Our next ASO tip can take a page from a classic Search Engine Optimization strategy. Link building, the cornerstone of SEO, is the process of getting outside sources/websites to link to your website/web pages and it’s now your new friend in getting web traffic to your app! Web traffic can be a valuable source of users outside of the app stores. More and more app-related results are displaying for mobile web searches, and with the focus on deep linking and app indexing for web, it provides a fantastic opportunity for optimization outside of the typical in-store keyword rankings. Let’s dive deeper.

Why you need to focus on web traffic:

Google Search on Mobile returns “App” category results

Did you know? On mobile web browsers, a Google Search will often time return an “Apps” section that lists apps for the corresponding store (App Store apps for iOS devices, Play Store apps for Android devices). Many of these mobile searches result in a list of apps and offer a fantastic opportunity for apps to gain traffic from web searches. Check out the screenshot below for one of our clients, and a high-volume iOS (and web) search term!

iTunes/Google Play URL’s rank in search

Every app has a URL on the web whether it’s on iTunes or Google Play. These links will rank in search when they are boosted by quality backlinks from reliable sites. Last year’s Penguin update by Google also favors mobile-first content so this is another reason to bolster your app URL with a link building strategy. This is another fantastic way to gain app traffic outside of the stores!

Apple Analytics tracks Web Referral traffic

The proof is in the analytics! The Apple Analytics “Sources” tab records web traffic that refers to your app in addition to App Referrers, App Store Search and App Store Browse. Google also lists Google Organic search as an acquisition channel, so developers have the ability to track web referrals on both platforms. Take a look at your web traffic and you’ll be able to calculate the additional opportunity that is available. How visible is your app in mobile web searches? Are you missing an opportunity and does your app need a boost?

The good news? We can help!

Contact us today for more information on our Link Building services.