u/JEDDER221

For indie iOS apps, how do you decide when an idea is researched enough to start building?

Do you usually build a small MVP after App Store / ASO / competitor review research?

Or do you first test the idea with mockups, landing pages, Reddit posts, waitlists, or interviews?

I’m especially interested in small niche apps, not VC-style startups.

What signal makes you say: “this is worth building”?

And what signal makes you stop?

For niche iOS apps, how much do you trust ASO keyword research before building?

Example situation:

- relevant keywords exist

- competitors are ranking

- reviews show repeated complaints

- paid apps or IAP exist in the category

- the app idea has a clear narrow angle

Would you consider that enough to build a small MVP?

Or would you still validate with mock screenshots, a landing page, Reddit/forum posts, waitlist, or ads before development?

I’m trying to understand where ASO research ends and real validation should begin.

I’m trying to improve my process for validating small niche iOS app ideas before spending time on development.

For example, imagine an app idea where:

- there are existing competitors in the App Store

- ASO keyword data shows some demand

- user reviews show repeated pain points

- the idea is niche, not a broad startup

- the app could be localized for several countries

My question is:

How do you usually decide whether to build or not?

Do you rely mostly on:

- ASO keyword research

- competitor reviews

- Reddit / forum feedback

- mock screenshots

- fake App Store / landing pages

- waitlists or email signups

- paid ads to a concept page

- direct interviews

- something else?

I’m especially curious about mock testing.

Do you ever test an app idea with just screenshots, a fake App Store-style page, or a short Reddit post before building?

If yes:

1. What exactly do you test?

2. What signal would be strong enough to continue?

3. What signal would make you stop?

4. Do you have any rough thresholds, like email signup rate, comments, clicks, or paid-intent signals?

I’m not asking about one specific app idea. I’m trying to understand what validation process experienced indie app developers actually use before committing to development.