--- name: app-store-optimization description: Complete App Store Optimization (ASO) toolkit for researching, optimizing, and tracking mobile app performance on Apple App Store and Google Play Store --- # App Store Optimization (ASO) Skill This comprehensive skill provides complete ASO capabilities for successfully launching and optimizing mobile applications on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. ## Capabilities ### Research & Analysis - **Keyword Research**: Analyze keyword volume, competition, and relevance for app discovery - **Competitor Analysis**: Deep-dive into top-performing apps in your category - **Market Trend Analysis**: Identify emerging trends and opportunities in your app category - **Review Sentiment Analysis**: Extract insights from user reviews to identify strengths and issues - **Category Analysis**: Evaluate optimal category and subcategory placement strategies ### Metadata Optimization - **Title Optimization**: Create compelling titles with optimal keyword placement (platform-specific character limits) - **Description Optimization**: Craft both short and full descriptions that convert and rank - **Subtitle/Promotional Text**: Optimize Apple-specific subtitle (30 chars) and promotional text (170 chars) - **Keyword Field**: Maximize Apple's 100-character keyword field with strategic selection - **Category Selection**: Data-driven recommendations for primary and secondary categories - **Icon Best Practices**: Guidelines for designing high-converting app icons - **Screenshot Optimization**: Strategies for creating screenshots that drive installs - **Preview Video**: Best practices for app preview videos - **Localization**: Multi-language optimization strategies for global reach ### Conversion Optimization - **A/B Testing Framework**: Plan and track metadata experiments for continuous improvement - **Visual Asset Testing**: Test icons, screenshots, and videos for maximum conversion - **Store Listing Optimization**: Comprehensive page optimization for impression-to-install conversion - **Call-to-Action**: Optimize CTAs in descriptions and promotional materials ### Rating & Review Management - **Review Monitoring**: Track and analyze user reviews for actionable insights - **Response Strategies**: Templates and best practices for responding to reviews - **Rating Improvement**: Tactical approaches to improve app ratings organically - **Issue Identification**: Surface common problems and feature requests from reviews ### Launch & Update Strategies - **Pre-Launch Checklist**: Complete validation before submitting to stores - **Launch Timing**: Optimize release timing for maximum visibility and downloads - **Update Cadence**: Plan optimal update frequency and feature rollouts - **Feature Announcements**: Craft "What's New" sections that re-engage users - **Seasonal Optimization**: Leverage seasonal trends and events ### Analytics & Tracking - **ASO Score**: Calculate overall ASO health score across multiple factors - **Keyword Rankings**: Track keyword position changes over time - **Conversion Metrics**: Monitor impression-to-install conversion rates - **Download Velocity**: Track download trends and momentum - **Performance Benchmarking**: Compare against category averages and competitors ### Platform-Specific Requirements - **Apple App Store**: - Title: 30 characters - Subtitle: 30 characters - Promotional Text: 170 characters (editable without app update) - Description: 4,000 characters - Keywords: 100 characters (comma-separated, no spaces) - What's New: 4,000 characters - **Google Play Store**: - Title: 50 characters (formerly 30, increased in 2021) - Short Description: 80 characters - Full Description: 4,000 characters - No separate keyword field (keywords extracted from title and description) ## Input Requirements ### Keyword Research ```json { "app_name": "MyApp", "category": "Productivity", "target_keywords": ["task manager", "productivity", "todo list"], "competitors": ["Todoist", "Any.do", "Microsoft To Do"], "language": "en-US" } ``` ### Metadata Optimization ```json { "platform": "apple" | "google", "app_info": { "name": "MyApp", "category": "Productivity", "target_audience": "Professionals aged 25-45", "key_features": ["Task management", "Team collaboration", "AI assistance"], "unique_value": "AI-powered task prioritization" }, "current_metadata": { "title": "Current Title", "subtitle": "Current Subtitle", "description": "Current description..." }, "target_keywords": ["productivity", "task manager", "todo"] } ``` ### Review Analysis ```json { "app_id": "com.myapp.app", "platform": "apple" | "google", "date_range": "last_30_days" | "last_90_days" | "all_time", "rating_filter": [1, 2, 3, 4, 5], "language": "en" } ``` ### ASO Score Calculation ```json { "metadata": { "title_quality": 0.8, "description_quality": 0.7, "keyword_density": 0.6 }, "ratings": { "average_rating": 4.5, "total_ratings": 15000 }, "conversion": { "impression_to_install": 0.05 }, "keyword_rankings": { "top_10": 5, "top_50": 12, "top_100": 18 } } ``` ## Output Formats ### Keyword Research Report - List of recommended keywords with search volume estimates - Competition level analysis (low/medium/high) - Relevance scores for each keyword - Strategic recommendations for primary vs. secondary keywords - Long-tail keyword opportunities ### Optimized Metadata Package - Platform-specific title (with character count validation) - Subtitle/promotional