App stores
App Store & Google Play: SEO opportunities in 2026
App Store and Google Play search decides most app installs. Ranking depends on keywords in the title and subtitle (plus the keyword field on iOS), ratings, install conversion from the listing and retention.
Screenshots sell. The first frame should show the main outcome, not the login screen.
Test two screenshot sets and keep the version that converts better.
What ranks on App stores
- App title and subtitle keywords
- Ratings and review velocity
- Install conversion from the listing
- Retention
Formats that work
- Title, subtitle, keyword field (iOS)
- Screenshots and preview video
- In-app events
First actions
- Put the highest-volume feature keyword in the app title
- Test 2 screenshot sets that show the main outcome in the first frame
How to measure it
- Store search impressions
- Listing conversion rate
- Ranking for top 20 keywords
Fit by business model
Baseline fit score before category, goal and country adjustments. The report personalises it.