Black hat ASO: Are your competitors using these tactics?

The app marketplace is plagued by the presence of black hat app store optimization (ASO) tactics, despite efforts by Apple and Google to curb these practices, which include buying reviews, manipulating keyword rankings, and sabotaging competitors through negative reviews. Steve Young from App Masters highlights the significance of understanding these unethical methods, not to endorse them, but to navigate the competitive landscape with informed strategies. Black hat ASO techniques can deceive algorithms to boost app visibility temporarily but come with significant risks, such as bans from app stores if detected. Tactics like purchasing fake reviews, conducting keyword install campaigns, and employing paywall dark patterns are commonly used, yet risky, as they can lead to penalties from platform regulators. The arms race between app developers employing these tactics and platform efforts to detect them continues, underscoring the need for developers to focus on legitimate and ethical strategies for sustainable growth.