Do you want to increase the number of users and traffic to your app? You’re not alone.
App store optimisation has become an essential part of any solid app marketing strategy, but to succeed you need to get it right.
In this article, we’ll cover all you need to know about optimising your app store listing so you can start generating more traffic, downloads, and sign-ups!
Let’s get started…
App store search
We can’t talk about app store optimisation without mentioning the powerful tool that is app store search.
As soon as people began searching for ‘hair salons around me’ or ‘pet store near me’, SEO for Google search became every marketer’s focus, with businesses wanting to appear first on the list of results.
Similarly, in both the Google Play Store and the App Store the competition to rank high for each keyword is fierce. And with over 5 million apps to compete with, good app store optimisation is all about raising the bar.
What is app store optimisation (ASO)?
App store optimisation, or ASO, is the process of optimising an app’s visibility and ranking in an app store, such as the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
It involves various techniques, including optimising the app’s title, description, keywords, and images to help it rank higher in search results and increase its overall discoverability. By effectively optimising your app for these stores, you help drive more traffic and downloads, resulting in increased visibility and revenue.
App store optimisation also focuses largely on clickthrough rate (CTR). For people to click on your app, it needs to look convincing enough and appealing.
Benefits of ASO
- Increased visibility and discoverability of your app
- More traffic and downloads
- Improved CTR
- Increased conversion rate
How does ASO work?
ASO works by making all the listed information about an app as applicable and attractive as possible to its intended audience to help it rank higher in searches. There are a number of factors that impact an app’s ranking including its keyword relevancy, competitive density, ratings and reviews, and more. By optimising these different factors, you can help to improve your app’s rankings and overall visibility on the app stores.
Your ultimate ASO checklist
These ten steps to ASO success will walk you through how to create the best ASO strategy. It’s a good idea to check you’ve covered all these areas before launching your app!
- Use targeted keywords in the app name or title
Your app name or title is the first thing people will see when they search for your app in the app store. As a result, it’s important to include relevant keywords that accurately describe your app in the title. This will help improve your app’s visibility and ranking in search results.
- Make your app description relevant and clear
The app description is another important factor in ASO. Make sure you include relevant keywords and phrases that accurately describe your app and what it does. In addition, you’ll want to make sure that your description is clear, concise, and easy to read.
- Create compelling app icons and screenshots
Your app icon and screenshots are two of the most important factors in driving user engagement and conversion. To improve your app’s visibility in the search results, try to use high-quality images that accurately depict your app and its features.
- Encourage app ratings and reviews
App ratings and reviews are another important factor that drive engagement and conversions. By encouraging your users to leave positive ratings and reviews, you can help to improve your overall discoverability on the app stores.
- Do your keyword research
Just as with any other SEO campaign, keyword research is essential to ASO success. Try to use relevant keywords and phrases that accurately describe your app and what it does. In addition, you’ll want to make sure that your keywords are included in your app title, description, and keywords list.
- Consider localisation
Localisation, or tailoring the language and features of your app to the region in which it will be used, is another important factor to consider when optimising your app for the app store. By localising your app, you can help to improve its visibility and ranking in different countries and regions.
- Don’t underestimate the subtitle
Subtitles can also be an important part of ASO, as they can help to improve your app’s discoverability and engagement. Try to use clear and compelling subtitles that accurately describe the purpose and features of your app. Additionally, you may want to consider adding subtitles in different languages if you’re targeting users in multiple countries or regions. The subtitle has a 30-character limit, so explain what your app is about simply and with no fluff!
- Boost your download numbers
The number of downloads impacts your app’s visibility and ranking in the app store. In general, the more downloads an app has, the higher it will rank in the search results. As a result, you may want to consider investing in paid marketing or other strategies to help increase your app’s download numbers.
- Keep your app updated
It’s absolutely crucial you keep your app up to date with the latest features, bug fixes, and changes. By regularly updating your app, you not only keep your users happy, but you also help to improve its optimisation.
- Continually analyse and optimise performance
Finally, it’s important to regularly monitor the performance of your app over time. This includes tracking metrics such as download rates, traffic sources, conversion rates, etc. to identify areas for improvement. With this data, you can make changes or tweaks to your app’s ASO strategy to improve its overall visibility and ranking.
Metrics to track app performance:
- Downloads
- Traffic sources
- Conversion rates
- Average rating
- Number of reviews
- Social media engagement
- Bounce rate
- Time on app/site
- Number of pageviews
- Unique visitors
What are the most popular ASO tools?
There are many free and paid app store optimisation tools on the market. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best ones to help you win at ASO.
App Tweak
Many developers list AppTweak as one of the top ASO tools. It employs data science and provides ad intelligence, market intelligence, and other services.
ASOdesk
ASOdesk is an app marketing and app store optimisation solution with user-friendliness that reduces developer tasks and provides comprehensive analytics and reports. It also offers extensive reports on competitor strategies that might be applied to your own.
SearchMan
SearchMan is a fantastic tool for enhancing your app’s visibility on both the Apple App Store and Google Play. It provides keyword strategy and keyword programmes. It not only tracks but also compares your app’s performance to that of your competitors.
AppRadar
AppRadar gives its consumers the best keyword suggestions to help them get the most out of their apps. This covers keywords from both the United States and other countries. AppRadar also provides tools to assist with app development.
SplitMetrics
In today’s world, A/B testing is critical for apps. A/B tests for Android and iOS smartphones may be used to test ideas, features, and concepts with SplitMetrics.
Adjust
Adjust is software created primarily to address privacy and performance concerns. This comprises all aspects of cyber security, fraud protection, and automation solutions.
The Tool
With its numerous functions, The Tool optimises your approach, assists in increasing downloads, and grows your business.
Gummicube
Gummicube is a popular data analytics app and it’s mostly used for ASO, mobile marketing, and marketing analysis.
There are many other great ASO tools out there, but these are just a few of the most popular ones. No matter which tool you choose, make sure that it’s something that you’re comfortable with and that it offers the features and functions that you need.
To sum up, optimising your app for visibility and ranking in app stores is an ongoing process that requires careful attention and continuous monitoring. By following the tips above, you can effectively enhance your app’s performance and take your app marketing to the next level.