Beyond ASO: How to Maximize Your App’s Visibility with AEO

In today’s saturated app market, getting discovered is half the battle. With millions of apps competing for attention, simply publishing your app on the App Store or Google Play isn’t enough. That’s where App Engine Optimization (AEO) steps in. Unlike traditional App Store Optimization (ASO), AEO expands your visibility beyond app stores and into the broader web. This guide explores what AEO is, why it matters, and how you can implement it to maximize your app's visibility and reach.

What is AEO?

App Engine Optimization (AEO) is a strategic approach to making your app more discoverable across search engines like Google and Bing, in addition to the app stores. It combines best practices from SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and ASO to ensure your app content, listings, and associated web assets are fully optimized for search engine visibility.

With AEO, your app isn’t just found through app store searches—it becomes part of the broader search ecosystem, showing up in Google results, blog posts, social media, and more.

Why AEO is Crucial

1. Wider Reach: Many users begin their search on Google rather than in app stores.

2. Higher Intent Users: Web searchers often have a specific need, leading to better conversion.

3. Cross-Channel Exposure: AEO connects your app to multiple traffic sources including web, social, and media.

4. Future-Proof Strategy: As mobile search evolves, AEO helps you stay ahead.

How to Improve Your AEO: A Step-by-Step Strategy

1. Create a Mobile-Optimized App Landing Page

Build a dedicated landing page on your website with:

• Keyword-optimized app name and title

• Descriptive content explaining features and benefits

• App screenshots and preview videos

• Direct download links for iOS and Android

Pro Tip: Use schema markup (SoftwareApplication) to help search engines index the page effectively.

2. Enable App Indexing

App indexing lets search engines crawl and link to your app content.

• Android: Use Firebase App Indexing to allow Google to access in-app content.

• iOS: Implement Universal Links to ensure iOS devices open your app directly from web links.

Pro Tip: Sync your app’s content with your website to increase indexability.

3. Implement Deep Linking

Deep linking routes users to specific screens within your app.

• Use custom URI schemes (e.g., myapp://profile/123)

• Apply Android App Links and iOS Universal Links

Pro Tip: Always test deep links across devices and use fallback URLs when the app isn’t installed.

4. Optimize App Store Listings (ASO)

Your app store listing directly affects how search engines perceive your app. Focus on:

• Keyword-rich titles and subtitles

• Detailed descriptions with LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords

• High-quality visuals including icon, screenshots, and preview videos

Pro Tip: Maintain consistency between app store content and your website content.

5. Publish Relevant Content

Content marketing supports AEO by providing context and authority.

• Start a blog with tutorials, feature updates, and user guides

• Write listicles, comparisons, and how-tos that link back to your app

Pro Tip: Link all content to your landing page using relevant anchor text.

6. Earn Quality Backlinks

Backlinks from authoritative sites signal credibility to search engines.

• Reach out to app review sites

• Submit guest posts to industry blogs

• Use PR campaigns to gain media mentions

Pro Tip: Use SEO tools like Ahrefs to track your backlink profile and identify new opportunities.

7. Use Social Media as an AEO Channel

Even though social links are typically nofollow, they drive traffic and engagement.

• Promote your app with engaging posts and videos

• Run giveaways or user challenges

• Partner with influencers in your niche

Pro Tip: Use branded hashtags and encourage user-generated content.

8. Encourage Reviews Everywhere

Positive reviews build trust across platforms.

• App Store and Google Play reviews

• Google My Business (if applicable)

• Embedded testimonials on your website

Pro Tip: Respond to user feedback to increase engagement and trust.

9. Leverage YouTube and Video SEO

Video content increases visibility and user trust.

• Create explainer videos and feature walk-throughs

• Optimize titles, descriptions, and tags with keywords

Pro Tip: Embed YouTube videos on your app landing page and blog posts.

10. Track Performance and Iterate

Monitoring your AEO efforts is key to success.

• Use Google Analytics and Search Console for traffic insights

• Track keyword rankings with SEO tools

• Use Firebase and App Store/Play Console for engagement metrics

Pro Tip: Regularly A/B test landing page elements and metadata.

Bonus Strategies to Take AEO Further

• Voice Search Optimization: Optimize for natural language queries

• Localization: Translate content and metadata for different regions

• Progressive Web Apps (PWAs): Let users experience your app from the web

• Schema Markup Expansion: Include reviews, ratings, and FAQ schemas

Final Thoughts

App Engine Optimization is no longer optional—it’s a must. With AEO, you create a holistic ecosystem where your app thrives on both app stores and search engines. It empowers you to capture user attention across channels, convert more installs, and retain valuable users.

Start with a strong foundation: a landing page, solid content, proper indexing, and smart linking strategies. Then build on it with consistent optimization and analysis.

Need help optimizing your AEO strategy?

At Nazer Apps, we specialize in full-cycle mobile development and marketing—from ASO to advanced AEO strategies. Let’s build something great together and make your app stand out across all platforms.