This month’s ASO Monthly edition outlines the most relevant May developments. Here, we shed light on trends in App Store Optimization, algorithm changes, insights into conversion rate optimization, and tool updates.

May 1

New Privacy Requirements for App Submissions started on May 1st

The App Store prioritizes user safety and privacy, incorporating features like Privacy Nutrition Labels and app tracking transparency. Starting May 1, 2024, new or updated apps using popular third-party SDKs must meet specific requirements by providing reasons for listed APIs, include privacy manifests, and have valid signatures for SDKs added as binary dependencies. Apps failing to meet these standards will be rejected. These measures aim to enhance user privacy and security, ensuring developers maintain accountability for all code within their apps.

You can find the full list of SDKs requiring a privacy manifest and signature on Apple’s developer website here.

May 1

Google Play Store now allows two apps to be downloaded simultaneously

The Google Play Store now allows users to download two apps simultaneously, a feature that enhances the user experience by making the process of installing multiple apps more efficient. Previously, users could only download one app at a time. This new functionality currently applies only to fresh app installations, not to app updates. The feature is especially useful during the setup of new Android devices, making the process of installing your favorite apps much faster. Google has been working on this feature since 2019, and it is now becoming widely available.

May 2

Google will show labels to identify government apps

As reported by TechCrunch, Google has introduced labels in the Play Store to identify official government apps. This feature aims to help users quickly recognize apps that are officially published or endorsed by government entities, enhancing trust and security. The labels are part of Google’s efforts to ensure users can easily find and verify government-related apps, especially for accessing public services and information. You can read the full article here.

May 14

Google I/O brings Engage SDK, CSLs by keywords, prompts to update app, and new billing methods

Google I/O 2024 introduced several significant updates for AI and Google Play. Key highlights include Custom Store Listings targeting by search keywords, an Engage SDK to index in-app content and track user engagement, and enhanced app update processes eliminating the Wi-Fi requirement. New billing methods like PIX in Brazil and UPI in India, along with automatic price adjustments, were also unveiled to improve monetization. These updates aim to boost app visibility, user engagement, and revenue potential for developers. As a side note, Google is also working towards enhancing store listings to enable cross-device discovery seamlessly. You can read about all important changes here.

May 15

New on the Play Store: Custom Store Listings targeting search keywords

Google has introduced a new feature for Custom Store Listings (CSLs) on the Play Store, allowing app developers to target up to 500 search keywords per CSL. This enhancement enables the creation of tailored listings based on specific keywords, potentially boosting conversion rates by showcasing relevant app features and optimized visuals. The console aids in keyword selection by displaying top-converting keywords and their variants. Developers can apply this on a global scale or filter by specific countries, enhancing the relevance and effectiveness of their app’s store presence.

May 28

Apple introduces the 2024 Apple Design Award Finalists

Each year, Apple selects apps for the Apple Design Awards based on innovation, creativity, and technical achievements in app and game design. The chosen apps are thoughtfully designed, drive innovation, provide outstanding and engaging user experiences, and make exceptional use of Apple technologies with optimized performance. This year, finalists include apps like Tiimo, Arc Search, and SmartGym, as well as games such as Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile, Lost in Play, and Cityscapes. You can check the complete list of finalists here.

Tool Updates

AppRadar | Localizations: Extended Competitor Insights

AppFollow | Introducing AI Automation for Review Replies on AppFollow

Interesting Reads/Listens/Watches

13 Mobile App Analytics Tools: Which is the Best One for You? | AppSamurai

Google I/O 2024 Highlights: AI & Google Play Updates | AppTweak

Similar Apps in Google Play: Are they Important for ASO | AppRadar

How to use AI to boost your ASO | AppsFlyer

Before you go

With the new ability for ASO practitioners to create custom store listings targeting specific keywords, rethinking your app store growth strategy is now more crucial than ever. For brand-focused apps, you can design specific custom store listings to better appeal to brand-aware users, potentially increasing conversions despite competitor ads. For apps relying on discovery or generic keywords, targeting custom user segments based on their search terms will be more straightforward but will require a solid relevance appeal strategy. Ensure you use the right keywords in your metadata and visual assets to maximize conversion rates and attract the right users.

