SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It’s the process of optimizing web pages to improve search engine ranking. On the other hand, ASO stands for App Store Optimization. It’s the process of optimizing app store pages to get top ranking.
Following are some differences;
1. The significant difference between the both is that ASO is done for mobile apps, whereas SEO is done for the web.
2. Ranking factors for ASO and SEO are similar, but the algorithm placed on each is different.
SEO ranking factors are;
Meta title and meta description
- Keywords in the title tags (H1, H2, H3, etc.)
- Content optimization (images, text, etc.)
- Traffic
- Website health
- Backlinks Profile
- Engagement
- Time spent on-page, etc.
ASO ranking factors are;
- App metadata, including title/ app name, subtitle/ short description, and (for Android) long description
- Keywords
- Creative assets, including app store screenshots and app preview videos
- App icon
- Download number
- Backlinks
- Engagement
- App retention rate
- Conversion rate (general and CVR per keyword), etc.
3. Both require constant management. KPIs demonstrate what’s working and what’s not.
ASO KPIs are:
- Organic app downloads
- Rating score
- Reviews
- Conversion rate
- Retention rate
- App store ranking
- Keyword rankings, etc.
SEO KPIs are:
- Conversion rate
- Organic sessions
- Keyword visibility
- Keywords rankings
- Ranking
- Bounce rate
- Pages per session
- Average session duration, etc.
4. The way users search on ASO and SEO are also not similar. People on the App store are looking for apps; on the other hand, users search on SEO for information.