Understanding how much it costs to get your app featured is an important step for any developer planning a promotion. Many platforms use confusing fee structures or require long-term commitments, making it hard to estimate your return.
Indie App Santa uses a clear, flat-fee model so developers know exactly what they will pay. The cost is based on a per-day feature and does not include extra or hidden charges. Pricing changes slightly during the busiest season, but the process for booking and what is included stays the same.
What Does Indie App Santa Actually Cost?
Indie App Santa operates on a comprehensive tiered pricing model designed to meet different developer needs and budgets. Unlike percentage-based revenue sharing models used by other platforms, you pay one set price for your promotional package with no ongoing fees or hidden charges.
iOS Pricing Structure
| Plan Type | Price | Social Shoutout | Duration | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter Plan | $300 | Yes | 1 Day | Premium placement, social shoutouts, 24-hour window | First-time promotions, budget-conscious developers |
| Growth Plan | $500 | Yes | 7 Days | Extended placement, ASO optimization (English), priority support, analytics | Developers seeking sustained visibility |
| Pro Plan | $800 | Yes | 7 Days | All Growth benefits, consultation call, post-campaign analysis | Serious developers wanting comprehensive growth |
iOS Bundle Pricing Options
| Bundle Size | Total Cost | Per App Cost | Bonus Features | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 App | $300 | $300 | Free 3-day Android feature | Standard rate |
| 2 Apps | $400 | $200 | Android bonus | Save $200 |
| 5 Apps | $500 | $100 | Android bonus | Save $1,000 |
Android Pricing Structure
| Plan Type | Price | Social Shoutout | Duration | Key Features | Value Difference vs iOS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter Plan | $150 | Yes | 3 Days | Premium placement, social shoutouts, extended visibility | 50% less cost, 3x longer placement |
| Growth Plan | $350 | Yes | 7 Days | Extended placement, ASO optimization, priority support | 30% less than iOS equivalent |
| Pro Plan | $650 | Yes | Consultation | All Growth benefits, consultation call, strategy | 19% less than iOS equivalent |
Android Bundle Pricing Options
| Bundle Size | Total Cost | Per App Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 App | $150 | $150 |
| 2 Apps | $200 | $100 |
| 5 Apps | $250 | $50 |
How Does the Indie App Santa Promotion Process Work?
The promotion system is designed for maximum developer control and transparency throughout the campaign, following industry best practices for app marketing.
Step-by-Step Campaign Process
1. Submission (5-6 Days Before)
Upon making the payment on the website, developers submit their app details, deal information, and preferred promotion dates. Indie App Santa reviews the submission to ensure everything is aligned and then optimizes the campaign setup for maximum visibility and impact.
2. Campaign Launch (Selected Date)
On the launch day, developers begin monitoring downloads and user engagement, responding to any early feedback. At the same time, Indie App Santa rolls out the promotion through social media posts and push notifications to drive traffic and attention.
3. Active Promotion (Plan specific days)
During this period, developers continue tracking performance metrics and interacting with users. Indie App Santa supports this by featuring the app on its homepage and amplifying visibility through ongoing social media exposure.
Multi-Channel Promotion Strategy
Your app receives comprehensive promotion across multiple channels:
Social Media Campaigns: Targeted posts across X (Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook reach engaged app enthusiasts actively seeking new discoveries.
Generic Push Notifications: Direct alerts to the entire user base at optimal times (8:00 AM Pacific for maximum visibility).
Platform Features: Homepage placement and top listing positions for higher-tier plans increase organic discoverability.
What Download Numbers Can I Realistically Expect?
Download numbers from an Indie App Santa promotion vary based on several critical factors that directly impact campaign performance, according to mobile app industry benchmarks.
Deal Type Performance Metrics
| Deal Type | Typical Download Range | Conversion Rate | User Retention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Lifetime Deals | 5,000 – 50,000+ | 25% (iOS), 27.3% (Android) | Higher long-term engagement |
| Significant Discounts (50%+) | 1,000 – 10,000 | 15 – 20% average | Good retention with quality apps |
| Minimal Discounts (10–25%) | 500 – 3,000 | 5 – 10% average | Standard retention patterns |
Based on Statista’s mobile app statistics, free lifetime deals typically generate the most downloads because users can get permanent access to paid apps without cost barriers.
Quality Factors That Drive Success
App quality plays a major role in promotion success. High-performing apps typically feature:
Visual Appeal: Clear, compelling screenshots that showcase core functionality increase download likelihood by up to 30% according to App Store optimization studies.
Social Proof: Apps with 4.1-4.9 star ratings see significantly better conversion rates than those below 4.0 stars.
Clear Value Proposition: Well-written descriptions that immediately communicate benefits lead to higher conversion rates.
Proper Categorization: Accurate app categories and relevant keywords improve organic discoverability during and after promotions.
How Do I Calculate My ROI from an Indie App Santa Campaign?