The post ASO Monthly #96: Google I/O 2024 Recap, App Store Privacy Requirements, CSLs by Keywords, Apple Design Award Finalists, Government App Labels … and more! appeared first on Phiture - Mobile Growth Consultancy and Agency.

This month’s ASO Monthly edition outlines the most relevant March developments. Here, we shed light on trends in App Store Optimization, algorithm changes, insights into conversion rate optimization, and tool updates.

March 5

Apple releases iOS 17.4 — Enabling alternative app stores and sideloading for users in the EU

As we reported back in January, the EU’s new set of regulations under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) forced Apple to open up to alternative app stores and allow app sideloading on their devices. Since the release of iOS 17.4 on Feb. 15, these new features and changes are now available to all Apple users in the European Union.

While popular developers like Epic Games and Setapp have already announced their alternative app stores for iOS, AltStore was actually the first one to be available to the general public — just days after the release of iOS 17.4. AltStore has been available for years, but users had to jump through quite a few hoops to get it working on their devices. This process now became “easier” — well, at least a little. Ex-Phiturian Anton Tatarynovich (Freeletics) broke down the whole process on his LinkedIn here.

March 5

Apple updates App Store Connect API with access to more data points

With version 3.4 of the App Store Connect API, Apple opened up their API to include access to Analytics Reports. The new endpoints can be used to pull data about App Store Engagement, App Store Commerce, App Usage, Framework Usage, and Performance. If you use Apple’s frameworks (i.e. HealthKit, CloudKit, …) in your app, you’ll also be able to get data on how your users interact with these features.

This will make your life much easier if you build custom reporting dashboards with App Store data, or if you’re using other 3rd-party analytics solutions. We expect vendors to update their tools in the coming days and weeks to take advantage of these API changes.

March 31

Eligibility criteria for Promotional Content on Google Play

Google now provides more transparency about which apps and games are eligible for “Premium growth tools” like Promotional Content and additional Custom Store Listings.

Developers “in good standing” with Google have to meet these thresholds in order to be eligible:

• At least 1.6 million 28DAU daily over the previous 3 months, and a minimum of 1.6 million active installs.
• At least 2 million 28DAU daily over the previous month, and a minimum of 2 million active installs.
• At least $40,000 USD/month in consumer spend over the previous 3 calendar months, or at least $50,000 USD in the previous calendar month.

Additionally, if…

• You are a developer in the Google Play Partner program
• You are a developer in the Media Experience program
• Your title has consistently maintained a top 10 ranking by 28DAU on every day of the previous calendar month, in at least one of the following countries and categories:
  • Countries: Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, South Korea, Thailand, Türkiye, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam
  • Categories: Entertainment, Music and Audio, Health and Fitness, Sports, Beauty, Lifestyle, Books and Reference, Food and Drink, Shopping, Travel, Education, Social

… these reduced criteria apply to you:

• At least 800,000 28DAU daily over the previous 3 months, and a minimum of 800,000 active installs.
• At least 1 million 28DAU daily over the previous month, and a minimum of 1 million active installs
• At least $20,000 USD/month in consumer spend over the previous 3 calendar months, or at least $25,000 USD in the previous calendar month

While these thresholds are fairly high, fear not — if you are part of the Google Play Partner Program or Media Experience Program, new launches will get access to Promotional Content and additional Custom Store Listings for at least two quarters.

Remember that if your app falls in any of these categories, you currently won’t get access to Google Play’s Premium Growth Tools: Finance, Dating, News, Video Players, Business, Medical, Parenting, Tools, Casino.

Find the full guidelines here: https://play.google.com/console/about/guides/premium-growth-tools/

Bonus

Superwall’s founder & CEO Jake Mor shared an awesome iOS Shortcut, utilizing the SensorTower API to quickly get data about any app right from the App Store page on your iPhone:

I use this puppy all the time, shortcut to grab stats for any app on the App Store. Powered by the shmensor shtower API.https://t.co/1z2yoHXeN8 pic.twitter.com/LMS1vTfrDm

— Jake Mor (@jakemor) March 23, 2024

The post ASO Monthly #95: Alternative App Stores, Sideloading, App Store Connect API Changes, Google Play Criteria for Promotional Content, … and more! appeared first on Phiture - Mobile Growth Consultancy and Agency.

