ASO (App Store Optimization) - SEOClerks services?

This SEOclerks, I doubt anyone here doesn't know what SEO stands for. There is a considerable number of experts in this community, and the actual number of quality SEO services is probably the best among all SEO marketplaces out there. I've been a long-time member, seller, buyer, and fan.

But what I could bearly find here was ASO services. ASO is SEO's little and very powerful brother. It stands for App Store Optimisation and deals with improving an app's position inside Apple's App Store as well as Google Play.

I started learning about SEO probably about ten years ago when Google and Search Engines in general were the wild west, and although for a long time I wasn't really sure what I was doing, I eventually started offering results and developed a portfolio of clients. For the past four years, I started working as a professional SEO in real agencies as well as in-house, and I slowly gave up freelance gigs.

I'm currently moving into ASO. It reminded me of early SEO rules when things were a lot simpler. Basically, all you have to worry about is finding the right:

• title
  
• tagline
  
• keywords

Because we are talking about doing internal optimizations on a search engine inside a marketplace, the product page is pretty standard, and it is the same for everyone. The is little you can do regarding the structure and almost nothing you can do concerning design and CTAs.

Of course, as I dig dipper into ASO, I'm finding all sorts if tips&tricks that can only be master in time and with experience, things that can give you an edge in relation with your direct competitors, stuff like:

• An optimize app description and optimal length
  
• The size of your app matters, the smaller, the better
  
• How well does your short description converts
  
• Screenshot design
  
• Sentiment Score
  
• App URL
  
• How to update your app is
  
• Reviews and what words are used in these reviews
  
• Rating matter
  
• Your app icon matters a lot
  
• Language-based product page, meaning you should translate your app product page description for multiple languages if you offer an app for the global audience.
  

So yes. There is plenty you can do to improve your positions and ranks in app stores. And the best part is that you don't have to deal with those pesky Google Search Rules or services like Search Console and other stuff that SEO heavily relies on. ASO is a little bit simple.

But I'm pretty astonished to find that there aren't many ASO resources out there. Sure there are a couple of blogs that post weekly articles as well as a lot of tools, but nothing like the information available for SEO.

So far I've tested about 20 ASO tools, especially tools that show you your ranks and general ASO app health.
The best in my opinion are:

• appfollow.io
  
• sensortower.com
  
• fnd.io (if you don't have an iOS device this will come on very handy)
  
• searchman.com

If you are using other tools for ASO, please share them in the comments below. Let's get together and make of list of useful ASO resources.

Blackhat ASO

I don't really want to buy such services and use them on my main apps. I just want to know how certain apps reach top places with zero marketing and sketchy products. Some app owners are clearly manipulating the system, and I want to learn how they're doing it.

I'm sure most of them are buying keyword based downloads as well as apps reviews. Or are doing them with some scrips of some kind.

There is very little information about blackhat ASO out there, and I would love to read a case study of someone that tried black hat ASO.

Or maybe join an active form on this subject. Any light on this matter would be gladly appreciated. So, please share any ASO knowledge you may have in the comments below!