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data-component-name="how-to-build-a-shopify-app" data-viewable-component="true" data-mode="light"><div class="relative overflow-hidden bg-partners-conversionBg bg-partners-article-converion bg-no-repeat bg-bottom"><picture data-component-name="image"><img alt="" class="absolute right-[-380px] h-full w-auto min-w-[950px]" src=""/></picture><div class="container relative flex flex-col items-center text-center py-[60px] px-[40px] tablet-xl:px-[130px] desktop:px-[210px]"><p class="richtext font-extralight font-sans text-white text-t2">Become a Shopify Partner.</p><p class="richtext font-extralight mb-4 font-sans text-white text-t2">Unlock business growth.</p><a href="https://partners.shopify.com/signup" class="inline-block self-center overflow-hidden max-w-full px-button-px py-button-py ring-inset rounded-button tracking-button-tracking transition-all duration-150 focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-offset-2 focus-visible:outline-state-focus focus-visible:outline border-2 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itemProp="dateModified" content="2021-02-25T03:00:00.000Z"/><div class="relative"><div class="py-10 tablet:text-center desktop:pt-16 desktop:pb-16" data-mode="light"><div class="container desktop:w-9/12 desktop:mx-auto"><div class="uppercase text-shade-100 font-aktivgroteskextended text-[12px] leading-[14px] tracking-[0.01em] font-semibold tablet-xl:font-shopifysans tablet-xl:text-[11px] tablet-xl:leading-[13px] tablet:tracking-[0.5px] tablet:font-bold pb-2"><a href="/ng/partners/blog" class="no-underline hover:text-link-light-hover topic-link">blog</a><span class="richtext px-2.5 text-xs">|</span><a href="/ng/partners/blog/topics/shopify-app-development" class="no-underline hover:text-link-light-hover topic-link">Shopify App Development</a></div><h1 class="richtext font-medium tracking-[-0.02em] text-[28px] leading-9 tablet-xl:text-[40px] tablet-xl:leading-[48px]" itemProp="headline">How to Build a Shopify App: The Complete Guide</h1><p class="richtext font-normal tracking-[-0.02em] text-[18px] leading-[26px] tablet-xl:text-[20px] tablet-xl:leading-7 desktop:text-[22px] desktop:leading-8 mt-4 desktop:mt-4">Millions of merchants use Shopify to power their businesses, and apps play a critical role in their success. Apps empower merchants to meet their unique challenges and needs. While there are limitless opportunities to build an app, if you haven’t developed an app for the Shopify App Store before, where exactly do you start? In this guide, you’ll learn the six stages of app development you need to know to create and launch a successful app on Shopify. Let’s get started.</p><div class="lg:hidden mt-4 tablet-xl:mt-12"><div class="gap-x-1 flex flex-wrap font-bold sm:justify-center !text-lg text-legacy-gray-90"> by <span itemProp="author" itemscope="" itemType="https://schema.org/Person"><a href="/ng/partners/blog/authors/monique-elliot" class="no-underline" itemProp="url"><span itemProp="name">Monique Elliot</span></a></span></div><div class="text-body-sm text-shade-50">Last updated <time>25 Feb 2021</time></div></div></div></div><div class="tablet:container desktop:w-9/12 desktop:mx-auto overflow-hidden flex justify-center"><img class="" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/articles/how-to-build-a-shopify-app.jpg?v=1727286002&originalWidth=1848&originalHeight=782" alt="How to build a Shopify app" loading="eager" decoding="async" width="1848" height="782" srcSet="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/articles/how-to-build-a-shopify-app.jpg?v=1727286002&originalWidth=1848&originalHeight=782&width=200 200w, 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https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/articles/how-to-build-a-shopify-app.jpg?v=1727286002&originalWidth=1848&originalHeight=782&width=1600 1600w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/articles/how-to-build-a-shopify-app.jpg?v=1727286002&originalWidth=1848&originalHeight=782&width=1800 1800w"/></div></div><div class="container grid-cols-4 sm:grid-cols-8 md:grid-cols-12 block tablet-xl:grid gap-y-0 gap-x-12"><div class="col-span-4 xs:col-span-12 md:col-span-4 lg:col-span-3 col-start-1 nav-drawer md:pb-20 pt-10 desktop:pt-16" data-component-name="blog-left-sidebar"><nav class="md:top-[calc(var(--header-height)*2)] md:max-h-[calc(100vh-var(--header-height))] md:overflow-auto md:sticky md:pb-6 pr-2"><div class="bg-[#EAE8FF] hidden md:block"><div class="p-6"><p class="richtext text-2xl font-aktivgroteskextended text-[#390278] font-bold mb-4">Earn more revenue as a Shopify Partner</p><p class="richtext font-aktivgroteskextended text-[#212326] text-base mb-4">Grow your Shopify expertise and unlock new ways to earn revenue for your own business with the Shopify Partner Program.</p><a href="https://partners.shopify.com/signup" class="inline-block self-center overflow-hidden max-w-full px-button-px py-button-py ring-inset rounded-button font-button-font font-button-weight tracking-button-tracking transition-all duration-150 focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-offset-2 focus-visible:outline-state-focus focus-visible:outline border-2 text-button-light-primary-text border-button-light-primary-border ring-button-light-primary-border hover:text-button-light-primary-text-hover hover:border-button-light-primary-border-hover hover:ring-button-light-primary-border-hover focus:text-button-light-primary-text-focus focus:border-button-light-primary-border-focus focus:ring-button-light-primary-border-focus active:text-button-light-primary-text-active active:border-button-light-primary-border-active active:ring disabled:text-button-light-primary-text-disabled 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[&_.marketing-button]:text-white [&_.marketing-button]:no-underline [&_a>img]:mt-3 [&_a>img]:mb-8 [&_a>img]:h-[revert-layer] [&_img]:my-12 [&_a>img]:inline-block [&_figure>img]:mb-0 [&_figure]:mb-12 [&_img]:inline-block [&_ul]:list-disc [&_ul]:space-y-3 [&_ul]:pl-6 [&_ul]:mb-6 [&_ul_li]:pl-4 [&_ol]:list-decimal [&_ol]:space-y-3 [&_ol]:pl-6 [&_ol]:mb-6 [&_ol_li]:pl-4 [&_ol_li::marker]:font-bold [&_iframe]:max-w-full [&_figcaption]:mb-12 [&_figcaption]:text-center [&_figcaption]:text-xs [&_figcaption]:sm:text-sm [&_figcaption]:mt-1 [&_strong]:font-medium [&_strong]:text-black [&_.heading--4]:font-aktivgroteskextended [&_.heading--4]:text-2xl [&_.heading--4]:text-black [&_.heading--4]:font-medium [&_.heading--4]:tracking-[-.02em] [&_iframe]:mt-3 [&_iframe]:mb-9 [&_.container]:m-0 [&_.container]:flex [&_.container]:gap-5 [&_.container]:flex-wrap [&_.green]:text-[green] [&_.red]:text-[red] [&_.pros]:bg-[#eafaea] [&_.pros]:rounded-[10px] [&_.pros]:p-5 [&_.pros_h3]:mt-2 [&_.cons]:bg-[#ffebe6] [&_.cons]:rounded-[10px] [&_.cons]:p-5 [&_.cons_h3]:mt-2 [&_.pros]:tablet:flex-[1_0_calc(50%-10px)] [&_.pros]:flex-[1_0_100%] [&_.cons]:tablet:flex-[1_0_calc(50%-10px)] [&_.cons]:flex-[1_0_100%] [&_.pros_.grid-container]:grid [&_.cons_.grid-container]:grid [&_.grid-container]:gap-[5px] [&_.grid-container]:grid-cols-[15px_auto] [&_.pros_.grid-container]:p-[5px] [&_.cons_.grid-container]:p-[5px] [&_.aspect-video_iframe]:mt-0 article-content [&_.truncated-text]:relative [&_.truncated-text]:max-h-[300px] [&_.truncated-text]:overflow-hidden [&_.truncated-text]:mb-6 [&_.truncated-text::before]:absolute [&_.truncated-text::before]:content-[""] [&_.truncated-text::before]:bottom-0 [&_.truncated-text::before]:w-full [&_.truncated-text::before]:h-[150px] [&_.truncated-text::before]:bg-gradient-to-t [&_.truncated-text::before]:from-white [&_.truncated-text::before]:from-50% [&_.truncated-text::before]:to-transparent [&_.truncated-text\_\_toggle]:absolute [&_.truncated-text\_\_toggle]:bottom-0 [&_.truncated-text\_\_toggle]:w-full [&_.truncated-text\_\_toggle]:text-center [&_.marketing-code]:bg-[#f0f1f2] [&_.marketing-code]:font-bold [&_.marketing-code]:p-1 [&_.marketing-code.marketing-code--block]:p-4 [&_.marketing-code--block]:block [&_.marketing-code--block]:max-w-full [&_.marketing-code--block]:overflow-x-scroll [&_.marketing-code--block]:mb-5 [&_.partners-signup]:mt-6 [&_.partners-signup]:mb-12 [&_.partners-signup]:bg-gray-200 [&_.partners-signup]:p-3 [&_.partners-signup]:md:p-6 [&_.table]:block [&_.table]:overflow-x-scroll [&_.table]:max-w-full" itemProp="articleBody"><div class="hidden leadpage-container leadpage__image leadpage__content marketing-button hide--mobile block--bordered"></div><div> <p>There’s never been a better time to build a Shopify app. Millions of merchants across the globe build, scale, and manage their businesses on Shopify. Apps play a critical role in their success by empowering them to meet the unique challenges and needs of their business. In fact, apps are so important to the merchant journey that the average Shopify merchant has six apps installed on their store.</p> <p>With the diversity of our merchant base growing by the day, and a rapidly changing commerce landscape, there are always opportunities for developers to build creative solutions to diverse merchant problems. Each stage of a merchant’s entrepreneurial journey is a standalone billion-dollar industry—from sourcing products, marketing, order fulfillment, customer management, and more. The opportunities are there, but if you haven’t developed an app for the <a href="https://apps.shopify.com?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Shopify App Store</a> before, where exactly do you start?</p> <p>We’ve got you covered. In this guide, we share the six stages of app development you need to know to build and launch a successful app on Shopify, with insights and advice from Shopify’s own developers and successful partner app developers who work with Shopify every day.</p> <p>Let’s get started.</p> <div style="background: #f8f8f8; border: 1px solid #d6d7d7; padding: 0 20px 15px;"> <h3 style="text-align: center;">Table of contents</h3> <hr> <br><a href="#ecosystem">1. What to know about Shopify’s app ecosystem</a><br> <ul> <li><a href="#apps-into-shopify">How apps fit into Shopify</a></li> <li><a href="#types">App types</a></li> <li><a href="#merchant-buyer-data">Merchant and buyer data</a></li> <li><a href="#app-store">The Shopify App Store</a></li> <li><a href="#getting-started">Getting started with your app</a></li> </ul> <a href="#how-to-validate">2. How to validate your app idea</a><br> <ul> <li><a href="#step-validation">4 steps to validate your app idea</a></li> <li><a href="#right-reasons">Building for the right reasons</a></li> </ul> <a href="#consider-design">3. What to consider as you design your Shopify app</a><br> <ul> <li><a href="#polaris-getting-started">Getting started with Polaris</a></li> <li><a href="#accessibility-principles">The best app design embraces accessibility principles</a></li> <li><a href="#merchant-in-mind">App design with the merchant in mind</a></li> </ul> <a href="#submission-to-store">4. Submission to the Shopify App Store</a><br> <ul> <li><a href="#prepare-submit">Preparing to submit your app</a></li> <li><a href="#submitting">Submitting your app</a></li> <li><a href="#review">The review process</a></li> <li><a href="#revise">Revisions and changes</a></li> </ul> <a href="#monitoring">5. Monitoring your app: keeping performance top of mind</a><br> <ul> <li><a href="#app-health">App health within the Shopify ecosystem</a></li> <li><a href="#changes-and-api-versioning">Breaking changes and API versioning</a></li> <li><a href="#performance-and-management">App performance management and monitoring</a></li> <li><a href="#insights">Business insights</a></li> <li><a href="#metrics">What metrics you should be tracking</a></li> <li><a href="#designing-growth">Designing app growth experiments through data analysis</a></li> <li><a href="#understand">Build and understand traction to scale app performance and installs</a></li> </ul> </div> <h2 id="ecosystem">1. What to know about Shopify’s app ecosystem</h2> <p><img class="block block--bordered" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app-what-to-know-triangles.jpg?v=1614173343" alt="How to build a Shopify app: Illustration of a person obscured by the waist up. They are holding colorful rectangles that overlay each other, piled past their head. The vague shape of a large arrow pointing up is created by the overlaid rectangles. This is a simplified, abstract representation of how Shopify's app ecosystem works together."></p> <p>Before you begin the process of planning and developing your app, it’s important to first understand how apps work with Shopify’s ecosystem.</p> <p>In this section, we’ll dive into how apps fit into Shopify, the infrastructure and tech stack available to developers, and the different types of apps you can build.</p> <div data-sanitized-data-partners-signup="app_developer" data-partners-signup="app_developer"></div> <h3 id="apps-into-shopify">How apps fit into Shopify</h3> <p>Shopify is designed to get merchants up and running out of the box. But each merchant is unique, so they use apps to solve their specific challenges.</p> <p>In the Shopify context, apps are web applications that extend the functionality of Shopify stores. They allow merchants to tailor their experiences on Shopify to exactly their needs. </p> <p>Apps integrate with Shopify by:</p> <ul> <li>Connecting with <a href="https://shopify.dev/docs?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Shopify’s APIs</a>, the most-used of which is the <a href="https://shopify.dev/docs/admin-api?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Admin API</a>, which allows apps to read and write data about products, customers, orders, inventory, fulfillment, and more</li> <li>Extending new features inside existing parts of the Shopify Admin or POS</li> <li>Enhancing the way stores display information to customers</li> </ul> <h3 id="types">App types</h3> <p>There are two different levels of accessibility your app can have: </p> <ul> <li> <a href="https://shopify.dev/concepts/apps?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#public-apps">Public apps</a>: Apps that are available to many merchants and can be listed in <a href="https://apps.shopify.com?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">the Shopify App Store</a> (see below). They are created in your Partner Dashboard.</li> <li> <a href="https://shopify.dev/concepts/apps?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#custom-apps">Custom apps</a>: Apps that are custom made for a specific merchant and cannot be listed in the Shopify App Store. They are created in your Partner Dashboard.</li> </ul> <blockquote class="border-l-2 pl-4 font-aktivgroteskextended text-xl font-medium tracking-tight my-12 [&_p]:mb-4 [&_cite]:font-aktivgroteskextended [&_cite]:text-sm [&_cite]:not-italic [&_cite]:font-medium [&_cite]:tracking-[-0.0175rem] [&_footer]:mt-4 [&_cite::before]:content-["–"] [&_cite::before]:mr-1 border-partners-highlight">"For the purposes of this guide, we’re going to focus on creating public apps: apps that are meant for one-to-many distribution via the Shopify App Store."</blockquote> <p>For the purposes of this guide, we’re going to focus on creating public apps: apps that are meant for one-to-many distribution via the Shopify App Store. For developers who are new to the Shopify ecosystem, public apps are the fastest way to get up and running, and to connect your solution with our existing merchant base.</p> <p>In addition to their type, apps can take two different forms: standalone apps and embedded apps. </p> <p><a href="https://shopify.dev/concepts/apps?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#standalone-apps">Standalone apps</a> expose their own user interface, on their own web domain, and don’t have access to app extensions (see below). <a href="https://shopify.dev/concepts/apps?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#embedded-apps">Embedded apps</a> are hosted on your own infrastructure, but integrate more deeply with Shopify using <a href="https://shopify.dev/tools/app-bridge?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Shopify App Bridge</a>, and display directly in the Shopify merchant admin or point-of-sale (POS) inside an <code class="marketing-code">iframe</code>. </p> <p>Embedded apps also enable you to add features to certain parts of Shopify’s user interface (UI) and online stores via <a href="https://shopify.dev/docs/app-extensions?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">app extensions</a>. When you use an app extension, Shopify relays information to your app when the merchant interacts with Shopify, then surfaces your app back to the merchant via the extension. App extensions can be used to extend into:</p> <ul> <li>The Shopify Admin</li> <li>The online store</li> <li>Shopify POS</li> <li>Shopify Flow</li> <li>Shopify Kit</li> </ul> <p>Because of how closely they're integrated with Shopify and how much better of a merchant experience they deliver, we recommend building embedded apps, and this guide will walk you through that process. If you’re still brainstorming what use case your app will serve, read our chapter on <a href="#how-to-validate">validating your app idea.</a></p> <blockquote class="border-l-2 pl-4 font-aktivgroteskextended text-xl font-medium tracking-tight my-12 [&_p]:mb-4 [&_cite]:font-aktivgroteskextended [&_cite]:text-sm [&_cite]:not-italic [&_cite]:font-medium [&_cite]:tracking-[-0.0175rem] [&_footer]:mt-4 [&_cite::before]:content-["–"] [&_cite::before]:mr-1 border-partners-highlight">"We recommend building embedded apps because of how closely they integrate with Shopify and how much more they improve the merchant experience."</blockquote> <h3 id="merchant-buyer-data">Merchant and buyer data</h3> <p>With millions of merchants using the Shopify platform to power their businesses, it’s important that every developer takes their trust and security—and that of their customers’—seriously. </p> <p><a href="/ng/legal/api-terms?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">The Shopify API License and Terms of Use</a> is the final word on what is allowed and not allowed on Shopify’s platform. You can also visit the <a href="https://shopify.dev/concepts/trust-and-security?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">trust and security page</a> in our docs for information on the following:</p> <ul> <li>Authentication and API keys</li> <li>API rate limits</li> <li>API versioning</li> <li>Data privacy and sharing</li> <li><a href="https://shopify.dev/concepts/trust-and-security/gdpr?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Global GDPR compliance</a></li> <li><a href="https://shopify.dev/tutorials/add-gdpr-webhooks-to-your-app?