App Store Optimization and its Best Practices
App Store Optimization (ASO) is the process of making an app improve its visibility in an app store either in Google play store or Apple app store. It is similar to Search Engine Optimization (SEO) where websites are optimized to get a better position on Search Engines (SERP), the same way mobile apps are optimized to get a higher position in app stores. App Store Optimization will help apps to reach TOP CHART list, which in turn leads to drive more installs. The higher the app on the top chart list, which results in the visibility of the app and creates brand awareness too. For players with a low budget, App Store Optimization (ASO) helps to gain more exposure, which may result in boosted app downloads. ASO can also get real quality users which increase revenue because they are in search of a similar app.
Components of App Store Optimization
- Name
- Keywords
- Description
- Localization
- Icons
- Screenshots
- Number of downloads
- Ratings and reviews
- Discard Rates
- App Updates
- App usage frequency
- Download growth
- Number of uninstalls
- Backlinks
- Promo Video
Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store have different elements to optimize; But, both the stores offer unique opportunities for creators to optimize an app’s title and description as well as different elements of the app so that it will be ranked highly in the app store and on Google’s search engine.The following factors may vary according to the app that you want to optimize.
Name
Be descriptive in your app name which should be unique, special and the name should also relate to the content of the app. The keyword should also be a part of naming which helps you to optimize your app. By placing your focused keyword in your app name could dramatically improve your position by 70-100 spots. Name of the app must be with optimal length but not too long or too short.
Keywords
The potential user types words in the search bar of the app store to find the relevant app they are in search of are called keywords. Keywords have a huge impact on app’s visibility, exposure, and search rank. So choose your app store keywords carefully so that it will improve your ranking in the app store. In app store optimization, we can optimize keywords in the title of the app, description of the app and the keyword column if available for that particular store (Apple App Store has a dedicated keyword field whereas Google Play Store Doesn’t). App title which includes keywords has 10.7% higher ranking when compared to the app which doesn’t contain. App Store Optimization tools/resources to help ramp up the quality of your keyword research: KeywordTool.io, Sensor Tower, Search Man App, Tweak App, Annie Apple App, Store Keyword Selection Process in a Nutshell
Description
As mentioned above, appropriate keywords should be included within the body description. In an app page, users can only see the first five lines of the description both on phones and tablets. With that said, make use of the first three lines to attract the potential user, so that they might click on “More” button which shows a full-length description of the app. Get those three lines right, by writing as much important information as possible such that the sentence explains clearly about the functions of that app and also try to include information about how your app is better than your competitor.
Localization
Mobile app localization is gaining more attraction than ever, as the user from all over the world has access to every app. This makes it necessary to build your app i.e, to translate your app from ENGLISH to other global languages, where your potential user is available. Right now it is a must to make your app localized.
Icons
The first impression which is a visual of your app is its icon. Which makes it one of the important factors for app store optimization. This is not just for your app store as the icon is also seen in a lot of places such as app websites, app press releases etc., Just keep it pretty much simple and design your icon with details. You now have to provide a 1024×1024 icon, so make sure it looks great full screen.
Screenshots
Screenshots are more accurate and realistic to present the inner reality of an app. They reflect your app and give your users a good idea of how your app is crafted. Don’t forget that people often base their purchase decision on their emotions. So your screenshots should be good, attractive and actually be perfectly designed if you want to increase your chances of getting downloads. Make your first 2 screenshots the most appealing possible. Use all available screenshots slots. Choose the right Orientation. Localize your screenshots.
Number of Downloads
The number of app downloads is one of the most important factors affecting app store rankings in app store optimization. The velocity of the downloads your app receives also helps to increase your app visibility in app stores. If you have a consistent rate of downloads it won’t adversely impact rankings, growth in download velocity will go further in improving your rankings.
Ratings and Reviews
LISTEN, reply quickly and fix problems can help you get good ratings and reviews. Ask for ratings within your app, but be smart about it. Don’t ask too soon for a review, do it at the right time and to users who are engaged with your app. It can be after several levels if your app is a game, after a few launches of your app or other specific actions. While asking for review or rating gives users the possibility of not seeing that request anymore, or to be reminded later.
Discard Rates
Try to make the app longer retention on users’ devices so that it may directly impact your app.
App Updates
Updating an app very often may lead to annoyance or uninstall, So avoid being too aggressive on updates and concentrate on user experience. Update your app with necessary new features and optimize it for new OS releases with a good time interval.
App usage Frequency
The more usage of your app leads to more revenue as well as user attention. Which is also one of the app store optimization techniques? But we can’t control the user directly. For that, we can have a better use of Push Notifications. This is aimed at ensuring more prolific usage of the application.
Download Growth
The last 30 days of your app download is also a factor to work on. Analyze past month’s performance and work on present month downloads so that you can work on getting the required installs.
Number of Uninstalls
App developers have to concentrate on uninstalls by actively replying to user queries and fixing them out.
Backlinks
As in SEO, backlinks play a key role, so does in app store optimization. Work on getting quality links from users websites or reviewers blogs. Web pages linking to your app page have a high impact on your app ranking.
Promo Video
The promo video appears in the first position of your graphic assets on the Google Play web store . It’s highly recommended as a fun part and also, an interactive way to show your potential users the features of your app. Sit tight – It’s not completed. “Nothing happens without tracking and optimizing” After working on the above factors, App store optimization comes to the next level. This is just the beginning of the game, start playing it right to get the required rewards.
So right now with app store optimization, you placed your app in the right position so that it can easily be discovered on the app store. Never stop to optimize as ASO is a continuous process, because every now and then a new player appears to compete. Keep a track of your app ranking for focused keywords and make use of the tools which are mentioned, mostly follow Google Trends. Look for your competitor in the field and research what they are doing to keep the pace and try to recreate an advanced version of it. If you have any questions on App Store Optimization, please contact us. Our experts will guide you.