10 Ways to Increase Your App Store Rankings

Why Adalo Works for Building Apps That Rank

Adalo is a no-code app builder for database-driven web apps and native iOS and Android apps—one version across all three platforms, published to the Apple App Store and Google Play. This unified approach means you're not juggling separate codebases or worrying about platform-specific quirks—you can focus entirely on the optimization strategies that boost your rankings.

App store algorithms favor apps that perform well and keep users coming back. With Adalo's native app capabilities, including push notifications to re-engage users and a scalable infrastructure that handles growth without slowdowns, you're building on a foundation designed for the metrics that matter most to Apple and Google.

Getting your app into the Apple App Store or Google Play Store is only half the battle. The real challenge? Making sure people actually find it among millions of competing apps. App Store Optimization (ASO) determines whether your app appears on page one of search results or gets buried where no one scrolls.

Adalo, an AI-powered app builder, creates native iOS and Android apps from a single codebase—meaning one build publishes to web, the App Store, and Google Play simultaneously. But publishing is just the starting line. This guide covers ten proven strategies to boost your app's visibility and climb the rankings in both major app marketplaces.

Why Adalo Works for Building Apps That Rank

Ranking well in app stores requires more than clever keywords. The algorithms reward apps that deliver genuine value—fast load times, smooth performance, and features that keep users engaged. Adalo's architecture addresses these ranking factors at the foundation level.

Ada, Adalo's AI builder, lets you describe what you want and generates your app. Magic Start creates complete app foundations from a description, while Magic Add adds features through natural language.

With Magic Start, you can generate complete app foundations from a simple description. Tell it you need a fitness tracking app, and it creates your database structure, screens, and user flows automatically. This means less time wrestling with technical setup and more time perfecting the user experience that drives positive reviews.

The platform's modular infrastructure scales to serve apps with millions of monthly active users, with no upper ceiling. Unlike app wrappers that hit performance constraints under load, Adalo's purpose-built architecture maintains speed at scale—and app store algorithms notice when users aren't waiting around for screens to load.

Improve Your App Store Rankings with Optimization

App Store Optimization (ASO) is the process of improving the visibility of your mobile app on Apple's App Store or Google Play Store. You follow a method to help it rank well in the app stores' search results.

ASO works similarly to search engine optimization (SEO) for websites. It uses precise keywords, titles, screenshots, and descriptions that concisely illustrate your app and the tasks it executes. When done well, these elements help potential users know exactly what they'll get from your app before downloading.

Additionally, your app must perform well to achieve strong ASO. The better your app functions—fast load times, no crashes, intuitive navigation—the higher your users will rate it, which directly impacts your rankings. This is where building on a solid technical foundation matters: apps that lag or crash generate negative reviews that tank your visibility.

Step 1: Conduct Comprehensive Keyword Research

Like web page SEO, you must put in some ASO elbow grease for your app to rank. Start by hopping onto the app stores and researching apps similar to yours. If you're releasing a wine app, search for "wine app" or "wine ratings."

Tap on the highest-ranking and top-rated apps, read their descriptions, and write down the keywords they use. Pay attention to how they structure their titles and subtitles—these patterns reveal what's working in your category.

Then, look into some poorly rated apps and read the comments. Take these reviews as warnings of what not to do. Common complaints often reveal feature gaps you can fill or user experience problems you can avoid.

Consider using an ASO keyword research tool, which provides feedback about popular search terms and trends. You'll learn which keywords are highly competitive (meaning only top apps with thousands of downloads can rank for them) and discover alternative yet practical keywords to include.

Here are a few ASO tools:

Step 2: Optimize Your App Title and Subtitle

Your app's title and subtitle are the first elements your audience sees in search results. Both should contain your primary keywords while remaining readable and memorable.

First things first: Your app's title should reflect its core functionality while being catchy. To optimize for both app stores, keep it to 30 characters or less.

For example, if your app focuses on everything Golden Retriever owners need, it could be powerfully summed up as "Golden Retriever Care" or "Golden Retriever Lovers."

Apple's App Store also allows you to write an app subtitle with a 30-character limit. Use this space to describe your app further by adding more keywords.

For the Golden Retriever app example, you can list more features in your subtitle, like Training, Grooming, and Diet. These are all essential aspects that signal to potential users exactly what value they'll receive.

