Start with long-tail keywords
New apps rarely rank for single-word keywords like 'game' or 'photo'. Target 3-4 word phrases first (e.g., 'offline habit tracker with streaks'). These have lower competition and higher conversion intent.
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ASO research
Free ASO keyword checker
Enter any keyword to get a competition difficulty estimate, keyword variations for ASO, and related keyword suggestions. A quick heuristic analysis for indie developers planning their App Store and Google Play keyword strategy.
Enter a keyword and click Analyze to see:
- - Competition difficulty estimate
- - Keyword statistics (length, word count)
- - Keyword variations for ASO
- - Related keyword suggestions
ASO keyword strategy tips
How to choose and use keywords that actually get your app discovered.
Apple keyword field strategy
You only get 100 characters. Use all of them. Separate keywords with commas, no spaces. Skip words already in your app name. Mix broad and specific terms. Don't use competitor names or trademarked terms.
Google Play keyword strategy
Google indexes your title, short description, and full description for search. Include important keywords 3-5 times in natural contexts. The title carries the most weight, so lead with your main keyword.
Validate with real data
Heuristic difficulty estimates are a starting point, not the final answer. Validate keyword demand with Apple Search Ads data, Google Keyword Planner, or ASO tools like Sensor Tower, AppTweak, or Mobile Action.
FAQ
What is ASO keyword difficulty?
Keyword difficulty estimates how hard it is to rank for a given keyword. High-difficulty keywords are dominated by established apps with millions of downloads. Low-difficulty keywords have fewer competing apps, giving new apps a better chance to rank.
Is this difficulty score accurate?
This is a heuristic estimate based on keyword structure (length, word count, character patterns). For accurate data, use App Store Connect analytics, Apple Search Ads impression data, or dedicated ASO tools.
How many keywords should I target?
For the App Store, fill all 100 characters with 15-25 distinct keywords. For Google Play, naturally incorporate 5-10 important keywords into your title, short description, and full description.
What's the difference between this and the keyword generator?
The keyword generator helps you find keyword ideas from your app features and audience. This keyword checker analyzes a specific keyword you already have in mind — it tells you whether that keyword is worth targeting.
Ready to build your keyword list?
Use the keyword generator to find keyword ideas, then check them here one by one to build a strong ASO strategy.