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.
The Keyword Golden Ratio (KGR) is a data-driven framework for finding keywords where demand exceeds supply. Doug Cunnington developed it for web search engine optimization (SEO), and the method 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 difficulty scores measure the strength of currently ranked apps. KGR measures something different: how crowded the keyword is at the metadata level. A term can have a low difficulty score but a high KGR if many weak apps target it. The reverse also holds - a term can score high on difficulty but low on KGR if one strong app dominates while few others compete.
Using both metrics together reveals 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 formula becomes less predictive.
Build a spreadsheet of candidate terms, calculate KGR for each, and prioritize those below 0.25 with the highest relevance to your app. Place your strongest picks in the app title and subtitle, where they carry the most ranking weight.