App Store Optimization (ASO) is not guesswork — it is a data-driven discipline. After analyzing keyword performance data from over 10,000 apps across both major app stores, we have identified the strategies that consistently deliver results. Here are 10 proven techniques to improve your app's discoverability.
1. Target Long-Tail Keywords First
New and smaller apps cannot compete for head terms like "photo editor" or "fitness tracker." Instead, target long-tail keywords — more specific phrases with lower competition but higher intent. "Photo editor with background remover" has a fraction of the search volume of "photo editor," but the users searching for it know exactly what they want and are more likely to download.
Start with 3-4 word phrases, build ranking authority, and gradually work toward more competitive terms as your app gains traction.
2. Use Apple's 100-Character Keyword Field Strategically
Apple gives you exactly 100 characters for keywords in App Store Connect. Every character counts. Follow these rules:
Use commas to separate keywords, no spaces after commas
Never repeat words already in your title or subtitle
Use singular forms only — Apple matches both singular and plural
Skip prepositions (the, a, and, or) — Apple ignores them
Include common misspellings of your competitors' names
3. Localize Your Keywords for Every Market
This is the single most underutilized ASO strategy. Localized keywords dramatically reduce competition because most developers only optimize in English. In the Japan App Store, Japanese keywords have 10x less competition than equivalent English keywords for the same search intent.
Apple allows separate keyword sets for each localization, and some localizations serve multiple countries. The UK English localization, for instance, serves users in the UK, Australia, and several other English-speaking markets. Use this to your advantage by targeting region-specific terms.
4. Leverage Google Play's Full-Text Indexing
Unlike Apple, Google Play indexes your full app description for keywords. This means your 4,000-character description is a massive keyword opportunity. Write naturally but strategically — include target keywords 3-5 times each throughout the description without keyword stuffing.
Google's algorithm is sophisticated enough to understand synonyms and related terms. If you target "budget planner," Google will also consider your app for "expense tracker" and "money manager" searches.
5. Analyze Competitor Keywords
Your competitors have already done keyword research for you. Use ASO tools to identify which keywords your top competitors rank for, then find gaps — keywords they rank for weakly or not at all. These gaps represent your best opportunities for quick wins.
Pay special attention to competitors who recently improved their rankings. Their keyword changes can reveal emerging search trends before they become competitive.
6. Optimize Your Subtitle (Apple) and Short Description (Google)
These fields carry significant keyword weight on both platforms. Your Apple subtitle (30 characters) and Google Play short description (80 characters) should balance keyword optimization with compelling messaging.
A/B test different versions to find the sweet spot between discoverability and conversion. A subtitle that ranks well but sounds robotic will hurt your conversion rate.
7. Update Keywords Seasonally
Search behavior changes throughout the year. Fitness apps see massive keyword volume shifts in January. Shopping apps peak during holiday seasons. Tax apps spike in spring. Align your keyword strategy with these seasonal patterns.
Set a calendar reminder to review and update keywords at least quarterly. Even non-seasonal apps benefit from fresh keyword analysis as search trends evolve.
8. Use Category Rankings as a Keyword Signal
Your app's category affects how both stores interpret your keywords. An app in the "Productivity" category with the keyword "notes" will be treated differently than a "Music" app with the same keyword. Choose your primary and secondary categories strategically to reinforce your target keyword themes.
9. Monitor and React to Keyword Difficulty
Keyword difficulty is not static — it changes as competitors enter and leave the market. A keyword that was easy to rank for six months ago might now be dominated by well-funded competitors. Conversely, keywords abandoned by competitors become easier to capture.
Track your keyword difficulty scores weekly and be prepared to pivot. The fastest way to improve visibility is to find and dominate low-difficulty, medium-volume keywords before your competitors do.
10. Combine ASO With Paid Search Intelligence
If you run Apple Search Ads or Google App campaigns, use the search term reports to discover real user queries that you might be missing in your organic keyword strategy. Search ads data reveals exactly what users type, including variations and phrases you would never think of on your own.
Feed these discoveries back into your organic keyword strategy. The best ASO practitioners use paid and organic as complementary channels, each informing the other.
Putting It All Together
Effective ASO keyword optimization is an ongoing process, not a one-time setup. The apps that consistently rank well are the ones that treat keywords as a living strategy — testing, measuring, and adapting based on real performance data. Start with these 10 strategies, measure their impact over 4-6 weeks, and iterate based on what moves the needle for your specific app and market.
Originally published on Shotlingo — an AI-powered tool for localizing App Store screenshots to 40+ languages. Free tier available at shotlingo.com.
