Things 3 ASO Teardown:
Top Keywords & Strategy
In this comprehensive analysis, we reveal the real-time App Store keywords and metadata strategy used by Things 3 to dominate the Productivity category in 2025.
💡 Building an app like Things 3? Use this data to find low-competition keywords and outrank the market leaders.
Executive Summary
Keyword Strategy
Leads with branded 'Things 3' + broad 'Organize your life' while stuffing task verbs in description copy.
Positioning
Frames itself as an award-winning, design-led life organizer instead of a generic to-do list app.
Notable Pattern
Opens description with 'Get things done!' to capture GTD searches and outcome-focused intent in 4 words.
Top Priority Keywords
Which Keywords Does Things 3 Rank For?
According to AppFlight's keyword research, Things 3 targets 20 primary keywords with data on volume and difficulty
All Keywords
Some of these keywords inspire your ASO bundle content.
| Keyword | Volume | Difficulty | Current Rank | Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
things | 85 | 84 | #1 | 76% |
projects | 78 | 85 | #4 | 64% |
task manager | 83 | 72 | #10 | 60% |
tasks | 87 | 94 | #10 | 60% |
task management | 81 | 75 | #17 | 56% |
todo list | 87 | 64 | #27 | 56% |
task list | 82 | 66 | #25 | 55% |
to do list | 87 | 79 | #28 | 54% |
to-do | 78 | 70 | #37 | 51% |
productivity | 96 | 82 | N/A | 32% |
sync | 86 | 83 | N/A | 29% |
3 | 86 | 83 | N/A | 29% |
reminders | 91 | 92 | N/A | 29% |
notes | 90 | 95 | N/A | 28% |
daily planner | 80 | 80 | N/A | 28% |
calendar | 89 | 95 | N/A | 28% |
goals | 83 | 90 | N/A | 27% |
routines | 76 | 83 | N/A | 26% |
shopping list | 75 | 84 | N/A | 26% |
actions | 66 | 76 | N/A | 25% |
habits | 74 | 90 | N/A | 24% |
Why Does Things 3's ASO Strategy Work?
AppFlight's analysis breaks down the key factors that make Things 3 successful in the App Store
The subtitle “Organize your life” is a classic high-intent, benefit-led phrase that quietly covers dozens of mid‑tail queries (plan day, manage projects, life goals, routines). It positions the app as a life organizer, not just a task list, which widens appeal beyond hardcore productivity nerds. This emotional, outcome-first line contrasts with competitors that lead with dry feature stacks (“Task lists & reminders”), helping Things win users who are browsing, not searching for a specific term. That one line defines a clear, aspirational use-case narrative.
The description front-loads three big levers: social proof (“award-winning Things app”), a clear value promise (“helps you plan your day, manage your projects”), and a time-bound payoff (“Within the hour, you’ll have everything off your mind”). These first two sentences are heavily optimized for verbs users actually type: “plan your day”, “manage your projects”, “get things done”. While Apple Search doesn’t index descriptions as strongly as titles, repeating these high-intent phrases supports semantic relevance, boosts on-page persuasion, and aligns with likely keyword-field entries.
Finally, the copy leans into GTD language without saying “GTD”: “Get things done!”, “off your mind”, “focus on what matters today”. This lets Things 3 capture users who want serious productivity help while still sounding friendly to casual users. The messaging builds a clear before/after story: chaos → “neatly organized” tasks and “real progress toward your goals”. That strong narrative, combined with a minimalist, brand-first metadata setup, converts well enough that high ratings and features drive its rankings for generic terms other apps must keyword-stuff to reach.
What Alternative ASO Strategies Could Things 3 Use?
AppFlight's AI analyzed Things 3's positioning and generated optimized alternatives for maximum visibility
App Name Variants
3 AI-generated alternatives with strategic rationale
Things 3: Task Manager
Pairs the well-known brand with its core use case to quickly signal utility and build trust.
