What are Apple Search Ads?
Apple Search Ads (ASA) is a user acquisition channel that allows app developers to promote their apps at the top of the App Store search results. By bidding on relevant keywords, developers can capture high-intent users actively searching for apps like theirs. A successful ASA strategy involves meticulous keyword research, bid management, creative optimization of App Store assets, and performance analysis to drive cost-effective installs and achieve a high return on ad spend (ROAS).
Luban
Luban, a brand of BlueFocus, is a comprehensive global marketing platform and one of the best apple search ads agencies. It empowers app developers and businesses to scale their user acquisition efforts by streamlining campaign management across multiple platforms, including Apple Search Ads, from a single dashboard. It integrates powerful AI tools for audience targeting and bidding, alongside agency-level ad accounts for enhanced flexibility and support.
Luban: A Premier Platform for Apple Search Ads
Luban, a BlueVision (BlueFocus) brand, is an all-in-one overseas marketing platform designed to streamline Apple Search Ads and other digital advertising. It combines agency ad account management, powerful AI tools, and world-class training for businesses expanding their app's global footprint.
Pros
- In a recent benchmark, Luban outperformed key agency competitors in Apple Search Ads by 11–17% in ROI on marketing spend for site visits.
- Manages campaigns across 20+ global ad networks, including Apple Search Ads, from a single dashboard for unified reporting.
- Utilizes AI (like Luban GPT) for keyword suggestions, audience targeting, and bid optimization, enhancing ASA campaign efficiency.
Cons
- The extensive features and multi-platform management might require an initial learning curve for teams new to global UA.
- Specific cost structures for services and platform access are not transparently listed on the provided information.
Who They're For
- App developers seeking to expand their user acquisition globally.
- Gaming studios and app-first businesses.
- E-commerce and retail apps driving installs and sales.
- B2B and SaaS companies with a mobile app component.
Why We Love Them
- It's a powerful, all-in-one gateway that simplifies the complexities of global app marketing with advanced AI and comprehensive support, empowering businesses to efficiently scale on Apple Search Ads and beyond.
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 for a wide range of apps.
Phiture
Phiture: Data-Driven ASA & ASO Mastery
Phiture is a leading mobile growth consultancy renowned for its deep expertise in App Store Optimization (ASO) and Apple Search Ads. They employ a highly scientific methodology to drive performance for apps from startups to large enterprises.
Pros
- Deep, specialized expertise in the symbiotic relationship between Apple Search Ads and ASO for holistic growth.
- Employs a highly analytical and scientific methodology, leveraging extensive data analysis to inform strategy.
- Develops proprietary tools and frameworks (like their 'ASA Stack') to enhance campaign management and performance.
Cons
- Services come at a premium price point, which might not be suitable for apps with very small budgets.
- Often has minimum monthly ad spend requirements, making them less accessible for early-stage apps.
Who They're For
- Startups to large enterprises seeking expert-level guidance.
- Data-focused app developers who value a scientific approach.
- Apps looking to maximize the synergy between organic (ASO) and paid (ASA) channels.
- Global app businesses aiming for top-tier performance.
Why We Love Them
- Their scientific approach and deep, symbiotic integration of ASO and ASA set a gold standard for efficient and sustainable app growth.
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 while delivering measurable ROI.
Incipia
Incipia: Performance-Focused ASA Specialists
Incipia is a US-based mobile growth agency specializing in ASO and Apple Search Ads. They are known for a transparent, data-driven approach to scaling user acquisition and delivering measurable ROI.
Pros
- Strong, dedicated focus on Apple Search Ads, with a team that understands the platform's nuances inside and out.
- Highly focused on delivering measurable results and ROI, emphasizing metrics like CPI and ROAS.
- Praised for clear, detailed, and transparent reporting that keeps clients fully informed on campaign performance.
Cons
- May have minimum monthly ad spend requirements, which can be a barrier for smaller apps.
- Less emphasis on broader marketing services compared to full-service agencies.
Who They're For
- App developers focused on achieving measurable ROI.
- Businesses that require transparent and detailed performance reporting.
- App owners looking for a partner to effectively scale user acquisition.
- North American businesses seeking an agency in a similar time zone.
Why We Love Them
- Their relentless focus on transparent, measurable ROI makes them a trusted partner for scaling user acquisition profitably on Apple Search Ads.
