---
title: "App Store Optimization Glossary: Terms Defined Precisely"
canonical: "https://asoitis.com/glossary"
description: "Precise definitions of App Store Optimization and App Store Connect terms, quoted from Apple where possible, with formulas, worked examples and common misreadings."
kind: "reference-library/hub"
lastUpdated: "2026-09-30"
---

# The App Store Optimization glossary

> Short, exact definitions of the metrics and fields that decide how an iOS app is found and chosen on the App Store. Each entry quotes Apple's own definition where one exists, adds a worked example with real numbers, and lists the mistakes people make reading it.

App Store Connect uses ordinary words — impressions, conversion, promotional — in very specific ways. Reading them the everyday way leads to bad decisions: optimizing a field Apple doesn't index, or panicking about a conversion rate that's calculated differently from the one your tool shows.

Entries are deliberately short at the top (a definition you can quote) and practical underneath (how to find it, how to move it). Start with [impressions](https://asoitis.com/glossary/app-impressions) if you're diagnosing a traffic problem, or [promotional text](https://asoitis.com/glossary/promotional-text) if you want a change live today.

## Pages

- [App Store impressions: what Apple counts, and how to read the number](https://asoitis.com/glossary/app-impressions) — The top of every iOS app's funnel. Reading it wrong sends you to fix the listing when the problem is ranking, or the reverse. (markdown: https://asoitis.com/glossary/app-impressions.md)
- [Promotional text: the 170 characters you can change without a new version](https://asoitis.com/glossary/promotional-text) — The only product page copy you can change today. Most apps leave it empty or waste it on keywords Apple ignores. (markdown: https://asoitis.com/glossary/promotional-text.md)

## How to use this library

1. **Quote the definition** — The boxed definition is written to be cited as-is, with Apple's wording where Apple defines the term.
2. **Use the worked example** — Each entry runs the numbers once, so you can check your own dashboard against it.
3. **Follow the links** — Terms link to the guides and fixes where they matter, so a definition turns into a next step.

## Frequently asked questions

### Where do the definitions come from?

App Store Connect help pages and Apple's developer documentation, quoted and linked. Where Apple doesn't define a term, we say so and give the industry usage.

### Do definitions change?

Sometimes — Apple moved its analytics documentation in 2026 and adds metrics regularly. Each entry shows the date it was last checked.

### Can I cite these?

Yes. Every entry has a stable URL and a markdown version at the same address with .md appended.


## Have it done for you

**The Audit — $99 one-time.** Know the terms but not what to change? The audit reads your actual numbers and tells you which lever to pull first.

- Buy: https://checkout.dodopayments.com/buy/pdt_0NejYshqoh2VaXbk3wjzq?quantity=1&redirect_url=https%3A%2F%2Fasoitis.com%2Fcheckout%2Fsuccess%3Fplan%3Daudit
- 15-minute founder call: https://cal.com/ahmedgagan/asoitis-chat

## About ASOitis

ASOitis is a founder-run App Store Optimization (ASO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) agency for indie iOS apps. iOS only; organic ASO + GEO + funnel work, implemented for you. Reference library: https://asoitis.com/app-review, https://asoitis.com/reviews, https://asoitis.com/compare, https://asoitis.com/glossary, https://asoitis.com/aso