Are you a promising app designer who wants to see your app featured on the top lists of the App Store page? Your prayer has been heard, because you have now landed on the right page. Moving ahead, we will explain to you in detail how you can turn your app into one of most profitable ones.

To reach the top, an average app must either acquire a few thousand downloads or get regularly featured by the App Store editors.

However, there is another easier way of doing this. You can use App Store Optimization (ASO) to increase your app’s visibility and gain the maximum number of downloads.

The secret to getting this right lies in using five key ASO elements: selecting your keywords, naming your app, creating an icon, creating an app preview, and capturing screenshots.

Below are six important steps that you need to follow to effectively make your app feature at the top of the App Store page. 

Step 1: Select Your Keywords Wisely!

Never begin with the name!

Previously, apps appeared in a list based on what the end-user had typed in the search box. However, in November 2015, Apple changed this process entirely. So, apps no longer appear as per their rankings or reviews, which was how Apple used to list the apps, they now show up based on their keywords.

You thus have to ensure that you choose your app’s keywords in a strategic way.

Consider the following guidelines, while selecting the keywords:

• Think of keywords that connect with the app and its functionality instantly.
• Enter your principal keywords in the search box of the App Store and check what the autocomplete suggestions are.
• Find the least competitive keywords that result in bringing a high or average search volume.

Search tools are widely used by designers and developers. These tools include Google AdWords (for search volume and competition level), Sensor Tower (for identifying keywords), and App Annie (for fancy search terms).

Step 2: Name Your App Creatively

Since you have finished selecting the principal keywords, it is now time to focus on creating a catchy and easy-to-remember app name.

Consider these guidelines, while creating a creative app name:

• Be smart and name your app wisely as Apple allows you to use 255 letters to name your app. This is sufficient for the perfectly catchy name. Also, never overstuff the keywords; otherwise you might end up being penalized!
• Stick to a 30 character limit, as users never go beyond this while searching for an app.
• Ensure that your app’s title is hip, unforgettable, and relative to its functionality.
• Do not copy brand names that are already trademarked as Apple could penalize you for doing this.

Step 3: Create an Iconic Image for Your App

In order to gain a user’s attention, you must ensure that your app’s icon is designed in an effective and unforgettable manner.

Consider the following guidelines, when designing your stunning app icon:

• Ensure that your app icon, along with the screenshots and app name, clearly convey what your app exactly does. Hence, you need to focus on your app’s core purpose.
• Follow the App Store’s guidelines religiously, if you want to get your app approved by them.
• Design your icon in a vector style so that it will fit into all smartphone screens.
• Keep it simple and short (KISS) and keep the image visible enough to see all the graphics.
• Design your icon in a unique and creative way.
• Apply some lively, attractive, and relevant colors to your app.
• Design some funny emotions for gaming apps. This might implore the end user to download your app!

After one quick glance at your app’s icon, the users should be able to identify your app.

Step 4: Create an App Show (Preview or Video)

Next you have to create a video or an app preview. Here, the App Store provides you with space to sell yourself to the users.

Hence, these 30 seconds are precious and you must make your video a mesmerizing story that describes your app.

Consider these guidelines, while creating a great app preview:

• Start with the best three to five significant features of your app.
• Try not to use too many graphics. If you are using a copy, create separate text cards within the slides by using less than 75 words.
• Include more of the gameplay, music, and voiceovers for gaming apps.
• Ensure that your video is compatible with an iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch with a Retina display of 4”, before you submit it.
• Mention any registration, sign-up or login requisitions.
• Create a unique and engaging video!

Step 5: Capture Amazing Screenshots

Using screenshots is an alternate way of convincing prospective end users to download your app.

Consider the following guidelines, when designing your great screenshots:

• Create your screenshots in a landscape version rather than in a portrait version.
• Begin with the best screenshots that highlight your app’s unique features.
• Do not waste screenshots by displaying login or sign-up details.
• Ensure that it is short and sweet, if you are inserting a copy.
• Try to convey everything about your app with five screenshots or fewer.

Ultimately, effective screenshots trigger possible downloads.

Step 6: Run A/B Test Variations

Once you have completed the above mentioned steps, the final task is to run A/B test variations of each element. This process will help you stay realistic about what is converting rather than simply guessing.

Conclusion

Follow the above-listed steps, if you want to create a quality app that will reach the top of the App Store page and that will eventually lead to remarkable and profitable downloads of your app.