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#mandatory-webhooks">Mandatory webhooks</a></li> </ul> <p>These rules are designed to make using the Shopify platform fair and transparent for everyone, while protecting the data of our merchants and their customers. You can learn more about <a href="#app-secure">app security best practices</a> below.</p> <h3 id="app-store">The Shopify App Store</h3> <p><img class="block block--bordered" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app-screenshot-of-app-store-homepage.jpg?v=1614173290" alt="How to build a Shopify app: Screenshot of the Shopify App Store home page with a search bar to search for specific apps, a section below that highlighting four staff picks, and a section at the bottom highlighting four trending apps." loading="lazy"></p> <p><a href="https://apps.shopify.com?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">The Shopify App Store</a> is the easiest way for merchants to find apps that enable the functionality they need to build their stores. The Shopify App Store is organized by categories, and has a robust search feature and recommendation algorithm that helps merchants find the apps they need.</p> <p>All public apps are given a listing page in the Shopify App Store. <a href="https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/visibility?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#listed-apps">Listed apps</a> are publicly available to all merchants, while <a href="https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/visibility?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#unlisted-apps">unlisted apps</a> have limited visibility. Depending on your use case, both listed and unlisted apps have their own benefits.</p> <p>Listed apps are visible in the Shopify App Store, allowing you to reach many merchants and highlight the features your app provides. With listed apps, you can take advantage of features like <a href="https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/advertising?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">ads in the app store</a>.</p> <div class="marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded my-12 border-l-2 pl-4 [&_h2]:!mt-0 [&_h2]:mb-6 [&_h2]:text-t5 [&_h3]:!mt-0 [&_h3]:mb-6 [&_h3]:text-t7 [&_h4]:!mt-0 [&_h4]:mb-6 [&_h4]:text-t8 [&_ul]:!mt-0 [&_ul]:mb-6 [&_ul:last-child]:mb-0 [&_ol]:!mt-0 [&_ol]:mb-6 [&_ol:last-child]:mb-0 [&_p]:!mt-0 [&_p]:mb-6 [&_p:last-child]:mb-0 border-partners-highlight"> <p><strong>Benefits of listed apps</strong></p> <ul> <li>Only way to be discoverable by merchants through search</li> <li>Increased organic reach</li> <li>Brand awareness</li> <li>Increased trust from reviews</li> <li>Helps sell features</li> <li>Leverage Shopify App Store ads</li> </ul> </div> <p>Unlisted apps are public apps that are <em>not</em> visible in the Shopify App Store (though they do still require an <a href="https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/getting-your-app-approved/app-requirements?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">app listing</a>). This allows you to control who can install your app, or hide your app during down seasons (for seasonal apps) or periods of maintenance. However, we recommend publicly listing your app to take full advantage of the opportunities and features of the Shopify App Store.</p> <div class="marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded my-12 border-l-2 pl-4 [&_h2]:!mt-0 [&_h2]:mb-6 [&_h2]:text-t5 [&_h3]:!mt-0 [&_h3]:mb-6 [&_h3]:text-t7 [&_h4]:!mt-0 [&_h4]:mb-6 [&_h4]:text-t8 [&_ul]:!mt-0 [&_ul]:mb-6 [&_ul:last-child]:mb-0 [&_ol]:!mt-0 [&_ol]:mb-6 [&_ol:last-child]:mb-0 [&_p]:!mt-0 [&_p]:mb-6 [&_p:last-child]:mb-0 border-partners-highlight"> <p><strong>Benefits of unlisted apps</strong></p> <ul> <li>Focus on a targeted merchant base</li> <li>More control over growth</li> <li>Helpful for seasonal apps</li> <li>Good for maintenance periods</li> </ul> </div> <p>When starting out on Shopify, the Shopify App Store is likely going to be the main source of leads and installs of your app. Optimizing your app listing page, setting your app up for success, and leveraging tools like ads in the Shopify App Store are all ways of increasing installs and sales. We’ll dive deeper into the Shopify App Store and how to use it in the <a href="#submission-to-store">Submitting your app to the Shopify App Store</a> section of this guide.</p> <h3 id="getting-started">Getting started with your app</h3> <p>Now that you have an understanding of the basics of the Shopify platform, you’re ready to start validating your app idea to understand the business opportunity of building with Shopify.</p> <h4>Additional resources</h4> <ul> <li>Blog post: <a href="/ng/partners/blog/the-essential-list-of-resources-for-shopify-app-development" title="The essential list of resources for Shopify app development">The Essential List of Resources for Shopify App Development </a> </li> <li>Blog post: <a href="/ng/partners/blog/online-store-app-extensions" title="Online store app extensions">Extend Into the Storefront With Online Store App Extensions </a> </li> <li>Blog post: <a href="/ng/partners/blog/point-of-sale-apps" title="Point of sale apps">How to Build Point of Sale Apps Using Shopify App Bridge </a> </li> <li>Blog post: <a href="/ng/partners/blog/shopify-subscription-apis" title="Shopify subscription APIs">Introducing Shopify Subscription APIs: Build Apps That Integrate with Shopify Checkout </a> </li> <li>Blog post: <a href="/ng/partners/blog/gdpr-compliance" title="What App Developers Need to Know About GDPR">What App Developers Need to Know About GDPR </a> </li> <li>Blog post: <a href="/ng/partners/blog/web-security-2018" title="Web Security Fundamentals">Web Security Fundamentals: What Every Developer Should Know </a> </li> <li>Docs: <a href="https://shopify.dev/tools/app-bridge?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Shopify App Bridge</a> </li> <li>Docs: <a href="https://shopify.dev/tutorials/authenticate-your-app-using-session-tokens?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Authenticate your app using session tokens (tutorial)</a> </li> <li>Docs: <a href="https://shopify.dev/tutorials/embed-your-app-in-the-shopify-admin?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Embed your app in the Shopify admin (tutorial)</a> </li> </ul> <h2 id="how-to-validate">2. How to validate your app idea</h2> <p><img class="block block--bordered" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app-validate-your-app-idea.jpg?v=1614173213" alt="How to build a Shopify app: Illustration of two women tilting a large light bulb to the right." loading="lazy"></p> <p>You’ve got an idea for an app—and it’s <em>good</em>. Now that you know how apps fit into Shopify’s ecosystem, you’re ready to dive into the design process. But wait, are you? Validating your idea is a step in the app-building process you definitely shouldn’t skip.</p> <p>Validating your app idea gives you a much higher chance of success because you know you’re building something that your target user needs—and, in turn, building something that has a higher chance of getting more installs. </p> <p>The key with validation is to not get caught up in research, but to learn enough that will make your minimum viable product (MVP) something that you can tweak and build on.</p> <p>In this section, we’ll dive into how to develop an app that solves a real merchant problem, how to validate your idea through research, and the market shifts and trends you’ll need to consider.</p> <div data-sanitized-data-partners-signup="app_developer" data-partners-signup="app_developer"></div> <h3 id="step-validation">4 steps to validate your app idea</h3> <p>Validating your app idea is a process unique to your experience and the needs of your target market. It’s an investment in your future success. Developers Preetam Nath and Sankalp Jonna spent two months investigating whether their first app idea was valid before starting any design or development, a process their team replicated for their second app, <a href="https://www.delightchat.io/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">DelightChat</a>.</p> <p>“We didn't want to build something and realize nobody's going to use it. We've had that situation in the past,” Nath said. “Although we took a longer approach, we wanted to understand what’s happening in the ecosystem and what the various problems are.”</p> <p>While there are many ways to prove your app idea is a good one, here are four key questions to answer that will help get you started:</p> <ol> <li>Does this idea solve a real merchant problem?</li> <li>How is my target market trying to solve this problem right now?</li> <li>Are merchants willing to pay for a solution to this problem?</li> <li>Can we actually build the app?</li> </ol> <p>Let’s explore each of these questions more in depth.</p> <h4>1. Does your app idea solve a real merchant problem?</h4> <p>First, you have to clearly define what a “real problem” means. Problem-solving is a full-time job for merchants, so it can be challenging to know where to begin. </p> <p>A real problem is something that store owners are actively spending a lot of time, money, stress, and/or effort trying to solve. So how do you find out what merchants’ problems are? You go right to the source.</p> <p>Nath and Jonna posted questions in forums, such as the <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/shopify/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shopify subreddit</a> or the <a href="https://community.shopify.com/c/Shopify-Community/ct-p/en">Shopify Community Forum</a>, and were able to have conversations with merchants via direct messages to get clear answers to their questions. They also joined various <a href="https://www.facebook.com/search/groups/?q=shopify" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook groups</a> to listen and learn more about merchant frustrations.</p> <p>If you’re working with merchants already, consider sending out a feedback form or questionnaire to find out more details about the problems they face. If you don’t work with merchants yet, or you’re ready to learn more, it’s time to move on to question number two.</p> <p>Once you know your app can solve a real merchant problem, the next step is to learn more about how (or if) merchants are already trying to fix the problem themselves, and anticipate any new challenges they could face within their industry. </p> <h5>What’s happening in the industry and what are the trends?</h5> <p>There are unique challenges within every industry and at every stage of the merchant journey—and each stage is a potential billion-dollar industry you can tap into. Keep up to date on trends and disruptions within a certain industry, such as marketing, shipping, finance, customer support, or product sourcing to learn its past, present, and future concerns and ambitions.</p> <blockquote class="border-l-2 pl-4 font-aktivgroteskextended text-xl font-medium tracking-tight my-12 [&_p]:mb-4 [&_cite]:font-aktivgroteskextended [&_cite]:text-sm [&_cite]:not-italic [&_cite]:font-medium [&_cite]:tracking-[-0.0175rem] [&_footer]:mt-4 [&_cite::before]:content-["–"] [&_cite::before]:mr-1 border-partners-highlight">"There are unique challenges within every industry and at every stage of the merchant journey—and each stage is a potential billion-dollar industry you can tap into."</blockquote> <p>Taking the time to understand your target market, potential users, and industry trends will save you time and effort when it comes to refining your MVP. This comes down to the research you do before you begin to build. Learning the <a href="/ng/partners/blog/app-development-business-trends" title="app development business trends">app development business trends</a> applicable to your app idea is an ongoing process, so taking advantage of your existing expertise or knowledge will help get you started.</p> <div class="marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded my-12 border-l-2 pl-4 [&_h2]:!mt-0 [&_h2]:mb-6 [&_h2]:text-t5 [&_h3]:!mt-0 [&_h3]:mb-6 [&_h3]:text-t7 [&_h4]:!mt-0 [&_h4]:mb-6 [&_h4]:text-t8 [&_ul]:!mt-0 [&_ul]:mb-6 [&_ul:last-child]:mb-0 [&_ol]:!mt-0 [&_ol]:mb-6 [&_ol:last-child]:mb-0 [&_p]:!mt-0 [&_p]:mb-6 [&_p:last-child]:mb-0 border-partners-highlight"> <p>Over the span of just three months in early 2020, <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/strategy-and-corporate-finance/our-insights/five-fifty-the-quickening#" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ecommerce growth accelerated 10 years</a> into the future as COVID-19 changed how many merchants do business. </p> <p><a href="/ng/partners/blog/app-challenge-tilo-mitra?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Read how Shopify App Challenge winner Tilo Mitra built his first app</a> in response to these new challenges.</p> </div> <p>Leveraging any prior experience with a current client, or within the industry or adjacent market you’re building an app for, will give you a competitive advantage, because you’re already familiar with your users’ pain points and industry trends.</p> <div class="marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded my-12 border-l-2 pl-4 [&_h2]:!mt-0 [&_h2]:mb-6 [&_h2]:text-t5 [&_h3]:!mt-0 [&_h3]:mb-6 [&_h3]:text-t7 [&_h4]:!mt-0 [&_h4]:mb-6 [&_h4]:text-t8 [&_ul]:!mt-0 [&_ul]:mb-6 [&_ul:last-child]:mb-0 [&_ol]:!mt-0 [&_ol]:mb-6 [&_ol:last-child]:mb-0 [&_p]:!mt-0 [&_p]:mb-6 [&_p:last-child]:mb-0 border-partners-highlight"> <p><a href="/ng/partners/blog/chatdesk-app-developer-case-study?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app" title="Chatdesk app developer case study">Read our case study</a> to learn how co-founders Aneto Okonkwo and Andrew Olaleye built customer support app <a href="https://apps.shopify.com/chatdesk-email-social-media-customer-service?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Chatdesk</a> based on experiences, goals, and lessons learned in their previous careers.</p> </div> <h5>Conducting market research</h5> <p>Even if you don’t already have experience in the industry you’re building for, you can conduct <a href="/ng/partners/blog/market-research-app?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app" title="market research app">market research</a> for your app. Figuring out what excites or frustrates your customers will help shape your product. </p> <p>At this point, you’ve already spoken to merchants and figured out how and where your app will add value. Gain more context about how your app will fit into the “big picture” by:</p> <ul> <li>Reading industry publications and white papers, such as Shopify’s annual <a href="/ng/plus/commerce-trends?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Future of Commerce report</a>, and McKinsey’s quarterly <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/strategy-and-corporate-finance/our-insights/five-fifty-the-quickening#" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Five Fifty report</a> </li> <li>Following industry leaders and experts on social media, such as Shopify leadership team: Director of Partnerships, <a href="https://twitter.com/fatimayusf" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Fatima Yusuf</a>, President <a href="https://twitter.com/harleyf" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Harley Finklestein</a>, CTO <a href="https://twitter.com/jmwind" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jean-Michel Lemieux</a>, and CEO <a href="https://twitter.com/tobi" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tobi Lutke</a> </li> <li>Monitoring news reports about commerce and business</li> <li>Speaking to experts in your industry</li> <li>Creating a focus group</li> <li>Analyzing merchant feedback and concerns on social media and in <a href="https://community.shopify.com/c/Shopify-Community/ct-p/en?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">community forums</a> </li> <li>Analyzing app reviews on the <a href="https://apps.shopify.com?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Shopify App Store</a> </li> <li>Subscribing to newsletters like <a href="/ng/partners/blog/whats-new-2021?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">What’s New for Shopify Developers</a> </li> <li>Attending events like <a href="https://events.shopify.com/partnertownhall?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Shopify Partner Town Hall</a> </li> <li>Subscribing to relevant blogs, such as the <a href="/ng/partners/blog?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Shopify Partner Blog</a>, the <a href="/ng/?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Shopify Engineering Blog</a>, and the <a href="/ng/blog?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Shopify Merchant Blog</a> </li> <li>And more</li> </ul> <figure><img class="block block--bordered" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app-fatima-yusuf-tweet.jpg?v=1614173125" alt="how to build a shopify app: Screenshot of a viral tweet by Shopify Director of Partnerships Fatima Yusuf. The tweet says: Shopify surpassed 5,000 apps in the App Store in 2020, but the growth has only just begun. Here are some hashtag commerce trends I expect we'll see more of in Shopify's app ecosystem in 2021. A yellow emoji hand points down to indicate there is a thread of tweets and to read on." loading="lazy"> <figcaption>Shopify Director of Partnerships Fatima Yusuf recently shared <a href="https://twitter.com/fatimayusf/status/1346222106049183744" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">a full thread</a> of anticipated commerce trends in Shopify’s app ecosystem in 2021.</figcaption> </figure> <p>Some of the most successful apps in the Shopify App Store started out by proactively solving merchant problems. Look back on past wins with specific clients, platforms, or markets to see if there are any trends or patterns you can build on.</p> <h5>Will this app solve a niche need, or a feature or functionality gap?</h5> <p>Although there are multiple apps in each category of the Shopify App Store, remember that with millions of diverse merchants growing by the day, every merchant may need something a little different, depending on their size, their industry, their goals, and where they are in the world. This means there are niche needs in every category that you can find and create a solution for. The apps that work for one segment won't necessarily work for another.</p> <blockquote class="border-l-2 pl-4 font-aktivgroteskextended text-xl font-medium tracking-tight my-12 [&_p]:mb-4 [&_cite]:font-aktivgroteskextended [&_cite]:text-sm [&_cite]:not-italic [&_cite]:font-medium [&_cite]:tracking-[-0.0175rem] [&_footer]:mt-4 [&_cite::before]:content-["–"] [&_cite::before]:mr-1 border-partners-highlight">"Adding significant value to a niche merchant problem is one key to standing out."