How do Keywords Placed in the Keyword Field Work for Your App?
When developers input keywords into the keyword field, these terms serve as indicators to the App Store's search algorithm, signaling what the app is about. The algorithm then uses these keywords to determine the app's relevance to user searches. The keyword field works in tandem with the app’s name, subtitle, and other user engagement metrics such as download rates and user reviews, to define the app's ranking in search results.Imagine you've developed a new fitness app called "FitHero" that focuses on home workouts without any equipment. You want your app to appear when users search for terms related to home fitness. Here's where the keyword field in App Store Connect comes into play.
Let's say you enter keywords such as "home workout," "fitness app," "no equipment exercise," and "bodyweight training" into the keyword field. When users search for any of these terms in the App Store, the search algorithm scans the keyword field among other elements. If there's a match, your app has a chance to appear in the search results. The better the match between the user's search terms and your keywords, the higher the likelihood of your app being discovered.
Tips for New App Developers:
- Be Specific: Choose keywords that are highly relevant to your app's features and content. Specificity helps in targeting users who are looking for exactly what your app offers.
- Research: Use keyword research tools to find out what potential users might be searching for. Look at competitors' keywords and aim to discover gaps that your app could fill.
- Avoid Wasting Space: Don't repeat keywords that are already in your app's name or subtitle, as these are indexed by the search algorithm too.
- Use Single Words: Phrases can limit your reach. Break phrases into single words when possible, unless you're targeting a very specific and popular search term.
- Update Regularly: The market and user search behaviors change over time. Regularly update your keywords to stay relevant and competitive.
- Localize Keywords: If your app targets multiple regions, localize your keywords to fit the language and cultural nuances of each audience.
Why is the Keyword Field Important for iOS Apps and ASO?
The keyword field is a linchpin for ASO because it directly affects an app's discoverability. Given that a substantial portion of App Store visitors—70% according to Apple Search Ads—rely on search to find apps, having a well-optimized keyword field is essential.While the app name and subtitle carry more weight in the ranking algorithm, the keyword field complements these elements by providing additional context and relevance.
It allows developers to specify up to 100 characters worth of keywords, enabling them to pinpoint and target the most significant terms that relate to their app's features and functionalities.