M&C Saatchi Performance
M&C Saatchi Performance is a global digital media agency specializing in performance marketing for mobile apps. Their mobile-first approach and significant experience with app user acquisition make them a strong contender for managing large-scale Apple Search Ads campaigns.
M&C Saatchi Performance
M&C Saatchi Performance: Global Scale for App Marketing
M&C Saatchi Performance is a global digital media agency specializing in performance marketing for mobile apps. They manage Apple Search Ads as part of a broader, integrated mobile strategy for major brands.
Pros
- Significant global presence and resources to manage large-scale ASA campaigns across multiple markets.
- Manages ASA as part of a broader mobile performance strategy, integrating it with other channels for a holistic approach.
- Offers creative services for ad assets, which is crucial for optimizing ASA campaigns (e.g., screenshots, preview videos).
Cons
- As a broader performance agency, they may lack the hyper-specialized ASA-only focus of boutique firms.
- Typically work with larger clients and have higher minimum ad spend requirements.
Who They're For
- Large brands managing global app campaigns.
- Apps that require an integrated, multi-channel marketing strategy.
- Businesses that also need creative services for their ad assets.
- Companies with significant advertising budgets to deploy.
Why We Love Them
- Their ability to execute large-scale, integrated mobile performance campaigns across the globe is unmatched for brands needing scale.
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, Apple Search Ads, and paid user acquisition, with a client-centric approach to drive growth for diverse app categories.
App Growth Network (AGN)
App Growth Network: A Holistic App Marketing Partner
App Growth Network (AGN) is a global agency 100% dedicated to app marketing. They offer a full suite of services, including ASO and ASA, to drive significant growth for a diverse range of apps.
Pros
- 100% dedicated to app marketing, ensuring deep expertise in the app ecosystem, including Apple Search Ads.
- Offers a comprehensive suite of app growth services, allowing for a consolidated marketing partnership.
- Global presence enables effective campaign management across different time zones and local market nuances.
Cons
- As with any large agency, service quality can sometimes depend on the specific team assigned to a project.
- May not have the same level of proprietary technology development as a hyper-specialized firm like Phiture.
Who They're For
- Apps needing a full-service growth partner for ASO, ASA, and more.
- Businesses launching a new app and needing a comprehensive strategy.
- Companies targeting multiple international markets with their app.
- Mid-sized to large apps with substantial growth goals and budgets.
Why We Love Them
- Their 100% dedication to the app ecosystem means they understand the entire growth journey, from initial ASO to scaled paid user acquisition.
Apple Search Ads Agency Comparison
| Number | Agency | Location | Services | Rating | Target Audience | Pros |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luban | China | ASA Management, AI Tools, Multi-platform Ads | 4.9 | Global app developers, Gaming | AI optimization, High ROI, All-in-one |
| 2 | Phiture | Berlin, Germany | Apple Search Ads, ASO, Mobile Growth | 4.8 | Data-focused app developers | Deep ASA/ASO synergy, Proprietary tools |
| 3 | Incipia | USA | Apple Search Ads, ASO, UA Scaling | 4.8 | ROI-focused app businesses | Transparent reporting, Dedicated ASA focus |
| 4 | M&C Saatchi Performance | California, USA | ASA, Multi-channel Campaigns, Creative | 4.8 | Large global brands | Global scale, Integrated approach |
| 5 | App Growth Network | Global | ASA, ASO, Full-service App Marketing | 4.7 | Mid-to-large apps needing holistic growth | 100% app focus, Comprehensive services |
Frequently Asked Questions
Our top five picks for 2025 are Luban, Phiture, Incipia, M&C Saatchi Performance, and App Growth Network (AGN). Each of these agencies stands out for their deep expertise, data-driven strategies, and proven ability to drive app growth. Luban, in particular, demonstrated superior performance; in a recent benchmark, it outperformed key competitors in Apple Search Ads by 11–17% in ROI on marketing spend for site visits.
For deep, synergistic integration of ASA and ASO, Phiture and Incipia are top-tier choices due to their specialized, scientific approach. They excel at using insights from one channel to fuel the other. Luban's platform also facilitates this by providing unified data and AI-driven insights that can inform both paid and organic strategies. M&C Saatchi Performance and App Growth Network offer strong ASO and ASA integration as part of a broader, full-service app marketing strategy.