text (Apple) - Short description (Google) - Full description (both platforms) - Keyword field (Apple - 100 chars) - Character count validation for all fields - Keyword density analysis - Before/after comparison ### Competitor Analysis Report - Top 10 competitors in category - Their metadata strategies - Keyword overlap analysis - Visual asset assessment - Rating and review volume comparison - Identified gaps and opportunities ### ASO Health Score - Overall score (0-100) - Category breakdown: - Metadata Quality (0-25) - Ratings & Reviews (0-25) - Keyword Performance (0-25) - Conversion Metrics (0-25) - Specific improvement recommendations - Priority action items ### A/B Test Plan - Hypothesis and test variables - Test duration recommendations - Success metrics definition - Sample size calculations - Statistical significance thresholds ### Launch Checklist - Pre-submission validation (all required assets, metadata) - Store compliance verification - Testing checklist (devices, OS versions) - Marketing preparation items - Post-launch monitoring plan ## How to Use ### Keyword Research ``` Hey Claude—I just added the "app-store-optimization" skill. Can you research the best keywords for a productivity app targeting professionals? Focus on keywords with good search volume but lower competition. ``` ### Optimize App Store Listing ``` Hey Claude—I just added the "app-store-optimization" skill. Can you optimize my app's metadata for the Apple App Store? Here's my current listing: [provide current metadata]. I want to rank for "task management" and "productivity tools". ``` ### Analyze Competitor Strategy ``` Hey Claude—I just added the "app-store-optimization" skill. Can you analyze the ASO strategies of Todoist, Any.do, and Microsoft To Do? I want to understand what they're doing well and where there are opportunities. ``` ### Review Sentiment Analysis ``` Hey Claude—I just added the "app-store-optimization" skill. Can you analyze recent reviews for my app (com.myapp.ios) and identify the most common user complaints and feature requests? ``` ### Calculate ASO Score ``` Hey Claude—I just added the "app-store-optimization" skill. Can you calculate my app's overall ASO health score and provide specific recommendations for improvement? ``` ### Plan A/B Test ``` Hey Claude—I just added the "app-store-optimization" skill. I want to A/B test my app icon and first screenshot. Can you help me design the test and determine how long to run it? ``` ### Pre-Launch Checklist ``` Hey Claude—I just added the "app-store-optimization" skill. Can you generate a comprehensive pre-launch checklist for submitting my app to both Apple App Store and Google Play Store? ``` ## Scripts ### keyword_analyzer.py Analyzes keywords for search volume, competition, and relevance. Provides strategic recommendations for primary and secondary keywords. **Key Functions:** - `analyze_keyword()`: Analyze single keyword metrics - `compare_keywords()`: Compare multiple keywords - `find_long_tail()`: Discover long-tail keyword opportunities - `calculate_keyword_difficulty()`: Assess competition level ### metadata_optimizer.py Optimizes titles, descriptions, and keyword fields with platform-specific character limit validation. **Key Functions:** - `optimize_title()`: Create compelling, keyword-rich titles - `optimize_description()`: Generate conversion-focused descriptions - `optimize_keyword_field()`: Maximize Apple's 100-char keyword field - `validate_character_limits()`: Ensure compliance with platform limits - `calculate_keyword_density()`: Analyze keyword usage in metadata ### competitor_analyzer.py Analyzes top competitors' ASO strategies and identifies opportunities. **Key Functions:** - `get_top_competitors()`: Identify category leaders - `analyze_competitor_metadata()`: Extract and analyze competitor keywords - `compare_visual_assets()`: Evaluate icons and screenshots - `identify_gaps()`: Find competitive opportunities ### aso_scorer.py Calculates comprehensive ASO health score across multiple dimensions. **Key Functions:** - `calculate_overall_score()`: Compute 0-100 ASO score - `score_metadata_quality()`: Evaluate title, description, keywords - `score_ratings_reviews()`: Assess rating quality and volume - `score_keyword_performance()`: Analyze ranking positions - `score_conversion_metrics()`: Evaluate impression-to-install rates - `generate_recommendations()`: Provide prioritized action items ### ab_test_planner.py Plans and tracks A/B tests for metadata and visual assets. **Key Functions:** - `design_test()`: Create test hypothesis and variables - `calculate_sample_size()`: Determine required test duration - `calculate_significance()`: Assess statistical significance - `track_results()`: Monitor test performance - `generate_report()`: Summarize test outcomes ### localization_helper.py Manages multi-language ASO optimization strategies. **Key Functions:** - `identify_target_markets()`: Recommend localization priorities - `translate_metadata()`: Generate localized metadata - `adapt_keywords()`: Research locale-specific keywords - `validate_translations()`: Check character limits per language - `calculate_localization_roi()`: Estimate impact of localization ### review_analyzer.py Analyzes user reviews for sentiment, issues, and feature requests. **Key Functions:** - `analyze_sentiment()`: Calculate positive/negative/neutral ratios - `extract_common_themes()`: Identify frequently