Does anyone have any luck getting Search Ads Basic to work? Since I released my app, I've attempted to get a campaign going. This was months ago. It occasionally spends a little. Each time, well under my max. It usually sits at zero. I try raising the max and raising the budget and it will show a little activity then stop again. What is the trick? There doesn't seem to be very many things to change. 90 countries, max CPI way higher than the average when it does spend, trying a $1500 budget. It's like it's glitched out.
It does rely on people actually searching for something related to your app. I have one app where there has been one install in the last 3 months.
Generally, if you think you'll make $x from each person who buys your app, then ads will cost $x+1. They are only useful if you want to gain users irrespective of the cost, for some reason.
The bottom line is, find other ways to promote your app.