Publishing app involves submitting your developed app for review and approval by Shopify, after which it becomes available for installation to merchants through Shopify app store.
To successfully submit your app, it’s essential to understand the necessary requirements for submission, as well as the comprehensive Shopify guidelines for listing an app. This includes ensuring your app meets quality standards, integrates smoothly with Shopify platform, and provides clear documentation for users.
Sometimes, Shopify reject apps during the approval process, requiring resubmission. Regular updates are vital for maintaining user engagement and compatibility with Shopify evolving platform. Effectively promoting your app within the Shopify App Store can significantly enhance its visibility and attract potential users.
What Are the Requirements To Publish App in Shopify App Store?
The requirements to publish app in Shopify app store cover the specific criteria and standards that developers must meet in order to submit their app for review. Shopify ensures that these requirements make the app function properly, integrate seamlessly with the Shopify platform, and provide a positive user experience for merchants. These requirements cover basic and technical specifications to address all necessary aspects of app submission and approval.
The following are basic requirements to publish app in Shopify app store.
Shopify Partner Account. Must have an active Shopify Partner account to submit an app.
App Listing Information. App listing are essential details your app must offer when submit it to the Shopify App Store. This information helps potential users understand your app functionality, and features.
- App Name: Choose a clear and concise title that reflects your app’s purpose.
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App Description: Provide a complete summary that explains what the app does, how it helps merchants, and any unique features it offers.
- Key Features: A list of the main functionalities that highlight the app value proposition.
- Screenshots and Videos. High-quality visual content to demonstrate features, helping potential users understand app functionality.
- Pricing Information. Include details about any costs associated with the app, such as subscription models, free trials, and one-time fees.
- Keywords. Use relevant terms to optimize the app visibility in Shopify App Store search results.
Terms and Policies. Follow the rules, guidelines, and agreements that Shopify sets to successfully publish and maintain an app on the platform.
Customer Support. Offer communication methods to assist users in using the app effectively.
The following are technical Requirements to Publish App in Shopify App Store.
API Integration. Integrate the app properly with Shopify APIs to enable seamless communication and data exchange between the app and the Shopify platform.
Authentication. Implement OAuth2.0 to secure authentication and authorization.
Security. Implement measures and practices to protect sensitive data, ensure user privacy, and maintain the integrity of the app and Shopify stores.
User Experience. Ensure that merchants and their customers experience overall satisfaction and ease of use when using the app.
Privacy and Data Protection. Implement policies and technical measures to ensure the secure and responsible handling of merchant and customer data.
Testing. Thoroughly test your app for functionality, compatibility, and usability.
Webhooks. Implement the necessary webhooks to synchronize data and provide real-time updates.
Basic Functionality. Ensure that the app provides clear value and functionality to merchants, enhancing their store experience.
What are Shopify Guidelines for Listing App on Shopify App Store?
Shopify sets guidelines to ensure that apps meet quality standards and provide a positive user experience for users. These guidelines cover various aspects of app development, functionality, and presentation, helping to maintain the integrity and reliability of the Shopify App Store ecosystem.
- User-Friendly Interface: Design the app layout to prioritize ease of use and accessibility for merchants.
- Responsive Design: Validate that the app works seamlessly across all devices and screen sizes, including desktops, tablets, and mobile phones.
- Performance: The app should load quickly and function without bugs or crashes, even during heavy usage.
- Clear Value Proposition: A concise statement in the app listing shows the app unique benefit and advantage to users.
- Accurate Descriptions: Provide a factual app description and avoid making misleading claims. Use simple language, be concise, and focus on the essential information.
- Visual Assets: Showcase the app functionality with high-quality images, videos, and screenshots. Optimize these assets for size and clarity to enhance the visual appeal of the listing.
What Are the Steps to Publish App in Shopify Store?
There are three steps to publish app in Shopify store.
1. Prepare App
Prepare App is the process of creating a custom software application that integrates with Shopify's platform. This involves developing functionalities and features according to Shopify guidelines and API specifications. Test it thoroughly to ensure it functions correctly, adding value and meeting a specific need for Shopify merchants.
2. Create Shopify partner Account
Sign up for a Shopify Partner account if you haven't already. This account is used to developers, designers, and agencies who create apps, themes, or other solutions for Shopify merchants.
