ASO (App Store Optimization): Complete Guide

Definition

Optimization of a mobile application's visibility and ranking in app stores (App Store, Google Play).

ASO (App Store Optimization) is the equivalent of SEO for mobile applications. It aims to maximize an app's visibility and downloads in the App Store (Apple) and Google Play Store. Ranking factors include: app title and subtitle, keywords (Apple-specific field), description, screenshots, reviews and ratings, download rate, and retention. ASO is complementary to SEO because Google indexes app store pages and displays them in web search results.

App Store Optimization Mobile app SEO

Key Points

Equivalent of SEO for mobile applications
Factors: title, keywords, reviews, screenshots, retention
Complementary to SEO via web indexing of store pages

Practical Examples

Title optimization

The app 'LemmiLink - Link Building Platform' uses the main keyword in its title to maximize visibility on the 'link building' query in the store.

ASO + SEO

An SEO app's Google Play page ranks in Google web results, generating downloads from classic search in addition to the store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ASO useful if you don't have an app?

ASO is specific to mobile applications. If you don't have an app, focus on web SEO. However, understanding ASO is useful for agencies managing clients with apps.

What tools to use for ASO?

App Annie (data.ai), Sensor Tower, AppTweak, and Mobile Action are the main ASO tools for keyword research, rank tracking, and competitive analysis.

Related Terms

Go Further with LemmiLink

Discover how LemmiLink can help you put these SEO concepts into practice.

Mobile visibility ASO for agencies