Ask HN: Should I abandon the app stores for the web?
I have a dating app masquerading as an event planning/inviting app that I've done an MVP for and now needs a more polished rewrite for a larger launch.
It's a Flutter app served through app stores, but those have been bugging me with annoying requirements, the latest is Google removing the app from the Play Store unless I send a ridiculous amount of self identification documents.
Reasonable request or not, it's a never ending flow of bureaucracy and annoyance.
Are app stores still needed for reach? Will users just use an app-like website instead?
Comments
Unless you are going for a hyper-tech niche and plan in making almost nothing out of it, as of today, being on app stores is a requirement unfortunately.
Definitely feel free to make it available elsewhere too (F-droid, GH, etc.) but if you want the app available to the general public, that's the way.
Thank you
The key is the "discoverability".
App stores are easier to reach prospects than the web because users already know where to go to install a new app...
That is more difficult on the web unless you have a very niche app (users are looking for your solution).
But aren't app stores are too saturated to the point where it's not much easier to discover apps compared to websites?
Its totally possible. Promote it on Amazon/Walmart ad platform next their products related to planning/event management.