App Store Optimization (ASO) experts have recently noticed what appears to be a significant change in Apple's Search Ads Popularity (SAP) metric. While not officially confirmed by Apple, these observations have led to discussions about potential impacts on ASO strategies.
Observed Changes in SAP Behavior
Previously:
- ASO tools, including RadASO, could access SAP data through Apple Search Ads (ASA) accounts.
- This allowed for SAP retrieval for any keyword, providing a comprehensive view of keyword popularity.
Current Observations:
- Users report that Apple seems to be providing app-relevant SAP data instead of global SAP data.
- Keywords apparently deemed irrelevant to a specific app are now being assigned a default SAP value of 5.
Examples from User Reports
Here's an example for 'PDF Scanner':
In these cases, keywords unrelated to the app's core functionality appear to be automatically assigned the lowest SAP value.
If these observations prove to be a lasting change, it could significantly impact how ASO experts approach keyword research and optimization. The reliance on SAP as a primary metric for keyword evaluation may need to be reconsidered.
Given the uncertainty, ASO professionals might consider:
- Temporarily reducing emphasis on SAP in their optimization strategies.
- Exploring alternative methods to assess keyword popularity and relevance.
- Monitoring the situation closely for any official announcements or further developments.
As always in the dynamic field of ASO, adaptability remains crucial for maintaining effective app store presence and visibility.
However, you can get the current SAP from the Apple Search Ads account from the "Search for related keywords" field when manually searching for keywords.
Note: This article is based on observations and reports from ASO experts and tools. As of the time of writing, Apple has not made an official announcement regarding changes to SAP logic. The information presented here should be considered speculative until confirmed by Apple.
