SEO for mobile apps - strategies to surface your app in search results

By Nick Tatt 21 Jun 2023

With millions of apps available in the app stores, it is more important than ever to have a solid SEO strategy integrated with your mobile app engineering to ensure your platform is discoverable and surfaces in search results.

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While traditional SEO focuses on optimising websites for search engines like Google, mobile app SEO (also known as App Store Optimisation or ASO) focuses on optimising app listings for the app stores themselves.

Effective discovery requires more than just keywords: it requires technical authority. For over 15 years, we have maintained Map My Tracks as a leading platform in the Health & Fitness category, achieving #1 App Store rankings globally. Our engineering team manages the complex balance of deep-linking, app indexing, and high-concurrency performance that keeps the app visible to millions of athletes.

View the full case study: Map My Tracks Activity Insights

Key Strategies for Mobile App SEO

App Store Optimisation (ASO) is a critical phase of ios app development services where we optimise your listing to improve visibility and ranking in search results. Here are some key strategies to consider:

Keyword Research: Identify relevant keywords and phrases that users are searching for in the app stores and incorporate them into your app's title, description, and metadata.

App Title and Description: Create a compelling app title and description that accurately reflects your app's features and benefits while incorporating relevant keywords.

App Icon and Screenshots: Design an eye-catching app icon and high-quality screenshots that showcase your app's user interface and functionality.

App Ratings and Reviews: Encourage users to rate and review your app: positive ratings and reviews can significantly impact your app's visibility and ranking.

App Updates: Regularly update your app with new features, bug fixes, and performance improvements to demonstrate that your app is actively maintained and relevant.

Beyond the App Store: Mobile App SEO on the Web

While ASO is essential, it is also important to consider mobile app SEO on the broader web. By implementing these strategies (often refined during startup prototype development to validate market fit), you can increase visibility and attract high-value users.

App Indexing: Implement app indexing to allow search engines to crawl and index your app's content, making it discoverable in mobile search results.

Deep Linking: Use deep links to direct users to specific content or features within your app, improving the user experience and increasing engagement.

Social Media Promotion: Promote your app on social media platforms to reach a wider audience and drive more downloads.

Influencer Marketing: Partner with influencers in your niche to promote your app and reach their followers.

Conclusion

SEO for mobile apps is an ongoing process: a core part of our SaaS development lifecycle to ensure long-term platform growth and competitiveness. By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide and continuously monitoring your app's performance, you can increase your app's visibility, attract more users, and drive long-term success.

At Tinderhouse, we combine over 20 years of engineering heritage with modern discovery techniques to ensure your "Mission-Critical" apps do not just exist (they are found by the right audience).

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