5 App Store Optimization (ASO) Mistakes ❌ & Quick Fixes ✅

Brief Summary

This video outlines five common mistakes to avoid when performing App Store Optimization (ASO). These include neglecting to fully utilize available character limits, using irrelevant or unpopular keywords, targeting overly competitive terms, and mishandling keyword repetition across the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The video emphasizes the importance of keyword research, relevance, popularity, and achievable ranking potential for successful ASO.

• Maximize character usage in keyword fields.
• Focus on relevant, popular, and achievable keywords.
• Avoid repeating keywords unnecessarily on the Apple App Store.
• Repeat keywords on Google Play Store.

Maximizing Character Usage

One common mistake is not using all available characters to describe your app. In App Store Connect, maximize the keyword field by including as many relevant keywords as possible, removing spaces to fit more terms. For Google Play, utilize the 50-character title and 80-character short description to incorporate keywords and improve visibility within the store.

Avoiding Irrelevant Keywords

Using irrelevant keywords is another pitfall. For example, a "zombie shooter" game should not target keywords like "racing game." Even if you rank for irrelevant terms, users searching for something different will not download your app, wasting optimization efforts.

Focusing on Popular Keywords

Optimizing for unpopular keywords that nobody searches for is not useful. Keyword research is essential to identify terms that people are actively searching for within the app stores. Tools like App Radar can help determine which keywords are popular and relevant to your app.

Balancing Keyword Competition

Targeting overly competitive keywords, such as "dating app" or "translation app," can be challenging, especially for new apps. While these keywords generate significant traffic, established apps already dominate those rankings. Instead, focus on more niche keywords initially and gradually work towards more competitive terms as your app gains traction. App Radar can help assess the difficulty score of keywords in different languages to inform your ranking strategy. Keywords should be relevant, popular, and have a reasonable chance of ranking.

Keyword Repetition in App Stores

Keyword repetition is handled differently between the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. In the Apple App Store, repeating keywords within the Title, Subtitle, and Keywords field is unnecessary; using a keyword once is sufficient for the App Store to recognize it. However, on Google Play, keywords must be repeated to signal their importance and improve ranking potential.