The aim of every marketer and publisher is to get their mobile application discovered and downloaded. Though, with more than 1.4 million apps in the App Store and 1.5 million available in Google Play, appearing in search results and being distinct amongst contenders can be very difficult.
Fortunately, there is App Store Optimization (ASO) for growing organic traffic and obtain a competitive edge. Alike SEO for the web, App Store optimization is all about using conversion and keyword optimization techniques to acquire users and increase application’s ranking.
Below are some ways of mobile app optimization for app stores to increase the number of downloads
Naming The App
The title or name of the application, merged with an icon, generates the first impression for the application to the visitors. An app’s name must be unique and fitting to the application. For the iOS App Store the title can be around 255 characters, whereas on Google Play the title is limited to 30 characters, yet in both the longer title will get shorter in search results.
Design Of The App Icon
There is no denying the significance of an app icon, it is the initial thing people notice while searching for applications. To make a difference from others, an app icon ought to be visually compelling, appealing and most particularly, well-designed. Beginner or excessively complex designs can put a negative idea of the quality of the application on people, which can result in fewer downloads. One can use their logo or branded element of the icon of the app, or they can design something from the beginning. Text and photos must be avoided, and instead focus must be on color and shape to create a simple, clear icon.
Selecting Keywords
There is a limit of 100 characters provided for a keyword selection, so one must be sure to utilize them all and use the singular form of words and emphasizing only on the keywords they can correctly rank for.
To assemble a considerable list, they must start with the research of potential keywords for competitiveness and relevance using tools like Keyword.io, Keyword Planner tool, Ubersuggest, SensorTower or WordTracker, and put the suggested search results in the app stores in order to check what audience is really searching for.
Even if it is enticing, using the names of the contenders, popular apps or trademarks as keywords must be avoided. Also, if the app is in different markets, the keywords for the same must be localized for each store.
Writing The App Description
When visitors arrive at an app store profile, they must be given the best app pitch in the first few lines of description of the app. The focus must be on the USP (Unique Selling Process). For example, brands must explain the abilities to solve particular problems by their app and the benefits the app will be provided to the potential users.
Creating Captivating Screenshots
Screenshots are the best way of making users understand about the working of the app before they download it, so it is important to make the most of them.
On Google Play, at most 8 screenshots can be added, whereas the App Store is limited top 5 screenshots, with the first one showing in the search results, if there is no preview for the app available.
For creating app screenshots for conversions, a combination of design and copy can be used to grab the attention of the users with active screenshots. Using an iOS screenshot generator is the best way to make the own App Store screenshots
Creating A Preview Video
The video is becoming a progressed format for mobiles, and its introduction in the app stores has given a competitive edge to various publishers. The video preview for the app must target the major features of the application, that gives users a realistic idea about the experience of the application.
These were some of the main areas of every mobile application marketer or publisher should focus on for the mobile app optimization activities. While App Store Optimization is a considerable focus while launching the app, it is also something that must be constantly maintained. To have an effective application on the stores, there must be continuous optimization of the keywords and the things should keep fresh with updated screenshots, icons, and videos whenever a new version of the app is launched.
