Written by Alex Salvatore, Indie iOS Developer with multiple apps
on the App Store. Last updated: February 2026
A good app name can make or break your success on the App Store. Your
app name is your first SEO lever—an optimized name drives free organic
traffic, while a poor name means paying for every download. Here’s a
proven framework for choosing names that convert.
Why App Naming Matters for
ASO
App Store Optimization (ASO) starts with your app name. The App Store
algorithm heavily weights:
- Keywords in the title – Direct ranking factor
- Search relevance – How well the name matches user
queries - Brand memorability – Whether users can find you
again - Feature association – What the app does at a
glance
The Free Traffic Equation
A well-optimized name = free organic traffic = lower customer
acquisition cost
What you want: users finding your app through search, not paid ads.
Your app name is the foundation of this strategy.
The US iOS Market: Your
Primary Target
The US iOS market generates the highest revenue per user globally.
When choosing a name:
| Consideration | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Primary language | English |
| Target market | United States |
| Secondary markets | UK, Canada, Australia |
| Keyword research | Focus on US search volume |
Even if you’re based elsewhere, optimize for US users first—they
drive the most revenue.
Essential Tools for App
Name Research
1. ASO Keyword Tools
Research keyword difficulty and search volume: – AppTweak – Sensor
Tower – Mobile Action
2. Google AdWords Keyword
Planner
Validate demand outside the App Store. High search volume in Google
often correlates with App Store interest.
3. Google Trends
Identify rising trends and seasonal patterns. Time your launch with
trending keywords.
4. Domain Availability (.com)
A matching .com domain strengthens your brand and enables web
marketing funnels.
The Golden Rule: Name Tied
to Feature
Your app name should immediately communicate what the app does. Users
searching for a solution should understand your value proposition from
the name alone.
Example: “Great AI”
- Alexander the Great + AI = humanities + artificial
intelligence - Instantly communicates: AI tool for history/education
- Memorable wordplay creates brand recognition
- Keyword “AI” captures search traffic
Good vs Bad App Names
| Type | Example | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Good | “PhotoFix Pro” | Clear function (photo editing) + quality signal (Pro) |
| Good | “Budget Tracker” | Direct keyword match for user search |
| Bad | “Zephyr” | No function indication, hard to find via search |
| Bad | “MyApp 2024” | Generic, no keyword value, dated |
App Naming Framework
Follow this process to find your optimal name:
- List core features – What does your app actually
do? - Research keywords – Find high-volume,
low-competition terms - Generate combinations – Feature + keyword + brand
element - Check availability – App Store, domain, social
handles - Validate demand – Google AdWords estimates
- Test memorability – Can users spell and remember
it?
Key Takeaways
- Target US iOS market first – Highest revenue
potential - Use ASO tools – Data-driven name selection
- Name = feature – Users should know what you do
instantly - Free traffic is the goal – Optimize for organic
discovery
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should my app name
be?
Apple allows 30 characters for your app name. Use keywords
strategically, but keep it readable. Aim for 20-25 characters that
balance branding with keyword optimization.
Should I include
keywords in the app name?
Yes, but naturally. “Photo Editor Pro” is better than “Photo Editor
Keywords Photo Edit Camera.” Apple penalizes keyword stuffing and may
reject apps with obvious manipulation.
Can I change my app name
after launch?
Yes, through App Store Connect. However, changing names can
temporarily affect your rankings as the algorithm reindexes. Plan name
changes carefully and avoid frequent changes.
How do I research keywords
for ASO?
Use dedicated ASO tools (AppTweak, Sensor Tower) to find keyword
search volume and difficulty. Complement with Google Keyword Planner to
validate broader demand. Look for keywords with decent volume but lower
competition.
Does the app
name affect App Store search rankings?
Absolutely. The app name is one of the strongest ranking signals.
Keywords in your title directly influence which searches your app
appears in. This is why strategic naming is crucial for organic
discovery.
Want to validate your app name with real App Store data? Try IndieScout
ASO to research keywords and find market opportunities.