In a previous ASO Weekly, we covered the latest iOS 17 announcement and all the exciting features that come along with it. Among those is the introduction of a new Apple-native journal app. This begs the question, what will happen to existing journaling apps? Will they even be able to compete? We think so.
Below take a look at three examples of journal apps that are crushing it in the App Store and what they are doing to not only stay relevant, but thrive in the App Store.
A major point of leverage for any app facing increasing competition is the quality of their user experience. Satisfied users can increase an customer lifetime value and can potentially act as a source of powerful organic marketing. A value-driven user experience can also open the door to improved App Store performance when recognized by Apple’s own team of editors.
Day One Journal is an example of an app that has been able to rank #1 for the term “journal app” thanks to its effective ASO strategy coupled with an Editors’ Choice highlight. The developers understood the importance of creating a synergistic relationship between their service and organic marketing best practices to earn themselves an award as well as the top spot in search results.
An “Editors’ Choice” badge is a great way of highlighting a quality in-app experience to potential users. Receiving this award can provide several benefits and can help their overall app marketing strategy.
An App Store Editor's Choice Award offers significant benefits by creating differentiation, building credibility and trust, helping increase downloads, promoting media exposure, and providing a competitive advantage. It can greatly contribute to the success and growth of an app, attracting more users and establishing a strong position within App Store search results.
Keeping users up to date with what your app offers is an effective way of increasing engagement, improving retention, and attracting new users. Apple's In-App Events provide several benefits that help app developers achieve this with a unique way of presenting content. Whether it is a new feature, promotion, offer, or anything in between, In-App Events help developers engage with their audience outside of their standard app listing assets.
Planner & Journal is an app that leverages the power of In-App Events to highlight seasonal content. With the headline “June Journalin’” the developers relate the current season to their app’s core feature in a different format than the usual screenshots or preview video. By adopting this strategy the app can stand out among those that aren’t using In-App Events in search results. At the same time, users who have downloaded already or uninstalled are also presented with new information that might interest them.
By utilizing Apple's In-App Events, developers can effectively provide a fresh stream of content for users while reaping the benefits of increased engagement and retention. It acts as a powerful tool in creating engaging and dynamic experiences that capture users and foster long-term app usage.
The App Title holds significant importance for the success and discoverability of a mobile application. Acting as the first piece of text users see, it should act as a guide to your brand identity and provide insight into the key features your app offers. A way to achieve this is to follow ASO best practices that balance app branding with effective keyword selection.
Apart from your app name, title tags are a great way to target keywords in your title while relating a user’s search query to your app. The effectiveness of this strategy can be seen in the example above, with Diary With Password ranking #3 for the term “journal app”. Diary With Password also utilizes the core terms “diary” and “password” to target two potential subsets of users:
With the introduction of iOS 17 come new opportunities and challenges for all developers. Journaling apps are one subset of several that will need to adapt to compete with Apple’s own efforts to promote native services. However, developers may very well have the advantage in the initial stages considering they have established user bases, implemented winning ASO strategies, and continuously leverage the tools given by Apple.
Having a quality in-app experience, using promotional App Store tools like In-App Events, and optimizing your metadata fields like the app title, are all steps in the right direction to competing and staying relevant, no matter your market.
Need help optimizing your app? Get in touch with the ASO experts at Gummicube today!
App iterations are essential to the upkeep of your app's performance, housing important keyword updates and creative edits that can progressively go a long way. This App Store Spotlight covers Vaia's recent renaming, diving into a major change for the app with modifications to its keyword strategy and screenshots. Has it contributed to growth in time for back-to-school season? That's what we'll find out.
Bed Bath & Beyond is back and users have noticed. With an updated app listing and improved keyword rankings, the company can build upon their temporary app growth through ASO best practices we'll cover in today's App Store Spotlight.
Philanthropy & social media - a match made in heaven if incorporated correctly. Leveraging the power of the Internet to create a global community of conscious users aiming to make a difference is every digital altruist's dream. Can Roar Social achieve that? This App Store Spotlight provides some pointers in the right direction.