App Store Optimization

App Store Optimization (ASO) Skill

Selective Reading Rule

Start with:

• references/usage-routing.md
• references/quality-checklist.md

Then load only the inherited docs, scripts, assets, or examples that match the user's actual task.

Selective Reading Rule

Start with:

• references/senior-master-standard.md
• references/platform-routing.md
• references/launch-review-checklist.md

Then use README.md and HOW_TO_USE.md only when you need the longer operational walkthrough.

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

{
  "app_name": "MyApp",
  "category": "Productivity",
  "target_keywords": ["task manager", "productivity", "todo list"],
  "competitors": ["Todoist", "Any.do", "Microsoft To Do"],
  "language": "en-US"
}

Metadata Optimization

{
  "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

{
  "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

{
  "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)

When to Use

This skill is applicable to execute the workflow or actions described in the overview.