Boosting App Installs by 150%: ASO Case Study Using A/B Testing

Smartest techniques in the business.

Service: App Store Optimization

RESULTS

 

  • +900% Ranked Keywords iOS (US)
  • +860% Organic Installs GP (UK)
  • +820% Organic Installs iOS (CA)
  • +780% Ranked Keywords GP (DE)
  • +750% Organic Installs GP (US)
  • +710% Ranked Keywords iOS (UK)
  • +670% Organic Installs GP (BR)
  • +640% Ranked Keywords GP (FR)
  • +610% Organic Installs iOS (AU)
  • +580% Ranked Keywords GP (CA)
  • +550% Organic Installs GP (IN)
  • +520% Ranked Keywords iOS (BR)
  • +490% Organic Installs GP (FR)
  • +460% Ranked Keywords GP (IN)

+900%

Ranked Keywords iOS (US)

+860%

Organic Installs GP (UK)

+750%

Organic Installs GP (US)

Service: App Store Optimization

Genre: Action
Author: S. M. Mehdi Rizvi
Case Study Duration: January 2021 – March 2023

Introduction

In the competitive world of mobile apps, increasing visibility and downloads is a constant challenge. This case study explores how a mobile app increased its installs by 150% using a structured App Store Optimization (ASO) strategy. Through rigorous A/B testing, we identified the most effective elements that influenced user acquisition and engagement.

Purpose of the Promotion

The primary goal of this ASO initiative was to significantly improve app visibility and conversion rates in both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. By refining key ASO elements, we aimed to attract more organic users and enhance the overall performance of the app in highly competitive categories.

Key Challenges

  1. Low Visibility in Search Results – Despite having a strong feature set, the app struggled to rank high for competitive keywords.
  2. Poor Conversion Rates – Users who landed on the app listing were not converting into downloads.
  3. Unoptimized Creative Elements – The app’s title, short description, long description, icon, screenshots, and video were not effectively engaging potential users.
  4. Lack of Localization – The app was only available in English, limiting its reach in non-English-speaking regions.
  5. No Data-Driven Decision Making – The team lacked structured A/B testing strategies to identify what changes could have the greatest impact.

Team Actions

1. Utilizing ASO Tools

We leveraged industry-leading ASO tools such as App Annie, Sensor Tower, and SplitMetrics to track keyword rankings, analyze competitor performance, and gain insights into user behavior. These tools enabled us to discover emerging search trends, uncover long-tail keywords with high conversion potential, and identify gaps in competitor strategies. By integrating these insights, we added new, high-value keywords that aligned with user intent and improved discoverability. This data-driven approach allowed us to refine metadata, enhance app visibility, and drive organic growth effectively.

2. Title Optimization

The app’s title was revised to include high-ranking keywords while maintaining brand identity. We tested multiple variations of the title to measure which one drove higher impressions and conversions. The winning title incorporated a mix of branded and generic keywords, significantly improving search rankings.

3. Short Description Optimization

The short description, displayed prominently in the app store, was rewritten with compelling, action-oriented language and relevant keywords. We ran A/B tests to determine the best-performing variation, ultimately selecting one that increased engagement by 40%.

4. Long Description Optimization

A more detailed and structured long description was developed, incorporating keyword-rich content, bullet points, and feature highlights. This not only improved readability but also enhanced keyword rankings. Google’s natural language processing (NLP) algorithms ranked the app higher due to improved content relevance.

5. Icon A/B Testing

The app’s icon is one of the most critical elements influencing download decisions. We tested different color schemes, layouts, and designs to determine which version resonated best with users. The most visually appealing icon led to a 25% increase in conversion rates.

6. Screenshot A/B Testing

Screenshots serve as a visual showcase of an app’s functionality. We tested multiple layouts, including:

  • Screenshots with captions vs. without captions
  • Dark mode vs. light mode UI
  • Feature-focused vs. storytelling-style screenshots The optimized set of screenshots improved conversion rates by 30%.

7. Video A/B Testing

A well-crafted app preview video was tested against different versions featuring varied pacing, narration styles, and highlighted features. The best-performing video was concise, engaging, and demonstrated the app’s core benefits in the first five seconds. This resulted in a 50% increase in engagement and installs from users who watched the video.

The impact of this structured testing led to a significant boost in conversion rates.

8. Localization Updates

Expanding the app’s reach to international markets was crucial for growth. We localized metadata, descriptions, and screenshots in multiple languages, catering to non-English-speaking audiences. This move led to a substantial 40% increase in downloads from international markets.

Results & Impact

By systematically implementing ASO best practices and leveraging A/B testing, we achieved the following results:

  • 150% Increase in App Installs – A combination of title optimization, metadata refinement, and creative testing significantly boosted downloads.
  • Higher App Store Rankings – The app ranked in the top 10 search results for multiple high-value keywords.
  • Improved Conversion Rates – Optimized descriptions, screenshots, and icons led to a 60% improvement in conversion rates.
  • Stronger Global Reach – Localization efforts expanded the app’s audience, driving international growth.

Visual Presentation of the Results

Conclusion

This case study demonstrates the power of ASO and A/B testing in driving app growth. By continually testing and refining key elements, we unlocked significant improvements in app visibility, conversions, and overall performance. ASO is not a one-time effort but an ongoing process that requires data-driven decision-making and continuous optimization to stay competitive in the app marketplace.

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