Calculating return on investment (ROI) helps determine whether an Indie App Santa promotion makes financial sense for your specific app and business model.
Essential ROI Calculation Metrics
| Metric | How to Find It | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Promotion Cost | Your selected plan price | Direct campaign investment |
| Average Revenue Per User | Total revenue ÷ Total users | Lifetime value per download |
| Conversion Rate | Paying users ÷ Total downloads | Revenue generation efficiency |
| Customer Lifetime Value | ARPU × Average retention period | Long-term revenue potential |
You can find ARPU in analytics dashboards like App Store Connect or Google Play Console. Apple provides conversion rate data by dividing Total Downloads by Unique Impressions.
ROI Calculation Framework
| Scenario | Promotion Cost | Downloads | Conversion Rate | Revenue Per User | Total Revenue | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative | $300 | 1,000 | 5% | $10 | $500 | 67% |
| Realistic | $300 | 3,000 | 10% | $15 | $4,500 | 1,400% |
| Optimistic | $300 | 8,000 | 15% | $20 | $24,000 | 7,900% |
ROI Formula: ((Total Revenue – Promotion Cost) ÷ Promotion Cost) × 100
Interpreting ROI Results and Long-term Value
Positive ROI (Above 0%): Your promotion generated more value than it cost, indicating a successful campaign.
100%+ ROI: Excellent performance – you’ve doubled your investment or better.
Break-even (0% ROI): Campaign paid for itself through direct sales, plus you gained valuable benefits like improved app store rankings, user reviews, and brand awareness.
Even break-even campaigns provide significant indirect value through increased organic visibility. Apps featured on promotion platforms often see sustained download increases for weeks after campaigns end.
Why Indie App Santa Delivers Superior ROI
Transparent Pricing: Flat-fee pricing eliminates surprise charges and allows accurate ROI calculations, unlike CPM or variable pricing models that can result in unexpected costs.
Quality Audience: The platform’s audience consists of actively engaged app enthusiasts who specifically seek new app discoveries, typically producing better download rates and higher user retention than broader consumer advertising.
Multi-Platform Coordination: Bundle pricing and cross-platform features maximize market reach while minimizing per-app costs.
Ready to Boost Your App Downloads with Professional Growth Marketing?
Indie App Santa offers the most comprehensive app promotion solution available today. The combination of transparent flat-fee pricing, professional ASO services, expert consultation, and proven growth strategies eliminates guesswork while maximizing campaign ROI.
Why Indie App Santa is the Smart Choice for Serious Developers
Unlike basic promotion platforms that simply send newsletters or social posts, Indie App Santa provides complete growth marketing solutions your app needs to succeed. With over 5 years of experience and hundreds of successful campaigns, the platform understands what drives real app growth.
The Indie App Santa Advantage:
- Proven track record since 2020 with consistent, measurable results
- Integration of promotion, ASO, and monetization strategy in a single package
- Expert guidance from seasoned app marketing professionals
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees or ongoing revenue sharing
- Multi-platform coordination for maximum market impact across iOS and Android
- Partnership approach focused on long-term developer success
Daily feature slots are limited, especially during the high-demand December and January period when mobile app downloads peak. Planning ahead and booking early increases your chances of securing preferred promotion dates.
Ready to Transform Your App’s Growth Trajectory?
Visit the Indie App Santa pricing page to book your professional app growth campaign today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Indie App Santa Pricing
Can I book multiple consecutive days for my promotion?
Yes, you can book multiple consecutive days, though each day requires a separate payment and setup. Multiple days increase total exposure, but many developers find single-day promotions effective for initial momentum. For sustained campaigns spanning multiple weeks, consider the Growth or Pro plans that include extended placement periods and ongoing optimization.
What payment methods does Indie App Santa accept?
Indie App Santa accepts major credit cards and PayPal for payment. Full payment is required in advance to secure your selected promotion date. For enterprise clients or multiple campaign bookings, flexible payment terms and volume discounts may be available.
How far in advance should I book December holiday promotions?
December slots fill quickly due to holiday season demand and premium pricing. Book ahead to secure preferred dates during peak season. Holiday periods see up to 40% higher engagement rates, making early booking essential for maximizing this opportunity.
Is the promotion fee refundable if Apple rejects my price change?
Refund policies depend on timing and circumstances of the rejection. Contact support immediately if technical issues prevent your scheduled promotion from launching.
What makes Indie App Santa different from other app marketing platforms?
Indie App Santa combines years of app marketing expertise with integrated promotion and growth services. Unlike platforms offering only basic promotion or agencies providing consultation alone, Indie App Santa delivers hands-on campaign management, professional ASO services and strategic guidance. This comprehensive approach consistently delivers better ROI and sustainable app growth.
About the author
Steve P. Young is a leading authority in mobile app marketing with over a decade of experience helping apps climb the charts and reach millions of users. As an author, international speaker, and host of the #1 app marketing YouTube channel, he has shared proven growth strategies with developers, startups, and global brands alike.
