How to Do Keyword Research for Your Mobile App

 

Keyword research for a mobile app is a critical step in App Store Optimization (ASO), ensuring your app ranks higher in app store searches and attracts more downloads. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you conduct keyword research effectively for your app:

1. Understand Your Target Audience

Before diving into keyword research, understand your app’s target audience. Consider:

• Who will use your app?
• What problem does your app solve?
• How would your users describe your app or search for it?

This will help you brainstorm relevant keywords based on user intent.

2. Brainstorm Seed Keywords

Start with seed keywords—the basic terms and phrases users would search for when looking for an app like yours. Think about the core features, functionalities, and the problem your app solves. For example:

• If your app is for fitness tracking, some seed keywords might include “fitness,” “workout,” “steps tracker,” or “exercise.”

3. Analyze Competitors’ Keywords

Look at your competitors’ apps to see what keywords they’re targeting. Tools like App Annie, Sensor Tower, and MobileAction allow you to analyze the top-performing apps in your category and find the keywords they’re ranking for. You can also check their app titles, descriptions, and reviews for keyword ideas.

4. Use App Store Keyword Research Tools

Several tools are designed specifically for mobile app keyword research, such as:

• AppTweak
• Keyword Tool
• TheTool
• App Radar

These platforms help you generate a list of relevant keywords, show search volumes, competition levels, and help with long-tail keyword discovery.

5. Focus on Relevant Long-Tail Keywords

Long-tail keywords are more specific, lower competition phrases. While they have lower search volumes, they are highly targeted and can lead to better conversion rates. For example:

• Instead of “fitness,” a long-tail keyword might be “daily fitness routine tracker” or “best workout app for beginners.”

6. Leverage User Reviews

Go through your app’s (or competitors’) reviews on the app stores. Users often describe what they like about the app in their own words, giving you natural keywords that they’re likely to search for.

7. Consider Localized Keywords

If your app serves users across different countries or regions, localization is crucial. Use tools like Google Translate and localized app keyword tools to research keywords in different languages and regions.

8. Analyze Keyword Search Volume and Difficulty

Evaluate the potential of your keywords by looking at:

• Search Volume: How often users search for the keyword.
• Competition: How difficult it is to rank for the keyword. High-competition keywords may be harder to rank for, so balancing between high search volume and moderate competition is ideal.

9. Optimize Keywords in Key ASO Elements

Once you’ve compiled a list of relevant keywords, integrate them into the key elements of your app store listing:

• App Title: Include the most important keyword.
• Subtitle or Short Description: Use secondary keywords.
• Long Description: Place keywords naturally throughout.
• Keyword Field (for iOS): Apple allows a 100-character limit for keyword entry, so make sure to use every character wisely.

10. Monitor and Adjust Keywords Over Time

Keyword trends change over time, especially in fast-moving industries. Regularly monitor your app’s keyword performance and adjust your keyword strategy based on search trends, competition, and user behavior.

Bonus: Tools for Mobile App Keyword Research

Here are some tools that can assist you with mobile app keyword research:

• Google Keyword Planner: Though not app-specific, it’s a great tool for finding relevant keywords based on search volumes and competition.
• App Annie: A robust platform for app market data and keyword insights.
• Sensor Tower: Popular for ASO analysis, keyword tracking, and competitor research.
• App Radar: Easy-to-use tool for ASO and keyword research.
• Keyword Tool: Helps with long-tail keyword discovery for both Google Play and Apple’s App Store.

Conclusion

Doing keyword research for your mobile app requires a mix of understanding your target audience, analyzing competitors, leveraging specific ASO tools, and continuously monitoring performance. By targeting the right keywords, you’ll be able to drive more visibility, downloads, and ultimately, success for your app in both the App Store and Google Play Store