ASO optimization is not working? 7-layer in-depth checklist: from basic settings to algorithm filtering

First layer: Foundation audit - Optimize app store metadata and basic settings

• Is the subtitle/short description accurate and contain core keywords? Check if the value is clearly communicated and naturally incorporate 1-2 of the most important target keywords.
• Are the first 3 lines of the long description eye-catching and contain keywords? Algorithms and users both focus on the beginning. Make sure it's information-dense and optimized.
• Is localization really in place? It's not just about translation, but also about meeting local search habits and cultural context. Check whether the metadata for key markets is independently optimized.
• Are the icons, screenshots and preview videos optimized? They have a significant impact on conversion rate (CVR), which is the core weight of keyword ranking. Test different material combinations. High-relevance preview videos can increase conversion rates by up to 40% [from third-party A/B testing research].
• Is the app category accurate? The wrong category will exclude you from the target audience.

Second layer: Targeted diagnosis - Precise deployment of ASO keyword strategy

• Keyword Density and Position: Are the core keywords reasonably placed in the title, subtitle, and key positions of the long description (especially at the beginning)? Avoid piling up, and strive for natural integration.
• Keyword Relevance Test: Are the selected keywords highly relevant to your app's core features and target users' search intent? Avoid "vanity words" that have high traffic but low relevance.
• Competition Difficulty Assessment: Is the target keyword monopolized by giant applications? Try to dig out long-tail words with acceptable search volume and relatively small competition as a breakthrough.
• Coverage Breadth and Depth: Have you made full use of the 100-character keyword field (iOS) / short description and long description (Android)? Have you covered semantically related variants?

Third layer: The final push - Improve conversion rate (CVR) to drive rankings

• User Reviews and Ratings: Low ratings (especially recent negative reviews) and high negative review rates are "poison" for rankings. Actively manage reviews, respond promptly and solve problems. Apps with ratings below 3.5 stars have an average visibility drop of 50% in search results.
• Screenshot and preview content: Does it clearly and intuitively show the core features, user benefits and unique selling points? Can it catch users' eyes in a few seconds?
• Social identity display: Are ratings, reviews, download counts, awards or media recommendations presented effectively? These elements significantly enhance trust.
• Value Proposition Clarity: Can users instantly understand "why choose you"? The subtitle and the first few screenshots need to hit the pain points.
   

Fourth layer: Core dynamics - Analyze real download volume and user sources

• Natural download ratio: ASO mainly affects organic traffic. Check whether there is a real increase in natural downloads? A large number of paid promotions may dilute the signal of natural growth.
• User Acquisition Source Quality: Users from non-store channels (such as social media, advertising), their subsequent behavior (retention, activity) will also indirectly affect the store weight. Ensure user quality.
• Is there any abnormal traffic? Low-quality or cheating traffic will be identified and filtered by the store algorithm, which will lead to zero ASO optimization efforts or even penalties.

Fifth layer: Adapt to the environment - Respond to store algorithm updates and market fluctuations

• Follow the official dynamics: Apple and Google update their search and ranking algorithms periodically. Follow their developer blogs, WWDC Ratings and Reviews Google I/O Conference information.
• Industry Information Tracking: Keep an eye on authoritative ASO blogs and industry reports to understand the latest algorithm trends and their impact on app store rankings.
• Seasonal/Event Impact: Specific holidays, large-scale events (such as Double 11 and the World Cup) or breaking news will significantly change user search behavior and competitive landscape, resulting in normal ranking fluctuations.

Level 6: Know your competitors - Monitor the ASO dynamics of your competitors

• Competitor keyword changes: Has your competitor optimized the metadata and covered your core keywords? Has it preempted your keyword ranking position?
• Competitive materials and activities: Has the competitor updated more attractive icons, screenshots or videos? Has it launched free promotions, promotions or large-scale marketing activities?
• New competitors enter the market: Have new apps with similar functionality entered the market and gained traction quickly? They may be diverting search traffic.

Level 7: Avoiding the minefield - beware of ASO black box filtering and punishment risks

• Keyword stuffing/misleading: Excessive repetition of irrelevant keywords in the title or keyword field, or making promises in metadata that cannot be fulfilled, is very likely to trigger algorithmic filtering.
• Induced Ratings and Reviews: Directly or indirectly (such as rewards) inducing users to leave positive reviews violates store policies and is highly risky.
• Vest package or repeated application: Publishing application packages with highly similar functions will be considered as disrupting the ecosystem.
• Large number of low-quality/fake installs: Any form of fraudulent ratings and reviews will be severely punished, resulting in a sudden drop in ranking or even delisting.
• Copyright/IP Infringement: Unauthorized use of protected content in icons, screenshots or descriptions.

Break the deadlock and let ASO truly drive growth