SEO For Apps: Benefits & How It Works

You have just developed this great mobile app and are eager to see your downloads grow. But hold on. Have you done your SEO right?

SEO for apps is key to growing your app’s visibility in search engines and app store results and increasing downloads (and profit).

Do Apps Use SEO?

Absolutely. Just like websites, apps can be optimized to rank higher in search results. Digital marketers use a thoughtful mix of typical SEO methods and more specialized ASO (App Store Optimization) techniques to optimize the app’s listing in the iOS App Store and Google Play.

What Is SEO For Apps?

Search engine optimization (SEO) for apps is the process of optimizing a mobile app and its digital assets in web search results and app stores. It blends SEO, ASO (App Store Optimization), and content marketing techniques that raise rankings and visibility - ultimately increasing organic downloads.

Why Is SEO Important For Mobile Apps?

With literally millions of apps of all kinds and qualities available today, getting noticed is hard. Getting downloaded is even harder.

In this environment, SEO for mobile apps is the best way to:

• Improve your organic reach
• Connect you with users looking for solutions related to your app's niche
• Solidify long-term engagement

In contrast with ephemeral paid ads, app SEO creates a strong, lasting impact.

The Benefits Of SEO For Apps

Here are the top 4 reasons to do app SEO:

Increased Visibility

An optimized app ranks higher in organic search results and app stores. So potential users can actually find it - effortlessly.

Targeted Traffic

Attracts middle-of-the-funnel users who are actively searching for apps like yours. So, that brings you higher engagement and increased conversion rates.

Enhanced Credibility

High rankings and stable visibility establish your app as a trusted solution in its category.

Improved [ Visibility + Traffic + Credibility ] = More Downloads

In the mobile app market, more downloads equal more positive reviews and more (in) app purchases.

So, at the end of the day:

Successful App SEO = More Profits

Note: For the equations above to work out in your favor, your app must be bug-free, easy to use, and offer real value.

SEO vs. ASO: How Are They Different?

You need both SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and ASO (App Store Optimization) to market your mobile app organically.

The former improves visibility on search engines, while the latter optimizes your app’s listing in app stores.

Both share common elements like targeted keywords, inviting visuals, user reviews, and optimized descriptions.

However, ASO ranks your app in your phone’s app store based on optimized app store elements like keywords, titles, descriptions, visuals, content quality, and user reviews.

SEO, on the other hand, boosts your SERP visibility for related keywords and branded searches. As a result, users can find you and click on your app’s landing page. It utilizes backlinks, content keywords, videos, Q&A platforms, etc.

Here’s a short step-by-step guide on app SEO.

How To Do App SEO In 6 Steps

Because, among other channels, we deal with organic search results, to optimize your app’s visibility, you need to follow the core SEO principles.

Step 1: Optimize Your App

To succeed in organic marketing, your mobile application must be:

• bug-free
• fast
• user-friendly
• of high performance (that lives up to the users’ expectations)

Step 2: Build Your Niche Network

To market your mobile in the digital world, you must gather your ‘tribe’ and build a solid niche network.

So, leverage external traffic sources like social media, referring 3rd parties (with backlinks), niche blogs, forum discussions, etc.

The result?

Your app's authority increases in the eyes of search engines, and so does your traffic.

Step 3: Incorporate The Right Keywords

Users can type in tons of different queries (or speak in, for that matter) when looking for an app like yours.

So, before uploading your app or your app’s website, work on all your texts diligently. Make a thorough search into which keywords are best to target that’d raise you higher and bring your product in front of your dear users.

Use your keywords in your app title, description, and metadata - but also in your website content and digital marketing material.

Step 4: Monitor & Analyze Your App SEO

Track your app’s performance regularly using dedicated analytics tools. It will help you understand which keywords and strategies drive the most traffic.

Analyze results and make relevant improvements, as well as perform A/B testing where necessary.

Step 5: Stay Updated On App SEO Trends

Search engine and app store algorithms are constantly evolving. So does the entire digital landscape. Keeping up with the latest trends and best practices ensures your app remains competitive and ranks well over time.

Step 6: Work On Your ASO

App store optimization is typically the #1 thing to concentrate on when building your app listing. Read more on ASO further down this guide.

A Popular Example Of SEO For Apps

Spotify is an app that clearly leverages app SEO. Try Googling ‘listen to music’ or simply ‘music’. The Spotify website shows among the top results. However, in your Apple App Store or Google Play Store, when looking for ‘music’ (or related terms), Spotify is among the top listings.

Now, how can your app reach such a high level of organic visibility? Start by leveraging app store optimization.

How Do You Optimize Your App For ASO?

