Everything You Need to Know About ASO
At first glance, it may seem simple, but in practice, the path is full of challenges. From the high entry costs to the technical complexity, ASO isn't something anyone can master overnight. But don’t worry! If you want to learn how to navigate this field and uncover the secrets to success in ASO, this article will guide you on your journey.
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What is ASO?
In simple terms, ASO (App Store Optimization) is the promotion of apps in an app store, such as the Apple App Store or Google Play, using keywords. If you open one of these stores on your smartphone and enter a search, the first apps you see are those promoted through ASO. In short, ASO is the SEO equivalent for apps.
The Biggest Challenge in ASO
The main challenge of ASO as a traffic source is the high cost of entry—both financially and technically. The infrastructure available for sale on the market, such as accounts, is often low-quality. No one will sell good accounts for $150 or $300 because those who understand ASO know they can earn much more by using these accounts properly. That’s why it’s better to create accounts yourself. Yes, it takes more time and requires certain skills, but in the long run, it generates more profit. Otherwise, you risk losing all purchased accounts and may be discouraged from trying ASO again.
The same applies to app development. Many teams create and sell third-party apps, but buying a pre-made app often means that it has been sold to multiple people simultaneously. This makes it harder to analyze results effectively.
For these reasons, it’s difficult to recommend that beginners dive into ASO alone. It’s better to join established teams where app development is handled internally.
How Has the Community Adapted to Google Play’s Situation? Will App Traffic Disappear?
Talking about ASO today, it’s impossible to ignore the constant turbulence in Google Play. Most ASO arbitrage teams have adapted by shifting their focus to other app stores. As a result, some teams now have a large number of unused app SDKs.
Although Android is facing difficulties, the part of the community that has always worked with it is finding alternative solutions, uploading ready-made apps in small batches to test different hypotheses. Currently, out of 10 apps, only 1 or 2 remain active after the first launch.
Another challenge in ASO is the lack of indexing. This happens because apps are initially submitted with very safe keywords, which are updated later. These keywords are often added purely to boost traffic rather than being genuinely relevant.
Some teams try submitting apps to alternative Android stores, but in practice, traffic there is much lower.
Additionally, a recent Android update introduced a frustrating security feature for traffic managers. If a banned Google Play app is installed on a smartphone, the user receives a persistent warning urging them to delete it. Naturally, this negatively impacts traffic. However, the biggest challenges today remain app moderation approval and indexing.
Despite these issues, we can confidently say that Android app traffic is not going away. ASO arbitrage specialists have faced similar situations before—just as Facebook once experienced disruptions, the market adapted, and new loopholes were found. Many teams continue to launch apps and generate traffic successfully.
How to Create a Meta Description
Each team has its own formula for meta descriptions, and there’s no universal method. However, there is a general workflow to follow:
- Keyword Analysis: Identify which keywords competitors are using and estimate their traffic volume. There are specialized tools for this analysis—no tool provides exact numbers, but they give a good approximation.
- Categorization: Divide the keyword list into three groups:
- Refinement: Each group should be further divided based on autocomplete suggestions (the words that appear when a user starts typing a query). These suggestions provide valuable insight into what users are searching for.
- Keyword Density: Keywords should be distributed naturally throughout the description to avoid spam. Every team has its own ideal keyword-to-text ratio, but this is often kept secret as it directly impacts revenue.
Minimum Setup for ASO
Let’s be clear: if you want to start working with ASO, now is not the best time to invest in Google Play.
For iOS, several teams already offer ready-made apps. The cost of such an app ranges from $3,500 to $4,000, depending on its features. Some providers handle everything, while others require you to submit a keyword list and meta description. Before developing your own apps, it’s best to buy a few and test different approaches.
The budget for just "trying out" ASO can reach $10,000, including multiple apps and paid motivation tactics. Additionally, you’ll need reviews. Initially, it may be easier to use review services, but over time, serious ASO specialists build their own collection of iPhones for testing and review generation.
FAQ
What are the best keywords for beginners?There’s no definitive answer, but the general rule is to avoid following the crowd. While high-traffic keywords attract more users, competition can eat up your profits. Many teams have built strong traffic flows by targeting niche keywords.
Which AI tools can be integrated into ASO, and how?Currently, everyone is experimenting with different AI solutions. The most commonly used ones are:
- ChatGPT for short descriptions
- MidJourney to assist designers
However, AI should not be used to create meta descriptions. The best approach varies from team to team.
Is it worth investing in ASO now?Yes—especially if you are technically skilled, capable of analyzing data, and adaptable to changes. However, ASO requires a solid strategy and is not a quick and easy solution.
Which traffic sources work well with ASO?Currently, ASO pairs well with in-app traffic. SDK-based in-app traffic is proving highly effective, often outperforming Facebook or UAC campaigns.
Key Takeaways
Working with ASO presents an incredible opportunity for those with the technical skills and willingness to learn continuously. Despite challenges such as high startup costs, indexing difficulties, and evolving store policies, the growth potential is enormous for those who can navigate these obstacles.
With proper planning, strategy, and the right team, ASO can become a powerful source of traffic and revenue. If you’re ready to invest time, effort, and resources, ASO could be your next big digital success.
For this next step, count on the 1win Partners affiliate management team. Reach out to our managers today!
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