Oct 18, 2024. Home / Manchester / Marketing
If you’re trying to get more people to download your app without constantly paying for ads, you’re not alone. In a market where millions of apps are battling for attention on platforms like the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, getting noticed can be tough. Organic app installs are crucial if you want long-term success. Why? Because users who find your app organically are usually more engaged and stick around longer. In this blog, we’ll break down some practical and effective ways to increase your organic app installs and get your app the attention it deserves.
The app market refers to digital platforms, such as the Apple App Store (for iOS apps) and Google Play Store (for Android apps), where mobile applications are distributed and made available to users. These platforms serve as the primary channels through which users discover, download, and install apps. The app market plays a vital role in the growth of mobile apps because of the massive user base and structured environment that promotes app discovery.
The app market is governed by various ranking algorithms that take into account factors such as app downloads, ratings, reviews, engagement, and App Store Optimization (ASO) to determine which apps are shown to users. Understanding these algorithms helps increase app installs and boost visibility.
Organic installs are the result of users finding and downloading an app naturally, without the influence of paid advertisements. This type of growth is more sustainable in the long run because it leads to users who are genuinely interested in the app's content, which often translates to higher engagement and retention rates. Additionally, organic growth doesn't come with the high acquisition costs associated with paid campaigns like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or influencer marketing.
While paid installs may give your app a short-term boost, organic installs contribute to long-term success. Apps that receive more organic installs with app marketing strategies are also more likely to be ranked higher in the app stores, which, in turn, leads to more visibility and even more downloads—creating a cycle of growth.
Several factors determine whether your app can thrive in the app market and receive organic installs:
App Store Rankings
High-ranking apps in the store listings receive a large portion of organic downloads. To achieve better rankings, focus on ASO, gather positive user reviews, and boost app retention.
User Reviews and Ratings
The more positive reviews and high ratings your app garners, the more attractive it will be to potential users. Additionally, stores like Google Play and the Apple App Store consider ratings in their ranking algorithms.
User Experience (UX) and Performance
A seamless, bug-free experience will encourage users to stick around longer and recommend the app to others. Consistently updated apps according to Ui/Ux trends with new features and minimal crashes have a better chance of ranking higher and attracting organic installs.
Download Frequency
Stores track how often your app is being downloaded. Apps with frequent installs are more likely to be promoted through app store algorithms, such as being featured in the "Top Apps" or "Trending Apps" sections.
App Store Optimization (ASO) is essentially SEO for apps. It’s the process of improving your app's visibility in the app store search results, much like how websites are optimized for search engines like Google. App store optimization is driven by factors such as the app title, subtitle, description, keywords, icon design, and app reviews. Each app store has its own specific ranking algorithms and considerations.
Here’s a breakdown of how you can improve ASO:
App Title and Keywords: Make sure to incorporate relevant, high-traffic keywords into your app title and description. The app title should be descriptive and include a primary keyword for discoverability.
App Description: This is where you explain the core functionalities of your app. Use compelling language, and make sure the first few lines capture the essence of your app, as only a portion of the description is shown at first glance.
Visuals: Your app icon, screenshots, and video previews are critical for attracting potential users. Engaging visuals can dramatically increase click-through rates.
To increase organic app growth for your app in the app market, a multifaceted approach is required. Here are key strategies that can significantly boost your app's visibility and drive more downloads organically:
App Store Optimization is essential for boosting organic installs. Focus on optimizing your app’s title, description, keywords, and visuals (icons, screenshots, video). Conduct thorough keyword research to identify relevant terms your target audience searches for and include these in your app listing. The keywords should strike a balance between high traffic and low competition to maximize discoverability. Regularly update your ASO to reflect evolving trends in the app market.
Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter are powerful tools for promoting your app organically. Create engaging content that highlights your app’s unique features, user reviews, and any rewards or contests. For example, hosting contests where participants can win in-app rewards or exclusive features can increase engagement and installs. Social media also provides a direct line of communication with your users, helping you gather feedback and address concerns.
Google Play and the Apple App Store allow developers to showcase promotional content and events directly on the store pages. These features help attract attention, especially during special updates or time-limited events. These promotions can increase your app's visibility by positioning it in prime locations like the homepage or search results.
Many potential users may discover your app through search engines rather than directly in app stores. Building a website or blog with detailed information about your app can improve search engine rankings and expand visibility. By incorporating SEO techniques, you can target keywords relevant to your app’s functionality and drive organic traffic to your app’s download page. Blogging regularly about related topics can also help improve app visibility and authority.
A/B testing allows you to refine various elements of your app’s listing, such as the title, description, screenshots, and icon. Testing different versions of these components helps you understand which combinations convert best and boost app downloads. Regularly optimizing based on user response can significantly improve your conversion rate.
Localizing your app’s listing for different regions and languages can unlock growth in new markets. Translate your app's description, titles, and keywords to suit different geographies. This customization can improve search rankings in local app stores and attract users who prefer content in their native language.
Satisfied users can be your best marketers. Encourage word-of-mouth promotion by creating shareable moments within your app, such as achievements, social sharing options, or referral rewards. People trust recommendations from friends and family, so a well-implemented referral system can significantly boost organic and free app installs.
By combining these strategies, you'll improve your app’s discoverability, drive more organic installs, and ultimately grow your user base without relying solely on paid ads. Keep monitoring, refining, and evolving your strategies as the market shifts to ensure long-term success.
To boost your app’s organic visibility and installs, you can get in touch with our experts at ACW Circle. Our team is experienced in mobile app optimization and can help you with organic results. We are the top App Store Optimization agency in USA and hence, you can rely on us for premium app optimization services.
1. What are organic installs, and why are they important?
Organic installs are downloads without paid ads. They lead to more engaged, long-term users, boosting retention and visibility.
2. How does App Store Optimization (ASO) increase organic installs?
ASO improves your app’s search visibility by optimizing its title, keywords, and visuals, making it easier to discover and download.
3. Can social media boost organic app installs?
Yes, social media drives awareness. Engaging posts, contests, and direct interactions encourage downloads without paid ads.
4. How does A/B testing help with app installs?
A/B testing lets you find the best-performing app store elements (title, visuals, etc.), improving your app’s appeal and download rates.
