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https://asoworld.com/en/blog/aso-optimization-reasons-and-solutions-for-ios-app-keyword-drops-or-unranked

UK Marketing ASO Optimization: Reasons & Solutions for iOS App Keyword Drops Or Unranked

We will analyze the reasons for the keyword drop and the solutions in the actual operation process, hoping to bring some helpful insights to app developers in UK.

Posted: Apr 12 2022
Updated: Sep 15 2025

Home Blog ASO Guides ASO Optimization: Reasons & Solutions for iOS App Keyword Drops Or Unranked

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reasons and solutions for app droping
The iOS App Store's competitive landscape demands that developers not only create standout apps but also master the art of App Store Optimization (ASO). With over 2 million apps vying for attention, a robust strategy is essential for maintaining keyword rankings and ensuring app visibility.

In this article, we explore the common challenges developers face with keyword rankings, delve into the reasons behind these issues, and offer solutions to help apps recover and thrive in the App Store.

What is app keyword dropping or unranked?

The app keyword dropping (or unranked) is a situation where the search ranking of a keyword in the app store is cleared, resulting in the inability to search for an app through this keyword.

Reasons and solutions for keywords dropping on the app store list

Let's take a look at the main reasons for the app keywords dropping on the list:

  • Apple App Store search ranking algorithm;
  • Unusual fluctuations in external traffic;
  • Switching of monitization way or payment methods;
  • Other Factors Leading to Keyword Issues

The Impact of Apple's Algorithm

The App Store's search algorithm is a dynamic entity that undergoes frequent adjustments. These changes can temporarily affect app rankings, causing well-established and emerging apps alike to experience de-ranking. However, it's important to note that apps often return to their prior positions once the algorithm stabilizes.

⚡ How to get more keyword installs for app and promote the app ranking safe?

You may heard about the penalty mechanism under the Apple App Store: "Apple Penalty Keyword Collection", such keywords are identified by Apple as sensitive keywords.

The characteristic of this situation is that there are multiple apps under the same keyword that fall off the list, and Apple's algorithm for determining penalties corresponding to such keywords is more sensitive, that is, optimizing such keywords is more likely to lead to keywords dropping the list.

There is a corresponding "penalized keyword collection" under this type of keyword, and the rankings of this batch of apps under this type of keyword are synchronized.

For example, the keyword "decoration", we found that the time of 3 apps' relevant keywords ranking in same category dropping the list is almost the same.

And we've found that some well-known apps' branded keywords are protected, and using a competitor's branded keywords sometimes poses similar risks.

Consequences of Unusual Fluctuations in External Traffic

In order to maintain a fair competition environment in the App Store, Apple will take corresponding punitive measures for apps that are identified as cheating and violate normal competition.

Therefore, when the app be found with this, the downloads per unit time increase sharply, which does not conform to the reasonable regularity of traffic acquisition, or if it violates the reasonable range of organic growth, it will be identified as unusual traffic, resulting in a penalty for keyword dropping.

Switching of Monitization Way or Payment Methods

Switching of payment methods is also one of the reasons for the risk. The Apple App Store encourages everyone to use apple pay as the main payment method, and only those settled through apple pay can be counted into app revenue.

When some other third-party payment is connected, the corresponding data of the revenue conversion obtained by your app will show a sharp drop, and such a drop will cause the penalty risk of a rapid drop in the ranking of your app.

Other Factors Leading to Keyword Issues

Developers must also be wary of other pitfalls, such as copyright infringement, incentivizing positive reviews, or failing to update their apps. These triggers can contribute to keyword ranking issues and are largely preventable by adhering to best practices in app development and promotion.

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Solutions for Keywords Dropping on the App Store List

For penalty risk of "Apple Penalty Keyword Collection"

For keywords identified by Apple as sensitive keywords, if the ranking is restored after it is found to be unranked the app store list, optimization about these keywords is not recommended within one month.

Countermeasures for unusual traffic penalties

1) According to the resonable app growth regularity, take care of the operation of app downloads. New products can start from a small amount, and gradually increase the ranking of keywords and brand authority. Or solution as "paid ways (ads or buy app installs) + ASO + Social media" to boost the app downloads is effectively.

2) It is necessary to keep a reasonably arrange of the delivery time according to the download and usage time of application users and the visit statistics of paying traffic users (from advertising or purchase app downloads, buy app installs). The initial optimization should simulate the natural increase curve as much as possible. And avoid concentrating on a certain time.

Diversify Traffic Sources

When promoting, consider diversifying traffic sources. Although we always recommended that marketers to obtain traffic through a variety of channels, drive the app downloads increased reasonable and quickly with our strategies, and ensure the app ranking grow rapidly and safe, but we encounter many apps declined or stoped their ads or promotion plans after the keywords ranked top because of the budget or the marketers' decision. It is risky to reduce the budget or stop the previous promotion plan immediately after the application obtains the top ranking.

For example, many users who choose our 
guaranteed keyword ranking service have experienced that we usually help the application to quickly obtain the top ranking in a very short period, and will keep this top ranking for a long time. This is also because we will take into account the reasonable range of traffic growth, multi-channel traffic, and the continuous promotion works to stable the traffic.

⚡ How To Make Your Keyword Installs Campaigns Win The Best Performance?

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* Grow with our app growth solutions - choose a guaranteed app ranking service for the TOP 5 app ranking acquirement, and maximize your app traffic. Or click the "Promote Now" above (to increase app installs service for app visibility).

* What Is the Keyword Guaranteed Ranking Service? What Is the Advantage of It?

Update and Wait

Sometimes, the best course of action is to simply update the app and wait. Many issues resolve naturally over time, particularly after an app update that can refresh its presence in the store.

⚡ How Does The App Updates Have Impact On Your Keyword Visibility On App Store?

Why Choose ASOWorld's Guaranteed Keyword Ranking Service?

At ASOWorld, we understand the delicate balance required for successful App Store Optimization. 

Our Guaranteed Keyword Ranking Service are designed to:

  • Enhance Visibility:We help your app achieve higher rankings for targeted keywords, increasing visibility without risking de-ranking or deletion.
  • Professional and Safe:Our methods are refined, professional, and align with Apple's guidelines, ensuring the safety and stability of your app's ranking.
  • Global Expertise:Our experience extends beyond local markets, catering to developers worldwide with strategies tailored to diverse user behaviors and preferences.


In conclusion, while the App Store's landscape can be challenging to navigate, with ASOWorld's expertise, you can confidently promote your app, secure in the knowledge that your app's standing is in professional hands. 

Let us help you turn the tide in your favor, ensuring your app's success in the global market.


ASO Topic Mobile Growth,App Store Optimization,

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Jean L.
ASO Game News Senior Editor | Gaming Writer
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Jean joined ASO Game News as a senior editor and gaming writer in 2022, and her work has since been featured in numerous gaming publications. When she's not writing, Jean can often be found participating in online matches or attending gaming conventions to stay connected with the latest trends.

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