3. Submit App for Review
Navigate to the Apps section in your Shopify Partner Dashboard and click on Create app. Select Create app manually and enter the name of your app. Then, go to the Configuration tab in the right-side bar and fill out all app listing information about the app, like description, pricing, icon, version, and screenshots.
Next, navigate to Distribution and choose Public distribution. Then, select Manage submission and choose options according to your preference. For new users submitting an app for the first time, there is a one-time charge of $19.
How Long Does It Take for Shopify to Review And Approve App?
The review and approval process for publishing an app on the Shopify app store usually takes around 7 to 10 business days. This time frame can vary depending on the complexity of the app, completeness of the submission, and current review queue times. Shopify will send you updates via email, so you can track your submission status.
What Should I Do if App is rejected from the Shopify App Store?
When the Shopify App Store rejects an app, it signifies that after a complete review, Shopify has determined that the app does not meet the guidelines or quality standards required for listing. These issues relate to functionality, user experience, security, and compliance with Shopify policies.
Shopify commonly rejects apps that fail to provide clear value or effectively solve specific merchant problems. Apps with poor performance, such as slow loading times, frequent crashes, or bugs, and incomplete functionality are also often rejected. Providing unclear documentation that does not guide users on how to install, configure, and use the app effectively can lead to rejection as well. Additionally, apps that do not integrate smoothly with the Shopify ecosystem or violate Shopify data privacy and security policies are significant factors for rejection.
If app is rejected by Shopify App Store, follow these steps for resubmission.
Review the Rejection Feedback
Carefully examine Shopify feedback detailing the reasons for rejecting your app. This feedback outlines the reasons for rejection and identifies areas needing improvement.
Address Issues
Actively prioritize and resolve the specific issues highlighted in the rejection feedback, such as fixing bugs, improving app functionality, enhancing the user interface, or ensuring compliance with Shopify app submission guidelines.
Re-Test App
Thoroughly test the app to ensure that you have resolved all issues. Check its functionality, usability, and any new bugs that may have emerged during the modification process.
Update Documentation
Update the app documentation, including user guide and support material, to reflect any changes made during the revision process.
Resubmit App
After making and testing all improvements, resubmit your app through the Shopify Partner Dashboard. Include a detailed explanation of the changes you made in response to the initial rejection.
What Information and Assets Need to Prepare for App Listing?
Preparing the app listing involves collecting and organizing all necessary information and assets required by the Shopify App Store to present your app effectively to potential users. This includes gathering the required documents, visual assets, app descriptions and screenshots, support documentation, FAQs, and any other relevant materials essential for app promotion and user understanding.
Required documents
- Support Contact Information: Provide an email address or other contact details through which users can reach app support.
- Privacy Policy URL: A link to app privacy policy.
- Terms of Service URL: A link to app terms of service.
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Developer Information: Provide your company name, website URL, and a brief description.
Visual Assets
- Logo: A high-resolution logo for an app, of 1200x1200 pixels.
- Screenshots: High-quality images displaying the app interface and key features.
- Videos: Optional but highly recommended, a short demo video explaining app functionality and features.
- Promotional Images: Create promotional images or banners that highlight its unique selling points.
- App Name: Choose a unique name for the app.
- App Category: Select the category that best fits the app functionality.
- Tagline: A short and clear statement about the app.
- Features: List the features that the app offers, along with a brief explanation of each.
- Pricing: Structured and detailed information regarding the cost of the app and its associated plans or tiers.
Support documentation
- User Guide: Detailed guide explaining how to install, configure, and use the app.
- FAQs: Compile a list of frequently asked questions that address common queries and concerns users might have.
Can I Update App After Published in Shopify App Store?
Yes, you can update the app after publishing it in the Shopify App Store. Once the app is live, you can submit updates through the Shopify Partner Dashboard. After submission, Shopify will review the updated version before making it available to users. This process ensures that new features, bug fixes, or updates meet Shopify standards.
How To Promote App after Publish in Shopify App Store?
Promote the app in the Shopify App Store by optimizing the app listing with high-quality visuals, a clear and effective description, and relevant keywords to boost search visibility. Attract potential users by showcasing customer testimonials and case studies that highlight the app value. Use paid advertising campaigns within the Shopify ecosystem and on social media to expand your reach. Participate in Shopify forums, webinars, and events to connect with merchants and enhance exposure. Actively manage and respond to user reviews to build a positive reputation.
