Welcome to the vibrant world of app marketing in Japan, where the pursuit of excellence is matched only by the rich cultural tapestry that defines this dynamic market. As global businesses set their sights on the Land of the Rising Sun, mastering App Store Optimization (ASO) becomes a crucial aspect of ensuring success in Japan’s app ecosystem. In this guide, we’ll navigate the nuances of ASO, offering valuable insights and strategies to help your app rise to the top in Japan.
Contents
1. Understanding the Japanese App Market
Before diving into ASO strategies, it’s essential to grasp the unique characteristics of the Japanese app market. With a discerning user base, high mobile penetration, and a preference for localized content, your approach needs to align with Japanese cultural sensibilities. Start by conducting thorough market research to identify trends, user behaviors, and preferences specific to Japan.
If you want to learn deeply about Japanese culture, here are some helpful tags you can read under aixpost:
2. Localization Is Key
Not just simple localization, but proper localization. One of the pillars of successful ASO in Japan is localization. From app names and descriptions to visuals and promotional materials, adapting content to resonate with Japanese users is imperative. Invest in professional translation services, or a Japan-based marketing agency like aix Inc., to ensure accuracy and cultural relevance, and consider tailoring features to align with local needs and preferences.
3. Leverage Keywords Effectively
Japanese users rely heavily on search queries when exploring new apps. In fact, 76.3% of iOS App Store users, and 90.7% of Android Play Store users in Japan uses the Search Function for app finding. (Click here to see our full 2023 Japanese Users’ Behavior Report in App Stores). It is needed to conduct meticulous keyword research to understand the terms and phrases your target audience is using. Implement these keywords strategically in your app title, subtitle, and description to increase visibility and relevance. Regularly update your keyword strategy based on evolving trends and user behavior.
Japanese is indeed one, if not the most, difficult languages to dig deep into. Luckily, there are ASO tools out there where you can do keyword research in different languages. ASO index is a multi-lingual, big data ASO tool enables you to do keyword research in multiple languages, including Japanese and Korean! Their morpheme analysis extracts meaningful keywords from metadata that would leave your keyword tracking list with no conjunctions and articles!
Want to know what the trending keywords in Japan are? We’ve got a lot of insights about what keywords Japanese people use in app finding here.
4. Optimize Visual Assets
In a market driven by aesthetics, captivating visuals play a pivotal role in ASO success. Create eye-catching app icons, screenshots, and promotional graphics that not only showcase your app’s functionality but also align with Japanese design aesthetics. Test different visuals to understand what resonates best with your audience.
We’ve done research about screenshot trends in Japan, you read about those here.
5. Encourage User Reviews and Ratings
In Japan, user reviews and ratings heavily influence app discoverability. In fact, reviews & ratings ranked 1st when Japan app store users were asked what the most important factor on their download decision is. (Click here to see our full 2023 Japanese Users’ Behavior Report in App Stores) Encourage satisfied users to leave positive reviews by implementing user-friendly prompts within the app. Address negative feedback promptly, demonstrating your commitment to user satisfaction. Building a positive reputation is essential for long-term success in the Japanese market.
6. Monitor and Iterate
ASO is an ongoing process that requires continuous monitoring and iteration. Regularly analyze app performance metrics, user feedback, and market trends. Stay agile and be prepared to make data-driven adjustments to your ASO strategy to stay ahead of the competition.
Conclusion
Embarking on the journey of ASO in Japan is not just about enhancing app visibility; it’s a cultural bridge that connects global businesses with the discerning Japanese audience. By understanding and embracing the unique characteristics of the Japanese app market, businesses can forge meaningful connections and create a lasting impact. In the ever-evolving landscape of app marketing, mastering ASO in Japan is not merely a strategy; it’s a testament to the adaptability and global perspective of forward-thinking businesses. Moreover, selecting the appropriate ASO tool and partnering with a local marketing agency are pivotal steps to guaranteeing your success in the Japanese market.
If you have specific questions on how to do ASO in Japan, feel free to chat or quick call with us at [email protected]!
