![Educational App: use SEO so everyone can find you on internet [SEO checklist]](http://onlineyougrow.com/cdn/shop/articles/cov-seo-checklist-2_ffdc3dcc-9bfe-4643-85b7-2743550bbf4a.png?v=1715867395&width=1100)
SEO isn't just for tech giants and e-commerce platforms—it's a powerful tool that the top educational apps use strategically to attract and engage users.
We understand that you're focused on developing and improving your educational app, and the idea of optimizing your app's visibility might seem overwhelming.
But here's the thing: you don't need to be an SEO expert or invest a lot of money to make it effective. Just a few simple steps can significantly enhance your app's online presence and attract more users.
To assist you, we've created a free SEO checklist - and for a comprehensive action plan, please check out our bundle of marketing tactics and strategies for educational app developers.
Get the SEO checklist made for educational app developers
The best educational apps rank first on Google. Here is a free tool to to get you started.
What is SEO for educational apps exactly?
Simply put, SEO is all about making your educational app more attractive to search engines like Google.
When someone searches for "best math learning app" or "interactive science lessons," SEO helps your app show up in the results. The goal is to get your app higher up on the search results page so more people can find and download it.
Why is SEO Important for Educational Apps?
SEO is incredibly important for educational apps, and here’s why:
- Increased Online Visibility:
The higher your app ranks on search engines, the more people will see it. This means more potential users discovering your app online, especially when they're looking for educational resources.
- Higher Rankings on Search Engines:
Most people don’t look past the first page of search results. By optimizing your app’s website, you can climb those rankings and beat out the competition. Imagine someone searching for "best language learning app" and finding your app right at the top!
- Attracting More Targeted Users:
SEO isn't just about getting anyone to your site—it's about getting the right people. Local SEO helps ensure that when someone nearby searches for educational tools, your app pops up. This means more downloads and more engaged users.
Key Components of SEO
Now, let’s break down the main parts of SEO specifically for your educational app:
On-Page SEO
This involves making sure the content on your app’s website is optimized. It includes things like:
- Keywords:
Using the words and phrases people are searching for in your titles, descriptions, and content. For example, if your app focuses on coding, make sure you use phrases like "best coding app for kids" or "learn to code" on your site.
- Content Quality:
Providing useful, engaging, and fresh content about your app. Share your app’s features, user testimonials, updates, and educational resources.
- Meta Tags:
Using meta titles and descriptions that are relevant and appealing to searchers. For instance, a meta description for your homepage could be "Discover [Your App Name], the top-rated educational app for interactive learning in math, science, and more."
Off-Page SEO
This focuses on actions taken outside your website to impact your rankings:
- Backlinks:
Getting other reputable websites to link to your site, which signals to search engines that your site is trustworthy and relevant. This could be from educational blogs, online learning platforms, or academic institutions.
- Social Media:
Being active on social media with your app’s page can drive traffic to your site and improve your online presence. Share educational tips, success stories, and app updates to engage with your audience.
Technical SEO
This ensures your website meets the technical requirements of search engines:
- Site Speed:
Making sure your website loads quickly. No one likes to wait, especially users eager to learn more about your app!
- Mobile-Friendliness:
Ensuring your site looks and works well on mobile devices. Many people search for apps on their phones while on the go.
- Secure Website (HTTPS):
Having a secure website that users (and search engines) can trust. This is especially important if you have an online subscription or payment system.
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Which keywords should you target for your educational app?
Educational app developers, like you, must target specific keywords in SEO because it helps your app appear in search results when potential users look for the type of educational content or learning experience you offer. This increases the chances that people will find and download your app.
For example, if you specialize in language learning, targeting keywords like "best language learning app" or "learn Spanish app" helps attract users searching for those terms. This makes it easier for people interested in language learning to find your app online.
Here are some keyword ideas for you. If you want a more developed strategy with actionable steps, go check out our strategy pack for educational app developers.
