Welcome to Part 1 of our YouTube ASO Live Series, where we dive deep into the world of App Store Optimization—from startup-stage indies to million-dollar apps.
If you’re an indie developer or just launched your app, this post is for you. We’re sharing the exact strategies to jumpstart your downloads using proven ASO techniques, powerful keyword research, and data-driven competitive analysis.
🎯 Goal: Help new apps go from 0 to 1,000+ installs without blowing your budget.
💡 Why ASO is Essential for New Apps
You’ve built your app. Now, how do people find it?
Here’s why ASO is a must-have:
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📱 65–70% of app installs come from App Store search
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🔍 Visibility = Downloads. And visibility starts with keywords
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🧠 You don’t need a massive UA budget to see traction—just smart optimization
“People need to find your app before they can install it. That’s where ASO begins.” – David Margrion
🔑 Step 1: Nail Your Keyword Research
ASO starts—and succeeds—with keywords. But not just any keywords.
✅ What to focus on first:
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Low competition, mid-traffic keywords: Easier to rank for as a new app
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Relevant, intent-driven keywords: What problems does your app solve?
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Semantic core: A pool of all relevant keywords based on app purpose
🔍 How to find the right keywords:
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Use ASO tools like CheckASO.io to:
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Discover what keywords your app is already indexed for
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Analyze your competitors’ keyword footprint
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Track ranking changes daily
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Competitor Analysis: Look at similar apps and extract the keywords they rank for
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Search Suggest: Use the App Store search bar to discover real-time suggestions
📌 Pro Tip: Use the “Explorer” and “Intersection” tools from CheckASO to compare shared keywords with competitors.
🧠 Step 2: Where to Place Keywords That Matter
💥 The high-impact zones for keyword placement:
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App Title (most weight)
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Subtitle (Apple) or Short Description (Google Play)
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Long Description (Google Play only)
Prioritize your best, most relevant keywords in these fields to maximize visibility.
🧪 Step 3: Competitor Analysis (Done Right)
Not all competitors are created equal. Focus on apps that:
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Share a high keyword intersection with you
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Are similarly sized or just above you
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Are driving organic search traffic, not just paid installs
What to track:
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Keywords you’re both indexed for
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Which of their IAPs are being indexed (Apple)
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What metadata they’re using to rank
“If you share a lot of keywords with a competitor, it means you’re fighting for the same traffic—and that’s who you need to beat.” – David
📈 Step 4: Should You Use Paid Ads to Boost ASO?
Short answer: Yes. Especially for new apps.
Why? Because paid traffic accelerates indexing and keyword ranking.
Here’s how:
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App store algorithms reward apps with total volume (organic + paid)
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Ads help test your onboarding, retention, and monetization quickly
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Launch with Apple Search Ads, Google UAC, or Meta Ads to drive volume
Free traffic sources (if you’re on a budget):
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Product Hunt
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IndieHackers
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Reddit + TikTok niche communities
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App review blogs and newsletters
“Even $5 in ads can make a difference. But it’s better to test, track, and optimize than guess.” – Steve P. Young
🎯 Step 5: Reviews, Retention & Readiness
Before scaling your ASO or ads, make sure:
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Your app is stable and bug-free
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Onboarding is clear and concise
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You’re collecting real, positive reviews
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You’re using feedback loops to improve UX early
🧠 Why it matters: Poor early reviews can hurt long-term ASO and conversion.
🔥 Actionable ASO Tips for Indie Developers
Let’s recap with a bulletproof action plan:
✅ Indie ASO Checklist:
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Use CheckASO.io to build your keyword set
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Focus on low competition, mid-volume keywords
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Analyze 5–10 direct competitors and their metadata
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Optimize title, subtitle/short description with top keywords
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Launch small paid campaigns to boost early traction
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Collect and respond to user reviews immediately
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Monitor keyword performance and iterate weekly
🧠 Final Thoughts: Small Tweaks, Big Gains
You don’t need a massive budget to grow your app—you need strategy, data, and consistency.
Start with the right keywords. Prioritize the best placement. Use competitive insights. And don’t be afraid to run lean paid campaigns to fuel your growth.
“App Store Optimization isn’t a one-time task—it’s your app’s best long-term growth engine.”
🚀 Want to Jumpstart Your App the Right Way?
Use CheckASO.io to track your keywords, spy on your competitors, and optimize your app like a pro—even if you’re just starting out.
🔗 Subscribe to the full ASO video series on YouTube and join us for Part 2, where we’ll dive deep into keyword prioritization and whether you should target your competitors’ keywords.
Until then, happy optimizing! 👋
Learn more about CheckASO.io