</blockquote> <p>There are so many opportunities to address a merchant pain point that hasn’t yet been addressed. Adding significant value to a niche merchant problem is one key to standing out. For example, if you want to build an SMS app and feel like there's too much competition, you can further investigate the needs of a key region or specific merchant segment, and you home in on the solution that makes sense for them.</p> <div class="marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded my-12 border-l-2 pl-4 [&_h2]:!mt-0 [&_h2]:mb-6 [&_h2]:text-t5 [&_h3]:!mt-0 [&_h3]:mb-6 [&_h3]:text-t7 [&_h4]:!mt-0 [&_h4]:mb-6 [&_h4]:text-t8 [&_ul]:!mt-0 [&_ul]:mb-6 [&_ul:last-child]:mb-0 [&_ol]:!mt-0 [&_ol]:mb-6 [&_ol:last-child]:mb-0 [&_p]:!mt-0 [&_p]:mb-6 [&_p:last-child]:mb-0 border-partners-highlight"> <p>Learn how <a href="https://apps.shopify.com/heyday?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Heyday</a> addressed a functionality gap and established a differentiated value proposition to successfully launch their <a href="/ng/partners/blog/self-serve-app?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app" title="self-serve app">self-serve app</a> on the Shopify App Store in 2020.</p> </div> <p>There’s no one correct way to differentiate your app’s value proposition. Nath says he got to know where gaps in his chosen vertical existed by analyzing the reviews of other apps to understand what challenges were going unaddressed. This work helped Nath understand what underserved areas their app could address, and what their users’ expectations would be. </p> <p>“It took me a whole day, but it was worth it because now I knew clearly what merchants gave five-star reviews for, and also what they hated,” he said.</p> <p>It’s important to remember that you’re not bringing merchants any value if you just create a copycat app. Without adding a significant, unique, or new improvement, your app won’t stand out. It’s also an ethical issue and you could be in violation of copyright.</p> <blockquote class="border-l-2 pl-4 font-aktivgroteskextended text-xl font-medium tracking-tight my-12 [&_p]:mb-4 [&_cite]:font-aktivgroteskextended [&_cite]:text-sm [&_cite]:not-italic [&_cite]:font-medium [&_cite]:tracking-[-0.0175rem] [&_footer]:mt-4 [&_cite::before]:content-["–"] [&_cite::before]:mr-1 border-partners-highlight">"It’s important to remember that you’re not bringing merchants any value if you just create a copycat app. Without adding a significant, unique, or new improvement, your app won’t stand out. It’s also an ethical issue and you could be in violation of copyright."</blockquote> <h4>2. How is your target market trying to solve this problem right now?</h4> <p>The fastest and best way to understand how your target market is trying to solve this problem is by talking to real merchants. The good news is that it’s easier than you might think. </p> <p>Once Nath and Jonna had identified the right communities to join to learn from, and connect with merchants, they connected with them directly to learn how they were already trying to solve their problems.</p> <p>“Just reach out to five of these people you see on Shopify Facebook groups, subreddits, or the forum and ask them, ‘Do you need this app? If not, why? If yes, what do you need it for?’ That will open up Pandora's box of qualitative information for you,” Nath says.</p> <p>Taking the time to speak with your target users can teach you not only what their problems are, but also what they feel constitutes a solution. </p> <p>For example, the merchant could already be paying someone to take care of the problem for them, which can be expensive or may not fulfill their needs. Sometimes merchants won’t necessarily consider outsourced work a <a href="/ng/partners/blog/build-apps-that-address-merchant-pain-points" title="build apps that address merchant pain points">pain point</a>, because it’s a task that is already being handled. This is important to consider because you may have to investigate deeper and ask specific, nuanced questions to truly understand both the problem and how your app aligns with the user’s needs.</p> <p>Furthermore, if you’re considering building a custom app for one merchant to solve their unique needs, investigate whether it would be applicable to more merchants in the same industry or with similar traits. There’s a good chance you could better serve a broader market with similar challenges by publishing a public app in the <a href="https://apps.shopify.com?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Shopify App Store</a>. </p> <h4>3. Are merchants willing to pay for a solution to this problem? </h4> <p>Figuring out whether you can make money with your app idea is the next piece of the puzzle.</p> <p>“If you're looking to build a free app, just to get a feel of the ecosystem, that’s fine,” Nath says. “But if you want to build your app into a product or business that replaces your salary, you need to know if people are willing to pay for it.”</p> <blockquote class="border-l-2 pl-4 font-aktivgroteskextended text-xl font-medium tracking-tight my-12 [&_p]:mb-4 [&_cite]:font-aktivgroteskextended [&_cite]:text-sm [&_cite]:not-italic [&_cite]:font-medium [&_cite]:tracking-[-0.0175rem] [&_footer]:mt-4 [&_cite::before]:content-["–"] [&_cite::before]:mr-1 border-partners-highlight"> <p>If you want to build your app into a product or business that replaces your salary, you need to know if people are willing to pay for it.</p> <footer><cite>Preetam Nath, Co-founder and CEO, DelightChat</cite></footer> </blockquote> <p>The best way to find out is to discover if people are already using existing solutions, and if so, how much they are paying for them. </p> <p>“That price point fundamentally changes your business,” Nath says. “As we were building DelightChat, we were very cognizant that we wanted to be in this $100-$200 price range, where we are serving merchants whose businesses are at a certain level.”</p> <p>Many apps offer a free version and/or a free trial so merchants can try out its various features to see if it’s the right fit for their needs.</p> <p>As discussed above, if your target audience isn’t already using an app or software to solve the problem you’re considering, they could also be hiring freelancers, paying someone part-time to manually work on the issue, or have even hired a full-time employee. How much are they paying for that solution? Would they be willing to pay instead for your app? This is where you’ll have to ask merchants in forums and direct conversations to learn more about their stop-gap solutions.</p> <h4>4. Do you have the expertise and time to build this app?</h4> <p>Once you take all merchant insights, industry trends, and current opportunities into consideration, and have researched your target market, you need to decide if what you want to build—and by when—is possible. There are varying degrees of complexity behind an app and you want to be sure that your timeline for building is realistic.</p> <p>“Some apps might take you a year to build if you're a one-person team, and some apps can be built in two weeks as a solo person,” Nath says. “You need to pick problems you can solve. Otherwise, you're just setting yourself up for failure. ”</p> <blockquote class="border-l-2 pl-4 font-aktivgroteskextended text-xl font-medium tracking-tight my-12 [&_p]:mb-4 [&_cite]:font-aktivgroteskextended [&_cite]:text-sm [&_cite]:not-italic [&_cite]:font-medium [&_cite]:tracking-[-0.0175rem] [&_footer]:mt-4 [&_cite::before]:content-["–"] [&_cite::before]:mr-1 border-partners-highlight"> <p>Some apps might take you a year to build if you're a one-person team, and some apps can be built in two weeks as a solo person. You need to pick problems you can solve. Otherwise, you're just setting yourself up for failure.</p> <footer><cite>Preetam Nath, Co-founder and CEO, DelightChat</cite></footer> </blockquote> <p>We’ll dive deeper into how to build a Shopify app in the Tools and Resources section of this guide.</p> <p>If you decide to build a Shopify app with a higher price point, merchants will expect a high-quality app with more features. That being said, remember that your app doesn’t need to have every single feature to be high value. Your users will give you feedback on your MVP, which you can use to improve your app over time and build the features they truly want.</p> <div class="marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded my-12 border-l-2 pl-4 [&_h2]:!mt-0 [&_h2]:mb-6 [&_h2]:text-t5 [&_h3]:!mt-0 [&_h3]:mb-6 [&_h3]:text-t7 [&_h4]:!mt-0 [&_h4]:mb-6 [&_h4]:text-t8 [&_ul]:!mt-0 [&_ul]:mb-6 [&_ul:last-child]:mb-0 [&_ol]:!mt-0 [&_ol]:mb-6 [&_ol:last-child]:mb-0 [&_p]:!mt-0 [&_p]:mb-6 [&_p:last-child]:mb-0 border-partners-highlight"> <p><strong>Recap: Four questions to answer when validating your app idea</strong></p> <ol> <li>Is your app idea solving a real problem?</li> <li>How is your target market trying to solve this problem right now?</li> <li>Is this a problem people are willing to pay to solve?</li> <li>Do you have the necessary expertise and time to build the app?</li> </ol> </div> <h3 id="right-reasons">Building for the right reasons</h3> <p>Now that you know how to validate an app idea that is driven by the business opportunity of building with Shopify, you’re ready to dive into the app design principles and key resources you can use to design your Shopify app.</p> <h4>Additional resources</h4> <ul> <li>Blog post: <a href="/ng/partners/blog/build-apps-that-address-merchant-pain-points" title="Build apps that address merchant pain points">Why You Should Build Apps That Address Merchant Pain Points </a> </li> <li>Blog post: <a href="/ng/partners/blog/how-to-do-a-competitive-analysis" title="How to do a competitive analysis">How to do a Competitive Analysis That Drives Results for Your Clients </a> </li> <li>Blog post: <a href="/ng/partners/blog/shopify-app-challenge" title="Shopify app challenge">Introducing the Shopify App Challenge: Commerce and COVID-19 </a> </li> <li>Blog post: <a href="/ng/partners/blog/market-research-app" title="Market research app">Research 101: How to Conduct Market Research for Your App </a> </li> <li>Guide: <a href="/ng/partners/blog/shopify-app-store-downloads#research" title="Shopify App Store downloads">How to Get More App Downloads in the Shopify App Store </a> </li> </ul> <h2 id="consider-design">3. What to consider as you design your Shopify app</h2> <p><img class="block block--bordered" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app-what-to-consider.jpg?v=1614176453" alt="How to build a Shopify app: Illustration of two people. One is looking at a fold-out instruction card and the other has their arms stretched out holding a measuring tape. Both are looking at the instructions." loading="lazy"></p> <p>Designing an app that integrates seamlessly into a merchant’s online store makes the user experience (UX) more familiar and appealing, and the user interface (UI) more intuitive. The design principles you incorporate into your app not only represent your user’s brand, but their values as well. The more user friendly, accessible, and beautiful your app is, the more likely you will have happier customers and higher retention rates.</p> <p>In this section, we’ll dive into what factors you need to consider as you design your Shopify app, and the tools that can make designing your app easier and faster.</p> <div data-sanitized-data-partners-signup="app_developer" data-partners-signup="app_developer"></div> <h3 id="polaris-getting-started">Getting started with Polaris</h3> <figure><img class="block block--bordered" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app-polaris-v-6.jpg?v=1614176541" alt="How to build a Shopify app: Polaris – Our design system helps us work together to build a great experience for all of Shopify's merchants." loading="lazy"> <figcaption>The recent launch of <a href="https://polaris.shopify.com/whats-new/whats-new?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Polaris v6.0.0</a> offers a refreshed color palette, icons, as well as a reduction to our bundle size and additional accessibility features.</figcaption> </figure> <p><a href="https://polaris.shopify.com?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Polaris</a> is Shopify’s open-source design system used internally and by third-party developers to design and build apps that seamlessly integrate into a merchant’s store. Polaris helps speed up the design process and adheres to web accessibility standards, while creating an app experience that is familiar to users. </p> <p>While we recommend you build an app within the Shopify Admin, you can use Polaris regardless of whether your app is embedded within the Shopify Admin or operates outside of it.</p> <p>“From a front-end developer’s perspective, one of the things I always hone in on is the usefulness of Polaris,” says Jennifer Gray, a front-end developer at Shopify. “If you want to move forward with an embedded app, which is what we encourage, Polaris gives that seamless user experience.”</p> <p>Polaris components speed up your development process because you don’t have to build custom UI elements. Polaris components are pre-built, flexible, and easy to implement, so you can create a positive UX even if design isn’t your strong suit.</p> <p>Polaris components are a collection of interface elements that can be used across your app. They include:</p> <ul> <li>Colors</li> <li>Typography</li> <li>Illustrations</li> <li>Icons</li> <li>Interaction states</li> <li>Spacing</li> </ul> <figure><img class="block block--bordered" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app-screenshot-of-polaris-page-component.jpg?v=1614176624" alt="How to build a Shopify app: Screenshot of a Polaris Page component in the Admin demonstrating how a three-quarter-inch leather pet collar product would appear." loading="lazy"> <figcaption>The <a href="https://polaris.shopify.com/components/structure/page?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#all-examples">Polaris Page component</a> is one of the most commonly used and is highly customizable.</figcaption> </figure> <p>Leveraging common conventions allows your app to look like it “belongs” in the Shopify Admin. Your users won’t need to learn to navigate a new UI if you make use of conventions they’re already familiar with. Polaris conventions also take accessibility into consideration.</p> <div class="marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded my-12 border-l-2 pl-4 [&_h2]:!mt-0 [&_h2]:mb-6 [&_h2]:text-t5 [&_h3]:!mt-0 [&_h3]:mb-6 [&_h3]:text-t7 [&_h4]:!mt-0 [&_h4]:mb-6 [&_h4]:text-t8 [&_ul]:!mt-0 [&_ul]:mb-6 [&_ul:last-child]:mb-0 [&_ol]:!mt-0 [&_ol]:mb-6 [&_ol:last-child]:mb-0 [&_p]:!mt-0 [&_p]:mb-6 [&_p:last-child]:mb-0 border-partners-highlight"> <p>As you build your Shopify app, keep the <a href="https://polaris.shopify.com/foundations/experience-values?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Shopify experience values</a> in mind:</p> <p><strong>Considerate:</strong> Be thoughtful about how your users will access your app, including their device, language, geography, and accessibility needs. </p> <p><strong>Empowering:</strong> Shopify merchants have a wide range of skill levels, needs, goals, and experiences. Optimize your app for the most important tasks by removing unnecessary complexity, but give your users access to additional features if they need it.</p> <p><strong>Crafted:</strong> A beautiful app is only as good as its ability to help users solve a problem. Paying attention to thoughtful details or design considerations can make or break the user experience.</p> <p><strong>Efficient:</strong> Keep your design and tasks simple and clear. Users should be able to complete actions quickly, accurately, and easily.</p> <p><strong>Trustworthy:</strong> Be transparent about what your app can and cannot do. A trustworthy app demonstrates to users that its developers are acting in their best interests. This is reflected holistically in the app’s UX and UI.</p> <p><strong>Familiar: </strong>When people feel comfortable using digital products, they can focus on the task at hand, rather than trying to navigate a complicated UI. Use familiar patterns so the UX is straightforward and intuitive. </p> </div> <p>While Polaris gives both designers and developers the tools they need to design a beautiful and functional Shopify app, that doesn’t mean you can’t apply some of your own creativity to the design process.</p> <p>The unique needs of your users should always be your main priority when designing your Shopify app—you are free to add custom components that should also feel right at home in the Shopify Admin.</p> <p>Shopify Partner <a href="/ng/partners/blog/shopify-commerce-awards-past-winners?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app" title="Shopify Commerce Awards past winners – Pledgeling">Pledgeling</a> won a 2017 Shopify Commerce Award for <a href="/ng/partners/blog/shopify-commerce-awards-2017-winners?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#polaris" title="Shopify Commerce Awards Best App Design Using Polaris">Best App Design Using Polaris</a>, where they were recognized by the judges for their Polaris design. They also added custom components that their users needed, while keeping the UX and UI consistent with Polaris principles.</p> <figure><img class="block block--bordered" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app-pledgelings-give-and-grow-donation-app.jpg?v=1614176857" alt="How to build a Shopify app: Screenshot of Give & Grow app dashboard includes introduction text, navigation controls, and a 'Get started' button." loading="lazy"> <figcaption>Pledgeling’s <a href="https://apps.shopify.com/give-grow?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Give & Grow Donations</a> app won the 2017 Shopify Commerce Award for <a href="/ng/partners/blog/shopify-commerce-awards-2017-winners?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#polaris" title="Shopify Commerce Awards Best App Design Using Polaris">Best App Design Using Polaris</a>.</figcaption> </figure> <p>Polaris ensures your app will fit seamlessly into a merchant’s work. Take some time to review the <a href="https://polaris.shopify.com/design/polaris-is-changing?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Polaris documentation</a>, which covers everything from design guidelines, accessibility considerations, internationalization, and information architecture.</p> <blockquote class="border-l-2 pl-4 font-aktivgroteskextended text-xl font-medium tracking-tight my-12 [&_p]:mb-4 [&_cite]:font-aktivgroteskextended [&_cite]:text-sm [&_cite]:not-italic [&_cite]:font-medium [&_cite]:tracking-[-0.0175rem] [&_footer]:mt-4 [&_cite::before]:content-["–"] [&_cite::before]:mr-1 border-partners-highlight"> <p>If app developers don’t have a designer on their team, Polaris is exactly the tool they should be using.