Step 3: Craft a Compelling App Description

Potential downloaders read your app's description as soon as they tap on it, so treat this as your pitch. Ensure your app description includes the following:

Both Google and Apple allow app descriptions up to 4,000 characters. Use this space wisely, and err on the side of brevity, not length. People might pass on downloading your app if you ramble when you could have delivered your point in half the words.

Structure your description with the most compelling information first. Many users only read the first few lines before deciding whether to expand the full description or move on.

Step 4: Design an Eye-Catching App Icon

Think of your icon like your app's logo. It appears on both app stores to the left of your title and becomes the symbol users remember. A professional, visually pleasing icon helps your app stand out in crowded search results.

But relax: You don't need to be an experienced graphic designer to create an attention-grabbing icon. Online services like BrandCrowd or Fotor offer templates and tools to create professional icons without design expertise.

Keep your icon simple and recognizable at small sizes. Avoid text—it becomes illegible on phone screens. Use colors that stand out against both light and dark backgrounds, and ensure the design communicates your app's purpose at a glance.

Step 5: Use High-Quality Screenshots and Videos

Screenshots and videos give people an idea of how your app looks and functions without actually downloading it. This preview often determines whether someone taps "Get" or keeps scrolling.

Ensure you have screenshots of the most important functions. For a Golden Retriever app, you might show a records page that tracks vaccinations and vet appointments, or a training schedule feature.

Use videos to illustrate complex or special features. If your app provides a map of nearby dog parks across the US, create videos showing searches in different locations. Movement catches attention in the app store and demonstrates functionality better than static images.

Both Apple and Google have specific requirements for screenshot dimensions and video length. Check their current guidelines before uploading to ensure your assets display correctly across all device sizes.

Step 6: Encourage Positive User Reviews and Ratings

Positive reviews and ratings are essential to your app's ranking in the app stores. Adding a note nudging people to review your app at the end of your description might result in a few extra reviews, but the real strategy happens inside the app itself.

Prompt users to review at strategic moments—after they've completed a task successfully or achieved something meaningful within your app. Include a textbox on feature screens that asks users to rate and review the app when they're most likely feeling positive about the experience.

If you maintain your app well, your chances of getting positive reviews will be high. The opposite occurs if you neglect your app—bugs and crashes generate one-star reviews that are difficult to overcome.

Respond to reviews when possible, especially negative ones. Showing that you're actively listening and improving builds trust with potential users reading through your reviews.

Step 7: Utilize App Store Ads

Just like with social media and website rankings, you can pay to get your app ranking at the top for certain keywords. Investing in app store ads when you're starting can jumpstart your visibility.

This costs a few hundred dollars depending on the keywords, but guarantees that people searching for an app like yours will see it. This initial visibility can compel users to read your description, download your app, and start generating the organic reviews and engagement that lead to higher rankings without continued ad spend.

Start with a small budget to test which keywords convert best. Track your cost per install and adjust your targeting based on which search terms bring users who actually engage with your app long-term.

Step 8: Leverage Social Proof and Awards

When those 5-star rankings start coming in, you'll have powerful marketing material to leverage across channels.

If you have a web page or web app version, highlight your app's high ratings on your landing page to drive additional downloads. Share your stellar ratings on social media, and include review quotes in your marketing materials.

Both Apple and Google give out annual app awards—winning these dramatically boosts your app's popularity and credibility. You can also submit your app to organizations like Best Mobile App Awards, which holds contests yearly.

If you win any awards, ensure you reference them in your app description. An award is a highly authoritative third-party endorsement that nearly guarantees potential downloaders your app is useful and high quality.

Step 9: Regularly Update Your App

Constantly checking up on your app, fixing bugs, and updating features all improve your users' experience. Failing to do so results in a malfunctioning app that crashes and frustrates users—leading directly to negative reviews.

A regularly updated app also helps boost your app store rankings. Both Google and Apple reward apps that show active development because they want to surface the best apps possible to their users.

Adalo's AI-assisted platform makes updates straightforward. Magic Add lets you add features by describing what you want in natural language, while X-Ray identifies performance issues before they affect users. This means you can push improvements quickly without rebuilding from scratch.

When you update, write clear release notes that highlight new features and bug fixes. Users appreciate knowing what's changed, and detailed notes signal that you're actively improving the app.