This month’s ASO Monthly edition outlines the most relevant February developments. Here, we shed light on trends in App Store Optimization, algorithm changes, insights into conversion rate optimization, and tool updates.

February 15

Apple introduces dedicated placement for IAE featuring on the Today Tab

Apple has been providing dedicated placements to In-App Events on the Today Tab since January, but a new addition, “Today’s Biggest Events”, now resembles the format of “App of the Day” and “Game of the Day,” offering a full-page spotlight on the featured event. This enhancement opens up opportunities for more apps to gain higher visibility and engagement by hosting timely and high-quality In-App events.

For ASO practitioners, keeping users engaged and informed through In-App events is now more crucial than ever. If you’re planning a high-quality time-sensitive event soon, don’t forget to reach out to your Apple representatives or the App Store editorial team (via a featuring request form) to increase your chances of getting your event featured.

February 19

AI-generated Highlights on Play Store coming soon?

Following a series of AI-focused changes on the Play Store, another change from Google might be the introduction of AI-generated Highlights on an app’s store listing on the Play Store. According to a report by AssembleDebug on X (formerly Twitter), these highlights succinctly summarize the features and benefits of the app in a dedicated section, accessible by tapping a prompt above the screenshots.

This development may lead to fewer users reading your app details, such as long descriptions, and instead relying on the AI-generated summary of the app’s offerings. It remains to be seen which metadata factors are considered when generating these summaries.

February 22

Apple launches Apple Sports

On February 22nd, 2024, Apple unveiled its latest sports app, aptly named “Apple Sports,” which promptly moved to the top spot in the sports category. Offering real-time scores, stats, and other features, the app has garnered a 3.9-star rating and amassed 4.3K total ratings in the App Store in the USA.

For ASO practitioners operating sports apps with similar functionalities, this launch signals heightened competition within the category. With the introduction of a free app backed by Apple’s brand recognition and user base, there may be a shift in user preferences, potentially drawing more users towards Apple Sports and posing challenges for competing apps in the market.

February 26

Google widely rolls out a new category switcher to view screenshots and reviews for other form factors

As reported by 9to5Google, Google seems to be widely deploying a new category switcher feature, allowing users to conveniently view screenshots and ratings of apps across different form factors. This feature, which appears below the install button for apps not yet installed, streamlines access to screenshots and reviews for various device types.

For ASO practitioners whose apps are accessible on multiple form factors, maintaining consistent creative practices across different devices is essential. This consistency can aid users in deciding to download the app on multiple devices, thereby enhancing app visibility and user engagement across different platforms.

February 23

Apple Search Ads expands to nine more countries

In an exciting development announced on the Apple Search Ads News blog, Apple Search Ads is set to expand its reach to nine additional countries, including Brazil, Bolivia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, and Paraguay.

This opens up new opportunities to protect your app’s branded traffic, discover new keywords, and match user expectations by leveraging relevant custom product pages.

February 27

AppTweak tool reports an algorithm change in Play Store – again

In recent months, the Play Store has undergone multiple algorithmic changes. On February 27th, AppTweak’s algorithm monitoring tool flagged another significant change in the Play Store, registering an anomaly score of 3.541. Notably, while several countries experienced significant impacts with high anomaly scores, the USA recorded the highest score.

For ASO practitioners, constant algorithm changes signal the need for constant measurement, analysis, and observation of key performance indicators (KPIs) related to your app’s visibility and conversion on the app stores. It’s crucial to closely monitor any shifts or alterations that may have occurred and assess their implications on your app’s performance.

Tool updates

AppsFlyer | The impact of Apple’s EU DMA changes: which path is worth taking?
AppTweak | How to scale Apple Search Ads Management with Automation

Interesting reads / listens / watches

The complete guide to mobile app KPIs for 2024 | AppFollow
Alternative App Stores and why they are worth exploring | AppSamurai
Leveraging the App Stores as a True Marketing Channel | AppTweak
Top 10 Dating Apps on the USA App Store by User Acquisition Performance | MobileAction

Before you go

There are growing indications that the Google Play Store might be rolling out a dedicated Search Tab soon. This feature would empower users to effortlessly discover apps through popular keywords, category exploration, direct searches, and potentially sponsored placements. Such a development would open up additional opportunities for users to come across your app while browsing.

