Introduction to App Store Optimisation.
With 1000+ apps being launched each day due to which the app developers are facing a lot of difficulties in properly ranking their apps on the App Store or Google Play.
App Store search is the fundamental source of installs for nearly all apps out there. Although app marketers always talk about social media and creative marketing strategies, the fact is that none of them are as important as App Store Optimization (ASO). To put it plain, if your app is obscured by other apps, no one will keep scrolling down enough to install it. This is why ASO (app store optimization) is essential foster your app improve its rank on the App Store.
What is App Store Optimization?
App Store Optimization (ASO) is the process of optimizing an app's visibility in the App Store search and increasing its chances of being noticed by more people. While ASO is still a middle ground in terms of what works and what doesn't, some factors have been proven to have the most significant impact on an app's ranking. Here are the 9 factors you should be aware of that can influence your position in store search results and crucial “Discovery Lists.” These are based on the experiences of various SEO experts who have been involved with many apps, with downloads in the millions, and a lot of reading, experimenting, and verifying.
1. App title
The title of your app plays a big role in making your app top the charts. It's the primary aspect that the App Store's search engine takes into consideration when a user types a query. That's why you must always try to come up with the most appropriate app name and keywords to add to your app's title. A well-crafted app title can attract more users and increase your click-through rates.
2. App downloads
The total number of downloads is the foundation of making your app rank; the more you have, the better you will ride out storms. However, “download spikes” – clusters of many downloads in a short timeframe, such as some PR that you have been doing – can boost your rank up quickly for short periods. App downloads are a significant factor in determining an app's popularity and can influence its ranking in the App Store.
3. App Starts
Only achieving a large number of downloads isn't the name of the game. The number of app starts reveals how much people are actually using your app and acts as a measure of engagement and retention. If you remember, Apple introduced this in the summer of 2013. App starts are an essential metric to track and optimize for long-term success.
4. App Revenue
evenue plays a big role in ranking in the top paid app discovery lists for paid apps compared to free apps. It makes sense that Google and Apple offer greater visibility to apps with a profitable track record of high generating cash. High app revenue can help your app climb the charts and gain more visibility.
5. App Keyword Relevance
App keyword relevance is important for finding and ranking your app in the app store. It's crucial to select popular keywords that match what people are searching for. However, keep in mind that if you choose popular keywords, you will have more competition and need to fight harder to rank higher. You can use the app store search autocomplete feature to identify popular keyword permutations that your competitors might have missed. Additionally, you should try to stay within the 100-character limit for your app title and keywords, although there are ways to list in more than one territory.
6. Social Proof and Backlinks
Social proof and backlinks are important ranking influencers for both Google and Apple app stores. Google tracks things like Twitter and Facebook referrals, Google+ +1's, and backlinks. Apple is assumed to do the same, based on their recently launched App Analytics tool, which shows they are well aware of traffic sources.
7. Recently Updated
Updating your app will provide a short-term boost on the app store. The adage “release early, release frequently” is applicable here, but never sacrifice quality for the sake of meeting arbitrary deadlines. It's important to prioritize quality over frequency of updates.
8. Number and Value of App Reviews
App reviews play an important role in app store rankings. Positive reviews can help your app rank higher. Make sure to encourage users to leave reviews, and respond to negative reviews in a constructive manner to address user feedback.
9. Retention / Uninstalls
While it's not clear whether Google uses uninstalls as a ranking factor, it's important to focus on retention and keeping users engaged with your app. High user retention and engagement can lead to higher app store rankings and organic growth.
10. App Size
The size of the app is also an important factor that can affect its ranking on the app store. Larger apps may take up more storage space on users' devices and may lead to higher uninstall rates, which can negatively impact their ranking. It's important to keep your app size as small as possible without sacrificing functionality.
11. Localization
Localization refers to the process of adapting your app to different languages and cultures to make it more accessible and appealing to a wider audience. By localizing your app, you can increase its visibility in different regions and improve its chances of ranking higher in app stores.
12. App Screenshots and Videos
High-quality screenshots and videos can also have a significant impact on your app's ranking. They provide users with a better idea of what your app is all about and can help them decide whether or not to download it. Make sure your screenshots and videos are visually appealing and accurately depict your app's features and functionality.
13. App Description
Your app's description is another important factor that can influence its ranking. It should be informative, engaging, and optimized with relevant keywords to help users find your app in the app store search results. Make sure to highlight your app's unique features and benefits to help it stand out from the competition.
14. App Category
Choosing the right app category is also crucial for app store optimization. It helps users find your app more easily and improves its visibility in the app store. Make sure to choose the most relevant category for your app and consider using secondary categories if they apply.
Conclusion to to App Store Optimisation.
App store optimization is an ongoing process that requires careful attention to many different factors. By focusing on these 14 factors, you can improve your app's visibility and ranking in the app store, attract more downloads, and ultimately increase your app's success. Remember to keep testing and optimizing your app to stay ahead of the competition and continue to drive downloads and engagement.
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