For indie developers—often referred to simply as “indies”—App Store Optimization (ASO) isn’t mandatory but incredibly beneficial. Let’s explore how ASO and analytics can transform an excellent mobile game into a great one. Though it might seem that these tools aren’t essential, looking at the bigger picture changes the perspective. Games are not isolated; they’re part of a dynamic market influenced by trends and competition. Here is where the magic of ASO comes into play: it connects your game with its potential players.
You can certainly develop a game without ASO, but with optimization, finding and installing your game becomes more effortless.
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Mobile Games and Their Audiences
Where do mobile games find their players? Traffic analysis shows that searches are a significant source, with 48% of game installs originating from search queries. Hence, search engine optimization becomes crucial, especially for indie developers who often work with limited budgets and aim for organic growth.
It’s a mistake to assume all gamers form a uniform audience. Some games appeal more to women; others are designed for children, making a general target difficult and ineffective. Initially, consider the competition.
Using Open Resources for Competitive Advantage
Explore open resources such as advertising creatives from the App Store. Here, you can find what works and what doesn’t. If your game research begins early, which is advisable, you can analyze competitor game interfaces, color schemes, and layouts to inform your own design choices. Also, watching app stores and social media platforms is crucial for understanding your target audience and refining your marketing strategy.
Focus on How Competitors Find Their Users
The key is to observe how competitors optimize their games and attract users. This insight will guide your ASO strategy, helping you position your game effectively for organic traffic. For indie developers, mastering ASO is not just an option but a necessity to compete effectively with limited resources.
Key ASO Steps for Indie Developers:
- Identify Competitors: You can do this through app stores and industry reviews or use analytics tools for more profound insight.
- Keyword Optimization: Understand how potential users search for games like yours. Think from a player’s perspective but act as a developer, using analytics to bridge the gap.
- Generate Effective Metadata: On your game’s store page, use identified keywords to describe it, helping it show up in relevant searches.
- Visual Elements: Once users find your game, visuals like icons, screenshots, and videos must convince them to download.
- Performance Analysis: After launching, analyze how your game performs in search rankings and against competitors. This feedback loop will inform your subsequent ASO efforts.
By the way, a complete guide to ASO for indie developers can be found here.
