This guide will walk you through what an app store optimization (ASO) tool is, what they do, and why you should use them to give your app the best possible chance of success.
ASO tools are a set of tools that help app developers optimize their mobile apps for better visibility and higher rankings across the app stores. The tools provide valuable insights into areas such as app store search behavior, keyword rankings, competitor analysis, and more.
Top App Store Optimization Tools
Using ASO tools, app developers can make data-driven decisions to improve their app’s visibility and attract more users.
If you want to stay ahead of the game, get noticed amongst millions of other apps, and increase your return on your investment (ROI), it’s simple: you need effective app store optimization.
You can find the best ASO tools in our directory.
What are app store optimization tools?
App store optimization is an effective way to help mobile apps appear on the top results across app stores and boost rankings, downloads, and installs. App store optimization tools provide the means that developers and app owners need to make their app rank highly.
The tools offer everything from app store search behavior insights to keyword rankings and competitor analysis.
App store optimization tool example
Source: AppTweak
When app store optimization is executed correctly via the use of a top ASO tool, it helps you reach a worldwide audience, and ultimately turn more leads into conversions.
Types of ASO tools
There are many different types of ASO tools available for you to use. We’ve included the key ones below:
- Keyword optimization tool–These ASO tools focus on keyword optimization first and foremost. They offer keyword suggestions, a way to track keywords and keyword rankings. Some popular keyword optimization tools for apps include App Radar, The Tool, Mobile Action, and Sensor Tower.
- User review analysis tool–These tools provide valuable insights on common issues, feature requests, and overall user satisfaction levels. Some popular review analysis tools include Appbot, Apptentive, ReviewTrackers, and AppFollow.
- Competitor analysis tool–These tools provide insights into the features, pricing, and overall user experience of competing apps. Some popular app competitor analysis tools include Sensor Tower, App Annie, Mobile Action, and Priori Data.
- A/B testing tool–These tools allow app marketers to test different features, designs, and layouts of an app to see which one resonates better with users. Some popular A/B testing tools include Optimizely, Leanplum, and Mixpanel.
- Apple search ads (ASA) optimization tool–These tools provide insights into how users discover and engage with an app on the App Store, allowing businesses to improve their app metadata, keywords, and ad campaigns. By optimizing ASA campaigns, businesses can improve their app’s visibility and drive more installs and revenue. Popular ASA optimization tools include SearchAdsHQ, AdTactics, and SplitMetrics.
Using ASO tools, app developers gain insights into how users discover and engage with their app, allowing them to improve their metadata, keywords, and ad campaigns.
Why are ASO tools important?
ASO tools are important for app marketers because they can help to optimize your app’s performance across app store search results. This can ultimately lead to improved visibility for your app and increased downloads and revenue.
It’s fair to say that using ASO tools can be a crucial factor in the success of an app in what is a highly competitive market. Below we’ve listed the key benefits of using ASO tools.
Boost app visibility
This involves optimizing various elements of your mobile app, including the title, description, keywords, icon, screenshots, and reviews, to improve visibility and attract more downloads–the goal is to increase an app’s organic traffic, user engagement, and revenue.
Enhance brand awareness
Brand awareness measures how familiar users are with your brand or app, and the goal is for your brand to be the first thing that comes to their mind within a category.
It sits at the top of the funnel, meaning you have to maximize this measurement in order to push toward converting as many users as possible–ASO tools are a big help here.
App store optimization tool example
Source: TheTool
Increase downloads and installs
Ensuring your mobile app is easily discoverable in the app stores by optimizing your listing with ASO is key to more downloads and installs.
On top of using optimization tools, you should also consider running targeted advertising campaigns on social media and other platforms to reach potential users who may be interested in your app.
Wider reach
By employing app store optimization, you’ll be able to reach a wider, international audience for your mobile app. Increased reach means more downloads, more installs, and more people talking about your app overall, which boosts your chances of success significantly.
Generate more app revenue
By optimizing your app’s title, description, and keywords, you can increase downloads and ultimately boost your app’s revenue.
In-app purchases or subscriptions that provide additional features or content for users are worth considering, but only if they don’t interfere with the user experience.
Tools for app store optimization – key features
By now, you’ll understand why app store optimization is so important for your app’s success, but it’s worth knowing about the different features that ASO tools offer as well. Below we’ve listed some of the key features you can expect to find from the cream of the crop.