Things 3: To Do List
Spells out the everyday job the app does so users instantly recognize it as the solution they’re looking for.
Things 3: Tasks & Projects
Emphasizes handling both small items and bigger work to appeal to users who manage complex responsibilities.
Subtitle Variants
3 AI-generated alternatives with strategic rationale
To-do & task list, simplified
Uses simple language and a promise of ease to reassure users who feel overwhelmed by complex tools.
Daily planner for your goals
Appeals to users’ desire for structure and achievement by linking daily planning with long-term outcomes.
Smart task management for work
Targets professionals by stressing focus and clarity around work, increasing relevance for serious users.
Optimized Promotional Text
Enhanced for conversion and character efficiency
Turn chaos into a calm, focused day—plan what matters in minutes, capture ideas fast, and stay on track across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch.
Rationale: Creates an emotional contrast between chaos and calm while highlighting cross-device convenience to nudge quick installs.
Optimized Description
Restructured for clarity, scannability, and conversion
Stay on top of everything you need to do with a clear, calm overview of your day. This thoughtfully crafted app turns scattered ideas into a plan you can actually follow. No more juggling sticky notes, emails, and half-finished apps—collect your to-dos in one trusted place and move through the day with intention. PLAN YOUR DAY WITH CONFIDENCE - See what’s on your plate today and what’s coming next with focused Today and Upcoming views. - Combine your calendar events and to-dos so you always know how much time you really have. TURN BIG IDEAS INTO FINISHED WORK - Break large work into structured projects, with headings, checklists, and notes in one clean outline. - Capture every detail with rich text, Markdown support, and as many steps as you need. - Group related work into Areas like Work, Personal, and Family so nothing important slips through the cracks. FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS RIGHT NOW - Set start dates, deadlines, and reminders so the right items surface exactly when you need them. - Use tags and filters to slice your lists by energy, context, or priority and cut through the noise. - Create lightweight routines for habits, chores, and repeating responsibilities. FAST CAPTURE EVERYWHERE - Add new ideas in seconds from your Home Screen widgets, Share extensions, and quick entry options. - Turn emails into actionable items with Mail to Things, or dictate new items with Siri. - Scan your Today list on Apple Watch, mark items done as you go, and create new ones with your voice. DESIGNED FOR APPLE, LOVED BY USERS - Enjoy a refined interface that keeps you in flow, with support for Dark Mode, keyboard shortcuts, and haptics. - Sync seamlessly across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch so your plan is always with you. - Automate common actions with Shortcuts and tailor the app to match how you think. - Built to support deep work and everyday productivity without getting in your way. RELIABLE, PRIVATE, AND READY WHEN YOU ARE - Your data is stored securely and kept up to date through our fast cloud service. - No ads, no clutter—just a focused place to move important work forward and protect your attention. Download now to bring order to your day, finish meaningful work, and make steady progress toward your goals.
Rationale: Uses a benefit-first narrative and scannable sections to reduce anxiety about organization and make installing feel like an easy win.
What Can You Learn from Things 3's ASO?
Based on AppFlight's teardown, here are actionable ASO lessons you can apply to your own app today
Pair a short brand name with one strong benefit keyword in the subtitle instead of stuffing 3–4 weak ones.
Write your first 2 description lines like ad copy: value promise + social proof + clear outcome in under 30 words.
Cluster high-intent verbs in your description (e.g., “plan your day”, “manage projects”, “track goals”) that mirror your hidden keyword field.
Use an aspirational, life-oriented phrase (“Organize your life”, “Stay on top of everything”) to expand beyond a narrow feature like “to-do list”.
Borrow from known frameworks (e.g., GTD language like “off your mind”, “get things done”) to align with existing user intent searches.
Make a specific time-bound promise (“in 10 minutes…”, “within the hour…”) to increase conversion from vague “productivity” browsers.
If you’re not yet a known brand, combine your app name with 1–2 core generics in the title (e.g., “Flow – Tasks & Calendar”) to balance brand and reach.