Growing an app is not easy work. App units, conversion rates, A/B tests, and regular updates are strong elements of a good app store optimization. The work doesn’t really end when you published an app, it’s just only beginning. So to make this process easy, creating checklists is perfect. As StoreSpy, we prepared a pre-launch ASO checklist for you.

1. Design a catchy app icon

The app icon is the first thing that will users see in the search rankings. Create an app icon using the colors within your app. It should represent your app and catch people’s eyes to get more product page views. The app icon shouldn’t be;

  • Complicated,
  • Hard to pick out the colors,
  • Included too many small details,
  • Text included except for your app name.

A simple, clearly designed app icon is always the best. So when you designing an app icon, use your app colors and keep it simple.

2. Find the best app name

App name is essential to be seen and ranked higher. It affects search optimization and conversion rates directly so it’s very substantial. Before launching your app, come up with a few ideas that may look good as your app name. There are a few things that you need to consider when doing that.

  • It should not be longer than 5 characters, because it’s the optimum of a catchy name.
  • It needs to represent your app clearly and be descriptive so people will have a better understanding of what your app really does.
  • Choose a unique app name that shouldn’t be used by other app publishers.
  • Make it easy to pronounce and write so people will not have hard times when telling it to their friends.

Your app name can include one or two keywords you think is important for your app. That is actually a common strategy that app publishers use for a better ranking.

The limit for App name character count for both Apple Store and Google Play Store is 30.

3. Clear and well-designed screenshots

Screenshots are the key factors to make people download your app. It affects product page to app units conversion rates. People decide to download your app by looking at the screenshots you provided. So the screenshots you added needs to be;

  • Not too wordy,
  • Simple, with understandable sentences,
  • Matched with coherent colors,
  • Eye-catching,
  • Included screenshots of major features of the app.

We suggest you add at least five screenshots to make users understand your app better.

4. Create an engaging preview video

App preview video appears before the screenshots so it has the power of catching users to visit your product page. With app preview video you can increase your conversion rates. Create an appealing video that includes the most exciting parts of your app. Here are some ideas to make it interesting.

  • Use the most engaging records in the first 10 seconds because that’s the duration people pay attention,
  • Always follow the guideline of the app stores because all of them has different rules for frames, you wouldn’t want to be rejected for your video,
  • You don’t have to add text on video since you’re adding texts on screenshots. It will also make your process easier when localizing the app product page.

5. Use the right keywords

So how can you decide which keywords are right for your app? It’s not that hard. Start with describing your app with keywords. Think about the words you are using when you tell people about your app. Create a spreadsheet and list the keywords that reflect your app. If you have competitors, you can spy on their keywords as well so this will also give you an idea of which ones to use. Make sure that the keywords you use are appropriate for the App Store policy. It’s usually not allowed to use trademarks, explicit keywords, and celebrity names. There are also other rules that Apple and Google apply to make a standard for the keyword field. So don’t forget to check the policy before publishing your app.

6. Add an informative description

Your description is to give people an idea of your app’s features, privacy, and pricing policy. It’s important to include what the app has inside and why people should use it. The first three lines are the most eye-catching part of your description. So to leverage from that, make your first 3 lines are actionable. When people click on “More”, they should be informed about;

  • Benefits of the app and why to use it,
  • Basic features as clearly described,
  • What you offer like content, items, or entertainment.

The main idea of the description is to make people install your app so be sure it has a call2action as well.

7. Hack the way of getting ratings & reviews

This is probably the most important place in the product store for downloading an app. Today, there are lots of options to choose from and other apps to compete so it’s hard to convince people that your app is worth installing. Reference is the key factor affecting the decision-making process. As much as you have positive reviews and ratings, your ranking and product-to-installation rates obviously will be higher. So to make people leave a review for your app, you can;

  • Make pop-up review & rating screen in the app,
  • Create a place for people to leave feedback.

Besides that, providing customer support is highly suggested to better understand your users and improve the app's functions. They also will let you know if there is a bug or non-functionality in the app.

8. Fewer deletions, high in-app engagement

If 50% or more users delete your app right before downloading it, something is wrong. Check out the deletion numbers so you’ll understand if your app is really helpful for people or not. They may also leave negative reviews for your app so it will directly affect your whole ASO performance. Increase your app engagement and also the time people spend in the app to have a better ranking.