When executed well, app store optimization (ASO) can strategically boost your app’s visibility. Some in the industry liken it to app store SEO, and that’s somewhat accurate. Keywords matter in ASO, but there are many more ways to enhance your app’s listing. We’ll go over these ASO best practices in this post by showing you ASO examples that hit the mark.
Keys to ASO: How the Right Elements Help You Rank Higher
Let’s start with some ASO best practices that are integral to gaining more organic downloads.
- Include a descriptive title that uses keywords related to what your app does.
- Use the most relevant keywords (bonus tip: iOS doesn’t search for keywords in the description, but Google Play does).
- Engage users with instructive and compelling visuals and video. Focus on what the app does and the problems it solves. Screenshots work well and can increase install rates.
- Create an app icon that resonates with your audience, as it will be the first impression for users.
- Develop strategies to garner more reviews, including using rewarded inventory and responding to them, positive or negative.
Explore more specifics on improving app store rank with ASO in our infographic, 11 Easy Steps to Improve App Store Ranking.
ASO Examples: Apps That Are Crushing It
Once you have an ASO strategy based on best practices and tips, you’ll want some inspiration. Whether in your category or not, looking to other app profiles can provide real-life examples of apps that are winning at ASO.
Titles That Tell
The title for your app profile should be simple and to the point. For those with brand recognition, they often don’t add any descriptors. That’s fine in most cases, but don’t assume that these apps come up on search. Further, some global brands have specialty apps that include descriptors to inform users.
When searching for sneaker shopping on the Apple App Store, lots of results pop up, with varying degrees of brand equity. Below are two examples of an ASO best practice.
KicksOnFire clearly uses “Shop Sneakers,” so there’s no confusion. The other example is from Nike, and yes, most people know the name. However, this is a specialty app for Nike that focuses on sneaker releases for the ardent collector.
Verb Driven Subtitles
Below the title, you can add a subtitle on the Apple App Store. Of course, you could just have a series of keywords, but why not use these characters to drive action. When you use a verb at the start of your subtitle, it puts the user in the conversation and could nudge them to download. It also tells them exactly what they can do with your app.
See examples below of subtitles that deliver on context. Some even add fun and personality to the subtitle, which is another way for brands to capture authenticity.
Descriptions That Speak to the Audience
The description area of your app profile should focus on the main benefits of the app and how it solves a user’s challenges. This is your opportunity to speak to a user and educate them on your app and why it’s worth installing.
The Monday.com app description does a great job of this, and they also build credibility from the start by mentioning the number of users, awards, and industry reviews. Then they break down why to choose it with action-focused lists that deliver information and hit on the pain points of someone needing a project management app.
Icons that Merge Simplicity and Aesthetic Appeal
Your icon is the first branded visual that users will see. If it’s not legible or too busy, they may keep searching. Here are a few examples of appealing icons.
Below are two measurement apps. One is a standard measuring app, while the other uses augmented reality (AR). Both are following the best practices of app icon design.
Images That Tell Great Stories
Humans are very visual and often want to see how something works before committing to it. That’s where images and video come into your app store profile. Show users how it works and what to expect after download. Setting them up with clear information can lead to more installs and retention.
Below are two top-rated apps in the Health & Fitness category, Aaptiv and Calm. They both do an excellent job using screenshot images to deliver features, functionality, and benefits to prospective users. What they both do well is present images that are more than screenshots, making them ASO examples to notice. In addition, they have descriptive headers and branded backgrounds that represent high quality.
Leveraging Localization to Target Specific Geos
Most apps are global, but each audience is different. That’s why many big apps turn to localization, which provides users app store profiles depending on their location. The screenshots have different languages and images based on what the market finds relevant.
Below are three listings for Tik Tok—U.S., UK, and Germany. The language and images are different for each, displaying ASO localization at scale.
ASO Examples: How Will You Boost Your App’s Visibility?
From these examples of ASO and a refresher on best practices, you should consider refreshing and updating your app store profiles. Keeping content fresh, visually appealing, descriptive, and relevant can lead to more organic downloads via better visibility on search. ASO is a long game that’s constantly evolving, so don’t miss out on opportunities to rank higher.
If you’re revamping or just starting to focus on app store optimization, we can help. Connect with our ASO experts today to explore what’s possible.