mentioned topics - `identify_issues()`: Surface bugs and user complaints - `find_feature_requests()`: Extract desired features - `track_sentiment_trends()`: Monitor sentiment over time - `generate_response_templates()`: Create review response drafts ### launch_checklist.py Generates comprehensive pre-launch and update checklists. **Key Functions:** - `generate_prelaunch_checklist()`: Complete submission validation - `validate_app_store_compliance()`: Check Apple guidelines - `validate_play_store_compliance()`: Check Google policies - `create_update_plan()`: Plan update cadence and features - `optimize_launch_timing()`: Recommend release dates - `plan_seasonal_campaigns()`: Identify seasonal opportunities ## Best Practices ### Keyword Research 1. **Volume vs. Competition**: Balance high-volume keywords with achievable rankings 2. **Relevance First**: Only target keywords genuinely relevant to your app 3. **Long-Tail Strategy**: Include 3-4 word phrases with lower competition 4. **Continuous Research**: Keyword trends change—research quarterly 5. **Competitor Keywords**: Don't copy blindly; ensure relevance to your features ### Metadata Optimization 1. **Front-Load Keywords**: Place most important keywords early in title/description 2. **Natural Language**: Write for humans first, SEO second 3. **Feature Benefits**: Focus on user benefits, not just features 4. **A/B Test Everything**: Test titles, descriptions, screenshots systematically 5. **Update Regularly**: Refresh metadata every major update 6. **Character Limits**: Use every character—don't waste valuable space 7. **Apple Keyword Field**: No plurals, duplicates, or spaces between commas ### Visual Assets 1. **Icon**: Must be recognizable at small sizes (60x60px) 2. **Screenshots**: First 2-3 are critical—most users don't scroll 3. **Captions**: Use screenshot captions to tell your value story 4. **Consistency**: Match visual style to app design 5. **A/B Test Icons**: Icon is the single most important visual element ### Reviews & Ratings 1. **Respond Quickly**: Reply to reviews within 24-48 hours 2. **Professional Tone**: Always courteous, even with negative reviews 3. **Address Issues**: Show you're actively fixing reported problems 4. **Thank Supporters**: Acknowledge positive reviews 5. **Prompt Strategically**: Ask for ratings after positive experiences ### Launch Strategy 1. **Soft Launch**: Consider launching in smaller markets first 2. **PR Timing**: Coordinate press coverage with launch 3. **Update Frequently**: Initial updates signal active development 4. **Monitor Closely**: Track metrics daily for first 2 weeks 5. **Iterate Quickly**: Fix critical issues immediately ### Localization 1. **Prioritize Markets**: Start with English, Spanish, Chinese, French, German 2. **Native Speakers**: Use professional translators, not machine translation 3. **Cultural Adaptation**: Some features resonate differently by culture 4. **Test Locally**: Have native speakers review before publishing 5. **Measure ROI**: Track downloads by locale to assess impact ## Limitations ### Data Dependencies - Keyword search volume estimates are approximate (no official data from Apple/Google) - Competitor data may be incomplete for private apps - Review analysis limited to public reviews (can't access private feedback) - Historical data may not be available for new apps ### Platform Constraints - Apple App Store keyword changes require app submission (except Promotional Text) - Google Play Store metadata changes take 1-2 hours to index - A/B testing requires significant traffic for statistical significance - Store algorithms are proprietary and change without notice ### Industry Variability - ASO benchmarks vary significantly by category (games vs. utilities) - Seasonality affects different categories differently - Geographic markets have different competitive landscapes - Cultural preferences impact what works in different countries ### Scope Boundaries - Does not include paid user acquisition strategies (Apple Search Ads, Google Ads) - Does not cover app development or UI/UX optimization - Does not include app analytics implementation (use Firebase, Mixpanel, etc.) - Does not handle app submission technical issues (provisioning profiles, certificates) ### When NOT to Use This Skill - For web apps (different SEO strategies apply) - For enterprise apps not in public stores - For apps in beta/TestFlight only - If you need paid advertising strategies (use marketing skills instead) ## Integration with Other Skills This skill works well with: - **Content Strategy Skills**: For creating app descriptions and marketing copy - **Analytics Skills**: For analyzing download and engagement data - **Localization Skills**: For managing multi-language content - **Design Skills**: For creating optimized visual assets - **Marketing Skills**: For coordinating broader launch campaigns ## Version & Updates This skill is based on current Apple App Store and Google Play Store requirements as of November 2025. Store policies and best practices evolve—verify current requirements before major launches. **Key Updates to Monitor:** - Apple App Store Connect updates (apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines) - Google Play Console updates (play.google.com/console/about/guides/releasewithconfidence) - iOS/Android version adoption rates (affects device testing) - Store algorithm changes (follow ASO blogs and communities)