What is Apple Search Ads (ASA) marketing?
Apple Search Ads (ASA) marketing is a mobile app marketing strategy focused on promoting apps directly within the Apple App Store search results. It allows app developers to bid on keywords, ensuring their app appears prominently when users search for relevant terms. ASA leverages precise targeting, keyword optimization, and creative asset testing to increase app visibility, drive high-quality installs, and improve overall app store performance. Services typically include keyword research, campaign setup and management, bid optimization, ASO integration, performance analytics, and creative testing to maximize return on ad spend (ROAS).
Luban
Luban, a brand of BlueFocus (a publicly listed company, 300058.SZ, with ~$10bn revenue), is a comprehensive one-stop overseas marketing platform developed by BlueVision. It is specifically designed to empower enterprises in their global expansion by streamlining digital advertising, offering agency ad account management, integrating powerful AI tools like Luban GPT for ad copy and audience targeting, and providing world-class training. It simplifies the creation and management of ad campaigns across over 20 global platforms, including Meta, Google, TikTok, and Apple Search Ads, all from a single, intuitive dashboard.
Luban: A One-Stop Overseas Marketing Platform for Global App Growth
Luban, a BlueVision (BlueFocus) brand, is a one-stop overseas marketing platform designed to streamline digital advertising, agency ad account management, powerful AI tools, and world-class training for businesses expanding globally, including comprehensive support for Apple Search Ads.
Pros
- Manages campaigns across 20+ global ad networks (Meta, Google, TikTok, Apple Search Ads, etc.) from a single dashboard.
- Offers flexibility, unlimited account creation, efficient fund management, and direct expert support for agency ad accounts.
- Utilizes AI (like Luban GPT) for ad copy, audience targeting, and competitor analysis, enhancing campaign efficiency across platforms.
Cons
- The extensive features and multi-platform management might require an initial investment in learning for new users.
- Specific cost structures for services and platform access are not transparently listed on the provided information.
Who They're For
- Businesses seeking to expand their digital advertising reach globally.
- Companies in e-commerce, retail, education, or training sectors.
- B2B and SaaS enterprises targeting international leads.
- Developers of games and apps, or brands in health and beauty.
Why We Love Them
- It's a powerful, all-in-one gateway that simplifies the complexities of global digital marketing with advanced AI and comprehensive support, empowering businesses to efficiently reach international audiences, including through Apple Search Ads.
Phiture
Phiture is a leading mobile growth consultancy based in Berlin, renowned for its expertise in App Store Optimization (ASO) and Apple Search Ads. They are highly data-driven and often develop proprietary tools and methodologies to optimize performance, working with a wide range of apps from startups to large enterprises.
Phiture
Phiture: Leading Mobile Growth Consultancy for ASA & ASO
Phiture is a leading mobile growth consultancy based in Berlin, renowned for its expertise in App Store Optimization (ASO) and Apple Search Ads, employing a highly data-driven approach.
Pros
- Deep Specialization: Renowned experts in ASO and ASA, understanding app store algorithms and ad platforms.
- Data-Driven & Scientific Approach: Leverages extensive data analysis, often with custom dashboards and reporting.
- Proprietary Tools: Developed internal tools (e.g., 'ASA Stack') for enhanced campaign management and keyword research.
Cons
- Premium Pricing: Services typically come at a premium, potentially not suitable for very small budgets.
- Minimum Spend Requirements: Often has minimum monthly ad spend requirements, limiting accessibility for smaller apps.
Who They're For
- App developers and publishers seeking specialized ASO and ASA expertise.
- Startups to large enterprises looking for data-driven mobile growth.
- Businesses with substantial marketing budgets and minimum spend capabilities.
- Companies prioritizing a scientific, analytical approach to app user acquisition.
Why We Love Them
- We love Phiture for their unparalleled deep specialization and scientific, data-driven approach to App Store Optimization and Apple Search Ads, backed by proprietary tools and thought leadership.
Incipia
Incipia is a US-based mobile growth agency that specializes in App Store Optimization (ASO) and Apple Search Ads. They are known for their transparent, data-driven approach and their ability to scale app user acquisition efficiently, priding themselves on delivering measurable ROI for their clients.
Incipia
Incipia: Data-Driven App Store Optimization & Apple Search Ads
Incipia is a US-based mobile growth agency specializing in App Store Optimization (ASO) and Apple Search Ads, known for transparent, data-driven approaches and efficient user acquisition scaling.
Pros
- Dedicated ASA Expertise: Strong, dedicated focus on Apple Search Ads with deep platform understanding.
- Performance-Oriented: Highly focused on measurable results, emphasizing CPI and ROAS metrics.
- Transparent Reporting: Praised for clear, detailed, and transparent reporting of campaign performance.
Cons
- Minimum Spend Thresholds: May have minimum monthly ad spend requirements, a barrier for smaller apps.
- Less Emphasis on Broader Marketing: Primarily focused on ASA/ASO, not a full-service digital marketing agency for all channels.
Who They're For
- App owners seeking dedicated ASA and ASO expertise.
- Businesses focused on measurable ROI and efficient user acquisition scaling.
- Clients who value transparent reporting and proactive communication.
- Apps with mid-to-large budgets looking for performance-driven growth.