</p> <footer><cite>Jennifer Gray, Shopify Front-end Developer</cite></footer> </blockquote> <p>“If app developers don’t have a designer on their team, Polaris is exactly the tool they should be using,” Gray says.</p> <p>Polaris is an evolving design framework. The recent launch of <a href="https://polaris.shopify.com/whats-new/whats-new?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Polaris v6.0.0</a> offers refreshed visual styles with a new color system, rebuilt, high-quality components, a reduction to bundle size, and additional accessibility features among many other feature updates.</p> <div class="marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded my-12 border-l-2 pl-4 [&_h2]:!mt-0 [&_h2]:mb-6 [&_h2]:text-t5 [&_h3]:!mt-0 [&_h3]:mb-6 [&_h3]:text-t7 [&_h4]:!mt-0 [&_h4]:mb-6 [&_h4]:text-t8 [&_ul]:!mt-0 [&_ul]:mb-6 [&_ul:last-child]:mb-0 [&_ol]:!mt-0 [&_ol]:mb-6 [&_ol:last-child]:mb-0 [&_p]:!mt-0 [&_p]:mb-6 [&_p:last-child]:mb-0 border-partners-highlight"> <p>Explore some examples of standalone apps <a href="https://github.com/Shopify/polaris-react/tree/master/examples?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">using Polaris as the UI component library on GitHub</a>.</p> </div> <h3 id="accessibility-principles">The best app design embraces accessibility principles</h3> <p>Inclusive, accessible, and usable design are three principles that intersect when it comes to creating a digital product that everyone can use with ease. “Everyone” is a lot of people, with varying experiences and abilities, but it is possible to build a Shopify app that is inclusive, accessible, and usable to all.</p> <p>Apps with the best UX and UI are inclusive and accessible by design. <a href="/ng/partners/blog/inclusive-design?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app" title="inclusive design">Inclusive design</a> considers the needs of all users, and benefits all users, regardless of their abilities.</p> <p>Three key factors that contribute to a high-quality, accessible UX are:</p> <ol> <li>A UX/UI design that is both functional and beautiful</li> <li>Consistent and helpful <a href="https://polaris.shopify.com/content/product-content?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#navigation">copy</a> that thoughtfully uses clear, plain language</li> <li>Actively incorporates principles of <a href="http://universaldesign.ie/What-is-Universal-Design/">universal design</a> and inclusivity</li> </ol> <p>We’ve already covered how to ensure your app is functional and aligns to the look and feel of your merchant’s work by following the Polaris design principles. Let’s explore the next two topics more in depth.</p> <h4>Your app copy: write for everyone</h4> <p>Designing a visually beautiful and functional app is a great start. It’s equally important that all the language you use to describe how to use your app is easy to understand. This means using straightforward language free from jargon or phrases that could confuse someone who is unfamiliar with the topic or the language itself. </p> <p>As of January 2020, English was the most popular language online, representing about <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/262946/share-of-the-most-common-languages-on-the-internet/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">26 percent</a> of total internet users worldwide, followed by Chinese at 19 percent.</p> <figure><img class="block block--bordered" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app-graph-of-top-10-languages-used-on-internet.jpg?v=1614176938" alt="How to build a Shopify app: Horizontal bar chart. English, 25.9%. Chinese, 19.4%. Spanish, 7.9%. Arabic, 5.2%. Indonesian/Malaysian, 4.3%. Portuguese, 3.7%. French, 3.3%. Japanese, 2.6%. Russian, 2.5%. German, 2%. Rest of languages, 23.1%." loading="lazy"> <figcaption>The top 10 languages used on the internet account for 77 percent of global internet users as of January 2020, according to <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/262946/share-of-the-most-common-languages-on-the-internet/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">recent research by Statista</a>.</figcaption> </figure> <p>Consider both your target user and your future potential growth users—it’s a good idea to make language a top priority within your app design. Learning <a href="/ng/partners/blog/multilingual-shopify-apps?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app" title="How to build multilingual Shopify apps">how to build multilingual Shopify apps</a> will give you a competitive advantage.</p> <p>The Polaris content guidelines considers plain language to be at a United States Grade 7 reading level. There are many tools you can use to check if your content is grammatically correct and easily understandable. Many of these tools also can tell you the readability level.</p> <p>Here are three content tools you can use to get started:</p> <ul> <li> <a href="http://www.hemingwayapp.com/">Hemingway App</a> (free)</li> <li> <a href="https://www.grammarly.com/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Grammarly</a> (free and paid subscriptions)</li> <li> <a href="https://readable.com/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Readable</a> (paid, tiered, annual subscriptions)</li> </ul> <p>We’ll further explore the nuances of how to write for a global audience in the Internationalization section below.</p> <div class="marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded my-12 border-l-2 pl-4 [&_h2]:!mt-0 [&_h2]:mb-6 [&_h2]:text-t5 [&_h3]:!mt-0 [&_h3]:mb-6 [&_h3]:text-t7 [&_h4]:!mt-0 [&_h4]:mb-6 [&_h4]:text-t8 [&_ul]:!mt-0 [&_ul]:mb-6 [&_ul:last-child]:mb-0 [&_ol]:!mt-0 [&_ol]:mb-6 [&_ol:last-child]:mb-0 [&_p]:!mt-0 [&_p]:mb-6 [&_p:last-child]:mb-0 border-partners-highlight"> <p>Helpful <a href="https://polaris.shopify.com/content/product-content?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#navigation">tips</a> from the Polaris content guidelines:</p> <ul> <li>Write short sentences (ideally less than 15-20 words).</li> <li>Make your content scannable using headings and bullets.</li> <li>Always choose a short, simple word over a long and complicated one.</li> <li>Think about translations. Avoid idioms and phrases with indirect or ironic meanings.</li> <li>Avoid jargon. Only use industry-standard terms when you have reason to believe it will improve understanding. Spend time researching what words people actually use, instead of defaulting to what corporations call things.</li> <li>Edit out unnecessary or repeated words.</li> <li>Write for small screens first. These constraints can help you focus on the most important message.</li> <li>Read your content out loud. If you get tripped up or it doesn’t sound like something a human would say, your content needs to be revised.</li> </ul> </div> <p>Now that you have a solid grasp on how to write content within your app, let’s break down what it means to design your app to be inclusive and accessible.</p> <h4>Designing for accessibility, usability, and inclusion</h4> <p>As your app scales and grows, it’s important that it remains inclusive, accessible, and usable to Shopify’s millions of merchants. Each of those users have unique needs, so learning now how to support those needs will make scaling your app easier in the future. To that end, here are three design considerations to keep in mind:</p> <h5>1. <a href="https://polaris.shopify.com/foundations/accessibility?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app"><strong>Accessibility</strong></a> </h5> <p><a href="https://polaris.shopify.com/components/get-started?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Polaris components</a> are designed to meet <a href="https://polaris.shopify.com/foundations/accessibility?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">accessibility</a> standards and maintain a consistent experience while your app is in use. If you haven’t already done so, it’s time to consider how you define your “average” user, and whether you have designed your app in a way that considers users who have disabilities. From <a href="/ng/partners/blog/keyboard-accessibility?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app" title="keyboard accessibility">keyboard accessibility</a> to visual design elements, there’s a lot to consider.</p> <p>The World Health Organization reports that, as of December 2020, more than <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/disability-and-health" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">1 billion people worldwide</a>—about 15 percent of the global population—live with some form of disability, and the numbers are increasing. Getting familiar with <a href="https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Web Content Accessibility Guidelines</a> is a great starting point to learn more about accessibility standards and techniques so you can apply these principles as you build your app.</p> <p>“<a href="https://thenextweb.com/podium/2019/09/27/the-huge-cost-of-ignoring-accessibility-when-designing-your-website/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Do not ignore accessibility</a> when designing and developing your app,” says Shopify Platform Accessibility Specialist Scott Vinkle. </p> <p>“Accessibility helps to ensure an <a href="https://www.w3.org/WAI/perspective-videos/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">assistive technology</a>-friendly environment for people with disabilities,” Vinkle adds. “It also helps the aging population to use your site or app, <a href="https://www.deque.com/blog/seo-and-accessibility-real-talk/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">increases SEO</a>, and decreases <a href="https://blog.usablenet.com/a-record-breaking-year-for-ada-digital-accessibility-lawsuits" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">accessibility-related lawsuits</a>. Provide people with disabilities an equal opportunity to unlock the power of commerce.”</p> <blockquote class="border-l-2 pl-4 font-aktivgroteskextended text-xl font-medium tracking-tight my-12 [&_p]:mb-4 [&_cite]:font-aktivgroteskextended [&_cite]:text-sm [&_cite]:not-italic [&_cite]:font-medium [&_cite]:tracking-[-0.0175rem] [&_footer]:mt-4 [&_cite::before]:content-["–"] [&_cite::before]:mr-1 border-partners-highlight"> <p>Provide people with disabilities an equal opportunity to unlock the power of commerce.</p> <footer><cite>Scott Vinkle, Shopify Platform Accessibility Specialist</cite></footer> </blockquote> <p>Keep these core principles of accessibility in mind when creating your app:</p> <ul> <li>Can the user <a href="https://www.w3.org/WAI/fundamentals/accessibility-principles/#perceivable" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">perceive</a> the content? People must be able to observe and identify content using one of the senses available to them.</li> <li>Can the user <a href="https://www.w3.org/WAI/fundamentals/accessibility-principles/#operable" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">operate</a> the user interface? People must be able to complete tasks using the input device that works best for them, such as a mouse or touchpad, keyboard, touchscreen, screen reader, voice dictation software, etc.</li> <li>Can the user <a href="https://www.w3.org/WAI/fundamentals/accessibility-principles/#understandable" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">understand</a> the content? Create content and user interfaces that people can comprehend. Use simple language, supplied in the correct language, in a consistent user experience.</li> <li>Is the content <a href="https://www.w3.org/WAI/fundamentals/accessibility-principles/#robust" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">robust</a>? Provide support for various devices and assistive technologies. Use standards based, semantic HTML and ARIA <a href="https://www.w3.org/TR/using-aria/#firstrule" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">where required</a>.</li> </ul> <p>Vinkle says it’s important to apply these principles and <a href="https://scottvinkle.me/blogs/work/testing-with-screen-readers" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">test with assistive technology</a>. </p> <blockquote class="border-l-2 pl-4 font-aktivgroteskextended text-xl font-medium tracking-tight my-12 [&_p]:mb-4 [&_cite]:font-aktivgroteskextended [&_cite]:text-sm [&_cite]:not-italic [&_cite]:font-medium [&_cite]:tracking-[-0.0175rem] [&_footer]:mt-4 [&_cite::before]:content-["–"] [&_cite::before]:mr-1 border-partners-highlight"> <p>Widen the usability of your app to include even more people. This has the potential to increase positive reviews and revenue generated by your app.</p> <footer><cite>Scott Vinkle, Shopify Platform Accessibility Specialist</cite></footer> </blockquote> <p>“Widen the usability of your app to include even more people” he says. “This has the potential to increase positive reviews and revenue generated by your app.”</p> <div class="marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded my-12 border-l-2 pl-4 [&_h2]:!mt-0 [&_h2]:mb-6 [&_h2]:text-t5 [&_h3]:!mt-0 [&_h3]:mb-6 [&_h3]:text-t7 [&_h4]:!mt-0 [&_h4]:mb-6 [&_h4]:text-t8 [&_ul]:!mt-0 [&_ul]:mb-6 [&_ul:last-child]:mb-0 [&_ol]:!mt-0 [&_ol]:mb-6 [&_ol:last-child]:mb-0 [&_p]:!mt-0 [&_p]:mb-6 [&_p:last-child]:mb-0 border-partners-highlight"> <p>Here are five assistive technology testing tools and insightful resources to help improve overall accessibility and app quality:</p> <ul> <li> <a href="https://www.paciellogroup.com/resources/contrastanalyser/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Color Contrast Analyzer</a>: Check the legibility and contrast of your app design elements using this app for Mac and Windows</li> <li> <a href="https://colororacle.org/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Color Oracle</a>: Simulate color blindness using this app available for Mac, Windows, and Linux</li> <li> <a href="https://github.com/getflourish/Sketch-Color-Contrast-Analyser" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sketch Color Contrast Analyzer</a>: Ensure your designs meet color contrast recommendations from within Sketch</li> <li> <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/design/inclusive" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Inclusive Design at Microsoft</a>: Learn and follow accessibility best practices with Microsoft’s inclusive design principles</li> <li> <a href="https://accessibilityinsights.io/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Accessibility Insights</a>: Solve accessibility issues before they reach merchants using this automated accessibility testing tool.</li> </ul> </div> <h5>2. <a href="https://polaris.shopify.com/foundations/internationalization?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Internationalization</a> </h5> <p>Building an interface that works no matter where in the world your users are located not only increases your global market reach, it also creates a better overall UX. </p> <p>Be sure to plan for:</p> <ul> <li>Cultural differences: From your icons to your images to your content, localizing your app means not only translating to the local language, but also adapting to regional differences and being mindful of potentially confusing or offensive content</li> <li>Text expansion: Translating your app text can expand it and take up more space, so your interface needs built-in flexibility to accommodate language-specific formatting, as it can vary greatly between languages</li> <li>Changes in word order: It’s safe to assume the word order of every sentence in your UI will change when translated, so it’s best to avoid using UI components to build sentences and only use <a href="https://ux.shopify.com/how-to-concatenate-localized-strings-mindfully-bcc7b6d4961a?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">concatenated strings mindfully</a>, or not at all</li> </ul> <p>Get familiar with the <a href="https://polaris.shopify.com/foundations/internationalization?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Polaris foundations of internationalization</a> so that you can create an exceptional UX no matter where your users are located.</p> <div class="marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded my-12 border-l-2 pl-4 [&_h2]:!mt-0 [&_h2]:mb-6 [&_h2]:text-t5 [&_h3]:!mt-0 [&_h3]:mb-6 [&_h3]:text-t7 [&_h4]:!mt-0 [&_h4]:mb-6 [&_h4]:text-t8 [&_ul]:!mt-0 [&_ul]:mb-6 [&_ul:last-child]:mb-0 [&_ol]:!mt-0 [&_ol]:mb-6 [&_ol:last-child]:mb-0 [&_p]:!mt-0 [&_p]:mb-6 [&_p:last-child]:mb-0 border-partners-highlight"> <p>Learn more about the principles that will help you build a truly internationalized app in our in-depth blog post: <a href="/ng/partners/blog/internationalization?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app" title="Internationalization">Internationalization: Practical Tips to Build for a Global Audience</a>.</p> </div> <h5>3. <a href="https://polaris.shopify.com/foundations/information-architecture?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Information architecture (IA)</a> </h5> <p>Your <a href="https://polaris.shopify.com/foundations/information-architecture?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">information architecture</a> (IA) is the way you organize, structure, and label all your content, with the goal of helping your users find the information they need and to complete tasks efficiently. Effective IA:</p> <ul> <li>Simplifies complexity</li> <li>Supports scalability</li> <li>Creates familiarity</li> </ul> <p>Getting familiar with the <a href="https://polaris.shopify.com/foundations/information-architecture?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Polaris IA principles</a> will help guide you through the process of making good IA decisions, no matter what project you’re working on. Keeping your app organized and straightforward prevents user confusion, especially if your app is more complex.</p> <div class="marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded my-12 border-l-2 pl-4 [&_h2]:!mt-0 [&_h2]:mb-6 [&_h2]:text-t5 [&_h3]:!mt-0 [&_h3]:mb-6 [&_h3]:text-t7 [&_h4]:!mt-0 [&_h4]:mb-6 [&_h4]:text-t8 [&_ul]:!mt-0 [&_ul]:mb-6 [&_ul:last-child]:mb-0 [&_ol]:!mt-0 [&_ol]:mb-6 [&_ol:last-child]:mb-0 [&_p]:!mt-0 [&_p]:mb-6 [&_p:last-child]:mb-0 border-partners-highlight"> <p>For more information about IA and how to get started, check out our recent blog post: <a href="/ng/partners/blog/information-architecture?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app" title="Information architecture">An Introduction to Information Architecture</a>.</p> </div> <h3 id="merchant-in-mind">App design with the merchant in mind</h3> <p>A clean app design with accessible UX and clear language is crucial for building an app merchants love. Your users interact with the web, apps, and dashboards on a daily basis, so they’ll have high expectations for how your app will integrate and interact with their online store.