Basic Keyword Research for Apps

Keywords are the words users type to find apps. They bridge your app to its audience: pick the wrong ones and no one finds you.

Keywords drive visibility: most users discover apps by searching, and the right terms make you appear for relevant queries that lead to downloads.

Start by thinking like your user. How would they search for an app like yours? Frame keywords around their needs, problems, and the solution you offer.

List your app’s core functions: is it a “photo editor,” a “to-do list,” a “meditation guide”? These plain descriptions are your best starting keywords.

Add synonyms and variations: a “run tracker” is also a “jogging app”; a “budget planner” is an “expense tracker.” Users describe things differently.

Your app’s category sparks keywords too. In Health & Fitness, mine terms like exercise and diet. Browse similar categories for the words users expect.

Match keywords to user intent, not just what your app is. Are they trying to “learn Spanish” or “track calories”? Align with their goal.

Your keywords live in the title and subtitle, Apple’s keyword field, and the description. Later lessons go deep on optimizing each spot.

Do not cram or repeat terms: that is keyword stuffing and it hurts ranking. Stores reward natural, readable copy, so weave keywords in smoothly.

Imagine you've built a new app that helps users identify different types of plants by taking a picture. Which of these keywords would be most relevant for basic brainstorming?

You have the keyword-research basics: think like a user, brainstorm functions, synonyms, and categories, target intent, and skip the stuffing. A core ASO skill.