---
title: "App Store Optimization (ASO) for mobile games: getting started, advanced tests & FAQs | PickFu Help Center"
description: "Use this ASO playbook to improve your app store listing creative (icons, screenshots, description, and more) to maximize installs."
---

# Run the core playbook

PickFu's App Store Optimization (ASO) playbook walks you through testing every core element of your mobile game's listing — icon, trailer, screenshots, description, and the full listing. This article covers how to start it, advanced tests beyond the core steps, and answers to common questions.

[![Example PickFu icon test: four mobile RPG game icons ranked by download intent with vote share and an AI summary of what catches the eye](https://pickfu.intercom-attachments-1.com/i/o/fyv2a0qw/2445591837/57a98179b801952278cbf7bd86ae/app-store-listing.jpeg?expires=1780521300&signature=005361a49dd4c8878b3b4b33b67f29d579e43c463a16e3fee0e638ad96a9b3d5&req=diQjE8x3nIlcXvMW1HO4zVPAflmubJzQJJlM%2FgcxIig7KOWds6na%2B70PO8tQ%0Ac4%2FZtclkh9gou1o5b50%3D%0A)](https://pickfu.intercom-attachments-1.com/i/o/fyv2a0qw/2445591837/57a98179b801952278cbf7bd86ae/app-store-listing.jpeg?expires=1780521300&signature=005361a49dd4c8878b3b4b33b67f29d579e43c463a16e3fee0e638ad96a9b3d5&req=diQjE8x3nIlcXvMW1HO4zVPAflmubJzQJJlM%2FgcxIig7KOWds6na%2B70PO8tQ%0Ac4%2FZtclkh9gou1o5b50%3D%0A)

_Example result: an icon test ranks your icon concepts by download intent and summarizes what's catching players' eyes._

The step-by-step ASO playbook — icon, gameplay trailer, screenshots, description, and full-listing validation, plus recommended targeting by genre and pro tips — now lives in our docs:

👉 [**Run the step-by-step ASO playbook →**](https://www.pickfu.com/docs/playbooks/app-store-listing)

**Starting it in the app:** log into PickFu, find the **Playbooks** section on your dashboard, and click the ASO playbook. You'll get a pre-built project with a link to run each test, plus an AI-powered report across all of them. ([More on using playbooks →](https://help.pickfu.com/en/articles/14489272-how-do-i-use-playbooks-to-build-my-poll))

# Advanced tests beyond the core playbook

Once you've run the core listing tests, these additional tests cover scenarios the main playbook doesn't.

**Video preview testing** — app store video previews auto-play and are increasingly important for conversion. Test 2–4 video thumbnails or short clips before investing in full video production.  
​_"Which video preview thumbnail would make you MOST want to watch and learn about this mobile \[GENRE\] game?"_  
Poll type: Ranked · 50 respondents

**Custom Product Page (CPP) testing** — validate which CPP headline or visual package will perform before driving paid traffic to it (iOS 15+).  
​_Single CPP:_ "Based on this app store page, would you download and play this game? Why or why not?" (Open-Ended)  
​_Headline comparison:_ "Which landing page headline for a \[GENRE\] game grabs your interest most?" (Ranked)  
50 respondents · target the segment the CPP is built for

**Featured graphic / banner testing** — when your game gets featured by Apple or Google, the featured graphic is your biggest impression opportunity. Pre-test it.  
​_"Which banner image best represents an exciting mobile \[GENRE\] game? Which makes you want to learn more?"_  
Poll type: Ranked · 50 respondents

**Genre clarity check** — confirm your icon communicates genre.  
​_"What type of game do you think this is based on this icon alone?"_  
Poll type: Open-Ended · 30 respondents

**Single-screenshot first impression** — audit one screenshot without ranking.  
​_"What do you notice first about this screenshot? What does it tell you about the game?"_  
Poll type: Open-Ended · 30 respondents

**Competitor audit** — see where you stand against direct competitors on the search page.  
​_"You see these game icons in the app store. Which one would you tap first? Why?"_  
Poll type: Ranked · 50 respondents · include 3–5 competitor icons + yours

**Global market validation** — duplicate any core poll and change the country targeting before investing in geo-specific UA. Strong US performers sometimes underperform in SEA or LATAM due to art style, color, or character preferences.

# FAQs

## My icon test didn't produce a clear winner. What now?

If no single icon reaches 35%+ first-place votes, read the qualitative responses for common themes across the top two finishers, combine their strongest visual elements into a new variation, and re-run with the new variant replacing the weakest performer.

## Can I test screenshots I haven't finalized yet?

Yes. Early-stage screenshots — even mockups or rough frames — are valid for directional feedback. Use 30–50 respondents instead of 100 for early tests, then re-test with finalized assets before launch.

## What audience should I target if my game spans multiple genres?

Target the primary genre you're positioning for. If you're genuinely 50/50 (e.g. a strategy RPG), run the poll twice — once per genre — and compare whether the same icon wins both audiences.

## How often should I re-test after launch?

Re-run the screenshot and full-listing tests after every major update or seasonal re-skin, or any time install rate drops more than 10% without a clear UA explanation.

## I'm launching in multiple countries. Do I need separate polls per market?

Not for initial launch. Establish winners with your primary audience first, then duplicate the winning polls, switch the country parameter, and re-test with 30–50 respondents — art style and character design can perform very differently across markets.

# Related

-   [Step-by-step ASO playbook (docs)](https://www.pickfu.com/docs/playbooks/app-store-listing)
    
-   [Game concept validation playbook (docs)](https://www.pickfu.com/docs/playbooks/game-concept-validation) — validate the concept before building the listing
    

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