Play Store ASO Audit Checklist (Complete App Optimization Guide)
Play Store ASO Audit Checklist (Step-by-Step)
A regular Play Store ASO audit is essential to maintain rankings, improve organic installs, and stay compliant with Google Play policies. This checklist helps you identify gaps and optimize every critical ASO element.
Use this guide as a pre-launch, post-launch, or monthly ASO audit.
1. App Title Optimization Checklist
- ✔ Primary keyword included naturally
- ✔ Title length within 30 characters
- ✔ Clear and readable for users
- ✔ No keyword stuffing
- ✔ Brand name consistent
2. Short Description Audit
- ✔ Main benefit clearly explained
- ✔ Secondary keyword included
- ✔ Less than 80 characters
- ✔ Action-oriented language
- ✔ No misleading claims
3. Full Description ASO Checklist
- ✔ Keywords used naturally throughout text
- ✔ Long-tail keywords included
- ✔ Structured with headings and bullet points
- ✔ First 3 lines optimized for engagement
- ✔ No excessive keyword repetition
4. Keyword Research & Relevance
- ✔ Primary, secondary, and long-tail keywords defined
- ✔ Keywords match user intent
- ✔ Competitor keyword analysis done
- ✔ Google Play search suggestions reviewed
- ✔ Irrelevant keywords removed
5. App Icon Audit
- ✔ Simple and recognizable design
- ✔ High contrast and clean visuals
- ✔ Matches app branding
- ✔ Scales well on all screen sizes
- ✔ A/B tested if possible
6. Screenshots Optimization Checklist
- ✔ First screenshot shows main value
- ✔ Keyword-rich captions included
- ✔ High-resolution images
- ✔ Benefits explained visually
- ✔ Localized for major markets
7. Promo Video (If Available)
- ✔ Short and engaging (30–60 seconds)
- ✔ Shows real app usage
- ✔ Highlights core features
- ✔ No misleading visuals
8. Ratings & Reviews Audit
- ✔ Average rating above 4.0
- ✔ Recent reviews analyzed
- ✔ Developer replies to negative reviews
- ✔ Review prompts placed after positive actions
- ✔ No fake or incentivized reviews
9. Retention & Engagement Signals
- ✔ Onboarding optimized
- ✔ App loads quickly
- ✔ Push notifications used wisely
- ✔ Low uninstall rate
- ✔ High session duration
10. Technical Performance Audit
- ✔ Crash rate under Play Console threshold
- ✔ ANR rate minimized
- ✔ App size optimized
- ✔ Compatibility with latest Android versions
11. Update & Freshness Checklist
- ✔ Regular updates released
- ✔ Changelog clearly written
- ✔ New keywords added if relevant
- ✔ Bugs addressed quickly
12. Localization ASO Audit
- ✔ App listing localized for key markets
- ✔ Region-specific keywords used
- ✔ Localized screenshots uploaded
- ✔ Cultural relevance checked
13. Policy Compliance Check
- ✔ No misleading claims
- ✔ Privacy policy updated
- ✔ Permissions justified
- ✔ Ads policy followed
- ✔ No restricted content violations
14. Analytics & Tracking Review
- ✔ Google Play Console data monitored
- ✔ Search terms reviewed
- ✔ Conversion rate tracked
- ✔ Install source analyzed
Common ASO Audit Mistakes
- ❌ Keyword stuffing
- ❌ Ignoring user feedback
- ❌ One-time optimization only
- ❌ Buying installs or reviews
How Often Should You Perform an ASO Audit?
- Monthly for active apps
- Before major updates
- After ranking drops
- Before entering new markets
Final Thoughts
A Play Store ASO audit is not optional—it is a growth necessity. Apps that consistently audit and optimize their listings outperform competitors, gain stable organic installs, and reduce policy risks.
Use this checklist regularly to stay ahead of Google Play algorithm changes and maintain long-term visibility.
