App Store Optimization (ASO)

User Acquisition

TL;DR

App Store Optimization (ASO) is the process of improving the visibility and conversion rate of a mobile app within app store search results.

What is App Store Optimization (ASO)?

App Store Optimization (ASO) is the process of improving the visibility and conversion rate of a mobile app within app store search results and browse pages. ASO encompasses keyword research and optimization of app metadata — including the app title, subtitle, keyword field, and description — as well as optimizing visual assets like the app icon, screenshots, and preview videos. The goal is to increase organic discovery so that more users find and install the app without paid advertising. ASO also includes ongoing efforts like localizing listings for different markets, encouraging positive reviews, and monitoring category rankings. For subscription apps, ASO directly impacts customer acquisition cost (CAC), since higher organic visibility means a greater share of installs come at zero marginal cost. Effective ASO requires treating the app store listing like a conversion funnel: first capturing impressions through keyword relevance, then converting those impressions into page views through compelling icons and titles, and finally converting page views into installs through persuasive screenshots, descriptions, and social proof.

Related Terms

App Store Visibility

User Acquisition

App Store visibility refers to how easily and frequently your mobile app appears to potential users across the App Store and Google Play. It includes your app's presence in search results, category rankings, top charts, and editorial features. The higher your visibility, the more likely users are to discover, tap on, and download your app. Visibility is shaped by a combination of keyword relevance, listing quality, user ratings, download velocity, and ongoing optimization efforts. In a marketplace with millions of competing apps, visibility acts as the bridge between your product and its audience. Without it, even the most innovative app risks going unnoticed. App Store visibility is not a one-time achievement but a continuous process driven by App Store Optimization (ASO), paid advertising, user engagement signals, and strategic content updates.

App Title

User Acquisition

An app title is the official name of your mobile application as it appears in app stores, serving as the primary identifier users encounter when discovering your app. This critical metadata element appears prominently at the top of your app's store listing, adjacent to the app icon, and represents one of the most influential factors in app store optimization (ASO). The app title carries the highest weight in app store search algorithms, making it essential for both discoverability and conversion. Beyond its technical importance for search rankings, the app title creates the crucial first impression that determines whether potential users will explore your app further or scroll past it. In a marketplace with millions of competing applications, your title must instantly communicate your app's value proposition while incorporating strategic keywords that match user search behavior. Both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store limit titles to 30 characters, requiring developers to carefully balance branding, keyword optimization, and clarity within this constrained space.

Organic Installs

User Acquisition

Mobile app marketers typically classify app downloads into two categories: those obtained through paid sources and those obtained organically. Organic installs occur when users come across the app through various non-paid channels, such as search engine optimization (SEO), app store optimization (ASO), or word-of-mouth recommendations.

Conversion Rate (CVR)

Funnel Optimization

Mobile app conversion rate (CR or CVR) is the percentage of users who achieve a specific goal within the app, such as making a purchase, creating an account, subscribing to a service, or completing a survey. Conversion rates are an important metric for mobile app developers and marketers as they indicate the effectiveness of the app in driving user engagement and achieving business goals. A higher conversion rate typically means that the app is successfully guiding users towards the desired action, while a lower conversion rate may indicate that there are issues with the user experience or the app's marketing strategy.

Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)

User Acquisition

The amount spent for each newly-acquired mobile app user over a given time period. Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) for mobile apps refers to the cost that a business incurs to acquire a new user for their mobile application over a specific period of time. In other words, it is the amount of money spent to attract a user to download and install a mobile app on their device. Whether you are just embarking on your journey or navigating quite a while to create a successful mobile app, the Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) must be at the forefront of your mind.

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App Store Optimization (ASO) — Glossary | Zellify