Customized ASO strategy
It’s important to analyze your target audience and competitors–ASO tools will help you to research the keywords and phrases your potential users are searching for in the app store.
You can use these keywords to optimize your app’s title and description, making sure to highlight its unique features and benefits.
A great tool will also help you to analyze your competitors’ own ASO strategies and identify areas where you can differentiate and stand out; this could include improving your app’s visuals, adding unique features, or offering a better user experience.
Keyword research and suggestions
ASO tools will enable you to conduct keyword research by using a keyword database, such as App Annie. These tools can help you identify popular keywords and suggest new ones based on your app’s category and features.
Once you have a list of relevant keywords, you can prioritize them based on their search volume and competition level. You can use these keywords to strategically change the app’s title, description, and other metadata to improve your app’s visibility and attract more downloads.
Keyword analysis
ASO tools will enable you to pay attention to the search volume and competition level of each keyword and prioritize them accordingly.
This information can help you to optimize your app’s description to improve your overall visibility. You’ll be able to regularly monitor and update your keywords based on their ranking history and changes in user behavior using ASO tools alone.
User review analysis
ASO tools will help you to analyze user reviews so you can identify common themes and issues that users are experiencing. You’ll be able to look for patterns in the feedback and prioritize the most frequently mentioned issues, taking note of both positive and negative feedback.
You can then use this information to make improvements and updates to your app to better meet the needs and expectations of your users.
Data on app downloads and revenue
ASO tools can give you insights into how many downloads your app has received, how much revenue it has generated, and other important metrics.
You’ll be able to use this information to track the success of your app and make data-driven decisions about how to improve it.
Top ASO Tools
Competitor tracking
ASO tools will allow you to identify top-performing competitor apps. The tools can give you insights into how many downloads your competitors’ apps have received, how much revenue they have generated, and other helpful metrics that allow you to up your game.
By analyzing the data, you can gain a better understanding of the market and can make informed decisions about how to improve your own app.
Create app profile copy
By using ASO tools, you’ll be able to create a compelling app profile that highlights the unique features and benefits of your app and effectively communicates the value proposition to potential new users.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to use this data responsibly and in accordance with privacy regulations.
App store optimization tool example
Source: Astro
Collect reviews and ratings
The tools will enable you to collect reviews and ratings from your users, allowing you to gain valuable insights into what users like and dislike about your app. You can then make informed decisions about how to improve it.
Collecting reviews and ratings allows you to build trust with your users and increase the likelihood that they will continue to use and recommend the app.
Track app performance
ASO tools will allow you to regularly analyze key metrics such as user engagement, retention rates, and app crashes. This will help you to identify any areas of the app that may need improvement, as well as measure the effectiveness of any changes you need to make.
You can use analytics tools to track these metrics and generate reports that provide actionable insights.
Collect information on target users
To better understand your target users, you’ll need to collect information on their demographics, location, and preferences. This will help you tailor your app to their needs and ensure that you meet their (often) high expectations–ASO tools can help you do this.
By understanding your target users, you can create a more engaging and enjoyable experience for them, leading to increased engagement and retention rates.
Monitor your ads
ASO tools will help you to keep an eye on your ads to ensure that they are reaching your target audience effectively. By monitoring your ads, you can identify any trends or patterns in user behavior that may impact your ad performance.
The information can be used to optimize your ad campaigns and improve your overall ROI–monitoring your ads can help you identify any potential issues or errors in your ad content or targeting.
Monthly data reports
To ensure that you’re staying on top of your ad performance, generating monthly data reports is recommended too. These reports can provide valuable insights into your ads’ performance and help you make informed decisions about optimizing your campaigns.
ASO tools will allow you to create monthly data reports and will detail metrics such as conversion rate and cost per conversion. By analyzing this data on a regular basis, you can stay ahead of any issues and continually improve your performance.
A/B and split testing
There are many ASO tools available that can help you to create and test different variations of your app store listing, track metrics such as impressions and downloads, and make data-driven decisions about how to optimize your listing.
Some popular A/B and split testing tools for ASO include StoreMaven, SplitMetrics, and TestNest. When selecting a tool, be sure to consider factors such as ease of use, pricing, and the level of control offered.
How much do ASO tools cost?
The cost of ASO tools, of course, varies depending on the specific tool and the precise features it offers.
When selecting an ASO tool, be sure to consider factors such as pricing and the level of customization as well as what other users made of the tool.