</p> <p>Now that you have a grasp of how app design principles influence your users’ experience, you’re ready to start building your app.</p> <h4>Additional resources:</h4> <ul> <li>Blog post: <a href="/ng/partners/blog/building-apps" title="building apps">Building Apps: 3 Things we Learned in Making Design Consistent and Scalable </a> </li> <li>Blog post: <a href="/ng/partners/blog/prototyping" title="prototyping">10 Myths About Prototyping, Busted </a> </li> <li>Blog post: <a href="/ng/partners/blog/improve-your-design-process-with-these-4-deliverables" title="Improve your design process with these 4 deliverables">Improve Your Design Process With These 4 Deliverables </a> </li> <li>Blog post: <a href="/ca/partners/blog/rapid-prototyping" title="Rapid prototyping">Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Rapid Prototyping </a> </li> <li>Blog post: <a href="/ng/partners/blog/shopify-commerce-awards-2017-winners#polaris" title="Shopify Commerce Awards 2017 winners">Announcing the Winners of the 2017 Shopify Commerce Awards (Polaris) </a> </li> <li>Blog post: <a href="/ng/partners/blog/keyboard-accessibility" title="Shopify Commerce Awards 2017 winners">5 Steps to Design Apps with Keyboard Accessibility in Mind </a> </li> <li>Blog post: <a href="/ng/partners/blog/information-architecture" title="Information architecture">An Introduction to Information Architecture </a> </li> <li>Digital property: <a href="https://polaris.shopify.com?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Polaris</a> </li> <li>Docs: <a href="https://polaris.shopify.com/foundations/designing-apps?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Designing apps for Shopify</a> </li> <li>Docs: <a href="https://polaris.shopify.com/components/get-started?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Component library docs</a> </li> <li>Docs: <a href="https://polaris.shopify.com/resources/resources?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Polaris Resources</a> </li> <li>Docs: <a href="https://polaris.shopify.com/foundations/accessibility?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Polaris accessibility documentation</a> </li> <li>Polaris GitHub: <a href="https://github.com/Shopify/polaris-react?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#licenses" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Licenses</a> </li> </ul> <div class="marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded my-12 border-l-2 pl-4 [&_h2]:!mt-0 [&_h2]:mb-6 [&_h2]:text-t5 [&_h3]:!mt-0 [&_h3]:mb-6 [&_h3]:text-t7 [&_h4]:!mt-0 [&_h4]:mb-6 [&_h4]:text-t8 [&_ul]:!mt-0 [&_ul]:mb-6 [&_ul:last-child]:mb-0 [&_ol]:!mt-0 [&_ol]:mb-6 [&_ol:last-child]:mb-0 [&_p]:!mt-0 [&_p]:mb-6 [&_p:last-child]:mb-0 border-partners-highlight"> <p>Visit our <a href="https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/getting-started/create">developer documentation at shopify.dev</a> to learn how to use our developer tools to create your Shopify app.</p> </div> <h2 id="submission-to-store">4. Submission to the Shopify App Store</h2> <p><img class="block block--bordered" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app-submission-to-the-app-store.jpg?v=1614184034" alt="How to build a Shopify app: submission to the Shopify App Store. Illustration depicts an envelope with a long checklist of items cascading out of it. Items on the checklist are represented by abstract lines and circles, with arrows pointing towards different areas on the checklist." loading="lazy"></p> <p>Submitting your app to the <a href="https://apps.shopify.com?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Shopify App Store</a> is the next step to getting it live and in the hands of the merchants who will benefit from it most. </p> <p>Before it’s published, your app needs to be reviewed by the Shopify App Review team. The app submission and review process usually takes our partners a few weeks to complete, and includes the follow steps:<br><br>1. <a href="https://shopify.dev/apps/store/requirements">Meeting Shopify’s technical, security, and UX requirements<br></a>2. <a href="/ca/partners/blog/shopify-app-store-downloads?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#optimize">Writing an effective app listing<br></a>3. <a href="https://shopify.dev/apps/store/review/testing">Testing your app for performance and bugs<br></a>4. <a href="https://shopify.dev/apps/store/review">Applying any revisions required by our review team</a></p> <h3 id="prepare-submit"><strong>Preparing to submit your app</strong></h3> <p>The Shopify App Review Team’s goal is to get you through the review process as quickly as possible! Knowing what to expect beforehand, and understanding what information you should have ready to go, will help you move more quickly through the review stages.</p> <p>Follow these three steps before you submit your app for review:</p> <h3>1. Meet Shopify’s app requirements</h3> <p>There are <a href="https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/getting-your-app-approved/app-requirements?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">technical, security, and UX requirements</a> that all public apps must meet before they can be approved for the app store. Follow these requirements as you build and prepare to submit your app to ensure your app is published without hiccups.</p> <p>It’s important to note that unlisted apps need to meet the same requirements as listed apps because they are both public app types. This is important for maintaining a quality standard for merchants, but also because these public apps can change visibility at any time.</p> <p>In addition, <a href="https://shopify.dev/apps/store/requirements#specific-requirements-for-certain-app-configurations">certain app configurations have additional requirements</a>. These app configurations include but are not limited to:</p> <ul> <li>Online store apps</li> <li>Embedded apps</li> <li>Product sourcing apps</li> <li>Sales channels</li> <li>Purchase Option apps</li> <li>Checkout UI extension apps</li> </ul> <h3>2. Write your app listing</h3> <div class="grid partners-signup"> <div class="grid__item partners-signup__container"> <h3 class="heading--4 partners-signup__heading">[September 2022] New app listing guidelines</h3> <p class="partners-signup__content">As of September 2022, we've updated the requirements for app listings in the Shopify App Store. Some of the information in this section may be out of date. To make sure your app listing is optimized for merchant installs, please visit our documentation for the newest guidelines.</p> <a data-sanitized-target="_blank" class="marketing-button partners-signup__cta" href="https://shopify.dev/apps/store/requirements?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Visit docs</a> </div> </div> <p>All public apps—listed or unlisted—require a complete app listing for submission. Your app listing page will serve as the home of your app in the Shopify App Store. This information is your most powerful tool for convincing users that your app is the best solution for them. Because this is such a key surface, you should spend time understanding <a href="https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/getting-your-app-approved/app-requirements?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#writing-a-shopify-app-store-listing">the requirements of your app listing</a>, and <a href="/ca/partners/blog/shopify-app-store-downloads?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#optimize">how to best optimize it</a>. </p> <div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/shopify-app-listing-screenshot_600x600.png?v=1658350648" alt="Shopify Inbox app listing" loading="lazy"></div> <p>While some of these elements are optional, the more information you provide potential users, the better. </p> <p>Your app listing is a critical part of gaining new installations and users. For more in-depth guidance on creating the best listing page you can, <a href="/ca/partners/blog/shopify-app-store-downloads?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">visit our guide on How to Get More App Downloads in the Shopify App Store</a>.</p> <h3>3. Test your app</h3> <p>Once you’re confident your app meets the app and listing requirements above, we encourage you to ensure your app is well tested. Shopify is a complex platform, and no two merchants have the same needs or goals. Thorough testing helps catch as many errors and bugs as possible, so that your app doesn’t break when these varied merchants install it.</p> <p>When testing your app, you want to ensure it functions correctly for your users, especially for merchants who aren’t tech-savvy. </p> <p>More details on testing your app can be found <a href="https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/getting-your-app-approved/testing-your-app-before-submitting?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">in our documentation</a>. You can also read our in-depth guide on <a href="/ca/partners/blog/user-test-app?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">user testing your app</a> on our blog.</p> <h3 id="submitting">4. Submit your app</h3> <p>Once your app and listing are ready, and you’ve thoroughly tested and prepared, <a href="https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/getting-your-app-approved/app-submission?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">follow the instructions in our documentation</a> to submit your app via the Partner Dashboard. The Shopify App Review Team will check to make sure that your app is a complete product and is ready to be used by a merchant the moment it’s approved for the Shopify App Store.</p> <h3 id="review">The review process</h3> <p>On average, your app will be reviewed within 7 business days of being submitted. You’ll be kept informed about progress and feedback along the way.</p> <p>You can learn more about what to expect during the approval process <a href="https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/getting-your-app-approved/review-process?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">in our developer documentation</a>.</p> <h3 id="revise">Revisions and changes</h3> <p>The time to approval can vary from days to weeks or even months, depending on how long it takes you to resolve the issues found. It’s very common that after review, you’ll be asked to make some changes or revisions to your app. You’ll be informed via email of what needs to be updated. </p> <p>If the necessary changes are substantial enough, your app will be rejected. Once you fix the outstanding issues, you can resubmit. However, if the changes are relatively minor, you’ll be put into contact with the review team via Zendesk to chat about your app and make the necessary updates.</p> <p>Once you’ve fixed everything that needs to be fixed, and the review team is confident that your app meets our standards, you’ll be approved, and your app will go live in the Shopify App Store. It’s time to celebrate! You’ve earned it.</p> <h4>Additional resources:</h4> <ul> <li>Docs: <a href="https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/getting-your-app-approved/app-requirements?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Requirements for public apps on Shopify</a> </li> <li>Docs: <a href="https://shopify.dev/apps/store/review/testing">Testing your app before submitting</a> </li> <li>Docs: <a href="https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/getting-your-app-approved/app-submission?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Submitting your app</a> </li> <li>Docs: <a href="https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/getting-your-app-approved/review-process?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">The review process</a> </li> <li>Docs: <a href="https://shopify.dev/tutorials/authenticate-with-oauth?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Authenticate with OAuth</a> </li> <li>Docs: <a href="https://shopify.dev/tutorials/bill-for-your-app-using-graphql-admin-api?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Bill for your app with the GraphQL Admin API</a> </li> <li>Blog post: <a href="/ca/partners/blog/insights-shopify-app-review?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">7 Insights From the Shopify App Review Team to Set Your App Up for Success</a> </li> <li>Blog post: <a href="/ca/partners/blog/user-test-app?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">User Testing Your Shopify App: Public App Use Cases You Should Test</a> </li> </ul> <h2 id="monitoring">5. Monitoring your app: keeping performance top of mind</h2> <p><img class="block block--bordered" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app-monitoring-your-app.jpg?v=1614184968" alt="How to build a Shopify app: Monitoring your app: keeping performance top of mind. Illustration of a person looking through a telescope at a digital map of moving arrows." loading="lazy"></p> <p>Before you launch your app, there are a few things you need to know about how to keep it healthy, secure, and high-performing beyond launch.</p> <p>This section covers what it means to have a “healthy” Shopify app, and what it takes to keep it successful, so it continues to be helpful to merchants over both the short and long term.</p> <h3 id="app-health">App health within the Shopify ecosystem</h3> <p>A healthy Shopify app fulfills the specific use case it was installed to address, while allowing the developer to continue to grow and scale their own business. </p> <p>Maintaining your app’s health means staying on top of any and all changes, addressing potential security issues, and monitoring the business insights that will help you understand your app’s performance within the Shopify ecosystem.</p> <h3 id="changes-and-api-versioning">Breaking changes and API versioning</h3> <p>Shopify is always building, changing, and growing. As a developer, it’s important to stay in the loop with all these changes, so that your app stays secure and up-to-date in the process.</p> <p>We always make sure to announce changes in advance and remind developers of versioning or deprecation closer to the release. Your Partner Dashboard, the <a href="https://shopify.dev/changelog?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">developer changelog</a>, and our <a href="https://shopify.dev/concepts/shopify-introduction?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">developer documentation</a> all make it easier for developers to keep informed of upcoming changes. We also <a href="/ng/partners/blog/api-deprecation-update-2020-10?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">announce updates in advance on the Partner Blog</a>. </p> <p>As well as the above resources, we also have an <a href="https://partners.shopify.com/current/apps?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">API health report</a> available in your Partner Dashboard. The report shows any deprecated calls your public or custom apps are making, and the deadline for updating those calls in your app.</p> <p>Furthermore, you should always ensure that your developer contact information is up-to-date, as we regularly use email to communicate important updates and breaking changes well in advance.</p> <figure><img class="block block--bordered" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app-developer-changelog.jpg?v=1614185009" alt="How to build a Shopify app: screenshot of the developer changelog page. Stay up to date with the recent changes to Shopify's APIs and other developer products. Screenshot shows tabs for both Recent and Scheduled updates, a field to enter your email to sign up for email updates, allow you to filter the changelog for posts that require action, or by tag: API, Tools, Shopify App Store, Themes, or Platform." loading="lazy"> <figcaption>The <a href="https://shopify.dev/changelog?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">developer changelog</a>.</figcaption> </figure> <p>In 2019, we introduced <a href="/ng/partners/blog/api-versioning-at-shopify?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">API versioning at Shopify</a> so that both Shopify and third-party developers have a clear cadence for when specific changes will be made to the API. Every quarter, Shopify releases a new API version. These releases typically happen on (or close to) January 1, April 1, July 2, and October 1. When a version is released, it lives for about a year, and is named in a <code class="marketing-code">year-month</code> format, such as <code class="marketing-code">2020-10</code>. Each stable version is locked for a year, after which support isn’t guaranteed. You should always keep your app on a stable version to avoid any breaking changes.</p> <p>In addition to the ways Shopify helps keep you up-to-date on app performance and ecosystem updates, there are a myriad of other performance management and analytics tools you can use to make sure your app stays healthy post-launch.</p> <h3 id="performance-and-management">App performance management and monitoring</h3> <p>There are various monitoring tools you can use to make sure your app stays healthy and stable as you build new features, scale your performance, and grow your user base. By ensuring all the software within your tech stack is performing smoothly, you maintain a consistent, high-quality user experience and minimize any downtime.</p> <p>App performance monitoring tools like <a href="https://www.bugsnag.com/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bugsnag</a>, <a href="https://www.datadoghq.com/product/apm/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Datadog</a> or <a href="https://sentry.io/welcome/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sentry</a> monitor your app stability, and make it easy to pinpoint and solve any errors across the applications in your tech stack. Each of these tools have varying costs associated with them.</p> <p>Services like <a href="https://aws.amazon.com/lambda/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AWS Lambda</a> allow you to run code without provisioning or managing servers, and automatically scales based on how many event requests you get without needing to upgrade your servers. This will prevent situations like your app becoming slow to load, damaging the user experience. </p> <p>Depending on where the majority of your users are located, your app usage may spike during certain times of day. You want to make sure you set up your infrastructure so there is no downtime during a spike.</p> <p>Using an app performance monitoring or management tool helps you to understand the stability and security of your underlying systems, which allows you to predict or project how your app will perform if you have a surge of installs, for example. You’re able to anticipate app performance based on various user loads.