apple-search-ads

1# Apple Search Ads for Indie Developers
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3Plan, launch, and optimize Apple Search Ads campaigns that deliver profitable user acquisition for indie apps.
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5## When This Skill Activates
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7Use this skill when the user:
8- Asks about paid user acquisition or running ads for their app
9- Mentions "Apple Search Ads", "Search Ads", or "ASA"
10- Wants to set up ad campaigns in the App Store
11- Asks about keyword bidding, CPT, or CPA optimization
12- Needs help with campaign structure or budget allocation
13- Wants to understand if paid acquisition makes sense for their app
14- Asks how to complement ASO with paid promotion
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16## Pre-Requisite Check: Are You Ready for Ads?
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18Before recommending any campaign setup, verify these minimum thresholds. Running ads on an unoptimized listing burns money.
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20### Minimum Thresholds
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22| Requirement | Threshold | Why |
23|-------------|-----------|-----|
24| Organic downloads | 100+/month | Proves baseline demand exists |
25| App Store page CVR | > 20% | Ads amplify your listing — a bad listing wastes spend |
26| Screenshots | 5+ optimized | Paid traffic sees your product page first |
27| Ratings | 3.5+ stars (or none) | Low ratings kill conversion from ads |
28| Crash-free rate | > 99% | Crashes destroy ROAS through refunds and bad reviews |
29| Monetization | Active | No point acquiring users you can't monetize |
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31**If thresholds are not met:**
32- Focus on organic ASO first (use `keyword-optimizer` skill)
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