App store optimization tool example
Source: Gummicube
Below we’ve listed some general costs you can expect for app store optimization:
- ASO tools can cost upwards of $10,000 per year
- Across each option, the average app store optimization cost ranges from free to $9 per month up to $2,000 per month
- Many vendors offer free trials or demonstrations of paid services
- Getting an app store optimization cost to the lowest point possible relies on boosting CVR (conversion rate) and installs
- Knowing how App Store fee structures work may help with planning the cost of your app store optimization. For Google Play, in recent years, marketing fees have been reduced from 30% to 15%
There are plenty of tools and strategies on offer to support ASO ranging from smart banners and promotional codes to pre-orders and paid user acquisition, such as Apple Search Ads.
What are the best ASO tools?
ASO tools are essential for optimizing your mobile app to rank higher in an app store’s search results. By utilizing these tools, you can significantly enhance the visibility and discoverability of your app, leading to a substantial increase in downloads and revenue.
ASO tools provide in-depth analysis of various aspects of your app, such as its keywords, metadata, and user engagement, which can be improved to make the app itself more effective.
That said, it’s important to consider your budget and specific needs when selecting a tool, as there may be other options that better suit your requirements.
Ultimately, using ASO tools gives you a definite advantage in a saturated app market and can help you achieve your app marketing goals with confidence.
List of the best ASO tools
| Founded | Employees | Social | Traffic | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 10-50 | 5000 | 3000 |
We’re Favoured. A results-driven performance marketing agency specialising in app marketing to drive growth, stickiness, and retention. Formed in 2017 by a former Apple Marketing Lead who wanted to bring his experience from “inside the machine” to app companies directly.
- Services: app marketing strategy, app advertising, full-funnel app marketing, email marketing, in-app and push marketing, app growth marketing, graphics and video creatives
- Offices: London, UK.
- Tagline: Award Winning Mobile Marketing Agency Founded By Former Marketing Lead At Apple
Learn more about Favoured
| Founded | Employees | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 10-50 |
We are aBooster - people designed for one purpose. Make your mobile app business happy. We are programmed to deliver outstanding results in User Acquisition & App Store Optimization. How we can help you? 1.
Learn more about aBooster
| Founded | Employees | Revenues | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 51 - 100 | $30M |
V.O.X is the leading mobile marketing company in Japan. With over 10 years of experience in app development, marketing agency, and SaaS development we have been able to help top companies like Recruit Holdings, Rakuten, Sony, Baidu, Sega, Casio, Tencent Games, Didi Taxi and more.
Learn more about V.O.X by Liberteenz, Inc.
| Founded | Employees | Social | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 10-50 | 2,000+ |
Use our unique data-driven technology to run multivariant tests on the app stores, improving marketability for game developers and mobile marketers alike. Optimize the product pages of your live app or start testing early on in the development phase. Geeklab allows you to learn about your audience so you can make data-based decisions in development.
Learn more about GeeklabGummicube
The #1 App Store Optimization (ASO) company trusted by thousands of the world's leading companies
| Founded | Employees | Revenues | Social | Traffic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 11-50 | $5m+ | 2k+ | 10,000 |
Gummicube revolutionized mobile marketing in 2010 as the first App Store Optimization company. Gummicube’s DATACUBE ™ software leverages proprietary ‘big data for mobile’ to understand search trends and the competitive landscape inside of the app stores. By using DATACUBE, mobile search data and user behavior is no longer a black box — resulting in greater visibility, more high-quality organic downloads and a lower overall cost of user acquisition.
- Services: App Store Optimization, Mobile App Marketing, Review & User Sentiment Management, Social Influencer Program,
- Offices: San Jose, US
- Tagline: We’re dedicated to helping your mobile app find its audience.
Learn more about Gummicube
| Founded | Employees | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 10-50 |
ConsultMyApp is a London based mobile marketing consultancy agency that provides brands and app developers with App Store Optimization, Customer Relationship Management and User Acquisition services. Since 2016 its team worked with such brands as The Telegraph, BBC, SEGA and more. The agency small independent team pays equal attention to both mobile app user acquisition and their retention and monetization.
- Services: User Acquisition, App Store Optimization, Apple Search Ads, PPC, Mobile Messaging.
- Offices: London, UK
- Tagline: Mobile Marketing Consultancy
Learn more about ConsultMyApp