You’ve built a killer app and released it onto the app stores, but you aren’t getting many downloads. Why not? One potential reason is that your app is difficult to find and therefore isn’t ranking high in the search results.
In this article, we’ll dive into the basics of app store optimization, as well as what it would cost to simply hire ASO specialists to perform app store optimization (ASO).
What Is App Store Optimization?
App store optimization is the practice of making sure an app ranks as high as possible on either the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. Increasing app store optimization is done using a variety of techniques, such as:
Creating a Descriptive Title
You can’t just name your app “Trash Panda” and expect it to fly off the digital shelves. It needs to say something like “Trash Panda: The Recycling Helper.” Using a longer descriptive title like this allows you to fit a few keywords or two into the title. In this case, the keyword is “recycling.” It also provides the user with a general idea of what the app does and makes them more likely to click on and install it.
Writing an Effective Description
Your description needs to explain why the customer should download your app. What makes the game so much fun? Can you play it with your friends? How will this app benefit me in ways other apps haven’t? It’s important to help the user understand how easy it is to use your app by providing not only an efficient description but also high-quality screenshots in the photos section.
Lastly, you’ll want to make sure to use effective keywords that are relevant to your app. Optimizing app store keywords is more of an art than a science, so be sure you use them to explain how your app is a “fun sci-fi martian shooter game with multiplayer mode.” Nearly every word in that quote is a searchable keyword; having several relevant keywords and mentioning them more than once will improve your app’s ability to be found by the people who want it most.
It’s important to note that the Apple Store has a special keyword section that is limited to one-hundred characters–you should aim to max this out. Google Play reads keywords from the title and description and allows up to 4000 characters.
Gaining Positive Reviews
By asking your customers if they love the app and directing them to the app store to leave a review, you can help boost your app’s relevance, reputation, and ranking. Be careful, though–don’t ask the user for a review too often, and let them choose not to be asked again if they wish.
Costs of App Store Optimization
As with any customized product, there is no set cost. However, you can expect app store optimization to start at around $250–while you will see offers for as little as $25, this is typically a low-quality once-over on your app profile that is only skin deep.
A proper app store optimizer will provide an ongoing service, typically charged by the hour. They will monitor your performance and examine analytics, and over time, they will make changes to keywords and descriptions to keep your app rising on its way to the top.
This specialist can also provide guidance on things such as icon design and more effective user interfaces that can be easily implemented. In short, app store optimizers take the headache of testing and retesting a variety of strategies out of your hands so you can focus on growing your business in other ways.
Finding the Right Person for the Job
Thankfully, freelancer hiring platforms like Guru have made it as easy as possible to find the right freelance specialist to optimize your app. Browse thousands of professionals, read testimonials and reviews, and examine costs–all from one place–and find the perfect specialist to help your app grow.
