Rank Higher, Get More Downloads, Make More Money
App Store Optimization (ASO) is like SEO for apps. It helps your app rank higher in App Store search results, leading to more organic downloads without paid advertising. Follow this checklist to maximize your app's visibility!
Your most important keyword should appear in your app name (30 character limit)
Use subtitle (30 characters) for additional keywords not in your app name
Name should still be readable and brandable - don't sacrifice quality for keywords
Look at top 10 apps in your category for naming patterns and keyword ideas
Apple gives you 100 characters for keywords - use every single one!
Maximize characters: "journal,diary,mood" not "journal, diary, mood"
Keywords in your name are already indexed - use unique terms in keyword field
Apple indexes both forms, so "recipe" also matches "recipes"
These don't help ranking and waste valuable character space
You can rank for competitor names, but avoid trademarked terms
Target some easy wins (long-tail) alongside competitive terms
Icon should be identifiable at small sizes (29x29 pixels)
Stand out against both light and dark mode backgrounds
Text becomes unreadable at small sizes - use symbols instead
Look at top 10 apps in your category - what colors/styles work?
Use App Store Connect's product page optimization to test variations
More screenshots = more opportunity to convince downloads
These appear in search results - make them your best selling points
Explain benefits, not just features: "Track Your Progress" not "Dashboard Screen"
Display real content, not empty states or placeholder text
All screenshots should feel cohesive with matching colors, fonts, and layout
15-30 second video can significantly increase conversions
Translated screenshots can dramatically increase international downloads
Only ~250 characters show before "Read More" - make them count!
"Sleep better tonight" beats "Advanced sleep tracking algorithm"
Easy to scan format: ✓ Feature 1 ✓ Feature 2 ✓ Feature 3
Mention download numbers, reviews, awards, or press coverage
End with "Download now" or "Start your free trial today"
Description isn't indexed for search, but influences conversions
Use SKStoreReviewController to prompt happy users at the right moment
Shows you care and can turn negative reviews into positive updates
Then respond letting users know the issue is fixed in new version
Apple will remove your app - it's not worth the risk
Word of mouth referrals are the most valuable downloads
Apple favors recently updated apps - aim for monthly updates
"What's New" section is another marketing opportunity
Test different screenshots, icons, and descriptions to improve conversion
Track which keywords you rank for and optimize accordingly
If competitors change keywords/screenshots, there's often a reason
65%
of downloads come from App Store search+25%
conversion increase with optimized icon+35%
more downloads with video preview4.0+
minimum rating for good conversionFree - Apple's official tool for analytics and A/B testing
Keyword research, competitor analysis, and market intelligence
Review management and ASO optimization
Keyword tracking and ASO intelligence
ASO tool with keyword suggestions and tracking