At Skcript, we’ve developed a ton of mobile applications for our internal use or for our customers across the globe. While the development happens pretty smooth, things start to tighten up when we do our pre-release checklist for the apps - especially the ones that are going live on the App Store.
Our marketing team focuses on something called App Store Optimization aka ASO. These are a series of steps focusing on optimization techniques for the mobile apps weeks before they go live. Over the years, we’ve managed to acquire some skills in making sure that the ASOs are done right, and here are some of the things that you should note for ASO, for your app.
Not Giving your App an ASO Enabled Title
The title plays a huge role for your app’s discovery in the App Store. Your target users do not search for an app’s title unless and until the app is super popular across the globe. One of the best examples here is Google Photos for iOS. Their title goes something like “Google Photos - photo and video storage”. If you look into this deep enough, you’ll realize that there are two major parts to this type of ASO. One is the name of the app and two, is the purpose of the app with keywords in them. So, when a user searches for something like “photo storage” or “video storage”, chances are that Google Photos would show up way ahead than the other apps with same functionality.
Not displaying apt App Screenshots and Videos
We’ve noticed people take the screenshots section of the App Store for granted. A well colored screenshot that walks you through your app’s core features goes a long way. This is the only section that allows the users to get a good glimpse of what the app does and how it could help them. More than any other section in the app’s details page. First impressions do matter a lot here.
Not Optimizing for Keywords
Keywords are important, but overusing them and hiding the actual app’s functionality will cost you so much more than you would realize. Users will have to download and use the app ultimately, and not just look at your app on App Store. Focusing on keywords that can express your core functionality or USP is the best way to do ASO.
Not encouraging people to Rate the App
Ratings are crucial. How many times have you trusted an app that has literally no rating at all? If you’re launching your app for the first time, then focusing on getting some ratings from your users is very crucial. But if you already have a user base for your application, requesting them to provide you with ratings will definitely create trust with other people before they download your app. People trust people. Not a computer.
Missing out on buliding a Great Product
Above all these, ASO is tricky. Building a very stable and a really good quality product is one of the best and organic way to do ASO. Your product should speak for itself and not you.
Closing Notes
Some of the most successful products on the App Store comes in when users refer the app to their friends and family. But word of mouth marketing will happen ONLY when your product is really good and adds value to their lives.
At Skcript, we truly believe in building high-quality products for us and for our customers. If you would like to work with us for your new app, mail us out at [email protected]