Capitalize on the introduction of the new dedicated tab by leveraging ASO best practices, and maximize discoverability. Ensuring your app is optimized for relevant keywords, categories, and search terms will be key to enhancing its visibility and engagement in the ever-evolving Play Store.

The post ASO Monthly #94: AI-Generated Highlights, Dedicated IAE Placement, Apple Sports, New Form-Factors Accessibility, Apple Search Ads Expansion & Play Store’s Algorithm Change appeared first on Phiture - Mobile Growth Consultancy and Agency.

This month’s ASO Monthly edition outlines the most relevant January developments. Here, we shed light on trends in App Store Optimization, algorithm changes, insights into conversion rate optimization, and tool updates.

January 5

AI-generated FAQs on Play Store coming soon?

Following a series of AI-focused milestones, another step from Google is the introduction of AI-generated FAQs on the Play Store. As reported by AssembleDebug on TheSpAndroid, an FAQ section seems to be appearing for a limited number of apps and games. Once activated, an FAQ card appears on an app’s listing page, featuring three predetermined questions: “What do people like most about this app?”, “Why is this app popular?”, and “What is this app about?” The answers, generated by AI, can be accessed by clicking on the dropdown arrow. Users have the option to collapse the section by selecting “Hide”.
This might impact how many people read the long description, as the FAQs would already be answering the most common questions about the app.

January 11

Algorithmic anomalies reported in the Google Play Store

As reported in previous ASO Monthlies, we saw numerous Algorithmic changes in both the App Store and the Google Play Store recently. Another algorithmic anomaly on the Google Play Store in multiple countries was reported, with a notable high on January 11 in the USA. We also noticed higher anomalies in China, Australia, Brazil, the UK, and more countries. Some members of Phiture’s ASO Stack Slack channel also reported anomalous metrics behavior in the Play Store.

We recommend keeping a check on your metrics to understand how the algorithmic change may have impacted your app or game.

January 15

Apple is ready (reportedly) to enable Sideloading for iOS users in the EU

Under the DMA, Apple is obligated to allow developers to distribute their iOS apps beyond the App Store, while also permitting third-party payment platforms for in-app purchases. Apple’s VP of Software, Craig Federighi, acknowledged last year the company’s need to comply with EU legislation, with the deadline for DMA compliance set for March 7. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is poised to introduce an update enabling sideloading for iPhone and iPad users in Europe “in the coming weeks.” Notably, Gurman indicates that this change will split the App Store into two versions: One for EU countries and another for the rest of the world. For ASO practitioners, this presents both new opportunities and increased competition for user attention, as users gain greater access to third-party apps, a trend long prevalent on Android. However, the reaction of iOS users to this change will decide the future of this change.

January 16

VisionOS-ready apps now rolling out on the App Store

As reported by 9to5Mac, developers who submitted their visionOS apps for App Store Review earlier in the month are now receiving confirmation emails from Apple, indicating that their apps have been approved and are ready for download on the visionOS App Store. Although iOS App Store screenshots showcasing compatibility with Apple Vision Pro are yet to surface, it’s evident that progress is underway.

While not every app may be suitable to be used with VisionOS, those that are should prioritize optimizing their app for the new device. Doing so could potentially lead to increased user engagement and early successes in this evolving App Store.

January 25

Apple allows game streaming apps and services on the App Store

Apple has announced a significant update to its App Store policy, allowing game streaming apps like Xbox Cloud Streaming and GeForce Now to offer full-featured apps, rather than being restricted to web browsers. Developers can now submit one app containing their entire game catalog, streamlining the process. However, all content must adhere to App Store guidelines, including age ratings. Moreover, developers can now enhance discovery features for streaming games, mini-apps, chatbots, and plugins, which can also utilize Apple’s In-App Purchase system. These changes coincide with broader shifts in the App Store following an antitrust investigation by the European Commission, including allowing alternative app stores and browser engines in the EU.

