In this guide
The goal is not to copy anyone. It is to see what the listings in your space say, what they leave out, and where a new app can be clearer. Do this with a spreadsheet and an hour.
1. Pick 5-8 listings
Search your two or three main keywords in the store. Take the top results plus one or two apps that look similar to yours but rank lower. Note the date: store results change.
2. Record the same fields for each
| Field | What to write down |
|---|---|
| Title and subtitle/short description | Exact text; which keywords appear |
| Icon | Colors, symbol, how it looks at small size |
| First 3 screenshots | The headline on each; what it promises |
| Video | Present or not; what the first seconds show |
| Description (first lines) | The opening claim |
| Rating and number of ratings | As shown, with date |
| Last update | Date |
| Pricing model | Free, paid, subscription, ads (as visible) |
| Languages | Which localizations exist |
Record facts only. Opinions go in a separate column.
3. Read the reviews, not just the stars
Open the lowest-rated recent reviews of two or three competitors. Tag each complaint: crash, price, missing feature, confusing onboarding, ads. Repeated tags are gaps you may fill. Also read the replies the developer wrote, if any.
4. Look for patterns and gaps
- Shared promise. If all screenshots say "fast and simple", that claim no longer stands out.
- Missing language. An app strong in one market with no localization leaves room; see localizing your listing.
- Stale listings. Old update dates and old screenshots suggest an opening.
- Unanswered pain. Complaints nobody answers in their listing.
Write each gap as a sentence: "No competitor shows X in the first three screenshots."
5. Turn it into decisions
Map each gap to one change in your own listing: title keyword, first screenshot message, description opening. Then change one element at a time. For keyword choices see keyword research without paid tools; for screenshots see store screenshots that convert.
Limits
- You see what is public: not their installs, conversion or revenue. Do not infer those from ratings.
- A high rating count reflects age and audience, not necessarily quality.
- Do not copy text or images. Copying risks complaints and makes you look like everyone else.
- Repeat every few months; listings change.
Sheet to copy
Columns: app, date checked, title, subtitle, screenshot 1/2/3 headline, rating, count, last update, top complaint, gap for me.
Before you change your listing, get a fresh pair of eyes on it. Ask for private, structured feedback.
Related: track keyword rankings without tools, ASO metrics explained, hub App Store optimization and launch.