---
title: Do Backlinks Help ASO? Boost iOS & Android App Rankings
description: Improve app rankings with backlinks for ASO. Learn strategies for iOS and Android to boost Play Store visibility, drive installs and increase referral traffic.
---

[Blog | Kurve App Marketing Agency ](https://kurve.co.uk/blog)

# [Do Backlinks Help ASO? Boost iOS & Android App Rankings](https://kurve.co.uk/blog/backlinks-for-aso-app-rankings)

 Written by [Sam Olsson](https://kurve.co.uk/blog/author/sam-olsson) | Mar 3, 2025 9:00:00 AM

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

There’s a growing discussion around how **backlinks impact [App Store Optimization (ASO)](https://kurve.co.uk/app-store-optimization-services)**. 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](https://appradar.com/academy/backlinks-seo-for-apps))

### **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](https://618media.com/en/blog/backlinks-in-aso-do-they-still-matter/))

### **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](https://outrankapps.com/backlink-metrics-for-aso/))

### **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](https://www.apptweak.com/en/aso-blog/google-play-store-new-backlinks-tracker-tool))

## **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**

[View full post](https://kurve.co.uk/blog/backlinks-for-aso-app-rankings)

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