Many folks think that downloads will magically flood in after launching their app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Unfortunately, this is about as likely as your new houseplant starting to grow $100 bills.
To rank in the app stores, you must put in loads of work — not just after you publish but before you even launch your app.
Luckily, there’s a method for achieving a top ranking in the app stores, and it’s not as complicated as you might think.
In this article, I will walk you through 10 ways to increase your app store rankings.
Improve Your App Store Rankings with Optimization
Simply put, App Store Optimization (ASO) is the process of improving the visibility of your mobile app on Apple's App Store or Google Play Store. You will follow a method to help it rank well in the app stores’ search results.
ASO is similar to search engine optimization (SEO) for websites because it uses precise keywords, titles, screenshots, and descriptions that concisely illustrate your app and the tasks it executes. When done well, these will help folks know exactly what they’ll get from your app.
Additionally, your app must work well to achieve a strong ASO. The better your app functions, the higher your users will (most likely) rate it, which will increase your rankings.
Step 1: Conduct Comprehensive Keyword Research
Like web page SEO, you must put in some ASO elbow grease for your app to rank. To start, hop onto the app stores and research apps that are similar to yours. For instance, if you’re releasing a wine app, search for “wine app” or “wine rankings.”
Tap on the highest-ranking and top-rated apps, read their descriptions, and write down the keywords.
Then, look into some poorly rated apps and read the comments. Take these reviews as a warning of what not to do.
Consider using an ASO keyword research tool, which will give you feedback about popular search terms and trends. You’ll learn which keywords are highly competitive (i.e., only the top apps with thousands of downloads can rank for them). You’ll also have an idea of alternative yet practical keywords to include.
Here are a few ASO tools:
- App Radar: App Radar helps you track and optimize up to 5 different apps. You can also search for 1,000 keywords/month and keep an eye on up to 50 competitors and the keywords they use. Get started for $59/month (billed annually)
- Apptweak: Apptweak lets you conduct keyword research, explore historical keywords to help you determine trends, and provides a tool to find the easiest keywords to rank for. Pricing starts at $83/month (billed annually).
- Data.AI (App Annie): Data.AI offers keyword research tools, download metrics, competitor analysis, and more. But you’ll need to contact them directly for pricing details.
Step 2: Optimize Your App Title and Subtitle
Your app’s title and subtitle are the parts of its description your audience will see first in the search results. So, you’ll need to nail these down. Both the title and subtitle should contain your keywords.
First things first: Your app’s title should reflect its core functionality while being catchy and memorable. To optimize your app for both app stores, it must be 30 characters or less.
For example, if your app focuses on everything Golden Retriever owners need, it could be powerfully summed up as “Golden Retriever Care” or “Golden Retriever Lovers.”
Apple’s App Store also allows you to write an app subtitle. Although it has a 30-character limit, you can describe your app further by adding more keywords.
For our Golden Retriever app example, you can list more features in your subtitle, like Training, Grooming, and Diet. These are all essential aspects to ensure your audience’s Golden Retrievers are healthy and happy.
Step 3: Craft a Compelling App Description
Potential downloaders will read your app’s description as soon as they tap on it, so treat this as a pitch. Ensure that your app description has the following:
- Explain all the tasks your app can do. Try also to describe how using your app will improve their lives, work, relationships, and more.
- Explain the costs and what your users will receive. Everyone loathes paying for something they weren’t told about.
- Use keywords that are specific to your app’s functionality.
Both Google and Apple allow app descriptions up to 4,000 characters. Use this space wisely, and err on the side of brevity, not length. People might pass on downloading your app if you bang on and on when you could have delivered your point in half the number of words.
Step 4: Design an Eye-Catching App Icon
Think of your icon like your app’s logo. It will appear on both app stores to the left of your title. You’ll need to ensure it’s visually pleasing and professional because your icon will be the symbol many people will remember.
Your app will stand out if you have a slick and thoughtfully designed icon. But relax: You don’t need to be an experienced graphic designer to create an attention-grabbing icon. Try using an online service like BrandCrowd or Fotor.
Step 5: Use High-Quality Screenshots and Videos
The screenshots and videos you use will give people an idea of how your app looks and functions without actually downloading it. Thus, it’s super important that you provide highly curated screenshots and videos of tip-top quality.
Ensure you have screenshots of the most important functions. For our Golden Retriever app, you can show a shot of a records page that tracks vaccinations and vet appointments.
Use videos to illustrate complex or special features. For instance, if your app provides a map of nearby doggy parks across the US, provide videos showing a search for doggy parks in different locations.
Step 6: Encourage Positive User Reviews and Ratings
Positive reviews and ratings are essential to your app’s ranking in the app stores. Adding a note nudging people to review your app at the end of your description might result in a few extra reviews.
You’ll also want to prompt users to review certain features in your app. For instance, if you have a unique tool like a scheduler or a weather monitor, include a textbox on the feature’s screen that asks users to rate and review the app.
If you maintain your app well, your chances of getting positive reviews will be high — but the opposite can occur if you neglect your app!
Step 7: Utilize App Store Ads
Just like with social media and website rankings, you can pay to get your app ranking at the top for certain keywords. We recommend investing money in app store ads when you’re starting.
Doing this will cost a few hundred dollars, depending on the keywords, but you can guarantee that people searching for an app like yours will see it. This might compel them to read your app’s description, download it, and get the ball rolling toward higher rankings without spending money!
Step 8: Leverage Social Proof and Awards
When those 5-star rankings start coming in, you'll be happy with your app’s performance and have some powerful marketing material.
If you have a web page or a web app version, highlight your app’s high ratings on your landing page, which can help drive a few more downloads. You’ll also want to share your app’s stellar rating on social media.
Both Apple and Google dish out annual app awards — winning these will boost your app’s popularity. You can also submit your app to organizations like Best Mobile App Awards, which holds contests yearly.
If you win any awards, ensure you refer to them in your app description. An award is a highly authoritative vote from a third party, which nearly guarantees to potential downloaders that your app is super useful and high quality.
Step 9: Regularly Update Your App
It goes without saying, but constantly checking up on your app, fixing bugs, and updating features all improve your users’ experience. Failing to do so can result in a malfunctioning app that crashes and frustrates your users.
In addition, a regularly updated app will help boost your app store rankings. Both Google and Apple will be happy when they find out you’ve just updated your app because they want to provide the best apps possible.
Step 10: Monitor and Analyze Performance Metrics
You should check your app’s analytics, which you can access directly from your Apple or Google developer accounts. Your app-building platform might also let you track them.
By accessing your app’s analytics, you’ll find trends in specific metrics like your user’s locations, average time spent on your app, most popular screens and features, and more.
Use your findings to improve specific areas of your app. For instance, to popularize a screen or feature, you can compare it to higher-performing screens and functions to determine your changes.
Build Your Next App With Adalo
Now that you know how to boost your app’s ranking in the app stores, why not try Adalo to ensure you’ve built the highest-quality app? It’s an app-building platform that allows you to bring any app idea to life.
Don’t have any coding or technical skills? Don’t worry! Adalo is made for you: It leverages a simple drag-and-drop interface that you can use to create any app, like a booking app for your salon, an accounting app for your finance team, or a social media app for Golden Retriever owners.
You can then publish your app to the web, Apple App Store, and Google Play Store for maximum exposure. Adalo also lets you keep updating your app and enhancing it for top-notch ASO.
When you use Adalo, you’ll have the power and flexibility to tailor-make an app that meets your taste and brand preferences. Try out Adalo today for free.
