aso

Search Volume

The estimated number of times a keyword is searched for in the App Store or Google Play within a given time period, typically measured monthly.

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Search volume is a core metric in ASO keyword research. It tells you how many users are actively searching for a specific term in app stores, which directly indicates the traffic potential of ranking for that keyword.

How Search Volume Is Measured

Neither Apple nor Google publicly disclose exact search volume numbers. ASO tools like ASODOG estimate search volume using a combination of Apple Search Ads data, keyword ranking correlations, download attribution modeling, and proprietary algorithms.

Most tools report search volume on a relative scale (e.g., 5-100) or as estimated monthly searches. The absolute numbers should be treated as directional estimates rather than precise counts.

Using Search Volume in Keyword Strategy

Search volume is one of three factors you evaluate for every keyword:

  • Search volume - is the keyword worth targeting? (demand)
  • Keyword difficulty - can you realistically rank for it? (competition)
  • Relevance - does the keyword match what your app does? (intent)

A high-volume keyword is useless if you can’t rank for it. A low-competition keyword is useless if nobody searches for it. The best keywords balance all three factors.

Volume Thresholds

As a general guideline:

  • Under 50 monthly searches: Usually too low to justify metadata space unless the keyword is highly targeted and converting
  • 50-250 monthly searches: Ideal range for long-tail and KGR keyword strategies
  • 250-1,000 monthly searches: Medium-tail keywords worth targeting once you have some app authority
  • 1,000+ monthly searches: Head keywords that require significant authority and sustained effort to rank for

Search volume fluctuates. Tax-related keywords spike in March-April. Fitness keywords surge in January. Back-to-school keywords peak in August. Use trend data to plan seasonal keyword updates and capitalize on temporary demand spikes.