom admin panel to manage my database almost entirely by chatting with the AI. Previously, something like this would’ve taken me a month, but now, I managed it in just a few evenings.
Of course, I still had to step in occasionally to fix bugs or guide the AI to the correct files, but overall, it saved me tons of time. The code might not be perfect or optimized, but it works exactly as needed, and since it’s just for me, that's perfectly fine.
What’s in development
Many of you asked, and I'm excited to announce it's finally here! This week, I’m working on adding a fantastic new feature to Jigger – custom cocktails and variations.
With the next update, you'll be able to add your own cocktail recipes directly to the app. Whether you’ve invented something completely new or made an amazing twist on a classic, Jigger will soon help you save your creations for future parties.
It will include:
Quickly enter ingredients, preparation methods, glass types, and garnishes.
Easily tweak existing recipes to match your tastes.
Keep all your custom cocktails neatly organized in the app, ready anytime.
This has been one of the most requested features, and I can't wait to see the amazing drinks you come up with. Imagine surprising your guests with cocktails you've personally crafted!
Stay tuned, this update is coming soon, and I’m looking forward to your feedback when you start creating your own cocktails. Cheers to making your next party unforgettable!
Recommendations
Astro – as I mentioned in the article, I’m using it to improve the app’s ASO. Considering its price of $9/m, it is the best tool on the market for indie developers.
Mobbin – it’s the best source of inspiration for me when I add a new feature, as I analyze real-world app designs from a curated library of screenshots, user flows, and UI patterns from popular apps across various industries.
Bolt.new - an AI-powered, browser-based development platform to build, run, edit, and deploy full-stack web and mobile applications without any local setup. I’ve used it for creating an admin panel for my app.