There are above than 1.96 million apps in the Apple App Store and this number is increasing with digital adaptation by businesses. So app visibility is a must to get more downloads and brand recognition.
Mobile Apps SEO and App Store Optimization help in getting more organic traffic for your app. As the competition is increasing, more effort is needed to stay on top. Building long-term strategies for app SEO and ASO optimization is crucial for growth.
App marketing is an integral part of the growth plan. So it is important to learn about the Search Engine behavior for mobile apps. This article will try to address all your questions regarding mobile app SEO and ASO.
Why Is SEO And ASO Important For Mobile Apps?
App Store Optimization (ASO) and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for mobile apps are vital for enhancing visibility, attracting users, and eventually driving success in the competitive world of mobile applications.
Enhanced Visibility: ASO and SEO are the primary means through which potential users discover mobile apps. When your app ranks higher in app store search results and search engine results, more people are likely to discover and download it.
Increased Downloads: Studies show that apps appearing in the top positions in app stores obtain the lion’s share of downloads. For example, apps in the top 5 positions in the App Store account for 67% of all downloads (Source: Sensor Tower).
Cost-Effective Marketing: ASO and SEO are cost-effective approaches for acquiring users compared to paid advertising. Optimizing your app’s presence in app stores and search engines can yield sustainable, organic growth without the need for significant advertising budgets.
User Engagement: Optimized app listings tend to bring more relevant users who are genuinely interested in your app’s features and content. This can lead to higher user engagement, longer session times, and better retention rates.
Competitive Advantage: In an overcrowded app ecosystem with millions of apps available, ASO and SEO give you a competitive edge. Effective optimization can help you outrank and outperform your competitors.
Global Reach: With appropriate optimization, you can reach a global audience. Multilingual keyword optimization can make your app accessible to users around the world, expanding your user base.
User Reviews and Ratings: ASO can indirectly influence user reviews and ratings, which play a pivotal role in users’ decision-making processes. Positive reviews and high ratings can further boost your app’s visibility and credibility.
Data-Driven Improvement: ASO and SEO are not static processes. Continuous monitoring and analysis of keywords, user feedback, and performance metrics allow you to make data-driven improvements to your app’s listing and content.
Adaptation to Algorithm Changes: App stores and search engines frequently update their algorithms. Staying updated with ASO and SEO best practices ensures that your app remains visible and competitive amid algorithm shifts.
By optimizing your app’s visibility, relevance, and appeal to users, you can boost downloads, engagement, and ultimately, the long-term success of your mobile application.
10 SEO And ASO Strategies For Mobile Apps
1. Keyword Research And Optimization
Keyword Research: Start by researching relevant keywords that users are likely to use when searching for apps similar to yours. Use keyword research tools like Google Keyword Planner, App Store Connect, or third-party tools like AppAnnie and Sensor Tower.
Keyword Optimization: Incorporate these keywords strategically into your app’s title, subtitle, description, and throughout the app’s content. A study by Tune found that apps with keywords in their title ranked 10.3% higher on average.
Add keywords in the metadata of different pages to optimize them for Search Engines. This is vital to show your app in SERP.
2. Create Your Website
Creating a mobile app and publishing it into the app store is not enough. You need to create a website as well with the same domain name and branding. For example: you have launched Example App for XYZ objectives.
Create a professional website for example.com and add all the necessary information about the app on the homepage. Publish relevant pages like Contact Us, Support, About, and Policy pages.
Add a mix of low and high-competition keywords in the homepage H1, H2, H3, and metadata. You may use a CMS like WordPress for more control over customization, publishing, and SEO optimization.
3. Add a Blog Section to Your App Website
Niche-relevant blogs are the best way to drive organic traffic to websites. This can be later diverted to the app as well. So add a blog section to your website and start publishing SEO-optimized informative content as blog posts.
Add a call to action within and at the end of your blog posts sending users to your app in the app store. Make sure the topics match user intent and your app’s relevancy.
4. App Title And Description Optimization
Craft a clear, concise, and memorable app title that contains important keywords. According to StoreMaven, an app’s title is the most important factor impacting the install rate.
Write an engaging and informative app description. Highlight the app’s unique features, benefits, and value proposition. Be concise and user-focused. Use bullet points and paragraphs for good readability.
5. Visuals, Screenshots And Videos
Most users go through the visual content of the app before installing it. That includes app icons, screenshots, and videos to explain why they should try this app.
Create an eye-catching and appropriate app icon that stands out in app stores. An App Annie report revealed that apps with well-designed icons have a higher conversion rate.
Use high-quality screenshots and videos to showcase your app’s user interface, features, and functionality. Visual content can significantly influence conversion rates. According to SplitMetrics, adding a video can boost conversion rates by up to 25%.
6. App Indexing For SEO
Search Engines don’t show anything in SERP on their own. All the data is submitted by the websites and app owners through indexing requests. Implement deep linking and app indexing to make your app content discoverable through Google Search. This can drive organic traffic to your app.
The URLs on the website and app should be the same. Indexing is the most important part of the SEO and should be taken seriously.
7. App Reviews And Ratings
Urge users to leave positive reviews and ratings for your app. Respond to user feedback promptly and professionally. Apps with higher ratings tend to rank better in app store search results and enjoy higher user trust.
User reviews are a significant part of app ASO, as the app stores display the best-rated apps at the top of the results, to give their users the most suitable apps.
8. App Maintainance And Updates
Due to the plenty of options available, users expect a lot more from the apps. They can easily switch to other ones if not satisfied.
Regularly update your app to fix bugs, add new features, and improve performance. Frequent updates affirm commitment to user satisfaction, which can positively influence rankings.
App stores also consider such apps in search results that are frequently maintained. So meet the expectations of users and app stores to grow.
9. Localization And Social Media Presence
Consider localizing your app for different regions and languages. A study by Distimo found that apps available in multiple languages tend to have higher revenue and downloads.
Build a strong online presence and engage with your user community on social media. User engagement and positive buzz can influence app store rankings and attract new users.
10. Leverage App Store Advertising
In ASO marketing strategies, you can’t rely on just free methods of getting traffic. Invest in paid advertising within app stores, such as Apple Search Ads and Google Ads for Apps, to further boost visibility and downloads.
You can also run paid campaigns on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to showcase your app to a wider audience.
frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
The above SEO and ASO strategies for mobile apps are subject to change with time. Keep exploring new practices and methods for your app marketing.
Remember that effective mobile app SEO is an ongoing process. It requires constant monitoring, analysis, and adaptation to algorithm changes and user trends.
By implementing these strategies, you can improve your app’s discoverability, attract quality users, and increase its chances of success in the competitive app market.
Regularly monitor app store analytics, user behavior, and keyword performance. Use this data to make informed optimizations and repeat your SEO strategy.