</p> <p>Not all app performance monitoring tools are created equal in terms of features and functionality, however, and they vary in price depending on the vendor. It’s a good idea to do your own research into what tool will help you the most for your app’s specific use case.</p> <h3 id="insights">Business insights</h3> <p>Setting yourself up to track business insights is something you’ll also want to do from the beginning. Developer Daniel Sim created Shopify apps such as <a href="https://apps.shopify.com/plug-in-seo?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Plug In SEO</a> and <a href="https://apps.shopify.com/plug-in-speed?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Plug In Speed</a> (which he exited earlier in 2020) and is the founder of <a href="https://www.appstoreanalytics.io/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">App Store Analytics</a>. He says monitoring business insights was something he and his team set up before they launched their apps in the Shopify App Store.</p> <p>“Our team was very data-driven,” Sim says. “We had metrics covering product, support, software, infrastructure, and marketing. We kept the number of metics as small as possible, making sure each was actionable and owned by someone on the team. They applied right from when an app had tens of users through to tens of thousands.”</p> <p>“Every app developer needs to know how merchants are finding their app, and what their journey looks like. It makes all the difference when it comes to earning revenue from your app,” Sim says.</p> <blockquote class="border-l-2 pl-4 font-aktivgroteskextended text-xl font-medium tracking-tight my-12 [&_p]:mb-4 [&_cite]:font-aktivgroteskextended [&_cite]:text-sm [&_cite]:not-italic [&_cite]:font-medium [&_cite]:tracking-[-0.0175rem] [&_footer]:mt-4 [&_cite::before]:content-["–"] [&_cite::before]:mr-1 border-partners-highlight"> <p>Every app developer needs to know how merchants are finding their app, and what their journey looks like. It makes all the difference when it comes to earning revenue from your app.</p> <footer><cite>Daniel Sim, Founder, App Store Analytics</cite></footer> </blockquote> <p>Sim’s team used <a href="https://fourweekmba.com/pirate-metrics/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dave McClure's AARRR Pirate Metrics</a> funnel of Acquisition, Activation, Retention, Revenue, and Referral to measure app performance.</p> <ul> <li> <strong>Acquisition: </strong>How a merchant finds your app </li> <li> <strong>Activation: </strong>When a merchant installs your app </li> <li> <strong>Retention:</strong> After activation, users stick around and stay engaged with your app</li> <li> <strong>Revenue: </strong>How much money the merchant makes for you</li> <li> <strong>Referral:</strong> A count of how many merchants are telling others about it</li> </ul> <p>The AARRR metrics funnel gives app developers a performance overview that helps to decide what to focus on next to grow. Sim used the conversion rates between each stage of the funnel to benchmark against other apps, and to spot opportunities and trends between his own apps.</p> <p>“It's fun to build products and add new features,” Sim says. “I'm a developer, so I love to code. Working on acquisition was out of my comfort zone. At first, I didn't properly measure it, essentially ignoring it altogether. But when I eventually did start tracking it, I could see everything else was performing way above average apart from acquisition.”</p> <p>Measuring a few key metrics will help you understand how your app is performing so you can adjust what isn’t working as needed. </p> <h3 id="metrics">What metrics you should be tracking</h3> <p>Within the AARRR framework, Sim’s main business metrics were:</p> <ul> <li>Total users from Google Analytics visiting their app listing and public website </li> <li>Installs taken from the Shopify Partner Dashboard </li> <li>Reviews written on their app listing</li> <li>Free trial to paid conversion rate</li> <li>Revenue growth</li> <li>Percentage of merchants who churned in a given period</li> </ul> <p>To track free trial to paid conversion rate, revenue growth, and churn, you can export the app history CSV from your Partner Dashboard into Google Sheets.</p> <p>Once you start tracking, what do you do with the data? </p> <p>“We put all of our AARRR metrics into a Google Sheet and shared it with the team every week,” Sim says. “Depending on the stage of the app, we'd either use just a week's worth of numbers if there was enough to be statistically significant, or a sliding window of 28 days.”</p> <p>The conversion rates were important in deciding what to work on. If Sim could see that their revenue growth was slowing, they would investigate back up the funnel to see why. </p> <p>Sim says becoming disciplined at tracking AARRR every week helped him and his team focus on things that would support serious growth rather than incremental improvements.</p> <p>However, Sim says you can make the mistake of tracking too much.</p> <p>“My thinking was: ‘Oh no, if I don't track this now and we need it in future there's no way to get it retroactively,’” he says. “There was too much noise and it was expensive to maintain all of that tracking as we developed the product. It was a mess. So we pared everything back to just the metrics we needed to track our running experiments. It got tracked and it got done.”</p> <p>When you’re able to identify problem areas or adoption rate stagnation, you have a better understanding of how your app is performing, your users’ behavior, and where there is room for improvement.</p> <h4>Metrics-tracking starter tech stack</h4> <p>The tools you use to track your business metrics will vary depending on your needs and goals. <a href="https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/being-successful-in-the-app-store/marketing-internally/tracking-your-listing-traffic?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Tracking your listing traffic</a> in the Shopify App Store is a great way to get more information about how users are finding your app listing.</p> <p>You can go even further by setting up a couple tools that will help you keep track of the metrics and data that matter. Here are a few to get you started:</p> <ul> <li> <a href="https://analytics.google.com/analytics/web/#/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Google Analytics</a>: for marketing efforts and acquisition</li> <li>Partner Dashboard: for CSV exports of activation, retention, and revenue </li> <li> <a href="https://amplitude.com/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Amplitude</a>: for in-app and email events, attributes, and segmentation</li> <li> <a href="https://partnermetrics.io/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Partner Metrics</a>: for quarterly and annual trends</li> <li> <a href="https://baremetrics.com/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Baremetrics</a>: for benchmarks, goals, and free trial insights</li> <li> <a href="https://segment.com/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Segment</a> (<a href="https://www.twilio.com/press/releases/twilio-completes-acquisition-segment-market-leading-customer-data-platform" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">acquired</a> in 2020 by Twilio): for organizing your data pipeline for a clean overview</li> </ul> <p>This metrics-tracking tech stack can help jumpstart tracking the right data so you can make more informed business decisions and gain traction in the Shopify App Store.</p> <p>Once you have the data to understand how your app is performing, you can begin to conduct experiments to improve your app and scale over time.</p> <h3 id="designing-growth">Designing app growth experiments through data analysis</h3> <p>It’s important to understand which metrics you want to track and prepare to track them before you publish your Shopify app. This will set you up to have a clear understanding of how your app is performing, allow you to define what success looks like to you, and design growth experiments through that data analysis.</p> <p>Once Sim and his team identified which metrics they wanted to improve, they would come up with hypotheses to try out. For the most promising hypotheses, they designed experiments. Each experiment offered more granular temporary metrics, that would tell Sim if their hypothesis was validated or invalidated. Wherever practical, and if they had enough volume, they would run A/B tests on their hypotheses.</p> <p>One such experiment was when they changed the code installation step of onboarding to be automated rather than something support would help with. </p> <p>“To make it an accurate experiment, we added metrics for which stage of onboarding the merchant was dropping out at, their interactions with support, and how engaged they were with the app after onboarding,” Sim says. “Surprisingly, we found that automated code installation led to worse retention. Temporary, focused metrics helped us to invalidate what looked to be a valid hypothesis.”</p> <h3 id="understand">Build and understand traction to scale app performance and installs</h3> <p>Once you’ve set up your app performance management and monitoring tools, you’ll start to see trends, be able to flag fixable errors, and learn how to keep your app high performing and your users happy.</p> <p>“Getting initial traction is like pushing a huge boulder,” Sim says. “Once you get it rolling though, Shopify offers many opportunities to work with the world's best merchants in a healthy, thriving ecosystem of partners.”</p> <h4>Additional resources:</h4> <ul> <li>Blog post: <a href="/ng/partners/blog/api-versioning-at-shopify?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=api_deprecation_update_2020_10" title="Introducing API versioning at Shopify">Introducing API Versioning at Shopify </a> </li> <li>Blog post: <a href="/ng/partners/blog/api-deprecation-update-2020-10" title="API deprecation at Shopify">API Deprecation at Shopify: 2020-10 Edition </a> </li> <li>Blog post: <a href="/ng/partners/blog/app-metrics" title="8 growth metrics every app developer should track">8 Growth Metrics Every App Developer Should Track </a> </li> <li>Docs: <a href="https://shopify.dev/concepts/shopify-introduction?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Developing on Shopify</a> </li> <li>Shopify.dev: <a href="https://shopify.dev/changelog?itcat=partner_blog&itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app">Changelog</a> </li> </ul> <h2>Get started building your Shopify app</h2> <p>Learning how to build a Shopify app can feel daunting if you’re not sure where to start. Now that you’ve learned the six stages of app building for the Shopify ecosystem, the only limit is your creativity. There are many different ways you can approach creating your app and the steps outlined in this article are simply meant to guide you through the app-building process.</p> <p>You’ve got what you need to start building a Shopify app. The rest is up to you.</p> <a data-encoded-tag-name="meta" data-encoded-tag-value="" data-encoded-attr-charset="dXRmLTg="></a> <p><span>Learn more at: </span><a href="/ng/partners">Shopify Partners</a></p> <div data-sanitized-data-partners-signup="app_developer" data-partners-signup="app_developer"></div> <p><em>Illustrations by </em><a href="https://eugeniamello.com/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Eugenia Mello</em></a><em>.</em></p><div id=":R0:" data-component-name="blog-read-more" class="marketing-block marketing-block--light marketing-block--padded text-body-sm text-left my-8 tablet:my-16 p-8 bg-marketingBg border-t-2 [&_h2]:text-t5 border-partners-highlight"><h2 class="!mt-0 mb-6 font-aktivgroteskextended">Read more</h2><ul class="!mt-0 !mb-0"><li class="mt-2"><a href="/ng/partners/blog/front-end-app">How to Build a Shopify App as a Front End Developer</a></li><li class="mt-2"><a href="/ng/partners/blog/building-a-shopify-app-in-one-week">How to Build a Shopify App in One Week</a></li><li class="mt-2"><a href="/ng/partners/blog/development-stores">Everything You Need to Know About Development Stores</a></li><li class="mt-2"><a href="/ng/partners/blog/17056443-how-to-generate-a-shopify-api-token">How to Generate a Shopify Access Token</a></li><li class="mt-2"><a href="/ng/partners/blog/react-summit-2021">Learn About Shopify App Development at React Summit 2021</a></li><li class="mt-2"><a href="/ng/partners/blog/theme-app-extensions">How to Level Up Your App with Theme App Extensions</a></li></ul></div></div></div><div class="border-t tablet-xl:border-[#d4d4d8] my-16 py-6 flex tablet-xl:flex-row justify-between flex-col"><div class="flex items-center tablet-xl:justify-start tablet-xl:flex-row 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Guide","publishedAt":"2021-02-25T03:00:00Z","image":{"__typename":"Image","url":"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/articles/how-to-build-a-shopify-app.jpg?v=1727286002","altText":"How to build a Shopify app","width":1215,"height":511},"tags":["Featured","Hero","Shopify App Development"],"contentHtml":"\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app.jpg?v=1614173396\" alt=\"How to build a Shopify app\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere’s never been a better time to build a Shopify app. Millions of merchants across the globe build, scale, and manage their businesses on Shopify. Apps play a critical role in their success by empowering them to meet the unique challenges and needs of their business. In fact, apps are so important to the merchant journey that the average Shopify merchant has six apps installed on their store.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith the diversity of our merchant base growing by the day, and a rapidly changing commerce landscape, there are always opportunities for developers to build creative solutions to diverse merchant problems. Each stage of a merchant’s entrepreneurial journey is a standalone billion-dollar industry—from sourcing products, marketing, order fulfillment, customer management, and more. The opportunities are there, but if you haven’t developed an app for the \u003ca href=\"https://apps.shopify.com?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eShopify App Store\u003c/a\u003e before, where exactly do you start?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe’ve got you covered. In this guide, we share the six stages of app development you need to know to build and launch a successful app on Shopify, with insights and advice from Shopify’s own developers and successful partner app developers who work with Shopify every day.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLet’s get started.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background: #f8f8f8; border: 1px solid #d6d7d7; padding: 0 20px 15px;\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eTable of contents\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"#ecosystem\"\u003e1. What to know about Shopify’s app ecosystem\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#apps-into-shopify\"\u003eHow apps fit into Shopify\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#types\"\u003eApp types\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#merchant-buyer-data\"\u003eMerchant and buyer data\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#app-store\"\u003eThe Shopify App Store\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#getting-started\"\u003eGetting started with your app\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#how-to-validate\"\u003e2. How to validate your app idea\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#step-validation\"\u003e4 steps to validate your app idea\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#right-reasons\"\u003eBuilding for the right reasons\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#consider-design\"\u003e3. What to consider as you design your Shopify app\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#polaris-getting-started\"\u003eGetting started with Polaris\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#accessibility-principles\"\u003eThe best app design embraces accessibility principles\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#merchant-in-mind\"\u003eApp design with the merchant in mind\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#submission-to-store\"\u003e4. Submission to the Shopify App Store\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#prepare-submit\"\u003ePreparing to submit your app\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#submitting\"\u003eSubmitting your app\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#review\"\u003eThe review process\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#revise\"\u003eRevisions and changes\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#monitoring\"\u003e5. Monitoring your app: keeping performance top of mind\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#app-health\"\u003eApp health within the Shopify ecosystem\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#changes-and-api-versioning\"\u003eBreaking changes and API versioning\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#performance-and-management\"\u003eApp performance management and monitoring\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#insights\"\u003eBusiness insights\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#metrics\"\u003eWhat metrics you should be tracking\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#designing-growth\"\u003eDesigning app growth experiments through data analysis\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#understand\"\u003eBuild and understand traction to scale app performance and installs\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"ecosystem\"\u003e1. What to know about Shopify’s app ecosystem\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"block block--bordered\" src=\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app-what-to-know-triangles.jpg?v=1614173343\" alt=\"How to build a Shopify app: Illustration of a person obscured by the waist up. They are holding colorful rectangles that overlay each other, piled past their head. The vague shape of a large arrow pointing up is created by the overlaid rectangles. This is a simplified, abstract representation of how Shopify's app ecosystem works together.\"\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore you begin the process of planning and developing your app, it’s important to first understand how apps work with Shopify’s ecosystem.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this section, we’ll dive into how apps fit into Shopify, the infrastructure and tech stack available to developers, and the different types of apps you can build.