According to Statistica research, as of March 2017, there were 2.8 million apps on the Google Play Store, as well as 2.2 million on Apple’s App Store. With an estimated 1,000 apps being released daily on the App Store alone, it can be a daunting challenge to stand out amidst all that clutter.
Staying focused, in every sense of the word, is important in keeping to your niche and appealing to your audience. Here are three key aspects to be mindful of when trying to increase your app downloads.
Strategically Focused Keywords
If you’re at all familiar with search engine optimization (SEO) then keep in mind that app store optimization (ASO) uses similar principles.
App stores track and categorize apps based on their relevance to keywords. Based on how successful these apps are at their rankings for these keywords influences whether they rise or fall in the rankings. Rankings can be dictated by stats like usage, uninstalls, and revenue generated.
First of all, you want to ensure that your app title is properly suited to the keywords you’re targeting. If it makes sense to be there, keep it in. If you select keywords that are only high in volume but aren’t strongly related to your app, it could negatively impact how users react to your app.
You should only choose keywords that directly relate to the problems your potential app users might have and how your app solves them. Chasing after high volume keywords will not only increase your level of competition but might also lose your app’s focus overall.
Remember, the more users you have using your app the better. Uninstalls will hurt you, so having a good balance, especially early on, is crucial to your app’s longevity.
Compelling App Graphics
Every time that your app is in front of eyeballs is a chance to win or lose users. You can never be entirely sure what graphic could make or lose a potential new download.
Starting from the top, having an eye-catching and appealing app icon can be the difference maker when standing out in app stores. It’s also important for after the initial download, as each time your app is started is beneficial to your overall ASO rankings.
On your actual store page, just having screenshots of your app isn’t enough. Each gallery slot is an advertising spot for your app. Showcasing the proper usage and reasons your app is the solution to users’ problems is paramount at this stage.
Treat every image on your app page as ad space, and do your best to sell the best features of your app. Look at what the most popular apps are doing with their screenshot space and see what you can do better.
Leverage The Web
It starts by having your own website. Having a website tied to your app can instill more confidence as well as attract more potential user via the site.
You can also reach out to app review sites to gain new users. Embedding social media features within your app so that users are encouraged to share is also important.
You should refrain from the temptation of paying for app reviews as it’s easily spotted and can get your app banned. Instead, ask for genuine feedback for your app when appearing in front of your target users.
Keeping a clear focus on your goals for your app as well as the people assisted by it will make a strong difference in the results you see. There are many other ways to further improve your app store optimization and increase app downloads. Keep mindful of your own tactics as well as those of your leading competitors and success will follow.