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The Comprehensive App Store Optimization Guide for 2023

Intro

00:00:00

Introduction to the discussion on App Store optimization (ASO) with Ariel from App figures. They discuss strategies for ASO, especially when facing low downloads.

What is App Store Optimization

00:02:00

App Store Optimization (ASO) Strategy App Store Optimization is a way to tell Apple and Google what your app does, helping it rank in search results. It involves using keywords effectively and increasing ratings as currency for the algorithm. Starting with low competition keywords and building momentum is crucial for apps with no downloads.

Keyword Research and Competition Choosing relevant, less crowded keywords like 'deep breathing' instead of highly competitive ones like 'meditation' can be more effective. Tools like Keyword Inspector provide insights into keyword popularity scores, actual results, new ratings data which are essential for ASO purposes.

Keywords

00:08:00

Ariel discusses the importance of optimizing apps for Apple searches and finding keyword opportunities. He emphasizes targeting keywords that are not in the app names but have high search volume, aiming for a score around 30 or higher to rank better than competitors.

The Idea

00:10:00

Uncovering Untapped Keyword Opportunities The idea is to find keywords that are overlooked by competitors but still have high search volume. A big company, BBC, found a keyword their competitors weren't using and saw an immediate increase in ranks when they used it. The tool 'Keyword Inspector' helps identify competitor keywords for app optimization.

Utilizing Competitor Keywords for App Optimization Using the 'Keyword Inspector,' you can compare top results and find keyword gaps where your app isn't ranking. By tracking these keywords in the performance report, optimizing them in the name or subtitle of your app, and monitoring trends, you can improve rankings without extensive effort.

Keyword Optimization

00:15:30

Keyword Optimization The key to keyword optimization is realistic expectations and understanding your audience, competitors, and the App Store environment. Ratings are crucial for App Store optimization (ASO) on the app store.

App Store Optimization Strategies Ratings are essential for ASO; buying ratings should be avoided. The ratio of downloads to ratings determines an app's power in comparison to competitors. Apple search ads can be effective if optimized well but may initially drain resources.

Understanding DPR and Country-Specific Metrics DPR (downloads per rating) is a critical metric that varies by country in ASO analysis tools like Keyword Inspector. It provides insights into how apps ask for ratings and helps understand competitor strategies across different countries.

Chat GPT

00:22:50

The name 'Chat GPT' cannot be used as a single word or with 'Charger PT.' Apple is strict about approving apps with this name. Splitting the keyword into two separate words, 'chat' and 'GPT,' at the beginning of the keyword list may work to get approval.

Chat GPT Case Study

00:24:00

A case study on a chat GPT app making $5000 per month purely from ASO. The strategy involves finding niche keywords with lower competition using tools like Keyword Inspector and App Figures.

Chat GPT Keywords

00:25:20

Using ChatGPT as a tool to optimize keywords for app store. Utilize different localizations and verticals to target specific keyword categories such as food recipes, movie suggestions, writing, etc. Aim for top rankings in multiple relevant keywords rather than competing solely on the main keyword.

Why App Ranking

00:28:32

Optimizing App Ranking To increase app ranking for keywords, it's important to optimize the title, subtitle, and localizations. Different titles and subtitles in various languages can significantly improve keyword rankings. If your app is ranked 200-300 for a keyword, something is missing in the optimization strategy; consider rethinking your approach.

Apple Search Ads Strategy Using Apple Search Ads (ASA) requires targeting specific keywords that are likely to lead to downloads rather than just aiming for top positions. It's essential to focus on optimizing conversion rates and ensuring that spending on ASA leads to meaningful downloads with low DPR (Download Per Rating).

H2 Tags

00:32:50

The Role of H2 Tags in Google SEO Robert and the speaker discuss the relevance of H2 tags in Google SEO. While it used to be important, they question its necessity now due to changes in how Google reads descriptions. The value of description is shifting, and bolded H2 tags no longer appear as such on some devices.

Email Marketing Strategies for App Engagement The conversation shifts to email marketing strategies for app engagement. They discuss different approaches - one suggests offering a discount right away, while the other prefers a more personalized approach before nudging users towards specific features and then considering discounts later.

Ranking for Competitive Keywords

00:36:45

Julia discusses the challenge of ranking an app for keywords in its name and explains that competitive keywords in the title are more important. She emphasizes that keyword competitors at the top influence rankings, but it's also about optimizing approach.

Localization Bug

00:38:00

ASO Localization Bug Using Unicode characters in app localization can lead to a bug in Apple's algorithm, causing the character count to register incorrectly. This results in keywords getting chopped off if they exceed 30 characters, impacting ASO performance.

Importance of Different Localizations Different localizations should have unique titles and subtitles with diverse keywords for better ASO performance. Paying attention to these differences is crucial as they tend to carry significant weight.

DPR Score

00:39:25

DPR Score and International Markets The DPR score works outside the US market, using download estimates from countries like Indonesia and Vietnam. Ratings are crucial for iOS apps, with a focus on top 10 rankings that require keyword optimization, no duplication of keywords in app names or lists.

Keyword Teardowns and Exact Match Strategy Keyword teardowns provide valuable data for improving app rankings. An exact match strategy by placing keywords in the title can boost rankings significantly, especially in international localizations such as Spanish Mexico or Vietnamese.

Dad Jokes

00:44:10

The segment starts with dad jokes, and the speaker admits to being terrible at them. He shares a joke about something brown and sticky (a stick) and mentions receiving jokes from his daughter for Father's Day. The audience is asked to vote on whose joke they liked better.

Deep Pion

00:45:10

The app is a trivia app with the potential to earn gift cards. However, the current keywords and description are unfocused and need to be refined for better visibility in search results.

Google Play

00:48:00

Discovering Game Code on Google Play Exploring Google Play for the game code and its description.

Testing Out the App Trying out the app and discussing what's happening under the hood, including a mention of family members.

Gmail

00:49:10

The Frustration of Sign-In Expressing frustration about the early sign-in process and questioning the need for it, especially when trying to learn about music.

Music Teaching App Experience Describing a friend's experience with a music teaching app that required personal information before providing access to content, leading to skepticism and reluctance.

Unclear Incentives Questioning the lack of clarity on what can be won or earned through using an app, expressing confusion over incentives and rewards.

'Winning' Process Confusion Sharing confusion over the unclear process of participating in activities within an app, including waiting times and ad interruptions.

'Celebrity Image Guess' Game Frustration Expressing frustration with a game that lacks clear instructions or indications of potential winnings or rewards for participation.

'Busy' Design Observation Noticing differences in design styles between apps made by developers inside versus outside the US; preferring simpler designs focused on one main feature.