✅ Do’s and ❌ Don’ts of ASO (App Store Optimization)

✅ DOs – What to Do for Better Rankings and Conversions

1. Start Your Title With High-Volume Keywords

The first words in your app title carry the most weight in both Apple and Google’s algorithms. If you're not a well-known brand, leading with a strong keyword helps users and algorithms instantly understand what your app offers.

Example:

• ❌ MyFinanceApp – Smart Money Assistant
• ✅ Instant Loan App – MyFinanceApp

📊 Tools like AppTweak, MobileAction, or SensorTower can help you identify keyword volumes and competition.

2. Design and Test Your Icon to Maximize Clicks

Your app icon is the most visible visual element. Even if you rank well, a weak or generic icon can drastically reduce your CTR (click-through rate), impacting installs and ranking over time.

What works:

• High contrast
• Minimalist design
• No text (use imagery)
• A/B testing regularly

📈 A good icon can improve CTR by 15–30%.

3. Localize Metadata for Each Market

72% of users prefer using apps in their native language. If your metadata is only in English, you're missing out on massive international growth.

✅ Translate and localize:

• App name
• Subtitle or short description
• Long description
• iOS keyword field

Also adapt screenshots and videos to local expectations.

🧠 Example: In France, "prêt personnel" may perform better than "crédit", but it's the opposite in Québec.

4. Optimize Long Description (Especially on Google Play)

Unlike iOS, Google Play indexes your long description. Ignoring it is missing a massive SEO opportunity.

Best practices:

• Repeat main and secondary keywords 3–5 times
• Use headers and bullet points
• Include clear CTAs like “Download now to start budgeting smarter!”

Even on iOS, where the long description isn’t indexed, it influences conversions.

5. Update Visual Assets and Metadata Regularly

ASO isn’t set-and-forget. Keywords trend, user expectations evolve, and competitors change.

✅ Create a 4–8 week optimization cycle:

• Rotate screenshots (seasonal, campaigns, new features)
• Update keyword set
• Re-test icon or short description

Track what changes boost performance using A/B tests and analytics dashboards.

6. Track Keyword Rankings and Competitors Continuously

Ongoing monitoring helps you adapt quickly when trends or positions shift.

Use tools to:

• Monitor keyword positions
• Analyze competitor metadata
• Find new high-opportunity keywords

🧩 Tools: App Radar, ASOMobile, AppFollow

7. Use All Indexable Fields Wisely

Maximize discoverability by optimizing every field that stores index:

• iOS: App Name, Subtitle, Keyword Field
• Android: Title, Short Description, Long Description

Each field is an opportunity to increase keyword coverage.

8. Encourage and Respond to Reviews

Apps with high ratings and positive reviews rank better and convert more. Use prompts wisely (e.g., after a positive in-app experience) and respond to feedback publicly to build trust.

⚠️ Don’t incentivize fake reviews—this can get you penalized.

❌ DON’Ts – Common ASO Mistakes That Hurt Performance

1. Don’t Start Your Title With Your Brand Name (Unless You’re Big)

If your brand isn't well-known, prioritize the function or benefit in your title.

❌ Pulpeo – Your Money App
✅ Instant Cashback & Promo App – Pulpeo

2. Don’t Ignore Technical Performance

Google Play considers technical quality signals (crash rates, ANR, retention).
A buggy app = a lower ranking.

🛠 Monitor your stability, update frequency, and crash analytics.

3. Don’t Keyword-Stuff

Stuffing the same keyword repeatedly lowers readability and can even lead to algorithmic penalties.

❌ loan app loan credit loan quick loan money loan

✅ Get instant loans, pay bills, and track expenses — all in one app

4. Don’t Leave Old or Generic Screenshots

Your screenshots should sell your app, not just fill space.

Avoid:

• Empty UI mockups
• Generic “feature” text
• Unlocalized captions

✅ Show real interface, key benefits, and local language where possible.

5. Don’t Ignore Your Competitors

ASO is also about positioning. Research how others in your category:

• Structure their titles
• Use keywords
• Design visual assets
• Respond to user feedback

🧠 Learn from them, but don’t copy — improve.

🔁 Bonus: Quick Reference Table

✅ Do This❌ Don’t Do ThisStart title with top keywordBegin with unknown brand nameLocalize metadata & visualsKeep everything in EnglishTest icons and screenshotsUse outdated or generic visualsTrack keywords & competitorsIgnore what the market is doingOptimize indexed fieldsWaste space with irrelevant copy

🧠 Final Thoughts

ASO is not just a discovery strategy — it’s a conversion lever.

By avoiding common mistakes and implementing proven tactics, you’ll dramatically improve your visibility, engagement, and installs.

📈 Want help building or refining your ASO strategy?
👉 Let’s talk at Scalebay.io — we help apps grow smarter.

👉 Check out our full ASO playbook here — including keyword research, creative optimization, localization workflows, and more.

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