If you have an app that you want to promote, then you need to focus on mobile app SEO and ASO. These two techniques will help you increase downloads for your app and grow your business. This blog post will discuss the significant difference between the two and some tips that will help you get started. So, keep reading to learn more.
Just like every website needs to do SEO to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERP), the same is true for mobile apps. ASO is no different than SEO. Both foci on the same goal-to make your app or website visible to the target audience and drive relevant traffic that converts into downloads.
The struggle to stand out among millions of apps in app stores is real. How do you ensure your app gets discovered with over 3.6 million Android and 2.7 million iOS applications?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but a combination of mobile app SEO and ASO will give you the best chance at success. Yes, you need to do both!
In this blog, we explain how to do mobile app ASO and SEO so that your app can get the highest visibility. Also, we will provide tips on how to increase app downloads, so keep reading!
What is Mobile App SEO & ASO?
Mobile App SEO (search engine optimization) optimizes a mobile app for search engines. Like website SEO, this involves improving the visibility of an app in search engine results pages and driving relevant traffic that converts into downloads.
ASO stands for “app store optimization” and is the process of optimizing an app to rank higher in app store search results. This, in turn, increases visibility and organic downloads.
The best example of how these two concepts work is the Google Play Store. When you search for an app on the Google Play Store, you’re presented with a list of results that are relevant to your query. The apps that appear at the top of the list have been optimized for SEO and ASO.
To sum it all up, Mobile App SEO is the practice of optimizing a mobile app for visibility in search engine results pages. ASO is optimizing an app to rank higher in app store search results.
How Does Mobile App SEO & ASO Differ?
As we just mentioned, Mobile app ASO and SEO are two different ways of optimizing an app for visibility and downloads. However, there is some overlap between the two concepts.Â
Let’s understand the key differences between Mobile App SEO & ASO:
| Parameter | SEO | ASO |
| Goal | The main goal of Mobile App SEO is to rank higher in search engine results pages and drive relevant traffic that converts into downloads. | On the other hand, ASO aims to rank higher in app store search results and drive organic downloads. |
| Digital Space | Mobile App SEO is done in the digital space | ASO is done in the app store space. |
| Factors | The main factors influencing ranking in mobile app SEO are the app’s title, description, keywords, and metadata. | In ASO, the main factors include the app’s icon, title, subtitle, description, screenshots, and video. |
| Tracking (KPIs) | The main KPIs tracked in mobile app SEO are organic downloads, click-through rates (CTRs), and rankings. | The main KPIs tracked in ASO are install rate, uninstall rate, active users, and ratings/reviews. |
| Visibility | Mobile App SEO focuses on improving visibility in digital spaces such as Google and Bing. Here the competition is with other websites and apps. | ASO focuses on improving visibility in app store spaces such as the App Store and Google Play Store. Here the competition is with other apps. |
| Results | It usually takes a few months to see Mobile App SEO efforts results. | On the other hand, ASO results can be seen much sooner- sometimes even overnight. |
How Can You Use Mobile App SEO & ASO To Increase Downloads?
Now that we have understood the key differences between Mobile App SEO & ASO let’s move on to how you can use both these methods to increase your app’s visibility and organic downloads.
First, start with Mobile App SEO Tips to Increase Downloads, have a look.
1. Use keyword-rich titles
The title of your app is one of the most important ranking factors in mobile app SEO. It will help improve your app’s visibility in search engine results pages. Make sure to include relevant keywords that describe your app in the title.
2. Optimize your app’s description
Just like the title, the description of your app is also an important ranking factor. Make sure to include relevant keywords and a well-written description that accurately describes your app.
3. Use keyword-rich metadata
Metadata is the information you provide about your app when you submit it to the App Store or Google Play Store. It includes the app’s title, description, keywords, category, etc. Ensure relevant keywords in your app’s metadata to improve its visibility in search engine results pages.
Now that you have optimized your app for mobile app SEO, it’s time to move on to mobile app ASO. Have a look.
Tips on using ASO to increase downloads
1. Use an attractive icon
The icon is the first thing a user sees when they come across your app in the App Store or Google Play Store. Make sure to use an attractive and visually-appealing icon that accurately represents your app.
2. Use a catchy title
The title of your app is one of the most important ranking factors in mobile app ASO. Make sure to add a catchy and relevant title that accurately describes your app.
3. Use keyword-rich keywords
Keywords are among the most important ranking factors in mobile app ASO. Make sure to include relevant keywords that accurately describe your app.
4. Use attractive screenshots
Screenshots are another crucial ranking factor in ASO. Make sure to use attractive and visually-appealing screenshots that accurately represent your app.
5. Make a great video
Videos are another crucial ranking factor in mobile app ASO. Make sure to create an exciting and engaging video that accurately represents your app.
Also, Know Some Bonus Tips to Increase App Downloads
1. Submit your app to directories
Submit your app to popular app directories such as App Annie and 148Apps. It will help increase your app’s visibility and organic downloads.
2. Participate in social media
Promote your app on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. It will help in increasing app awareness and drive more installs.
3. Engage with users
Engage with users who have downloaded your app and ask for feedback. It will help gro ratings and reviews for your app, a key ranking factor in mobile app ASO.
4. Localize your app
Localize your app for different countries and regions. It will help boost downloads in local markets.
5. Demo video
A demo video is an excellent way to show potential users what your app is about. It will help increase installs by giving users a preview of your app.
6. Leverage in-app tracking
Use in-app tracking tools such as Google Analytics to track user engagement and conversions. It will aid you in identifying areas of improvement and optimizing your app accordingly.
7. Cross-promote your apps
 Cross-promote your other apps on your app’s page in the App Store or Google Play Store. It will help increase downloads for your other apps.
8. Submit your app to review sites
Submit your app to popular review sites such as CNET, PC World, and TechCrunch. It will help increase exposure for your app and drive more installs.
9. Paid advertising
Paid advertising is a great way to increase downloads for your app. Use popular advertisement platforms such as Google AdWords, Facebook Ads, and Twitter Ads to drive more installs.
10. Analyze your competition
Analyze your competition and see what strategies they use to drive app installs. It will aid you in identifying areas of improvement and staying ahead of the curve.
Concluding Thoughts
After reading this post, you might have better understood mobile app SEO and ASO. As explained above, both concentrate on the same goal, i.e., to make your app more visible in the top SERPs and increase downloads, but the approach is different.
With mobile app SEO, you try to improve your website’s ranking in search engine results pages so that interested users can find your website and learn more about your app. With ASO, you optimize your app listing in App Store or Google Play Store to increase its visibility and organic downloads.
Both mobile app SEO and ASO are essential for promoting your app and driving more downloads. Make sure to use both strategies to increase your chances of success.
Do you have any tips to add? Let us know in the comments below! And if you need help with marketing your app, get in touch with a mobile app development company today.