[jyap]

Developers are already optimizing for keyword search. The article also assumes users aren't already performing long tail searches. The bigger problem is that the search algorithm is broken and favors apps which have more raw downloads.

This means that free or freemium apps rank higher (even on long tail search results). This isn't good for quality apps which are paid purchases but have fewer downloads compared to a mediocre quality but free app.

Keywords and the app title can only be changed when you update an up. So if you 'rinse & repeat' like the slides say, you risk making your search rankings worse.

It also says to put in keywords into the app description. It's fairly well known that the app description does not effect App Store search results.

[Zenst]

If that is the case about the free apps biasing over paid ones due to downloads then how long until Apple at least offer the ability to search a free and a paid chart ala Android. Otherwise this change will only hurt them thru loss of people seeing the lovely paid applications.

[saurik]

Apple makes their money selling hardware, not from the App Store (where they mostly break even): if they aren't doing it already, it would actually be in their best interests to promote free software over paid because it makes users happier with their device purchase.