Consolidating multiple games under one Product Page streamlines management efforts, saving valuable resources previously allocated to managing multiple pages.

January 26

Google Play Store New Search Tab is finally here (At least for some)

Noticed by Phiture’s Raad Kawar, Google Play Store’s new Search Tab is here. The updated tab showcases popular keywords, sponsored app results, and explore sections, providing users with more focused and streamlined search experiences. Notably, the emphasis on popular keyword tags suggests that apps optimized for these keywords will enjoy increased visibility. This means potentially higher traffic for advertisers, as the new section on the Search Tab enhances awareness and visibility. Additionally, the Explore section facilitates quicker navigation through categories, potentially driving more traffic through exploration. These updates reflect Google’s ongoing efforts to enhance the Play Store’s user experience and app discoverability. It should be noted that this new Search Tab still seems to be rolled out in phases as it is not available on every device as of now.

Tool updates

AppTweak: ASO Trends to look out for in 2024
AppFollow: Why Privacy-focused App Marketing is the Buzzword of 2024

Interesting reads / listens / watches

A thorough guide to Deep linking and Strategic Marketing | SEMNEXUS
ASA + ASO. Capitalizing on Valentine’s Day and the Holiday Season | AppFollow
10 key differences in ASO between App Store & Google Play | AppTweak
Top 10 Health & Fitness Apps on the US App Store by User Acquisition Performance | MobileAction

Before you go

As the App Store adapts to comply with DMA regulations (sideloading and allowing third-party payments), algorithm adjustments occur in both App Stores and VisionOS being launched, the upcoming months are expected to witness significant shifts in the App Store. For ASO practitioners, now more than ever, it’s crucial to delve deep into app metrics and maintain a vigilant watch on how these metrics evolve. This proactive approach enables timely adjustments and optimizations, positioning practitioners ahead of the competition in this dynamic and evolving landscape. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and stay ahead.

The post ASO Monthly #93: AI-Generated FAQs, Algorithmic Anomalies, Sideloading on iOS, Preparing for VisionOS, Allowing Streaming Apps & Services & Play Store’s New Search Tab appeared first on Phiture - Mobile Growth Consultancy and Agency.

This month’s ASO Monthly edition outlines the most relevant December developments. Here, we shed light on trends in App Store Optimization, algorithm changes, insights into conversion rate optimization, and tool updates.

December 2

Google Play 2023 at a glance

In last month’s edition of Notes from Google Play, Google delved into the many enhancements that shaped the Google Play experience throughout 2023. Some of the noteworthy improvements featured in the update encompassed “enhanced discoverability for Promotional Content cards,” an “optimized Play Store experience tailored for large-screen devices,” the integration of “A.I.-generated descriptions directly into Custom Store Listings,” “Pricing A/B tests within Google Play Console,” and an increased emphasis on “user privacy and data safety.” These transformative changes have proven instrumental for numerous ASO practitioners, allowing them to save time, elevate app visibility, and conduct effective tests on their monetization flows.

December 5

Algorithm anomaly reported in the App Store

On December 5, the AppTweak algorithm change detector identified an anomaly score of 6 within the App Store, deviating significantly from the usual range, which typically hovers around 0 (e.g., 0.234 or 0.356). This observation suggests a recent algorithm change within the App Store, consequently impacting app indexing. Insights shared by members of the ASO Stack community on Slack highlight instances of sudden declines in keyword ranks, accompanied by reports of unexpected spikes in download metrics. If your app has encountered sudden setbacks in keyword rankings or download figures over the previous month, it may be due to this algorithmic shift.

December 6

Google introduces Gemini

On December 6th, Google unveiled Gemini, its most extensive and powerful AI model to date. The inaugural release of Gemini has been fine-tuned for three distinct sizes: Gemini Ultra, Gemini Pro, and Gemini Nano. As an increasing number of Mobile Growth Marketers embrace the fusion of AI with their expertise to address daily growth challenges and tasks, Gemini emerges as a valuable asset. Users seeking to streamline their operations and automate repetitive tasks—ranging from description writing and trend analysis from KPIs to caption generation and summarizing group app reviews—will find Gemini to be an indispensable tool.

