App Store Optimization Guide

Everything you need to rank higher and get more downloads for the Forecast mobile app

What is ASO?

App Store Optimization (ASO) is the process of improving your app's visibility in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Think of it as SEO for mobile apps. Higher visibility = more downloads = more users.

"70% of App Store visitors use search to find apps, and 65% of downloads happen directly after a search." - Apple

Key ASO Components

1. App Title (Most Important!)

Your app title is the #1 ranking factor for ASO.

✓ Good Example:

"Forecast - Live Performance Streaming"

✗ Bad Example:

"Forecast App" (too generic, wastes characters)

  • Max 30 characters (use them wisely!)
  • Include your primary keyword (e.g., "Live Streaming")
  • Make it descriptive but concise
  • Brand name + main value proposition

2. Subtitle (iOS) / Short Description (Android)

Your 30-character pitch that appears under your app name

✓ Good Examples:

"Watch & Support Live Artists"

"Stream Concerts & Shows Live"

  • 30 characters on iOS, 80 on Android
  • Include secondary keywords
  • Focus on the main benefit

3. Keywords (iOS) / Long Description (Android)

Where you target specific search terms

Recommended Keywords for Forecast:

live streaming, live performance, concert streaming, live music, live shows, stream concert, watch live, performer app, artist streaming, live entertainment, virtual performance, online concert, tip artists, support musicians, live video, broadcast app, stage performance

* iOS allows 100 characters total. Separate with commas, no spaces.

  • Research what users actually search for
  • Avoid repetition (don't reuse words from your title)
  • Focus on high-volume, relevant terms
  • Update monthly based on performance

4. Screenshots & Preview Video

Visual assets that convert browsers into downloaders

Best Practices:

  • First screenshot is CRITICAL - show your best feature
  • Use captions/text overlays to highlight benefits
  • Show real app screens, not just marketing graphics
  • Demonstrate the full user journey (browse → watch → tip)
  • Include 5-8 screenshots (use all available slots)
  • Add a 15-30 second preview video showing a live performance

Recommended order: Live stream view → Artist profile → Tipping feature → Schedule screen → Community/chat

5. Ratings & Reviews

Social proof that directly impacts rankings

Apps with 4+ stars get significantly more downloads. Here's how to get there:

  • Prompt for reviews AFTER a positive experience (e.g., after watching a great show)
  • Never prompt during onboarding or first launch
  • Respond to ALL reviews (especially negative ones)
  • Fix bugs quickly - users update reviews when issues are resolved
  • Use iOS's SKStoreReviewController for native prompts

⚠️ Important:

Never incentivize reviews with rewards/payments - this violates App Store guidelines and can get your app removed.

6. Download Velocity

The speed at which your app is downloaded

App stores favor apps that are trending. Increase downloads through:

  • Launch campaigns (coordinate social media, email, PR)
  • Content marketing (SEO-optimized blog posts, YouTube videos)
  • Influencer partnerships (performers promote to their fans)
  • Paid ads (Apple Search Ads, Google UAC, social media)
  • Cross-promotion (if you have other apps/websites)

7. User Engagement & Retention

Apps that keep users coming back rank higher

The algorithm tracks how often users open and use your app:

  • Send push notifications for upcoming performances users care about
  • Implement a "Follow" feature to create recurring engagement
  • Add reminders for saved/scheduled shows
  • Build a community through comments and messaging
  • Gamification: badges for attending X shows, early supporter status, etc.

Your ASO Action Plan

1

Pre-Launch (2-4 weeks before)

  • •Finalize app title and subtitle with primary keywords
  • •Create 5-8 compelling screenshots with captions
  • •Record a 30-second preview video showing a live performance
  • •Write a detailed app description (4000 chars on iOS, 4000 on Android)
  • •Research and compile your keyword list (100 chars for iOS)
  • •Set up your developer website and social media accounts
2

Launch Week

  • •Submit app to both App Store and Google Play
  • •Start Apple Search Ads campaign targeting your keywords
  • •Announce on social media and to email list
  • •Reach out to performers to get them on the platform
  • •Post on ProductHunt, HackerNews, Reddit (relevant subreddits)
3

Post-Launch (Ongoing)

  • •Monitor keyword rankings weekly (use tools like AppFollow, Sensor Tower)
  • •A/B test different screenshots and preview videos
  • •Respond to all reviews within 24 hours
  • •Update keywords monthly based on performance data
  • •Release updates regularly (shows the app is actively maintained)
  • •Track your conversion rate (impressions → downloads)

Recommended ASO Tools

App Store Connect (Free)

Apple's official analytics - track impressions, downloads, conversion rates

Google Play Console (Free)

Google's analytics platform for Android apps

Sensor Tower

Keyword research, competitor analysis, ranking tracking

AppFollow

Review management, keyword tracking, ASO insights

App Radar

Keyword optimization and competitor monitoring

TheTool

Free keyword suggestion tool for App Store

Common ASO Mistakes to Avoid

✗

Keyword stuffing in your title (looks spammy, may get rejected)

✗

Not updating keywords regularly (user search trends change)

✗

Ignoring negative reviews (respond and show you care!)

✗

Using generic screenshots without captions

✗

Launching without any marketing plan (no download velocity = poor rankings)

✗

Forgetting localization (if you support multiple languages, localize everything!)

✗

Not testing your app name/subtitle with real users first

Pro Tips for Success

  • →ASO is a marathon, not a sprint. Small improvements compound over time.
  • →Test one variable at a time (e.g., just the icon, then just screenshot 1) so you know what works.
  • →Study your competitors' top-ranking apps. What are they doing right?
  • →Get featured by Apple/Google. Submit to Apple's "Featured App" form and create unique features that deserve attention.
  • →The first 7 days after updates are critical for ASO. Plan marketing pushes around releases.

Ready to optimize your app listing?

Visit App Store Connect