A business must cover multiple aspects to stay one step ahead of its competition. One such element is launching a mobile app.
According to the International Business Times, the mobile app store receives more than 1,000 submissions daily. Also, as stated by App Radar, at least 70% of users search for new apps on the store, and 65% of them are directly downloaded. It signifies that the chances of any business application coming on prospective customers' radars are low. But on the other hand, bringing your business on this platform is essential.
This is where the app store optimization strategy comes to play. So, before we discuss the ultimate ASO strategy for your business, let’s discuss what it exactly means.
App Store Optimization
ASO is a process of improving an application's visibility and conversion rate on the app store to increase organic app downloads.
It increases your chances of being seen through the app stores and web browser searches. Once your app starts to rank, it will be more visible to potential customers and yield organic app downloads.
ASO experts have found that people generally find apps while searching on the Google or Apple play stores.
ASO Strategy 2022
In simple words: Traffic + Conversion = App Store Optimization
Your app store optimization checklist is complete if you get sufficient traffic on the application page, converting that traffic into installs. Once your app is optimized, it can also increase your ad revenue. The right strategy helps increase downloads and grow the business at a lower cost.
App Store Optimization Checklist
If you are looking to improve the ASO strategy for your app, then here are a few ranking factors you should work on:
1. The Right Title for the App
As per the app store guidelines, your title for the application can be 30 characters long for the Apple store and 50 characters for the Google Play Store. But you also must ensure that the right keywords are included to attain a strong ranking. The words you chose for the title must be relevant, user-friendly, and unique.
2. Keyword Research
Keywords play a crucial role in the world of Google. Research and dig out the best (relevant) keywords for the app. While doing so, you have to make sure that you include the following:
Application category
Keep the competitor apps as a benchmark
Highlight the main features of your app
Synonyms that describe the feature
Commonly searched terms in the specific app category
3. Meta Description
The next step in the ASO ranking strategy is writing the meta description. It should focus on the customer base and push the potential customers towards downloading the app (but discreetly).
Although the total character limit is 4000, remember that after 252 characters, the rest of the description will get extended to the “more” link. So, keep those 252 characters worthwhile. Avoid keyword stuffing as it can drop down the rating in the search results. Keep this description concise, precise, and easy to understand.
4. App Videos and Screenshots
Your main aim is to convince the landing users to download the app. Videos and screenshots play a significant role in doing so. People like to watch a clip instead of reading long paragraphs in today’s time where the schedules are so tight, and patience is low. So, it is one of the crucial steps in ASO strategy 2022.
The first two visuals should conclude the strongest message and demonstrate what the app is.
Every screenshot should include one feature and a clear and catchy caption. It grabs the users’ attention and helps them understand everything.
Since the dark mode feature is becoming popular, your screenshots should be compatible with them.
5. A/B Testing
A/B testing uses two options to compare and then analyze their results. Both the creativity and visuals are tested to see what works better. It helps you identify which option receives a better response. You can then decide the characters or colors that the users would like.
6. App Localization
Localization is adapting the app store listing and visuals into a local language or trends to attract targeted geo. You can use the existing keywords, metadata, or screenshots to translate them into different languages. It helps in creating a personalized experience for the customers. You can always add CTAs while localizing the application page to cater to the market.
7. App Ratings
The final step of app store optimization is the ratings and reviews. It helps increase the relevancy and trust of an app on the app store. According to App Radar, at least 80% of users go through the reviews before downloading any application. So, as a business, it is also essential to reply to user reviews and create a user-friendly environment. App developers can also encourage the users to leave a review on the app store through a plug-in.
App Store Optimization Strategy and Its Future
As an app developer and publisher, you must develop the application with the best possible features. ASO will help you increase app store views, gather more conversions, and ultimately generate revenue.
Hence, App store optimization is equally important to developing a good app. It will help connect with the audience and familiarize them with your app.
With higher impressions, the chances of downloads also increase. Although the process dates back to 2008, its importance has been ever-increasing.
The correct app store optimization has helped various app developers and publishers and will continue to do so. It is time to improve your user acquisition game if you are in the same field and a running contender to a ranking app.