| Keyword | Competitiveness Level | Tips and Initiatives |
|---|---|---|
| Best [Subject] learning app | High | Optimize your app store listing with high-quality screenshots, gather user reviews, and use app store optimization (ASO) strategies. |
| How to learn [Subject] online | Medium | Create blog posts or pages on your website highlighting your app's features, use keywords naturally in content, and engage with educational bloggers. |
| Educational app for kids | Medium | Use engaging imagery of your app's interface, gather positive user reviews, and ensure your app store profile is complete and appealing. |
| Best app for [Skill] learning | Medium | Feature specific skills prominently in your app store listing (e.g., coding, math), use ASO tactics, and promote your app on social media. |
| [Subject] learning app for adults | High | Highlight unique aspects of your app, create SEO-friendly content about your learning modules, and engage with the online learning community. |
| Top-rated [Subject] app | High | Encourage satisfied users to leave positive reviews, optimize your app for mobile, and ensure accurate information on app store listings. |
| Affordable [Subject] learning app | Low | Highlight affordable subscription options and free trials on your website, use keywords related to value, and promote deals on social media. |
| Where to learn [Subject] online | Medium | Use ASO strategies, create content around popular learning topics, and ensure your website is optimized for mobile users searching nearby. |
| Popular [Subject] learning app | Medium | Use social media to share popular features, engage with educational influencers, and gather user testimonials to build credibility. |
| Best [Subject] app for families | Low | Create family-friendly content, highlight features for family learning on your website, and host family-themed events to generate buzz. |
What really matters when you do SEO for an educational app
Actually, we think that SEO often follows the 80/20 rule, meaning that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. For educational app developers, like you, this means it's crucial to focus on the right strategies to maximize impact without feeling overwhelmed.
| Action / Initiative | Why It Matters / How It Helps Attract Users |
|---|---|
| Optimize App Store Listing | Ensures your app appears in relevant search results, provides essential information (description, features, screenshots), and collects reviews to build trust. |
| Gather and respond to user reviews | Positive reviews build credibility and trust. Responding to reviews shows you value user feedback, encouraging more people to download and use your app. |
| Create high-quality content with targeted keywords | Helps your app's website rank higher in search results for relevant queries, attracting users looking for specific educational tools or resources. |
| Optimize for local SEO | Ensures your app shows up in local searches (e.g., "educational apps near me"), driving downloads from nearby potential users. |
| Ensure app and website are mobile-friendly | Most users search for apps on their phones. A mobile-friendly site and app provide a better user experience, leading to higher engagement and downloads. |
| Use high-quality images and videos of app features | Attractive visuals entice potential users, showcasing your app's functionality and user interface, which can significantly influence their decision to download. |
| Include detailed app features with keywords | Allows search engines to index your app's features, helping you appear in searches for specific functionalities, and makes it easy for users to see what you offer. |
| List your app on educational directories | Increases your online presence and backlinks, improving your search engine ranking and making it easier for users to find you. |
| Engage with educational bloggers and influencers | Generates buzz and word-of-mouth, reaching a wider audience and attracting users who trust these educational voices. |
| Promote special features and updates | Creates a sense of urgency and excitement, encouraging potential users to download your app for unique educational experiences. |
| Utilize social media to share updates and engage with users | Builds a community around your app, keeps users informed about new features, and drives traffic to your app store listing. |
| Ensure accurate and consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) information across all platforms | Prevents confusion, helps search engines trust your business information, and improves your local SEO ranking. |
| Offer in-app purchases and subscriptions | Makes it convenient for users to access premium features, leading to increased revenue and user retention. |
| Create blog posts about your app's features and educational benefits | Attracts visitors to your site through informative and engaging content, improving SEO and showcasing what makes your app unique. |
Copy the tactics of the best educational apps in the world!
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What is always useless when you do SEO for an educational app
We have studied a lot of educational apps when we built our strategy pack and we saw a lot of SEO-related initiatives that don't help attract new users. We explain here why they might be a waste of time or even counterproductive.
| Action / Initiative | Why It Doesn't Matter / How It Doesn't Help Bring New Users |
|---|---|
| Using meta keyword tags | Search engines no longer use meta keyword tags to rank pages, so focusing on them doesn't improve SEO for your educational app. |
| Keyword stuffing in course descriptions | Overusing keywords in course descriptions makes them hard to read and can be penalized by search engines, turning away potential users. |
| Paying for backlinks from unrelated websites | Backlinks from non-education related or low-quality websites don't improve your SEO and can even hurt your ranking if considered spammy by search engines. |
| Using exact match domains like bestmathapp.com | Having an exact match domain has minimal impact on SEO and can appear spammy, especially if it doesn't reflect your brand well. |
| Creating multiple pages for the same course content | Duplicate content confuses search engines and can dilute your SEO efforts. Focus on one high-quality page for each unique course or topic. |
| Using Flash for interactive lessons | Flash is outdated, not supported by many devices, and negatively impacts SEO. Modern alternatives like HTML5 should be used instead. |
| Focusing only on desktop optimization | Many users access educational apps on mobile devices. Ignoring mobile optimization leads to poor user experience and lower search rankings. |
| Using automated link-building tools | These tools often create low-quality or spammy links that can be penalized by search engines, hurting your educational app's SEO efforts. |
| Ignoring structured data for courses | Structured data helps search engines understand your courses better. Ignoring it means missing out on potential SEO benefits like rich snippets. |
| Not updating your course content regularly | Outdated course information can frustrate users and harm your SEO. Regular updates keep content relevant and maintain search rankings. |
| Using irrelevant stock photos on your site | Low-quality or irrelevant images can negatively impact user experience and SEO. Use high-quality photos of your actual courses and app interface. |
| Over-optimizing anchor text in links | Using exact match keywords for every link appears unnatural and can be penalized by search engines. Use varied, natural anchor text instead. |
| Ignoring page load speed for your website | Slow-loading pages frustrate users and can lead to higher bounce rates, negatively impacting your educational app's SEO. Ensure your site loads quickly. |
| Using too many ads above the fold on your homepage | Too many ads at the top of the page can be off-putting for users and may be penalized by search engines, impacting your SEO negatively. |
Should you pay someone for the SEO of your educational app?
