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    Do Backlinks Help ASO? Boost iOS & Android App Rankings

    by Sam Olsson on
    Marketing App Store Optimization backlinks

    Can Backlinks Improve ASO? The Truth for iOS & Android Apps

    There’s a growing discussion around how backlinks impact App Store Optimization (ASO). While backlinks are a core ranking factor in traditional SEO, their role in iOS and Android app rankings is still debated. However, ASO specialists, including AppTweak, 618 Media, and AppRadar, have analyzed backlink strategies and their influence on discoverability.

    Several strategies indicate that backlinks can influence app visibility, indexing, and even search rankings—but the mechanics differ between iOS and Android.

    This guide explores:

    • Whether backlinks affect App Store & Google Play rankings
    • How backlinks work for ASO & web-to-app SEO
    • Best backlink strategies that actually drive installs & engagement

    Do Backlinks Help iOS App Store Rankings?

    Unlike Google Play, the Apple App Store doesn’t rely on backlinks in the same way as traditional web search engines. However, indirect benefits from backlinks can improve app discoverability.

    1. Backlinks & Indexed App Store Pages

    • Apple indexes App Store pages in Google Search.
    • High-authority backlinks pointing to your iOS App Store listing can increase its Google ranking, leading to more organic traffic.
    • This is especially valuable for branded searches, where users look up an app by name.

    AppRadar’s Take on Backlinks & ASO:
    "While backlinks don’t directly impact iOS rankings, they boost external discoverability, which can increase search volume and installs." (source)

    2. Search Parameters & Deep Links for iOS

    Apple analyzes engagement with app listings, and some developers claim that search query URLs influence ranking by simulating searches for specific keywords.

    For example:
    https://apps.apple.com/app/id1234567890?mt=8&at=search_keyword

    Possible ASO impact:

    • Promoting these links across high-traffic sources could send engagement signals to Apple, reinforcing keyword relevance.
    • Deep linking from external sites also improves user engagement, which is a ranking factor for iOS ASO.

    3. Referral Traffic & App Install Growth

    • Apple prioritizes apps that receive consistent install volume from external sources.
    • If backlinks drive high-quality referral traffic, they can increase conversion rates & boost ASO performance.

    Case Study:
    A finance app featured on tech blogs with strong backlinks to its App Store page saw a 21% increase in referral-driven installs, improving its ranking.

    What Backlinks Won’t Do for iOS

    • Apple does NOT use backlinks as a direct ranking factor like Google.
    • Simply having backlinks won’t boost your App Store rank, only increased referral traffic and engagement will.

    Do Backlinks Help Android App Rankings in Google Play?

    Unlike Apple, Google Play operates more like traditional SEO, meaning backlinks DO matter.

    1. Google Play Indexes Backlinks Like a Website

    • Google Play apps function similarly to webpages in Google’s search index.
    • Backlinks from high-authority sites can directly impact Play Store rankings by boosting an app’s credibility.

    618 Media’s ASO Insights:
    "Google Play’s ranking algorithm values backlinks similarly to websites—apps with strong backlink profiles tend to rank better." (source)

    2. Referral Traffic Boosts Play Store Rankings

    Google Play prioritizes:

    1. Engagement Signals (e.g., clicks, installs, session length)
    2. Install Volume Growth (more external traffic = more downloads = ranking improvement)

    Case Study:
    A health app that secured backlinks from fitness blogs & Quora discussions saw a 16% improvement in keyword rankings and higher conversion rates.

    3. Web-to-App SEO Strategy

    • Since Google indexes Play Store listings, ranking high in Google Search for branded & category keywords brings organic traffic.
    • Building backlinks to both your website & Play Store page helps reinforce your app’s authority within Google’s ecosystem.

    Outrank Apps’ Recommendation:
    "If your app is also a web-based product, optimizing your website for ASO + SEO helps improve Play Store rankings." (source)

    What Backlinks Won’t Do for Android

    • Backlinks alone won’t rank your app if engagement, retention, and install velocity are low.
    • Low-quality backlinks (from spammy sites) won’t help ASO and could harm SEO rankings.

    Best Backlink Strategies for ASO

    If backlinks don’t directly impact iOS rankings and only indirectly impact Android rankings, how can you make them work for your app?

    1. Build High-Quality Backlinks to Your App Store Page

    • Get backlinks from news articles, blogs, and forums covering your niche.
    • Secure app reviews on high-authority tech sites.
    • List your app in directories like Product Hunt, AlternativeTo, BetaList.

    2. Optimize for Branded Search & Referral Traffic

    • Optimize for branded searches by linking to your app in press releases, social media, and high-authority domains.
    • Leverage influencer & affiliate partnerships to drive organic referral installs.

    3. Implement Deep Linking for Engagement

    • Use Firebase Dynamic Links (Android) & Universal Links (iOS) to create seamless web-to-app experiences.
    • Deep linking improves conversion rates by sending users directly into the app instead of just the store page.

    4. Optimize Your Website for App SEO

    • Ensure your website includes your app name, category keywords, and “Download Now” button linking to the app store.
    • Google prioritizes websites that send referral traffic to Play Store listings.

    5. Run a Press & PR Strategy for App Features

    • Tech publications like TechCrunch, Wired, and Mashable often feature app launches.
    • Getting covered in app roundups helps build backlinks & drives install velocity.

    Final Thoughts: Do Backlinks Help ASO?

    • iOS: No direct impact, but backlinks boost referral traffic, branded search & conversions.
    • Android: Yes, backlinks influence Play Store rankings by increasing authority & referral traffic.

    Best ASO Backlink Strategy

    1. Focus on referral traffic that leads to downloads.
    2. Use deep linking for seamless app installs.
    3. Get high-authority press coverage & backlinks.
    4. Optimize your website for branded search.

    AppTweak’s Final Take:
    "Backlinks are one of the most underused ASO tactics for boosting external discoverability & keyword performance." (source)

    ASO & Backlinks FAQ

    1. Do backlinks improve App Store rankings on iOS?
      Not directly, but they help drive referral traffic & branded search, which can impact ASO.

    2. Can backlinks boost rankings on Google Play?
      Yes, Google Play treats Play Store pages like web pages, so backlinks improve authority & rankings.

    3. What’s the best way to use backlinks for ASO?
      Press coverage, blog mentions, influencer collaborations, and deep links that drive installs & engagement.

    📩 Want to Grow Your App?
    If you’re looking for ASO + SEO strategies that drive installs,
    📩 Get in touch at growth@kurve.co.uk

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