App Store Optimization 101 – What You Need to Know

App Store Optimization 101 – What You Need to Know

According to recent research published by Statista, there were 2.87 million mobile apps available on the Google Play Store and 1.96 million on the Apple App Store as of October 2020. In fact, more than 107 thousand mobile apps were published on the Google Play Store alone in December 2020! When stats like these are taken into consideration, it’s obvious why App Store Optimization (ASO) is critical to the long-term success of any mobile app.To get more news about Android App Store Optimization, you can visit aso700.com official website.

To help its mobile operator customers gain a well-rounded, foundational understanding of ASO, Smith Micro invited me to write a piece that would address all the main points – an ASO crash course if you will. So, without further delay, let’s get started!Put simply, ASO is the behind-the-scenes work that goes into getting a mobile app to rank on an App Store – whether it be the two main shows in town – Google Play & Apple’s App Store – or one of the smaller app stores such as Microsoft’s Windows Store or the Amazon Appstore. Another way to think about ASO is as Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for App Stores.

While I like the ASO/SEO comparison because it acts to familiarize ASO with a more familiar concept, it can be misleading. App Store Optimization and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) are not the same thing! While SEO is all about optimizing a web page to rank higher in organic search engine results, ASO refers to the practice of optimizing a mobile app to rank higher in app store search results.

App Title – Make sure to include 1-2 of your targeting keywords in the title.
App Description – While it’s important to get your targeted keywords in the description, also make sure it makes sense and is accurately describing your app to users (e.g. write for users, not the algorithm). One way to be relatable is to use emojis. Use them when it makes sense and sparingly. Use keywords 3-5 times in the title and/or description.
Keywords – There is limited space in the title and description. Use keywords that are relevant to your business with high search volume and low competition to maximize results. Look for opportunities from competitors.
Downloads – The greater the number of downloads an app has the higher it will rank.
Reviews – User reviews are one of the top-ranking factors in app stores. Ask users to leave a review via in-app push notifications or incentivize them by either unlocking paid app content or giving them in-app currency.
Engagement – The amount of time someone uses an app and how often.
Visuals – Add a preview video and compelling screen shots. Most people only look at the first two slides of the video/screenshots. Optimize the first two creative assets to convert and the others to further showcase/explain the app’s functionality.
Icon design – The app icon is the first visual impression a user will see so make it eye-catching and relevant.
Backlinks – Backlinks should come from a website that is considered an authority by Google. It should also be a related topic to your app.