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-sanitized-data-partners-signup=\"app_developer\" data-partners-signup=\"app_developer\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"apps-into-shopify\"\u003eHow apps fit into Shopify\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShopify is designed to get merchants up and running out of the box. But each merchant is unique, so they use apps to solve their specific challenges.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Shopify context, apps are web applications that extend the functionality of Shopify stores. They allow merchants to tailor their experiences on Shopify to exactly their needs. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApps integrate with Shopify by:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConnecting with \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/docs?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eShopify’s APIs\u003c/a\u003e, the most-used of which is the \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/docs/admin-api?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eAdmin API\u003c/a\u003e, which allows apps to read and write data about products, customers, orders, inventory, fulfillment, and more\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExtending new features inside existing parts of the Shopify Admin or POS\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEnhancing the way stores display information to customers\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"types\"\u003eApp types\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are two different levels of accessibility your app can have: \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/apps?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#public-apps\"\u003ePublic apps\u003c/a\u003e: Apps that are available to many merchants and can be listed in \u003ca href=\"https://apps.shopify.com?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003ethe Shopify App Store\u003c/a\u003e (see below). They are created in your Partner Dashboard.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/apps?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#custom-apps\"\u003eCustom apps\u003c/a\u003e: Apps that are custom made for a specific merchant and cannot be listed in the Shopify App Store. They are created in your Partner Dashboard.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\"For the purposes of this guide, we’re going to focus on creating public apps: apps that are meant for one-to-many distribution via the Shopify App Store.\"\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the purposes of this guide, we’re going to focus on creating public apps: apps that are meant for one-to-many distribution via the Shopify App Store. For developers who are new to the Shopify ecosystem, public apps are the fastest way to get up and running, and to connect your solution with our existing merchant base.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to their type, apps can take two different forms: standalone apps and embedded apps. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/apps?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#standalone-apps\"\u003eStandalone apps\u003c/a\u003e expose their own user interface, on their own web domain, and don’t have access to app extensions (see below). \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/apps?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#embedded-apps\"\u003eEmbedded apps\u003c/a\u003e are hosted on your own infrastructure, but integrate more deeply with Shopify using \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/tools/app-bridge?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eShopify App Bridge\u003c/a\u003e, and display directly in the Shopify merchant admin or point-of-sale (POS) inside an \u003ccode class=\"marketing-code\"\u003eiframe\u003c/code\u003e. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEmbedded apps also enable you to add features to certain parts of Shopify’s user interface (UI) and online stores via \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/docs/app-extensions?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eapp extensions\u003c/a\u003e. When you use an app extension, Shopify relays information to your app when the merchant interacts with Shopify, then surfaces your app back to the merchant via the extension. App extensions can be used to extend into:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Shopify Admin\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe online store\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShopify POS\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShopify Flow\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShopify Kit\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause of how closely they're integrated with Shopify and how much better of a merchant experience they deliver, we recommend building embedded apps, and this guide will walk you through that process. If you’re still brainstorming what use case your app will serve, read our chapter on \u003ca href=\"#how-to-validate\"\u003evalidating your app idea.\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\"We recommend building embedded apps because of how closely they integrate with Shopify and how much more they improve the merchant experience.\"\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"merchant-buyer-data\"\u003eMerchant and buyer data\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith millions of merchants using the Shopify platform to power their businesses, it’s important that every developer takes their trust and security—and that of their customers’—seriously. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/legal/api-terms?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eThe Shopify API License and Terms of Use\u003c/a\u003e is the final word on what is allowed and not allowed on Shopify’s platform. You can also visit the \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/trust-and-security?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003etrust and security page\u003c/a\u003e in our docs for information on the following:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAuthentication and API keys\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAPI rate limits\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAPI versioning\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eData privacy and sharing\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/trust-and-security/gdpr?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eGlobal GDPR compliance\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/tutorials/add-gdpr-webhooks-to-your-app?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#mandatory-webhooks\"\u003eMandatory webhooks\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese rules are designed to make using the Shopify platform fair and transparent for everyone, while protecting the data of our merchants and their customers. You can learn more about \u003ca href=\"#app-secure\"\u003eapp security best practices\u003c/a\u003e below.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"app-store\"\u003eThe Shopify App Store\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"block block--bordered\" src=\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app-screenshot-of-app-store-homepage.jpg?v=1614173290\" alt=\"How to build a Shopify app: Screenshot of the Shopify App Store home page with a search bar to search for specific apps, a section below that highlighting four staff picks, and a section at the bottom highlighting four trending apps.\"\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://apps.shopify.com?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eThe Shopify App Store\u003c/a\u003e is the easiest way for merchants to find apps that enable the functionality they need to build their stores. The Shopify App Store is organized by categories, and has a robust search feature and recommendation algorithm that helps merchants find the apps they need.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll public apps are given a listing page in the Shopify App Store. \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/visibility?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#listed-apps\"\u003eListed apps\u003c/a\u003e are publicly available to all merchants, while \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/visibility?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#unlisted-apps\"\u003eunlisted apps\u003c/a\u003e have limited visibility. Depending on your use case, both listed and unlisted apps have their own benefits.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eListed apps are visible in the Shopify App Store, allowing you to reach many merchants and highlight the features your app provides. With listed apps, you can take advantage of features like \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/advertising?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eads in the app store\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBenefits of listed apps\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnly way to be discoverable by merchants through search\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncreased organic reach\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBrand awareness\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncreased trust from reviews\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHelps sell features\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeverage Shopify App Store ads\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlisted apps are public apps that are \u003cem\u003enot\u003c/em\u003e visible in the Shopify App Store (though they do still require an \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/getting-your-app-approved/app-requirements?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eapp listing\u003c/a\u003e). This allows you to control who can install your app, or hide your app during down seasons (for seasonal apps) or periods of maintenance. However, we recommend publicly listing your app to take full advantage of the opportunities and features of the Shopify App Store.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBenefits of unlisted apps\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFocus on a targeted merchant base\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMore control over growth\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHelpful for seasonal apps\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGood for maintenance periods\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen starting out on Shopify, the Shopify App Store is likely going to be the main source of leads and installs of your app. Optimizing your app listing page, setting your app up for success, and leveraging tools like ads in the Shopify App Store are all ways of increasing installs and sales. We’ll dive deeper into the Shopify App Store and how to use it in the \u003ca href=\"#submission-to-store\"\u003eSubmitting your app to the Shopify App Store\u003c/a\u003e section of this guide.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"getting-started\"\u003eGetting started with your app\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow that you have an understanding of the basics of the Shopify platform, you’re ready to start validating your app idea to understand the business opportunity of building with Shopify.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAdditional resources\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/the-essential-list-of-resources-for-shopify-app-development\" title=\"The essential list of resources for Shopify app development\"\u003eThe Essential List of Resources for Shopify App Development \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/online-store-app-extensions\" title=\"Online store app extensions\"\u003eExtend Into the Storefront With Online Store App Extensions \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/point-of-sale-apps\" title=\"Point of sale apps\"\u003eHow to Build Point of Sale Apps Using Shopify App Bridge \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/shopify-subscription-apis\" title=\"Shopify subscription APIs\"\u003eIntroducing Shopify Subscription APIs: Build Apps That Integrate with Shopify Checkout \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/gdpr-compliance\" title=\"What App Developers Need to Know About GDPR\"\u003eWhat App Developers Need to Know About GDPR \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/web-security-2018\" title=\"Web Security Fundamentals\"\u003eWeb Security Fundamentals: What Every Developer Should Know \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDocs: \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/tools/app-bridge?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eShopify App Bridge\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDocs: \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/tutorials/authenticate-your-app-using-session-tokens?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eAuthenticate your app using session tokens (tutorial)\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDocs: \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/tutorials/embed-your-app-in-the-shopify-admin?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eEmbed your app in the Shopify admin (tutorial)\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"how-to-validate\"\u003e2. How to validate your app idea\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"block block--bordered\" src=\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app-validate-your-app-idea.jpg?v=1614173213\" alt=\"How to build a Shopify app: Illustration of two women tilting a large light bulb to the right.\"\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou’ve got an idea for an app—and it’s \u003cem\u003egood\u003c/em\u003e. Now that you know how apps fit into Shopify’s ecosystem, you’re ready to dive into the design process. But wait, are you? Validating your idea is a step in the app-building process you definitely shouldn’t skip.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eValidating your app idea gives you a much higher chance of success because you know you’re building something that your target user needs—and, in turn, building something that has a higher chance of getting more installs. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe key with validation is to not get caught up in research, but to learn enough that will make your minimum viable product (MVP) something that you can tweak and build on.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this section, we’ll dive into how to develop an app that solves a real merchant problem, how to validate your idea through research, and the market shifts and trends you’ll need to consider.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-sanitized-data-partners-signup=\"app_developer\" data-partners-signup=\"app_developer\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"step-validation\"\u003e4 steps to validate your app idea\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eValidating your app idea is a process unique to your experience and the needs of your target market. It’s an investment in your future success. Developers Preetam Nath and Sankalp Jonna spent two months investigating whether their first app idea was valid before starting any design or development, a process their team replicated for their second app, \u003ca href=\"https://www.delightchat.io/\"\u003eDelightChat\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“We didn't want to build something and realize nobody's going to use it. We've had that situation in the past,” Nath said. “Although we took a longer approach, we wanted to understand what’s happening in the ecosystem and what the various problems are.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile there are many ways to prove your app idea is a good one, here are four key questions to answer that will help get you started:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDoes this idea solve a real merchant problem?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow is my target market trying to solve this problem right now?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAre merchants willing to pay for a solution to this problem?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCan we actually build the app?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLet’s explore each of these questions more in depth.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e1. Does your app idea solve a real merchant problem?\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst, you have to clearly define what a “real problem” means. Problem-solving is a full-time job for merchants, so it can be challenging to know where to begin. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA real problem is something that store owners are actively spending a lot of time, money, stress, and/or effort trying to solve. So how do you find out what merchants’ problems are? You go right to the source.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNath and Jonna posted questions in forums, such as the \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/shopify/\"\u003eShopify subreddit\u003c/a\u003e or the \u003ca href=\"https://community.shopify.com/c/Shopify-Community/ct-p/en\"\u003eShopify Community Forum\u003c/a\u003e, and were able to have conversations with merchants via direct messages to get clear answers to their questions. They also joined various \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/search/groups/?q=shopify\"\u003eFacebook groups\u003c/a\u003e to listen and learn more about merchant frustrations.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you’re working with merchants already, consider sending out a feedback form or questionnaire to find out more details about the problems they face. If you don’t work with merchants yet, or you’re ready to learn more, it’s time to move on to question number two.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce you know your app can solve a real merchant problem, the next step is to learn more about how (or if) merchants are already trying to fix the problem themselves, and anticipate any new challenges they could face within their industry. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eWhat’s happening in the industry and what are the trends?