Google has announced that it is rolling out a program to index apps the same way it does websites for Google Search. It seems like this feature will only be possible for Android apps initially, but it’s possible that they begin indexing iOS apps as well if Apple allows it. Considering the added benefits of having apps directly integrated into Google search results, I think Apple would eventually allow their competitors to index their apps.
Devs will eventually be able to add this app integration into search results via Google Webmaster Tools. The integration of app data into Google Search Results will make SEO even more important to your app marketing strategy as your website will be a more valuable weapon to bring mobile search traffic to your mobile app.
How it Works for the User
Joe is out on the road looking to attend some open houses in Mountain View, CA. He opens up his Google Search app on his Android device and types in “Mountain View Home Listings”. The search results return a few sites and he notices one with an “Open in App” button under the result. He notices that the site is Trulia, and that he already has the app installed on his device. He opens the “Open in App” button, and it opens up the Trulia app with the exact information he was looking for! Joe navigates the Mountain View home listings through the Trulia app and finds the homes he is interested in viewing and hits the road to go see them.
Visit Google to learn more about how to sign up for app indexing.
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