There are more than 2000,000 apps on the iOS App Store. With so many apps in every category, making your app stand out is the most difficult job for you.
But more than 65% users rely on App Store search results to install new apps. Even Apple pays a jaw-dropping $10 billion to app developers. Hence, if you are not able to feature your App high in the search results, this means you are losing credibility and money.
Just like website SEO, there is numerous ‘off page’ as well as ‘on page’ tricks to optimize the app. Having complete knowledge and following these tips can help you optimize your app if you are IOS 10 App Developer and you can get rank higher.
Let’s Roll!
1. 100 Characters are Enough for Keywords
You can add keywords to App store listing. These keywords are used by algorithms to display app in search results. For this reason, it is essential to select keywords apt to your app’s description.
You are allowed to use up to 100 characters for keywords. Avoid using plurals, misspellings, and long tail keywords.
2. Create a Descriptive App Title of 50 Characters
If you are not a prominent brand, getting proper recognition among audience would be difficult. In this situation, using keywords that describe the functionality of your app is of utmost importance.
Using keywords in the title within a limit of 50 characters would help enhance your ranking in the search results.
3. Avoid Using Trademarks or Celebrity Names in Keywords
According to the policy of App Store, using protected names, celebrity names, trademarks, and other keywords is strictly prohibited.
Your app can be rejected by Apple if you fail to use the following aspects of your keywords:
⦁ Irrelevant terms to the app
⦁ Competing names of app
⦁ Offensive, inappropriate, and irrelevant terms
⦁ Unauthorized use of celebrity names, protected words, and trademarked items
4. Don’t Use Generic Terms or App Titles Already Existing
Using vague terms can confuse users and make them ignore the app. Select the name of the app carefully and make sure that it is not similar to any name already existing in the app store.
It is because most of the shady developers use this tactic to create fake apps. Hence, this could result in banning of your app in the app store.
5. Select Categories Describing Core Functions of the App
The search algorithms of App Store consider categories displaying results to the users. Select categories by focusing on the main function of your app. Avoid focusing on the secondary functions.
For example, Facebook is categorized as a social networking site, while Instagram as a platform to share videos and photos.
6. Add Relevant Keywords to Titles
You can boost discoverability of your app by adding descriptive keywords in your app’s title. This is something important, which you cannot ignore.
No matter what sort of app you are creating, this is an important aspect to consider.
7. Optimize the Starting Lines of Your Description
By default, users see the first initial lines of your app. They can view complete text by clicking on the ‘more link.’ This seems like a static image, but it is actually a vital gif that must be included in every app. Spend time preparing this as it can help your site stand out and make your description much engaging.
8. Create a User-Friendly App Description
App descriptions let people know what your app is all about. You can make a user-friendly app description by using bullet points, breaking paragraphs, listing out benefits, adding information about changes made, version number, and bug fixing. Also, you must include links to website support.
9. Click Two Screenshots of Your App Featuring its Best Features
As per a research by Storemaven, it is essential to design better screenshots. Hi-resolution screenshots must be created to display the best features of the app; use overlay text and appropriate annotations to enhance messaging. But make sure use plain background properly for better readability.
10. Include Low Competition Keywords and Lower Search Volume
It is best to be big fish in a small pond rather the other way round. Using keyword research tools can help you determine keywords with low competition and low search volume. Once you have developed enough credibility, attack the bigger brands in competition.
11. Localize Your App
Most of the apps gain their maximum revenue from their local region. Though you must internationalize the codebase of your app by following important guidelines related to keywords, app title, and description lines, it must be strong enough to reach out the local masses with ease.
You can share details about your app through videos, screenshots, description, reviews, date formats, and currency.
12. Include an App Preview Video in the Description
Apple suggests adding a short descriptive video in the app listing showcasing distinct app functionalities. Do test the video with an attractive thumbnail image so that users are encouraged clicking on it. Adding a video can increase its attractiveness by 25-30%.
13. Sweat Over the App Icon
It is really important to pay attention to how your icon appears. It is because users are more likely to remember you through the app’s icon.
Also, users prefer apps that have an icon with a polished look and attractive effects such as transitions and shadows. Check the iOS Human Interface guidelines of Apple to know the best practices Hire ios 10 app developer.
14. Keep Your App Up-To-Date as per App Store Policies
Apple can remove apps from its store, which have not been updated for a long time. Even Google rewards apps that are updated on a regular basis. It is because updated apps are more committed to the users.
Also, updated apps are in line with the changed policy of app store and ensure that it is reflected properly in the app store listing.
15. Use Highly Competitive Tools for Keyword Research
Finding the perfect keyword is of utmost importance to ensure that your keywords rank high in the competition. AppTweak, Mobile Action, AppCodes, and SensorTower are some of the tools ideals to determine keywords for high ranking.
Additionally, you can use SEMRush to determine keywords authority websites in your niche. With the app intelligence tools, you can understand user intent and ensure that you don’t stay behind in the competition.
16. Find Unique Keywords with Humans Help
Out there are different keyword tools that help identify high-value keywords; the issue is your competitor might also be using it. In this situation, you can use humans to help you find unique keywords by setting Human Intelligence Tasks and analyzing the response to determine appropriate keywords.
17. Conduct A/B Testing on App Listing
Keywords, descriptions, screenshots, icons, and videos are all elements that are vital for App Store Optimization. Keep changing the screenshots and videos seem to lift the conversion rate by 25-30%.
Hence, test for high visible titles, videos, images, and description, and then shift to other section in the app store listing.
18. Keep a Close Check on the Keywords Update
Just like sites, keep a close check on keyword ranking. Also, monitor popping up of new keywords. Keep adding new keywords or removing the old ones will help you avail better results than otherwise.
19. Stick to an Advanced Marketing Strategy or Revenue Model
You can boost the speed of downloads in short-term by offering deep discounts on the premium apps. Additionally, you can collaborate with AppSumo for a giveaway. Offering special discounts to members of online groups, forums, bloggers, and more will also help to boost the app downloads.
20. Always Ask for Reviews and Ratings from Happy Users
Ratings and reviews play a pivotal role in the way an app is perceived by the users. It’s true that most of the users would not leave a review or rating, a small portion of them would even leave negative reviews if something crashes.
But you can always make attempt to ask users to offer reviews for your app. You must follow this process to get more credibility and visibility.
21 Search Ads in the Application Store
According to a recent study, conversion rates on search ads average about 50% for indie and major app developers. This altered the cost of each install, which turned out to be 80% cheaper as compared to other ads on the platform.
22. Product Hunt
Being hunted on product hunt can offer an immense boost to the visibility of your app. This is a highly engaged community that offers you install, and you can expect to witness a major leap in the installs.
23. Trending Topics as Keywords are Best to Use
Using trending topics as keywords can help you get really creative and emphasize seasonal events. It allows you to drive enough traffic and optimize keywords towards the app.
26. Replying to Reviews and Ratings
Always reply the app feedback and reviews. This will show that you care about their response.
25. Make Your App ‘Free’
The best way to create more friction is to offer your app for free. Once it gets famous, you can levy a price slowly and steadily.
Summing Up
The App Store optimization process is an ongoing one. However, implementing these 25 tips can help you get results better than ever and higher than other developers out there.