Well, we will be transparent. Here’s the thing: SEO can get pretty complex, and having some support can really make a difference. Imagine trying to juggle developing your educational app, managing updates, keeping users engaged, and then on top of that, diving into the world of search engine optimization. It’s a lot, right?
Having someone handle your SEO means you can focus on what you do best—enhancing your educational app. SEO experts know the ins and outs of getting your app to rank higher on search engines and app stores. They stay updated on the latest trends and algorithms, which means your app will be optimized correctly and consistently. This can lead to more people finding your app online, and ultimately, more downloads and active users.
- But here’s the kicker: there are a lot of low-hanging fruits in SEO that you can tackle on your own, even if you don’t know much about it.
You will find a lot of low-hanging fruits that cost nothing, are quick to implement, and will make your educational app much more visible in strategy pack for app developers.
Simple actions like optimizing your app store listing, ensuring your app is mobile-friendly, and using relevant keywords can significantly improve your online presence. These tasks don't require deep technical knowledge but can make a big impact.
So, should you increase the marketing budget of your educational app and pay someone to manage your SEO? If you can do it, it’s a worthwhile investment. But don't underestimate what you can achieve on your own. Start with the basics, see the results, and then decide if you need more specialized help.
Make your educational app more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best educational apps in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
Useful tools educational app developers can use for their SEO
Here are some essential tools that our team has collected and listed, to help you enhance your educational app's online presence and SEO.
| Tool | How It's Useful |
|---|---|
| Google My Business | Ensures your educational app appears in local search results and Google Maps, provides essential information (hours, location, services), and collects user reviews. |
| SEMrush | Helps identify the best keywords for your educational app, analyze competitors, and track your search rankings. Provides insights to improve your content and visibility. |
| Yext | Manages your app's listings across multiple directories, ensuring consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) information to boost local SEO. |
| Google Search Console | Monitors your app's website performance, identifies issues, and provides data on search traffic and keywords to optimize your SEO strategy. |
| Yelp | Collects user reviews and ratings, which improve your app's online reputation and visibility in local search results. |
| BrightLocal | Offers tools for local SEO audits, citation building, and review management, helping your app improve its local search presence. |
| Moz | Provides keyword research, link building, and site audit tools to enhance your app's SEO efforts and improve search engine rankings. |
| Ahrefs | Analyzes your app's backlink profile, identifies top-performing content, and tracks keyword rankings to boost your SEO strategy. |
| Screaming Frog SEO Spider | Crawls your app's website to identify technical SEO issues, such as broken links and duplicate content, helping improve site health and rankings. |
| AnswerThePublic | Generates content ideas by showing what people are searching for related to your app, helping you create relevant and engaging blog posts and pages. |
| Canva | Helps create visually appealing social media posts and graphics for your website, which can improve user engagement and indirectly boost SEO. |
| Hotjar | Provides insights into user behavior on your app's website through heatmaps and session recordings, helping you optimize user experience and reduce bounce rates. |
Copy the SEO tactics of the best educational app developers
We understand why many business owners might shy away from SEO and marketing for their educational apps.
Managing an educational app is already a full-time job, and the concept of SEO can seem vague and foreign. The terminology can be confusing, and it often feels like marketing is a luxury only big corporations can afford.
Plus, there's the constant worry about costs and whether any marketing efforts will actually pay off. We get that you prefer to focus on immediate, tangible improvements to your app rather than dive into something that seems complicated and uncertain. No need to deteriorate your app’s budget here.
That's why we've created a "marketing pack" specifically for educational app owners like you.
Our pack is designed to address all these concerns head-on. It includes easy-to-follow guides that break down SEO and marketing into simple steps, so you don't need to be a tech expert to understand. We offer cost-effective strategies that fit within tight budgets, and our step-by-step plans ensure that you can implement a good marketing strategy for your educational app without feeling overwhelmed.
Plus, we've included real-life examples and tips that have worked for other small educational apps, so you can see the tangible benefits before you even start.
Our goal is to make marketing accessible and practical, helping your educational app thrive without adding extra stress to your already busy life.
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