Step 10: Monitor and Analyze Performance Metrics

You should check your app's analytics regularly through your Apple or Google developer accounts. Your app-building platform may also provide tracking capabilities.

By accessing your app's analytics, you'll find trends in specific metrics like user locations, average time spent on your app, most popular screens and features, session frequency, and retention rates.

Use your findings to improve specific areas of your app. If a particular screen has high drop-off rates, compare it to higher-performing screens to determine what changes might help. If users in certain regions engage more, consider localization efforts to expand that success.

Track your keyword rankings over time to see which ASO efforts are working. Adjust your strategy based on data rather than assumptions—what works in one app category may not work in another.

Build Your Next App With Adalo

Now that you know how to boost your app's ranking in the app stores, the foundation matters: a well-built app that performs reliably generates the positive reviews and engagement that algorithms reward.

Adalo is an AI-powered app builder that lets you bring any app idea to life without coding. Over 3 million apps have been created on the platform, with the visual builder described as "easy as PowerPoint" and AI features promising rapid creation speed.

The platform's drag-and-drop interface lets you create any app—a booking app for your salon, an accounting app for your finance team, or a social media app for Golden Retriever owners. One build publishes to web, Apple App Store, and Google Play Store for maximum exposure.

Paid plans include no record limits on the database and no usage-based charges, meaning no surprise bills as your app grows. With the right data relationship setups, Adalo apps scale beyond 1 million monthly active users.

When you use Adalo, you have the power and flexibility to tailor-make an app that meets your taste and brand preferences. Try Adalo today for free and start building an app designed to rank.

FAQ

Why choose Adalo over other app building solutions?

Adalo is an AI-powered app builder that creates true native iOS and Android apps from a single codebase. Unlike web wrappers, it compiles to native code and publishes directly to both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store—handling the complex submission process that's often the hardest part of launching an app.

What's the fastest way to build and publish an app to the App Store?

Adalo's drag-and-drop interface combined with AI-assisted building lets you go from idea to published app in days rather than months. Magic Start generates complete app foundations from descriptions, and the platform handles App Store submission so you can focus on features and user experience instead of certificates and provisioning profiles.

What is App Store Optimization (ASO) and why does it matter?

App Store Optimization is the process of improving your mobile app's visibility in app store search results. It involves optimizing keywords, titles, screenshots, and descriptions to help users find your app. Strong ASO combined with a well-performing app leads to more downloads, better reviews, and higher rankings.

How do I conduct keyword research for my app?

Start by searching the app stores for apps similar to yours and noting keywords used by top-ranking competitors. Read reviews of poorly rated apps to learn what to avoid. Use ASO tools like App Radar ($59/month), Apptweak ($83/month), or Data.AI to discover popular search terms and less competitive keywords.

How important are user reviews and ratings for my app's success?

User reviews and ratings are essential to app store rankings. Positive reviews signal to both potential users and algorithms that your app is high quality. Encourage reviews by prompting users at strategic moments—after they've completed tasks successfully—and maintain your app consistently to avoid negative feedback.

Should I invest in App Store ads when launching my app?

Yes, App Store ads can be beneficial when starting out. Paid ads guarantee visibility at the top of search results for your target keywords. This initial exposure drives downloads and reviews that build organic momentum toward higher rankings without continued ad spend.

How much does it cost to build an app with Adalo?

Adalo's web and true-native mobile builder starts at $36/month with unlimited usage and app store publishing. Paid plans include unlimited database records and no usage-based charges, meaning no surprise bills as your app grows. You can start building for free to test the platform.

Can Adalo apps scale as my user base grows?

Yes. Adalo's modular infrastructure scales to serve apps with over 1 million monthly active users, with no upper ceiling. The Adalo 3.0 infrastructure overhaul (launched late 2025) made apps 3-4x faster with architecture that maintains performance at scale—unlike app wrappers that hit constraints under load.

How often should I update my app for better rankings?

Regular updates improve both user experience and app store rankings. Both Apple and Google reward actively maintained apps. Push updates whenever you fix bugs, add features, or improve performance. Adalo's Magic Add feature lets you add capabilities by describing what you want, making updates faster to implement.

What metrics should I track to improve my app's performance?

Monitor user locations, average session time, most popular screens, retention rates, and keyword rankings through your Apple or Google developer accounts. Use this data to identify which features engage users and which screens have high drop-off rates, then adjust your app and ASO strategy accordingly.