There are billions of smartphone users worldwide, and that number rapidly increases year after year, creating a massive app production and purchase market.
There are more than four million apps on the Apple App Store and Google Play Stores right now. If you want people to download and use your app, you will need to be strategic about how you market it.
In this post, you will learn everything you need to know about app store optimization.
What is App Store Optimization?
App Store Optimization (ASO) refers to enhancements made to an app’s download page to increase its exposure and attract more users to download it. App store optimization focuses mostly on the Apple App Store (iOS) and the Google Play Store, which are the two largest app stores in the world (Android).
ASO is essential for distinguishing yourself in the oversaturated app market, whether you are in the process of developing an app or already have one available for download.
App Store Optimization Tips
Here are some time trusted app store optimization tips to help you rank your app. These strategies will help you advertise your app, identify your top rivals, and move it to the next level.
- Optimize Your Description & Title
Titles are the most crucial metadata you can use to increase downloads.
Focus on writing a title with less than 25 characters so that the whole title can be seen on the app’s browse screen. It is important to have a catchy title that people would want to download. Your app will be easier to find if you use your company’s name and a primary keyword.
When you have settled on a name, go ahead and look for it using the search bar. If there are a lot of results, your title is not creative enough.
In the first 250 characters, incorporate as many relevant keywords as feasible (without stuffing). Users who want to learn more must click “read more” following this introductory paragraph.
2. Use Relevant Keywords
It is critical to conduct keyword research for your target audience. You will need to identify the keywords that your potential clients are using and, preferably, those that your top rivals employ.
Matching keywords to the demands of your clients will make it easier for them to locate your app in the app store.
- If you use keywords that have nothing to do with your app, it will lower your ranking.
- Always stick to one keyword form (singular or plural).
- Do not use keywords like “app” or your competitors’ brand names.
We recommend starting with Google Keyword Planner and progressing to app store optimization tools like Mobile Action and Sensor Tower.
3. Include Captivating Icons & Screenshots
Having eye-catching graphics can help your app stand out in the store.
Pick an icon for your app that users will easily be able to identify and that will stick in their minds. If you want to stand out from the crowd and attract more clients, try using a color scheme distinct from your main rivals.
Do not scrimp on the quality of your screenshots because the vast majority of potential users will examine them before deciding whether or not to download your application. We recommend uploading as many screenshots as the app store allows.
Make your screenshots seem professional and aesthetically pleasant by using a colorful template. The text should not be the main focal point. Use images to illustrate why your software is superior to similar offerings.
4. Research Your Competitors
It is important for any business to know who its competitors are and how they do business, but it is especially important in app store optimization.
Selecting the most appropriate app store category is a crucial first step before publishing your app. Below are the factors to consider when choosing a category for your app.
- the number of competitors
- number of apps under that category
- how many applications are regularly updated
- how the category ranks in popularity (in downloads)
Once you have submitted your app to the app store, you will need to keep an eye on the top-performing applications in your selected category. Check to see if their ranking changes after adding a keyword or changing their information.
Make every effort to rank new keywords before your competitors can. You will also want to keep an eye on competitors whose apps have similar goals, features, or even just the same top keywords as yours.
App Tweak, one of the tools for app store optimization, suggests that you should be able to reduce your top competitors to five in order to efficiently manage an app store optimization routine.
5. Drive Downloads and Traffic to Your App Store Page
You can drive visitors straight to your app store pages with an SEO-optimized website to hold your app’s information. Using this website for your app can also help you rank well on Google, giving people who conduct a basic web search another way to locate and download your app. You may also utilize paid app advertising, like Apple Search Ads (ASA) or Google Universal App Campaigns, to promote your app (UAC).
Conclusion
App store optimization mastery will not happen overnight; it takes time to achieve. However, you will be happy with the advancement you can make if you put in a little time each day working on your app store optimization checklist. Once you are satisfied with your app’s traction, you can start marketing it with paid advertising to maximize ASO and expand your app’s reach. Do you need professional freelance web developer for your app development project? for your project, check out our website to hire talented app developers.