December 11

Apple introduces new layout for easier category navigation

With the release of iOS 17.2, the App Store revamped the “Apps” and “Games” pages, introducing a top bar for easier category navigation. This addresses the previous challenge of locating categories at the bottom of the Apps page. Additionally, Apple redesigned category tags at the page bottom, enhancing their visual appeal with larger icons and background colors. This update, mainly available on newer devices in the USA, improves the App Store experience but is not yet universally available across all regions.

December 12

Apple highlights the top Apps and Games of 2023

As the year concluded, Apple highlighted the top apps and games of 2023 on the App Store, recognized through year-end charts tailored for users across 35 countries and regions. The 2023 App Store Awards celebrated outstanding apps and games chosen by the App Store Editorial team for delivering meaningful experiences and fostering cultural transformation. ASO practitioners can learn valuable lessons from these exceptional apps, understanding their commitment to quality and optimized user journeys, as well as gain valuable knowledge about Apple’s selection process. This knowledge is crucial for all developers aiming to enhance user experiences and streamline the journey from page optimization to user conversion.

Tool updates

AppTweak: 2023 Product Recap
MobileAction: 2023 Product Recap

Interesting reads / listens / watches

Top 10 Travel Apps on the USA App Store by User Acquisition Performance | MobileAction
The most popular App Store keywords of 2023 | AppTweak
5 ASO Tips to Optimise Your Fintech App | AppFollow
Leveraging In-App Events for Enhanced iOS Ranking | App Guardians

Before you go

With the App Store’s improved category layout, featured apps and games can expect more traffic, starting in the USA and expanding globally. This shift emphasizes the need for ASO Consultants to pitch for featuring and run engaging In-App events for a stronger category presence. Games, in particular, may benefit more from increased discoverability as more users actively explore the Stores for new gaming experiences, unlike most app categories where brand searches dominate.

The post ASO Monthly #92: Google Play 2023 at a Glance, App Store Algorithm Changes, Google Gemini, New App Store Category Navigation, Best Apps & Games in 2023 appeared first on Phiture - Mobile Growth Consultancy and Agency.

This month’s ASO Monthly edition outlines the most relevant November developments. Here, we shed light on trends in App Store Optimization, algorithm changes, insights into conversion rate optimization, and tool updates.

November 8

Apple “Meet the Experts” sessions in November & December

Apple is conducting specialized sessions for app marketing professionals within the “Meet with Experts” program, providing insights into the inner workings of the App Store, Apple devices, and analytics. Several sessions were offered in November, with more scheduled for December. These sessions are offered in various languages, including English, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish, and more. For those seeking to stay up to date with industry updates, participating in these sessions offers a valuable perspective on the technical and creative aspects of Apple features and implementations. You can register for the events here: https://developer.apple.com/events/view/upcoming-events

November 10

Apple updates Today Tab format

Starting in December, Today Tab ads will undergo enhancements, featuring expanded dimensions and dynamic background animations with custom product page assets. No exclusive efforts are necessary from the publisher and advertiser — however, approval is required for the assets used in Custom Product Pages (CPPs). In a prior update, Apple constrained Today Tab ads to focus solely on the app icon, colored background, and textual assets. With this recent update, heightened emphasis will be placed on the app icon and dynamic creative assets animating in the background of the ads.

November 10

Google’s new total acquisitions report allows to see acquisitions from outside store listings

In November, Google unveiled a new reporting view within the Google Play Console: “Overall Store Analysis”. This feature empowers publishers to track acquisitions originating from sources beyond the conventional store listing. For example, generic (discovery) keywords are categorized under Explore, while acquisitions from various surfaces, including featurings, top charts, and other placements, are also captured in the overall store analysis view. This new report provides insights into the number of installs occurring outside the store, offering a better understanding of users downloading the app without visiting the store listing.

November 11

iOS 17.2 Beta features App Store categories in a more prominent position

MacRumors recently reported that Apple is directing increased attention to app categories on the “Apps” page. A top navigation bar is being introduced, enabling users to seamlessly navigate through different app categories. This adjustment is anticipated to augment traffic from the “Browse” traffic source for various applications. Previously located at the bottom of the app section, the categories posed accessibility challenges for users. With this latest update, a more user-friendly approach is implemented, allowing a larger user base direct access to app categories. Keep in mind that this is a beta feature, its final appearance might be different from what you see here.

