ASO keyword research for indie apps
Indie ASO is not about owning the biggest keyword on day one. It is about finding search terms where user intent is clear, the competitor set is beatable, and the app can keep learning from each release.
Start with the apps users already choose
List the strongest competing apps, then inspect the language around their category, reviews, subtitles and visible positioning. The goal is to map how buyers describe the problem, not how the developer describes the feature.
Separate head terms from buying phrases
A broad term like fitness may be useful for context, but a phrase like habit tracker for runners carries a sharper job. Long-tail phrases usually bring less volume, but they often bring cleaner intent.
Prioritize by opportunity, not vanity
A good ASO backlog balances volume, difficulty and commercial fit. The best next keyword is the one a smaller app can plausibly rank for and convert, not the one with the biggest total market.
FAQ
How many ASO keywords should an indie app target?
Start with a focused cluster of 10-20 phrases, then expand once the app has enough ranking and conversion feedback to guide the next pass.