aso

Keyword Golden Ratio (KGR)

A keyword research methodology that identifies low-competition keywords by dividing the number of apps targeting a keyword in their title by the keyword's monthly search volume.

long tail keywords keyword optimization search volume keyword difficulty

The Keyword Golden Ratio (KGR) is a data-driven framework for finding keywords where demand exceeds supply. Originally developed for web SEO by Doug Cunnington, the methodology translates directly to App Store Optimization.

The Formula

For ASO, the KGR formula is:

KGR = (number of apps with the exact keyword in their title) / (monthly search volume)

A KGR below 0.25 indicates an underserved keyword where few apps specifically target the term relative to how many users search for it.

KGR Thresholds

  • Below 0.25: Target immediately. High probability of ranking within 1-2 weeks
  • 0.25 to 0.50: Moderate competition. Achievable but slower to rank
  • 0.50 to 1.00: Competitive. Only target if you have strong existing authority
  • Above 1.00: Oversaturated. More apps target this keyword than users search for it

Why KGR Works

Traditional keyword difficulty scores measure the strength of currently ranked apps. KGR measures something different: how crowded the keyword is at the metadata level. A keyword can have a low difficulty score but a high KGR if many weak apps target it. Conversely, a keyword can have a high difficulty score but a low KGR if one strong app dominates but few others compete.

Using both metrics together gives you a more complete picture of which keywords offer realistic ranking opportunities.

Applying KGR to ASO

KGR works best with long-tail keywords that have monthly search volumes between 50 and 250. Below 50, the traffic potential is too low to justify the effort. Above 250, the methodology becomes less predictive.

Build a spreadsheet of candidate keywords, calculate KGR for each, and prioritize those below 0.25 with the highest relevance to your app. Place your strongest KGR keywords in the app title and subtitle, where they carry the most ranking weight.