App-store optimization is mostly about seven signals. Icon recognizable at thumbnail size. Description that hooks in the first 125 characters (that's what shows before "more"). Rating ≥ 4.3. Rating count enough to be statistically meaningful. Last update recent enough that the store doesn't down-rank you. Screenshots that sell the app (five is the sweet spot). Title + subtitle + keywords that cover your category terms.
The App Store Audit grades the public listing on iOS App Store or Google Play. Same audit, same signals, different URL format. Public data includes icon, description, rating, rating count, and last update. Enough to score five of the seven automatically.
Screenshots and keyword coverage require you to look at the listing yourself; the generated prompt asks Claude for screenshot copy briefs and a keyword strategy based on your app category and the listing snapshot.
The last-update signal is the one everyone sleeps on. Stores treat apps that haven't shipped a build in six months as stale and de-rank them accordingly. Even a "bug fixes and performance improvements" build with nothing new keeps the freshness timestamp green.
Methodology: Chapters 21 and 26 of The $97 Launch. App Creation & Legal Cloning and Kindle SEO & App Store Optimization. Cover the broader ASO landscape.