ASO vs SEO: Different Platforms, Different Rules

While many marketers refer to ASO as “SEO for apps,” the truth is more nuanced. These two worlds overlap in strategy but differ in execution. Here’s how:

  • App stores are merchandising engines, not search engines
  • Visual assets (icons, screenshots) have direct impact on rankings
  • App store keywords tend to be short (2–3 words), unlike SEO long-tails
  • ASO includes ranking by conversion rate, not just relevance
  • App store behavior is fast-moving and intent-specific