Optimizing an app for ASO involves fine-tuning several elements within the app store listing.

Optimize App Name & Title

Your app name and adjacent title must be short, sweet, and concise; and include your most important keyword(s).

Continuously update your keywords, app title, and description to reflect trends and user behavior. It also accounts for higher app store rankings.

Choose Smart Keywords

Use relevant, high-ranking keywords that match your app’s core functions and user needs.

Kick Off Your In-Store App Description

Your app description should highlight its key features and benefits, incorporating relevant keywords naturally.

Depending on the app store, it’s usually the 3-4 lines of text a user sees out front. So, add your core keywords here while making your description preview inviting and to the point.

Note that line breaks shorten character space, but they may sometimes work better.

Maximize App Icon & Screenshots

An app icon adds to capturing attention in the store list. It also boosts credibility, enhances style and brand awareness, and makes it easy for users to find your app on their screens quickly.

Your listing’s screenshots must give a thorough (and, again, inviting) idea of what your app is all about. Make them visually appealing and informative.

Elicit Ratings & Reviews

Encourage users to leave (positive) reviews. Plus, respond to feedback promptly whenever you need to. Offer some kind of in-app compensation to thank your reviewers.

And try to fix anything that users claim to be negative. Otherwise, you won’t get far into the app market race.

High ratings and good reviews significantly improve your app’s rankings and increase downloads.

Localize Your App

Just like international SEO is crucial when targeting global markets, so is mobile app localization. Check your downloads in different countries, and localize your app for your most prominent markets.

Introduce New Features & Fix Bugs

Frequent updates with new features and improvements keep your app relevant and favored by app store algorithms. Work on improving technical bits, fixing bugs, and elevating user experience.

Run In-App Events & Offers

Excite your crowd, spread the word, and re-engage your users with in-app events and promotions. Highlight these events through push notifications, email campaigns, or within your store listing. Higher (re-)engagement leads to higher rankings.

Also, note that every app store offers some distinct optimization tools and marketing features.

ASO In iOS App Store vs. ASO In Google Play - Is There A Difference?

There are differences between optimizing for the Apple App Store and Google Play.

While both platforms prioritize keywords, Google Play allows for more keyword use in the description, while the Apple App Store focuses on keywords in the title and a dedicated keyword field.

However, regular updates, user engagement, and reviews are key factors for high rankings in both stores.

Lost In The App Store?

Do you have this great app that’s (almost) nowhere to be found in the app stores? Let us do the hard work for you.

Our SEO and ASO services can bring your app up high for your niche audience and multiply your downloads. So, hurry. Call Atropos Digital to craft your app SEO strategy today!

Still Have Questions? Check Out Our App SEO FAQs

More questions on mobile app SEO optimization? Read on or contact our SEO team at Atropos Digital.

How Does Mobile SEO Work?

Mobile SEO optimizes both on-app and off-app factors, including keywords, metadata, content, and external traffic sources, to improve an app's visibility in app store searches and general web searches.

Do You Need SEO For Apps?

Yes, SEO for apps is essential to help your app stand out in a crowded marketplace and attract organic traffic, leading to more downloads and higher user engagement.

How Long Does It Take To See Results From App SEO?

As in any SEO project, there’s no time guarantee to see the level of results you target in your app SEO strategy. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to notice significant improvements in search rankings and download numbers.

The amount of time it takes to see results from app SEO can vary based on several factors, such as the level of competition in your app's niche, the quality of your optimization efforts, and the frequency of updates.

No matter what, consistent monitoring and adjustments will help improve results over time.

What Are The Best Tools For Mobile App SEO?

Some of the best tools for mobile app SEO include AppTweak, Sensor Tower, SEMrush, and Ahrefs. These tools help with keyword research, competitor analysis, and performance tracking.

Additionally, platforms like Google Search Console and Google Analytics can provide valuable insights into how your app and its landing page perform in search engines.

Can App SEO Help Increase App Downloads?

Yes, app SEO can significantly increase app downloads. Improved app visibility in SERPs and app stores equals increased organic traffic. If done right, this traffic should come from users urgently looking for solutions your app provides.

And because marketing is everything nowadays, a well-optimized app with strong ASO also implies credibility and popularity - two factors that lead to higher download rates.

What Is The Difference Between On-Page And Off-Page SEO For Apps?

On-page SEO for apps involves optimizing elements directly in the app, in its app store listing, and in the SERP listing. For instance, app title, description, keywords, and visual content - like icons and screenshots.

Off-page SEO, on the other hand, focuses on backlinks, social mentions, user reviews, and other external factors which, nevertheless, impact your app's ranking.

Both on-page and off-page SEO are essential to market your mobile app in organic searches and app store searches.