Generic keyword (ASO)

A generic keyword describes what the app does or who it is for, for example "habit tracker" or "meditation timer". It is the counterpart of a branded keyword, which contains a company or app name. Generic terms are the legitimate way to compete with larger apps, because Apple prohibits competitor names and unauthorized trademarked terms in keywords.

Apple advises that to fit more terms in the 100-byte limit you should avoid generic terms like "app" or "game", filler words like "the" and "to", plurals of words already included, and special characters unless part of the brand identity. These words match almost every app, so they distinguish none.

A hypothetical habit app's keyword list routine,goals,daily,planner,reminder contains only descriptive terms. Adding app or best would cost bytes and add nothing. Terms already in the app name, subtitle or category need not be repeated either.

• Choosing generic terms with huge competition when a long-tail keyword would win.
• Treating a descriptive word as filler just because it is common.

Build your list with the keyword field packer and the keyword field guide.

See keyword for the basic concept.

Repeated words across fields are covered under keyword cannibalization.