What budget marketing channels have been most successful for you recently?

I operate a small app business and I am currently exploring alternative methods to attract new users without breaking the bank.

I have experimented with basic Meta and Google ads, and while I have seen some results, the cost per thousand impressions (CPMs) is on the rise, and I feel like I am simply wasting money without seeing genuine engagement.

I am interested to know what strategies have been effective for others recently. Have influencers, user-generated content (UGC), or email marketing been successful for you?

Have you tried any quirky and innovative approaches that yielded unexpected results?

I would greatly appreciate hearing real-life examples, especially from those who are working with limited budgets or running their business solo.