Apple App Store ASO Optimization Skill

A comprehensive Claude Code skill for generating optimized Apple App Store metadata with ASO (App Store Optimization) best practices, competitive analysis, and automated validation.

Pairs well with:

• Astro MCP Server
• App Store MCP

🎯 What This Skill Does

This skill transforms Claude Code into an ASO expert that can:

• Analyze app concepts and generate optimized App Store metadata
• Validate character limits automatically against Apple's requirements
• Provide competitive analysis insights using proven ASO strategies
• Recommend screenshot storyboards with caption optimization
• Apply 2025 algorithm updates including screenshot caption OCR indexing

📋 Features

Metadata Optimization

• App Name (30 chars) - Highest ranking weight
• Subtitle (30 chars) - Second strongest ranking factor
• Promotional Text (170 chars) - Conversion optimization
• Description (4,000 chars) - Not indexed, purely for conversion
• Keywords (100 chars) - Hidden but indexed field
• What's New (4,000 chars) - Update messaging

Automated Validation

Python script validates all metadata against Apple's strict character limits with clear ✅/❌ indicators and remaining character counts.

Comprehensive Knowledge Base

47KB of ASO best practices including:

• June 2025 screenshot caption OCR algorithm update
• Metadata hierarchy and indexing rules
• Competitive analysis frameworks
• Rating optimization strategies
• Localization guidance
• A/B testing recommendations

Screenshot Strategy

• Caption optimization for new OCR indexing
• A.I.D.A. framework recommendations
• Visual content best practices
• Localization considerations

🚀 Installation

Option 1: Direct Install (Recommended)

1. Download the latest release .zip file
2. Extract to your Claude Code skills directory:

   unzip app-store-aso.zip -d ~/.claude/skills/
   

3. Restart Claude Code (if currently running)

Option 2: Git Clone

cd ~/.claude/skills/
git clone https://github.com/timbroddin/app-store-aso-skill.git app-store-aso

Verify Installation

The skill structure should look like:

~/.claude/skills/app-store-aso/
├── SKILL.md                          # Main skill instructions
├── README.md                         # This file
├── scripts/
│   └── validate_metadata.py         # Validation script
└── references/
    └── aso_learnings.md             # Comprehensive ASO knowledge base

💡 Usage

The skill activates automatically when you ask Claude Code about App Store optimization. Simply describe your app and request ASO help:

Example Queries

Basic optimization:

"I have an iOS meditation app called 'CalmSpace'.
Help me optimize the App Store metadata."

With context:

"This is a fitness tracking app for runners.
I've added a new social feature and marathon training plans.
Generate optimized metadata and screenshot recommendations."

Metadata review:

"Review my current App Store listing:
Title: FitTrack - Run & Workout
Subtitle: GPS Running & Fitness Log
Keywords: running,tracker,fitness,workout,gps
Optimize this for better rankings."

Output Format

Claude will provide:

1. 📱 App Metadata Recommendations

   • Optimized title, subtitle, promotional text
   • Strategic keyword list
   • Compelling description

2. ✅ Validation Results

   • Character count checks against limits
   • Clear pass/fail indicators
   • Remaining character counts

3. 🎯 Competitive Analysis

   • Positioning recommendations
   • Keyword opportunities
   • Market insights

4. 📸 Screenshot Storyboard Strategy

   • Ordered screenshot recommendations
   • Caption optimization for OCR indexing
   • Visual messaging hierarchy

🛠️ Validation Script

The included Python script can also be run manually:

Interactive Mode

python ~/.claude/skills/app-store-aso/scripts/validate_metadata.py

Command-Line Mode

python ~/.claude/skills/app-store-aso/scripts/validate_metadata.py \
  --app-name "My Amazing App" \
  --subtitle "The Best App for Everything" \
  --keywords "app,best,amazing,everything,awesome"

📊 Apple App Store Character Limits

🆕 What's New in 2025

June 2025 Algorithm Update

Apple deployed OCR technology to extract and index screenshot captions for the first time since 2017. This skill includes:

• Caption optimization strategies for OCR readability
• High-contrast text recommendations
• Keyword reinforcement techniques
• Visual hierarchy best practices

Other 2025 Changes

• Elimination of new app boost
• Custom Product Pages for organic keywords
• Enhanced in-app event indexing
• 4-week update cycle optimization

🎓 ASO Best Practices Included

• Metadata Hierarchy: Title > Subtitle > Screenshot Captions > Keywords
• No Duplication: Each keyword should appear only once across title/subtitle/keywords
• Update Frequency: Every 2-4 weeks minimum
• Rating Target: 4.5+ stars for optimal visibility
• Localization: 35% average impression increase
• A/B Testing: Product Page Optimization strategies

🤝 Contributing

Contributions welcome! Areas for improvement:

• Additional ASO research and case studies
• More validation checks (keyword density, etc.)
• Screenshot template generators
• Competitor analysis automation
• Localization tools

📄 License

MIT License - see LICENSE file for details

🙏 Acknowledgments

Built using the Claude Skill Creator.

ASO knowledge compiled from industry research, official Apple documentation, and analysis from leading ASO platforms.

📞 Support

• Issues: Report bugs or request features via GitHub Issues
• Discussions: Ask questions in GitHub Discussions

🔗 Resources

• Apple App Store Review Guidelines
• App Store Connect Help
• Product Page Optimization
• Claude Code Skills Documentation

Made with ❤️ for the Claude Code community