sonarApp Store Optimization Insights
Data-driven research, practical guides, and strategies for ranking higher on the App Store and Google Play.
App Store Ratings: How They Move Rankings
Do ratings move App Store rankings? Sonar data on 4,629 US keyword top 10s: the #1 app out-rates #2 only half the time, and there's no 4.5-star step.
App Localization: Keep Home Rankings Intact
Learn how app localization expands your reach into new markets without cannibalizing your existing keyword rankings. A data-backed ASO strategy guide.
Free vs Paid Apps: How ASO Strategy Changes
Free vs paid apps require different ASO approaches. Learn how pricing model affects keywords, conversion rates, metadata, and revenue — with real data.
App Store Keyword Field: What Gets Indexed
The app store keyword field is one of the most misunderstood ASO levers. Learn what Apple still indexes, what it ignores, and how to use all 100 characters.
iOS App Title Length: What Fits, What Gets Cut, and How to Use Every Character
Apple gives you 30 characters for your iOS app title length. Learn what gets truncated in search, how to use the subtitle, and the ASO rules for 2026.
What Is ASO? App Store Optimization Explained
65-70% of app discoveries happen through search. ASO is how you show up. The 4 ranking inputs, 5 optimization pillars, and first steps for iOS and Google Play.
Apple Search Ads: The Complete Guide for Indie Developers
Set up Apple Search Ads on $5-50/day: Basic vs Advanced campaigns, the 5 metrics that matter (CPT, CPI, TTR, CR, SP), and why good ASO cuts your ad costs.
The Complete ASO Checklist for Launching Your App in 2026
23-step ASO checklist from pre-launch keyword research to your first month of rank tracking. Copy-paste ready for iOS and Android.
Best Free ASO Tools in 2026 (iOS + Android)
The best free ASO tools in 2026 — 12 options compared for keyword research, rank tracking, and competitor analysis on Android and iOS, plus honest limits.
Best ASO Tools for App Store Optimization (2026)
Sensor Tower ($25K/yr), AppTweak (from €79/mo), App Radar ($39/mo), and 6 more ASO tools rated on keyword quality, rank tracking, competitor analysis, and value for money.
How to Audit Your App Store Listing (With a Free ASO Score Tool)
6-area ASO audit you can finish in 30 minutes: metadata, visuals, ratings, keyword coverage, and competitive positioning. Includes a free scoring tool.
Mobile App Marketing: The Complete Playbook
3-phase app marketing playbook (pre-launch, launch week, post-launch) for $0-500/month. Organic search drives 50-70% of lifetime installs — start there.
How to Find Low-Competition App Store Keywords That Actually Rank
A step-by-step method for finding low-competition App Store and Google Play keywords a small app can win, with Sonar data on 3,510 keywords measured on both stores.
ASO vs SEO: What's the Difference (and Why You Need Both)
ASO vs SEO compared across 16 dimensions — from 160-char iOS constraints to visual ranking factors. If you know SEO, here's exactly what transfers and what doesn't.
The Indie Developer's Guide to App Store Optimization
65-70% of app installs come from search. Target keywords with SP 35-55 and difficulty under 35 — the sweet spot where indie apps can rank without a marketing budget.
A Practical Guide to App Store Metadata Optimization
iOS: 30-char title + 30-char subtitle + 100-char keyword field. Android: 30-char title + 80-char short + 4,000-char long description. Field-by-field optimization for both.
Sensor Tower Pricing: Plans, Cost & Alternatives
Sensor Tower pricing starts at ~$500/month — the median buyer pays $74K/year. Full cost breakdown by tier, hidden fees, and alternatives from $29/mo.
Agentic ASO: Why AI Agents Are the Future of App Store Optimization
4 real AI agent workflows that automate keyword research, rank monitoring, and competitor intel — and why dashboard-only ASO tools are already obsolete.