A mobile app can help you generate revenue, communicate with customers, and raise brand exposure. On the other hand, millions of other apps are attempting the same thing in the app stores.

In order to make your software stand out from the competition and attract the kind of users you want to download it, you must take unique steps. The answer lies in App Store Optimization.

Millions of apps are competing for users’ phones. In the first quarter of 2023 more than 34 billion apps were downloaded collectively on the App Store and Google Play Store. Even the most well-designed apps will inevitably become lost in this world of apps & no one even knows they existed. 

With the help of ASO, your app will stand out from the competition and draw in the right users who are looking for exactly what it offers. How does it function? Now let’s explore what ASO is and how it can significantly boost your app’s downloads.

What is App Store Optimization?

App store optimization (ASO) is the continuous practice of raising an app’s profile and visibility within a store. Therefore, it makes  it easy for people to search and discover the app. ASO marketing, app search optimization, and app store SEO are other names for ASO.

Increasing an app’s download count is the aim of ASO. Additionally, though, it can boost user interaction, raise business exposure, and get testimonials and reviews.

The two primary app stores are Google Play Store  and Apple App Store. However, ASO is also possible in other app stores, such as Huawei AppGallery, Samsung Galaxy Store, and Amazon Appstore.

The ranking factors are different for both the stores. However, some of the common factors to target ASO are:

• App Title
• Description
• Keywords
• Downloads
• Reviews & Ratings
• Updates

How Does App Store Optimization Work?

It could be helpful to consider app store optimization as SEO for your mobile app if you’re new to it. Except you’re optimizing your mobile app listings for the appropriate app stores, not a website for search engines. One may argue that ASO is more akin to optimizing a Google Business Profile for display in Maps and local search results.

You need to optimize for Google Play and Apple’s App Store, the two main mobile app shops, which is another significant distinction. These are the largest app stores by far, but they’re not the only ones to take into account, particularly if you’re creating apps for TVs, game consoles, and other gadgets.

According to statista here are the top three app stores in terms of the number of apps listed as of August, 2024:

• Google Play Store: 2,297,365 
• Apple Store: 2,047,364
• Amazon App Store: 5,26,626
• Tencent App Store: 62,596
  

Because of this, the majority of ASO tips concentrate on improving app listings for the Apple App Store and Google Play. In addition to being the two most popular platforms, each platform’s optimization procedure varies slightly.

This is largely because, similar to other search engines, every app store has its own algorithm.

The majority of app store algorithms are actually more similar than different. For that reason, they are all subject to the fundamentals of app store optimization. But certain stores might employ the peculiar ranking signal while others wouldn’t.

Key Differences Between Google Play & Apple Store

When it comes to app store optimization, Google Play and the App Store are very similar. First off, there are some notable technical variances in the ranking variables (e.g., Google and Apple handle terms differently), but overall, they are rather similar.

The primary ranking criteria for both the App Store and Google Play are briefly summarized below.

Google Play Store	Apple Store
App Title	App Name
Short Description	App Subtitle
Long Description	App URL
NA	Keywords (app name, keyword field)
Installs & Engagement	Installs & Engagement
Review & Rating	Review & Rating
App Updates	App Updates
In-App Purchases	In-App Purchases
Uninstall Rate	Uninstall Rate

As you can see, not much has changed; in fact, the majority of your effort will be devoted to details such as the requirements for each app listing’s icons, videos, and other materials.

Generally speaking, Apple has stricter developer rules, and getting an app approved for the App Store is typically more difficult.

Therefore, adjusting your listings for Apple’s requirements will typically satisfy both app stores while preserving consistency and decreasing workload if you’re pushing both iOS and Android apps.

Best Practices for App Store Optimization 

1. App Title & Subtitles 

Since the title of your app appears first in the search results, it is an important element to optimize. It’s also the most important ranking factor for the big app stores. You have to use caution while choosing an app name and title because you only have 30 characters to work with.

While you may want to include keywords in your app title, avoid overusing them because it will appear odd.

2. Use Relevant In the Description

You can add keywords in the App Store’s short description to help your app rank higher. Enter as many keywords as you wish, but remember there is a 4000-character limit. Use commas, not spaces, to separate the keywords. Select keywords that are both competitive and popular, yet still offer a good chance to rank well.

3. Add Good Visuals 

ASO raises the visibility of an app, which motivates users to click and install it. Installs have a direct impact on ranking, therefore you need to use text fields and eye-catching images to encourage users to download your app.

Make sure the videos and screenshots you post are of excellent quality. Demonstrate your app’s functionality, the issues it resolves, and the benefits users will experience. Use your imagination while utilizing your graphic components, but make sure you follow the app store’s rules & regulations.

4. Encourage User Feedback & Ratings 

Before deciding to install an app, the majority of users check its ratings and reviews. Thus, poor ratings and unfavorable reviews have an impact on the visibility of your app in the search results. 

Promoting user reviews and ratings on the app is a crucial part of app store optimization. Determining the appropriate moment to request user feedback is essential. 

5. Increase App Downloads 

App store search algorithms favor apps with most downloads, thus the more downloads an app receives, the more prominently it appears in the results and similarly, your conversion rate increases with the number of downloads.

Conversion rate optimization is a useful tool for tracking conversion rates and making any adjustments. To increase downloads, advertise your apps outside the app store through affiliate marketing, google advertisements, social media, and directory websites.

6. Provide Regular Updates 

Keeping your app updated on a regular basis is one of the crucial ASO tactic. Applications that are growing and improving are what users and app stores want to see. Updates also fix errors, include new features and enhance user input. To find out about any updates to the app, users typically look under the “What’s New in This Version” section of the app store.

Final Words 

Today, you need more than just a well-designed app to succeed in the cutthroat market of apps. ASO is the key to achieving its full potential. By implementing an effective plan, you may improve the search engine ranking of your app, downloads, and user engagement.

Your mobile app will stay competitive and draw in new users if you use the correct ASO strategies. To make sure your app remains visible on top and draws new users you need to continuously assess and improve your strategy.

As usual, we’re here to assist you in optimizing your app to increase downloads, users and revenue and to reach out to us all you have to do is write to us at info@korvage.com or click here.