App Ratings & Reviews + Keyword Ranking

I was going to write a general newsletter on more ranking factors but yesterday I came across this article from The ASO Project about the recent December 2023 algorithm updates boosting the significance of reviews in the past 7-30 days as a keyword ranking factor. Again other than the AppTweak update they do show any data other than the affect of adding a ratings prompt to back up this claim. A non-brainer this might be true but I would live to see proof.

The article goes on to talk about general ratings best practices:

• Critical Role of Reviews: Reviews significantly impact an app's ranking and visibility in app stores, with algorithms favoring apps that receive recent, positive feedback.

• Algorithm Preferences: Updates to app store algorithms now place greater emphasis on the freshness and positivity of reviews, affecting how apps are discovered by users.

• User Engagement Strategies: Developers are encouraged to proactively engage with users to solicit positive reviews, which can enhance app visibility.

• Significance of Responding: Timely and thoughtful responses to user reviews can signal customer satisfaction, influencing app store algorithms favorably.

• Optimal Timing for Review Requests: Strategically timing when to ask users for reviews can lead to a higher rate of positive responses.

• Efficiency through Tools: The article highlights tools like Reviews Manager that assist developers in managing review responses more effectively, aiming to boost app ratings and visibility.

I would say the lack of rating prompt is a massive issue in 2024, even though there is native ability to add it. The rating and volume of ratings is a massive visual cue to influence conversion rates.

Until next week!