6 organic Chrome discovery channels in 36 days what I learned building a reader mode extension
I launched READR 36 days ago a Chrome extension that strips any webpage to just the words.
Wanted to share an honest update for anyone building extensions.
THE NUMBERS
→ 86 installs, 4 uninstalls — 95.3% retention
→ 188 impressions, 46% conversion rate
→ 9 weekly active users, growing
→ 10 countries, zero ad spend
THE INTERESTING PART
Chrome has surfaced READR through 6 independent discovery channels organically:
1)ext_sidebar 2)ext_app_store 3)cws_app_promo,
4) cws_unknown 5)ref_webstore 6)ref_app_home
None paid for. None applied for.
My honest theory on what triggered them:
— 95.3% retention
— Chrome watches what people keep, not just what they install
— 4 permissions only
— minimal footprint builds algorithmic trust
— Consistent organic growth
— no spikes
WHAT'S STILL MISSING
— Zero reviews so far
— Zero paid customers yet
— Sources 7-12 still to unlock
— Chrome featuring response pending
The product is complete.
Cross-sync ships reading position across devices via chrome.storage.sync
no backend, no account.Still early. But the signals are encouraging.
Free to try 👇🏿
Happy to answer questions on the build or the Chrome algorithm observations.
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