Mobile apps, like websites, require optimization to be more visible on SERPs. On app stores, new apps are released regularly. According to Statista, the Google Play Store had 2.96 million apps accessible as of June 2020, while the Apple Store had 4.37 million. With an increase in the number of apps, there is an increase in competitiveness. Marketers understand the significance of search engine optimization (SEO) for websites. Similarly, SEO is critical in any app marketing plan.
In many ways, Google’s mobile-friendly update has an impact on mobile search. Not only websites, but even apps with an install button appear in SERP results. This allows for additional app installations outside of app store listings.
There are as many ways to impact this ranking as there are ways for your app to appear in mobile search (paid ad spot, app packs, recommendations, organic short snippets). But first, let’s look at why you should put effort into mobile app search optimization.
What is mobile app SEO?
The process of optimising your App Store or Google Play apps to rank higher on a search results page by understanding how and what people search for is known as mobile app SEO.
You can fine-tune your mobile app’s content to ensure it’s recognized and indexed by search engines, much like you can optimise the material on your website by improving metadata and headings (known as on-page SEO). Google has been focusing on a mobile-first algorithm for some years. Not only does Google prioritise and direct visitors to mobile-friendly sites first, but they also give recommended apps based on people’s search phrases right at the top of the results page (SERP.)
Why Is SEO Important for Your App Marketing Strategy?
With Google stating that more searches are now conducted on mobile devices than on desktops, and with so many options for your app to show in search results, being visible in mobile searches is becoming increasingly crucial.
Getting your mobile apps visible in mobile search results is important, not just for acquiring new users, but also for retargeting existing ones. Your users may be looking for something that you have in your apps. When it comes to app SEO, you can get users to return to your app just by clicking a search result.
How can you make an app SEO-friendly?
There are some comparable ranking variables that you have to keep in mind when it comes to mobile app SEO.
App Name
The keyword is most important for the app title. Before committing to a keyword for your title, it’s critical to conduct thorough keyword research, and altering your title frequently can have an impact on how well you rank. As your app gains popularity and ratings, word of mouth may spread. You want to make it as simple as possible for customers to find your app by searching for your unique brand or app title, as well as recommendations and ideas.
Searching for keywords
The core of any SEO campaign is keywords. Keywords are search queries that assist consumers in finding the information they want. Based on these terms, search engines aim to get the best results for consumers. Keywords allow you to connect with people who are looking for your products or services.
The more relevant keywords you employ, the higher you will rank on search engine results pages. Conduct in-depth keyword research to determine which keywords will be relevant to your target audience when they search for your app. Conduct a competitive analysis to see what keywords your competitors are utilising in their apps. You’ll be able to come up with additional keyword suggestions this way.
Subtitles for app
You have another 30 characters in your app subtitle to further explain your app; you can use them to include other essential keywords that aren’t in your title.
Description of the app
It’s important to pay attention to the copy in your app’s description. It should entice people to learn more about your software and encourage them to download it.
App Indexing
App indexing allows your app to appear alongside other relevant web results in Google search results. Google can crawl and index your app exactly like a web page using app indexing. App indexing allows you to access a large target group that is looking for the items or services that your app provides. If the searcher does not already have that app installed, an install button will appear. This may entice users to download and try out your software.
The benefit of app indexing is that people can find your app when searching for useful information. This helps the app to reach people who aren’t interested in downloading it from the app store. You may increase app downloads by increasing traffic to your app. Use the same URL in your app as you use on your website and verify that you control both to get your app indexed by Google. Google Search will crawl your web site’s links and present them in search results.
App reviews and ratings
Apps with high ratings appear first in search results and in-app stores. They also boost conversion rates.
Bad reviews
On the other hand, can degrade your position and prevent consumers from downloading your app. As a result, ratings and reviews are crucial to the success of your app. The idea is to stay in touch with your satisfied app users and encourage them to leave a review.
Create high-quality backlinks.
The importance of backlinks in an SEO strategy cannot be overstated. It aids Google in determining the credibility and trustworthiness of a website or service. When other people mention your app, Google sees that it is legitimate. Begin by including a link to your app on your website. Then devise a strategy for contacting additional reliable websites that can promote your app and assist you in obtaining excellent backlinks. Ensure that you only contact websites with a high domain authority; otherwise, your rankings may suffer. Achieving the desired outcomes requires time and work to build backlinks.