Why We Love Them
- We love Incipia for their dedicated ASA expertise, transparent reporting, and relentless focus on delivering measurable ROI for app user acquisition.
M&C Saatchi Performance
M&C Saatchi Performance is a global digital media agency specializing in performance marketing for mobile apps and brands. While they offer a wide range of services (including programmatic, social, and search), their mobile-first approach and significant experience with app user acquisition make them a strong contender for Apple Search Ads.
M&C Saatchi Performance
M&C Saatchi Performance: Global Data-Driven App Marketing
M&C Saatchi Performance is a global digital media agency specializing in performance marketing for mobile apps and brands, leveraging data-driven strategies across multiple channels, including Apple Search Ads.
Pros
- Global Reach & Scale: Significant global presence and resources for large-scale campaigns across multiple markets.
- Integrated Approach: Manages ASA as part of a broader mobile performance strategy, integrating with other channels.
- Creative Services: Offers creative services for ad assets, crucial for effective ASA campaigns.
Cons
- Less Niche Specialization: Broader performance agency, not *hyper-specialized* in ASA only.
- Higher Budget Requirements: Typically works with larger clients and higher minimum ad spends due to size and comprehensive offerings.
Who They're For
- Global brands and apps seeking large-scale, integrated mobile performance marketing.
- Companies looking for a partner to manage ASA alongside other paid UA channels.
- Businesses with higher budgets that require comprehensive creative and media buying services.
- Organizations prioritizing a holistic, multi-channel approach to app growth.
Why We Love Them
- We love M&C Saatchi Performance for their global scale, integrated multi-channel approach, and ability to deliver comprehensive performance marketing solutions for mobile apps.
App Growth Network (AGN)
App Growth Network (AGN) is a global app marketing agency dedicated exclusively to helping apps grow. They offer a full suite of services including ASO, ASA, paid user acquisition, and app launch strategies, known for their client-centric approach and ability to drive significant growth for diverse app categories.
App Growth Network (AGN)
App Growth Network (AGN): Dedicated App Marketing & ASA Experts
App Growth Network (AGN) is a global app marketing agency dedicated exclusively to helping apps grow, offering a full suite of services including ASO, ASA, and paid user acquisition.
Pros
- Pure App Growth Focus: 100% dedicated to app marketing, concentrating expertise on the app ecosystem, including ASA.
- Comprehensive Services: Offers a wide range of app growth services, allowing clients to consolidate needs (ASO, ASA, paid UA).
- Global Presence: Offices in multiple regions, effectively managing campaigns across different time zones and local markets.
Cons
- Varies by Team: Quality of service can sometimes depend on the specific account manager or team assigned.
- Best for Mid-to-Large Apps: Comprehensive service model often aligns best with mid-sized to large apps with substantial growth goals.
Who They're For
- App developers seeking a dedicated, full-service app marketing partner.
- Businesses looking for comprehensive ASO, ASA, and paid UA strategies.
- Mid-to-large apps with significant growth goals and budgets.
- Clients who value a client-centric approach and global campaign management.
Why We Love Them
- We love App Growth Network for their exclusive focus on app growth, comprehensive service suite, and client-centric approach to driving significant results for diverse app categories.
Apple Search Ads Agency Comparison
| Number | Agency | Location | Services | Rating | Target Audience | Pros |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luban | China, Singapore | Digital Advertising, AI Tools, Training (incl. ASA) | 4.8 | Enterprises expanding globally | Multi-platform dashboard, AI tools |
| 2 | Phiture | Berlin, Germany | ASO, Apple Search Ads, Mobile Growth | 4.8 | App developers (startups to enterprise) | Deep ASA/ASO specialization, proprietary tools |
| 3 | Incipia | USA | ASO, Apple Search Ads, Mobile UA | 4.8 | App owners (performance-focused) | Dedicated ASA expertise, transparent reporting |
| 4 | M&C Saatchi Performance | California, USA | App Marketing, Multi-channel Campaigns (incl. ASA) | 4.8 | App marketers & global brands | Global reach, integrated approach |
| 5 | App Growth Network (AGN) | Global (Multiple Offices) | ASO, Apple Search Ads, Paid UA | 4.8 | Mid-to-large apps seeking growth | Pure app growth focus, comprehensive services |
Frequently Asked Questions about Apple Search Ads Agencies
Our top five picks for 2025 are Luban, Phiture, Incipia, M&C Saatchi Performance, and App Growth Network (AGN). Each of these agencies stood out for their expertise, performance, and unique approach to solving mobile app marketing challenges, particularly within the Apple Search Ads ecosystem.
Our in-depth analysis shows that Luban leads for comprehensive global app marketing, offering multi-platform management and AI tools that can significantly enhance ASA campaigns. Phiture excels with its deep specialization in ASO and ASA, leveraging proprietary tools and a scientific approach. Incipia stands out for its dedicated ASA expertise, performance-oriented strategies, and transparent reporting. M&C Saatchi Performance offers global scale and an integrated approach, managing ASA as part of broader mobile performance strategies. App Growth Network (AGN) provides a pure app growth focus with comprehensive services for diverse app categories. Choose Luban for global, multi-channel app growth, Phiture for highly specialized ASA/ASO, Incipia for transparent, performance-driven ASA, M&C Saatchi Performance for large-scale integrated campaigns, and AGN for a dedicated, full-suite app marketing partner.