Publish app means submitting an app for review and approval by Shopify. Once an app is approved it is available for merchants to install from Shopify app store.
To successfully submit your app, it is essential to understand requirements for submission and Shopify guidelines for listing an app. This ensures that your app meets quality standards, integrates smoothly with the platform, and provides clear documentation to users.
Shopify rejects apps and requires resubmit to meet their quality standards. Regular updates are essential to keep user engagement and ensure compatibility with Shopify platform. Additionally, promoting your app within the Shopify App Store enhances visibility and attracts more users.
What Are the Requirements To Publish App in Shopify App Store?
To publish an app in the Shopify App Store, developers must meet specific criteria to ensure the app functions properly, integrates with the Shopify platform, and delivers a positive experience for merchants. These requirements address both basic and technical aspects to guarantee the app submission and approval.
The basic requirements to publish an app in Shopify app store.
Shopify Partner Account. Must have an active Shopify Partner account to submit an app.
App Listing Information. App listings are essential details your app must provide, when submitting to the Shopify App Store. This information helps users to understand your app functionality and features.
- App Name: Choose a clear and concise title that reflects your app purpose.
- 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 main functionalities that differentiate your app. Be specific and highlight how these features solve merchant problems or enhance their store operations.
- Screenshot and Video: Provide high-quality images or a video demo that showcase the app’s interface and user experience. This helps users understand how the app looks and functions.
- Pricing Information: Clearly state the pricing model of the app, like 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 the app complies with data protection regulations and sets expectations for users.
Customer Support. Provide detailed contact information for user support, such as an email address or helpdesk.
The technical Requirements to Publish App in Shopify App Store.
API Integration. Integrate the app properly with Shopify APIs to enable seamless data exchange between the app and Shopify platform.
Authentication. Use OAuth2.0 for secure authentication and authorization.
Security. Follow the best security measure and practice to protect sensitive data, user privacy, and maintain the integrity of the app and Shopify stores.
User Experience. App must have an intuitive, user-friendly interface that follows Shopify design guidelines. This includes responsive design, easy navigation, and clear instructions when using the app.
Privacy and Data Protection. Implement GDPR and other relevant data protection regulations to handle merchant and customer data securely.
Testing. Test your app for functionality, security, and performance on different store configurations, themes, and apps to ensure compatibility.
Webhooks. Use webhooks to sync your app data in real-time with store events such as order creation, product updates, or inventory changes.
Basic Functionality. App must provide value and functionality to merchants and enhance their store experience.
What are Shopify Guidelines for Listing App on Shopify App Store?
Shopify has guidelines to ensure apps meet quality standards and provide a positive user experience for users. It covers various aspects of app development, functionality, and presentation to maintain the integrity and reliability of the Shopify App Store.
- User-Friendly Interface: Design the app interface user friendly and ease of use for merchants.
- Responsive Design: Make sure that the app works on all devices and screen sizes, including desktops, tablets, and mobile phones.
- Performance: The app should load quickly and function without crash, even during heavy usage.
- Clear Value Proposition: A short summary in the app listing that shows the app unique benefit and advantage to users.
- Descriptions: Provide a clear app description and avoid misleading claims. Use simple language, concise, and focus on the essential information.
- Visual Assets: Show app functionality with high-quality images, videos, and screenshots. Optimize these assets based on size and clarity to enhance the visual of the listing.
What Are the Steps to Publish App in Shopify Store?
There are three steps to publish an app in the Shopify store.
1. Develop App
Developing an app means building a custom app to integrate with Shopify platform. This includes creating features and functionalities according to Shopify guidelines that solve a specific need for Shopify merchants. It's crucial to test the app to verify its proper functionality and performance.
2. Create Shopify partner Account
Sign up for a Shopify Partner account if you haven't already. This account is for developers, designers, and agencies who create apps, themes, or other solutions for Shopify merchants. This account grants access to various tools and resources to build and manage apps.
3. Submit App for Review
Go 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 on the right-side 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 usually take 7-10 days. This timeline may vary based on the app complexity, the completeness of the submission, and review queue. 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 Shopify rejects the app, it means that after a complete review, Shopify has determined that the app does not meet the guidelines or quality standards.
Shopify commonly rejects apps that do not provide clear value or solve specific merchant problems. Apps with poor performance, such as slow loading times, frequent crashes, or bugs, and incomplete functionality are also often rejected. Unclear documentation that does not guide users on how to install, configure, and use the app effectively is also the reason for rejection. Apps that do not integrate well with the Shopify ecosystem are significant factors for rejection.
If an app is rejected by Shopify, follow these steps for resubmission.
Review the Rejection Feedback
Carefully read Shopify feedback on reasons for rejecting your app. This outlines the reasons for rejection and identifies areas needing improvement.
Address Issues
Resolve the issues highlighted in the rejection feedback like fixing bugs, improving app functionality, user interface.
Re-Test App
Test the app thoroughly to make sure you fixed everything. Check functionality, usability, new bugs that may have emerged during fix time.
Update Documentation
Update the app documentation, user guide, support material, and any changes made during the modification process.
Resubmit App
After make and test all the changes, 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?
App listing is the process of collecting and organizing all necessary information Shopify requires to present your app. This includes gathering the required documents, visual assets, app descriptions and screenshots, support documentation, FAQs, and any other relevant materials for app promotion and user understanding.
Required documents
- Support Contact: Provide an email address or other contact details through which users reach out app support.
- Privacy Policy URL: A link to app privacy policy.
- Terms of Service URL: A link to app terms of service.
- 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 app interface and features.
- Videos: Optional but highly recommended, a short demo video of app.
- Promotional Images: Create promotional images or banners for the app.
App description
- App Name: Unique name of 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 with plans or tiers.
Support documentation
- User Guide: Detailed guide explaining how to install, configure, and use the app.
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FAQs: A list of frequently asked questions that address common queries and concerns users might have.
How To Promote App after Publish in Shopify App Store?
Promote Shopify app by optimizing the app listing with high-quality visuals, clear description, and relevant keywords to boost visibility. Run paid advertising campaigns in Shopify and social media to expand your reach. Join Shopify forums, webinars, and events to connect with merchants and get more exposure. Manage and respond to reviews to build a positive reputation.
