5 Proven Ways For App Store Optimization

Mobile connectivity keeps reaching new milestones. Similarly, people using mobile applications and the uses of a smartphone are increasing in number almost at the same rate.

Besides coming to know from peers and promotions, mobile users stumble upon new apps on app stores. The two of the most popular app stores are Google Play and App Store.

Again, in this era, when SaaS company valuation stays staunch, no matter what, the importance of optimization of new apps to secure top ranks increases manifolds.

The algorithm underlying an application store is based on numerous criteria to rank and classify mobile applications. Some of these are:

• The built-quality of apps
• Keyword optimization
• The quality and number of reviews and comments

The above are some of the key areas to focus on to develop an optimistic exposure irrespective of whether the app was designed by you or a hired app development company.

Therefore, what you need are effective SEO techniques. Some of the features that are common to the best app optimization strategies are:

• Pleasing and seamless design
• Speedy
• Creating uses specific to your apps
• Conducting periodical upgrades
• Putting the weaknesses of your closest competitors to best use
• Creative concept
• Stable and bug-free.

What is meant by ASO?

You might know about SEO. It is the mechanism underlying the rankings of websites that are displayed among the results by a search engine.

Similarly, ASO or app store optimization is the analogous term in the field of mobile applications. ASO comprises of the techniques laid down based on which a mobile app appears on the top of the results when a user performs a search for an application.

App store optimization is a method that helps app publishers by providing a definite set of criteria to fulfil if they desire to better their app- noticeability and downloads. Publishers were smart to notice a trend among the most popular apps and gauge the importance of the rankings. This ultimately led to the establishment of the very first ASO firm.

ASO is similar to SEO regarding how it works. Understanding ASO, however, is easier than understanding SEO. To master the ASO techniques, one must go back to the optimization basics. Several aspects, like keywords, along with some others, play a major role in improving the app rankings.

ASO ranking criteria

The primary issue with regards to mobile apps is that there are no universal criteria for ranking. Each mobile marketplace has its set of features that the rankings are based on. Besides different ranking criteria for different marketplaces, one also has to keep up with the latest developments in the methodology that take place almost on a monthly basis.

Like we know the two main players in mobile app marketplaces are Google Play and App Store.

It is important to mention that Google’s algorithm to rank its apps is more precise and clear-cut than that of the App Store. And that wouldn’t surprise many SEO specialists.

Two types of ASO criteria

Formal criteria:

Formal criteria are decided upon by the publisher of the application. You will notice that formal criteria are similar to those practiced in case of SEO. Some of these similarities are:

• Updating the app and store page that displays your app – Users tend to look at the date an app was last updated.

A recent upgradation date tells that the app is well looked after. So, users are expected to download and install these reliable apps more often than the apps that haven’t been updated for a couple of months.

• Keyword optimization – Publishers need to strategically come up with a title to include in the description for the app. Furthermore, they should make use of tags and keywords to be picked by the application store’s algorithm.

Interaction criteria:

Another criterion that decides the listing of the apps when a user performs a search is the amount and quality of interaction that takes place between users and the applications.

Interactions are also a way to increase the lifetime of a customer. You should not only aim at garnering new customers but also try to retain the old ones. To retain your customers, you should focus on your customer satisfaction metrics.

The ranking methodology evaluates the quality of the product on the basis of these interactions and then choose to display them accordingly.

These interactions may take place in various ways:

• The number of times your app was downloaded: The apps that appear at the top of the French app store are downloaded at least 20,000 to 30,000 times every day.
• Statistics collected and based on the usage of the app: These include factors like the number of users actively using the app and the amount of time they spend on it.
• The rating: A rating below 4 stars creates a bad image for your app.
• The ratio between the number of uninstalls and installations.

You will realize that the whole ranking algorithm and the basic principles of ASO are based on two things. The placement of a mobile application in the app stores depend on a combination of

• Control: Choosing keywords that make your app the most relevant
• Chance: You can’t predict the success of your app accurately. It all comes down to giving a chance. Will the app function properly? Will it be installed enough times to secure one of the top spots?

Ways to increase app downloads

To get your apps to the top slots successfully, your app needs to match the ranking criteria of the two main contenders among mobile marketplaces: Google Play and App Store.

While there are a few differences in the way their ranking criteria works, Apple having a simpler optimization technique, both of them prioritize good and repetitive keyword usage.

Keyword Optimization

After knowing the keywords that are most searched for, incorporate them in the description and title tags. But avoid overdoing it. Apple punishes keyword overuse. Go for a short title having the main keyword in it.

Try making your app as light-weight as possible. People are less likely to download apps that encroach upon a bigger memory.

Users Feedback

Tech experts and influencers should be encouraged to fill in their opinions. Their comments and ratings play an important role in influencing the decisions of common people.

Comments and ratings play a major role. They reflect the quality of your app and help customers decide if they want to download it.

One way to avoid bad reviews is by being helpful and polite in your replies to them. Bad reviews have their role too as they help you improve your app. The rankings will swiftly improve with the first batch of good reviews.

Appearance matters

Create an interesting icon. Keep the interface airy with trendy colors. The icon should indicate the uses of the app.

You can also seek help in big commerce development from trusted agencies. They provide assistance in API integration, developing custom themes, and functionalities.

Advertise your application

Promoting your app on social media, other applications, and Google will be greatly beneficial in reaching the customers. You can either include a hyperlink or a banner on the website of the company, approach influencers to make posts about it on social media or make pop-ups on the mobile site.

You can also create email newsletters and send them to potential customers. It will help them know about the launch of the new app, and they might even think of giving it a try!

Regular updates

Regular updates are an indicator of reliability. Mobile marketplaces have the same opinion. So, apps that roll out regular and frequent updates are better indexed.

Wrapping up

There’s no shortcut to success. If your app has quality built, is useful and performs its functions smoothly, it is bound to get popular. But to make your app visible to the potential customers you need to practice ASO. How would people download an app if they don’t know it exists?

So, let us know how your app rankings have improved on following the above methods in the comments section.