November 16

Google Play: Preview promotional content inline and on-device via QR code

During a recent event in Berlin, Google introduced the capability to preview promotional content inline and on-device through a QR code before deployment. This feature will help publishers, marketers, and developers better understand the appearance of promotional content on the store or a user’s device by providing a pre-launch preview.

November 20

Some important updates from Google on Google Developers forum

Google Play has introduced several noteworthy updates impacting app development, distribution, and promotion.

Custom store listings (CSLs) now allow users to save listings as drafts, publish on a schedule, and run listings for a chosen duration.

Deep links bring enhanced insights, enabling the linking of Google Ads and Google Play Console accounts, revealing top-performing URLs, deep link coverage, user reach, and side-by-side app and web experience comparisons.

Android Vitals introduces robust monitoring against per-device quality thresholds, hourly vitals data, and bad behavior notifications.

Developers enrolled in user-choice billing can now offer alternate billing systems in over 35 markets, with transactions reported via API reflecting on top charts. These updates collectively enrich the app development and promotion landscape on the Google Play platform.

November 22

Google Play Console mobile app design revamp

The Google Play Console App has been re-designed, enhancing user experience. The Console app empowers developers with the ability to respond to reviews, efficiently manage orders and refunds, and receive notifications for new reviews. Notably, the app now extends support for larger tablet screens, ensuring a seamless experience across various devices, and introduces a dark mode for enhanced visual comfort. These updates collectively contribute to a more streamlined and feature-rich environment for developers utilizing the Google Play Console App.

November 23

Google features apps that leverage seasonality

In a strategic move to capitalize on seasonality, numerous apps are incorporating “Black Friday” themes into their icons, tapping into the heightened consumer interest during this period. Simultaneously, Google Play has aligned with the seasonal trend by prominently featuring shopping category apps at the top of the Explore section. This curated emphasis not only enhances user engagement but also underscores the platform’s responsiveness to current market dynamics.

Tool Updates

AppTweak: Promotional Content & In-App Events on AppTweak

AppTweak: ASO with AppTweak: Course & Certification

Interesting Reads/Listens/Watches

ASO and Localization: The Dynamic Duo for Expanding your User Base | MobileAction

Seasonal Marketing for ASO | yellowHead

ASO Strategies & Reviews: Are Reviews Really That Important? | SemNexus

Before You Go

As both Apple and Google prioritize featuring apps with seasonal flair through promotional content and metadata updates, it’s crucial for ASO practitioners to craft thoughtful strategies for the upcoming holiday season. Given the expected surge in mobile device interactions for activities like gift shopping, gaming, and entertainment consumption, a proactive approach is essential. Early preparation not only positions apps favorably for increased visibility but also enhances the likelihood of catching the attention of Google and Apple App Store editorial staff for potential dedicated features. Get your apps ready for the holiday season — spotlight moments might await you!

The post ASO Monthly #91: Meet with Expert Sessions, Today Tab Update, New Google Play Metrics, Promotional Content Update, New App Categories Section on App Store, and More! appeared first on Phiture - Mobile Growth Consultancy and Agency.

The post ASO Monthly #90: Play Store Misattribution, App Store Requirements in China, Android Vitals Reporting, Promotional Content Tags and more! appeared first on Phiture - Mobile Growth Consultancy and Agency.

The post ASO Monthly #89: Promotional Content in Search, Google Play UI, App Store Pre-Order, New App Store in India, Vision Pro App Store, and More! appeared first on Phiture - Mobile Growth Consultancy and Agency.

The post How to Improve Your ASO Strategy with a Four-Step Competitor Analysis appeared first on Phiture - Mobile Growth Consultancy and Agency.

The post ASO Monthly #88: ChatGPT ASO Plug-in, Meet App Store Experts Series, App Store Screenshot Bug, Google Play Store UI Changes, and More! appeared first on Phiture - Mobile Growth Consultancy and Agency.