Keyword difficulty

Keyword difficulty is a derived metric combining the number of competing apps for a keyword, those competitors' authority signals (download volume, ratings, age), and the keyword's search volume. Difficulty 0-30 = easy to rank; 30-60 = moderate; 60-100 = entrenched. Smart ASO targets the highest-volume keywords in the 30-60 difficulty band — easier to rank than head terms but with meaningful traffic. Tools differ in their formulas; cross-checking 2-3 sources before committing to a keyword strategy is wise.