\u003c/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are unique challenges within every industry and at every stage of the merchant journey—and each stage is a potential billion-dollar industry you can tap into. Keep up to date on trends and disruptions within a certain industry, such as marketing, shipping, finance, customer support, or product sourcing to learn its past, present, and future concerns and ambitions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\"There are unique challenges within every industry and at every stage of the merchant journey—and each stage is a potential billion-dollar industry you can tap into.\"\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaking the time to understand your target market, potential users, and industry trends will save you time and effort when it comes to refining your MVP. This comes down to the research you do before you begin to build. Learning the \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/app-development-business-trends\" title=\"app development business trends\"\u003eapp development business trends\u003c/a\u003e applicable to your app idea is an ongoing process, so taking advantage of your existing expertise or knowledge will help get you started.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver the span of just three months in early 2020, \u003ca href=\"https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/strategy-and-corporate-finance/our-insights/five-fifty-the-quickening#\"\u003eecommerce growth accelerated 10 years\u003c/a\u003e into the future as COVID-19 changed how many merchants do business. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/app-challenge-tilo-mitra?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eRead how Shopify App Challenge winner Tilo Mitra built his first app\u003c/a\u003e in response to these new challenges.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeveraging any prior experience with a current client, or within the industry or adjacent market you’re building an app for, will give you a competitive advantage, because you’re already familiar with your users’ pain points and industry trends.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/chatdesk-app-developer-case-study?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\" title=\"Chatdesk app developer case study\"\u003eRead our case study\u003c/a\u003e to learn how co-founders Aneto Okonkwo and Andrew Olaleye built customer support app \u003ca href=\"https://apps.shopify.com/chatdesk-email-social-media-customer-service?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eChatdesk\u003c/a\u003e based on experiences, goals, and lessons learned in their previous careers.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eConducting market research\u003c/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven if you don’t already have experience in the industry you’re building for, you can conduct \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/market-research-app?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\" title=\"market research app\"\u003emarket research\u003c/a\u003e for your app. Figuring out what excites or frustrates your customers will help shape your product. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt this point, you’ve already spoken to merchants and figured out how and where your app will add value. Gain more context about how your app will fit into the “big picture” by:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReading industry publications and white papers, such as Shopify’s annual \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/plus/commerce-trends?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eFuture of Commerce report\u003c/a\u003e, and McKinsey’s quarterly \u003ca href=\"https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/strategy-and-corporate-finance/our-insights/five-fifty-the-quickening#\"\u003eFive Fifty report\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFollowing industry leaders and experts on social media, such as Shopify leadership team: Director of Partnerships, \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/fatimayusf\"\u003eFatima Yusuf\u003c/a\u003e, President \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/harleyf\"\u003eHarley Finklestein\u003c/a\u003e, CTO \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/jmwind\"\u003eJean-Michel Lemieux\u003c/a\u003e, and CEO \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/tobi\"\u003eTobi Lutke\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonitoring news reports about commerce and business\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaking to experts in your industry\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreating a focus group\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnalyzing merchant feedback and concerns on social media and in \u003ca href=\"https://community.shopify.com/c/Shopify-Community/ct-p/en?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003ecommunity forums\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnalyzing app reviews on the \u003ca href=\"https://apps.shopify.com?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eShopify App Store\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubscribing to newsletters like \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/whats-new-2021?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eWhat’s New for Shopify Developers\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttending events like \u003ca href=\"https://events.shopify.com/partnertownhall?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eShopify Partner Town Hall\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubscribing to relevant blogs, such as the \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eShopify Partner Blog\u003c/a\u003e, the \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.engineering?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eShopify Engineering Blog\u003c/a\u003e, and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/blog?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eShopify Merchant Blog\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnd more\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg class=\"block block--bordered\" src=\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app-fatima-yusuf-tweet.jpg?v=1614173125\" alt=\"how to build a shopify app: Screenshot of a viral tweet by Shopify Director of Partnerships Fatima Yusuf. The tweet says: Shopify surpassed 5,000 apps in the App Store in 2020, but the growth has only just begun. Here are some hashtag commerce trends I expect we'll see more of in Shopify's app ecosystem in 2021. A yellow emoji hand points down to indicate there is a thread of tweets and to read on.\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003eShopify Director of Partnerships Fatima Yusuf recently shared \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/fatimayusf/status/1346222106049183744\"\u003ea full thread\u003c/a\u003e of anticipated commerce trends in Shopify’s app ecosystem in 2021.\u003c/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome of the most successful apps in the Shopify App Store started out by proactively solving merchant problems. Look back on past wins with specific clients, platforms, or markets to see if there are any trends or patterns you can build on.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eWill this app solve a niche need, or a feature or functionality gap?\u003c/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough there are multiple apps in each category of the Shopify App Store, remember that with millions of diverse merchants growing by the day, every merchant may need something a little different, depending on their size, their industry, their goals, and where they are in the world. This means there are niche needs in every category that you can find and create a solution for. The apps that work for one segment won't necessarily work for another.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\"Adding significant value to a niche merchant problem is one key to standing out.\"\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are so many opportunities to address a merchant pain point that hasn’t yet been addressed. Adding significant value to a niche merchant problem is one key to standing out. For example, if you want to build an SMS app and feel like there's too much competition, you can further investigate the needs of a key region or specific merchant segment, and you home in on the solution that makes sense for them.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLearn how \u003ca href=\"https://apps.shopify.com/heyday?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eHeyday\u003c/a\u003e addressed a functionality gap and established a differentiated value proposition to successfully launch their \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/self-serve-app?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\" title=\"self-serve app\"\u003eself-serve app\u003c/a\u003e on the Shopify App Store in 2020.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere’s no one correct way to differentiate your app’s value proposition. Nath says he got to know where gaps in his chosen vertical existed by analyzing the reviews of other apps to understand what challenges were going unaddressed. This work helped Nath understand what underserved areas their app could address, and what their users’ expectations would be. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“It took me a whole day, but it was worth it because now I knew clearly what merchants gave five-star reviews for, and also what they hated,” he said.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s important to remember that you’re not bringing merchants any value if you just create a copycat app. Without adding a significant, unique, or new improvement, your app won’t stand out. It’s also an ethical issue and you could be in violation of copyright.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\"It’s important to remember that you’re not bringing merchants any value if you just create a copycat app. Without adding a significant, unique, or new improvement, your app won’t stand out. It’s also an ethical issue and you could be in violation of copyright.\"\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e2. How is your target market trying to solve this problem right now?\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fastest and best way to understand how your target market is trying to solve this problem is by talking to real merchants. The good news is that it’s easier than you might think. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce Nath and Jonna had identified the right communities to join to learn from, and connect with merchants, they connected with them directly to learn how they were already trying to solve their problems.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Just reach out to five of these people you see on Shopify Facebook groups, subreddits, or the forum and ask them, ‘Do you need this app? If not, why? If yes, what do you need it for?’ That will open up Pandora's box of qualitative information for you,” Nath says.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaking the time to speak with your target users can teach you not only what their problems are, but also what they feel constitutes a solution. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor example, the merchant could already be paying someone to take care of the problem for them, which can be expensive or may not fulfill their needs. Sometimes merchants won’t necessarily consider outsourced work a \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/build-apps-that-address-merchant-pain-points\" title=\"build apps that address merchant pain points\"\u003epain point\u003c/a\u003e, because it’s a task that is already being handled. This is important to consider because you may have to investigate deeper and ask specific, nuanced questions to truly understand both the problem and how your app aligns with the user’s needs.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFurthermore, if you’re considering building a custom app for one merchant to solve their unique needs, investigate whether it would be applicable to more merchants in the same industry or with similar traits. There’s a good chance you could better serve a broader market with similar challenges by publishing a public app in the \u003ca href=\"https://apps.shopify.com?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eShopify App Store\u003c/a\u003e. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e3. Are merchants willing to pay for a solution to this problem? \u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFiguring out whether you can make money with your app idea is the next piece of the puzzle.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“If you're looking to build a free app, just to get a feel of the ecosystem, that’s fine,” Nath says. “But if you want to build your app into a product or business that replaces your salary, you need to know if people are willing to pay for it.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you want to build your app into a product or business that replaces your salary, you need to know if people are willing to pay for it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cfooter\u003e\u003ccite\u003ePreetam Nath, Co-founder and CEO, DelightChat\u003c/cite\u003e\u003c/footer\u003e\n\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe best way to find out is to discover if people are already using existing solutions, and if so, how much they are paying for them. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“That price point fundamentally changes your business,” Nath says. “As we were building DelightChat, we were very cognizant that we wanted to be in this $100-$200 price range, where we are serving merchants whose businesses are at a certain level.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany apps offer a free version and/or a free trial so merchants can try out its various features to see if it’s the right fit for their needs.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs discussed above, if your target audience isn’t already using an app or software to solve the problem you’re considering, they could also be hiring freelancers, paying someone part-time to manually work on the issue, or have even hired a full-time employee. How much are they paying for that solution? Would they be willing to pay instead for your app? This is where you’ll have to ask merchants in forums and direct conversations to learn more about their stop-gap solutions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e4. Do you have the expertise and time to build this app?\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce you take all merchant insights, industry trends, and current opportunities into consideration, and have researched your target market, you need to decide if what you want to build—and by when—is possible. There are varying degrees of complexity behind an app and you want to be sure that your timeline for building is realistic.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Some apps might take you a year to build if you're a one-person team, and some apps can be built in two weeks as a solo person,” Nath says. “You need to pick problems you can solve. Otherwise, you're just setting yourself up for failure. ”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome apps might take you a year to build if you're a one-person team, and some apps can be built in two weeks as a solo person. You need to pick problems you can solve. Otherwise, you're just setting yourself up for failure.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cfooter\u003e\u003ccite\u003ePreetam Nath, Co-founder and CEO, DelightChat\u003c/cite\u003e\u003c/footer\u003e\n\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe’ll dive deeper into how to build a Shopify app in the Tools and Resources section of this guide.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you decide to build a Shopify app with a higher price point, merchants will expect a high-quality app with more features. That being said, remember that your app doesn’t need to have every single feature to be high value. Your users will give you feedback on your MVP, which you can use to improve your app over time and build the features they truly want.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecap: Four questions to answer when validating your app idea\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIs your app idea solving a real problem?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow is your target market trying to solve this problem right now?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIs this a problem people are willing to pay to solve?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo you have the necessary expertise and time to build the app?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"right-reasons\"\u003eBuilding for the right reasons\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow that you know how to validate an app idea that is driven by the business opportunity of building with Shopify, you’re ready to dive into the app design principles and key resources you can use to design your Shopify app.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAdditional resources\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/build-apps-that-address-merchant-pain-points\" title=\"Build apps that address merchant pain points\"\u003eWhy You Should Build Apps That Address Merchant Pain Points \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/how-to-do-a-competitive-analysis\" title=\"How to do a competitive analysis\"\u003eHow to do a Competitive Analysis That Drives Results for Your Clients \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/shopify-app-challenge\" title=\"Shopify app challenge\"\u003eIntroducing the Shopify App Challenge: Commerce and COVID-19 \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/market-research-app\" title=\"Market research app\"\u003eResearch 101: How to Conduct Market Research for Your App \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGuide: \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/shopify-app-store-downloads#research\" title=\"Shopify App Store downloads\"\u003eHow to Get More App Downloads in the Shopify App Store \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"consider-design\"\u003e3. What to consider as you design your Shopify app\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"block block--bordered\" src=\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app-what-to-consider.jpg?v=1614176453\" alt=\"How to build a Shopify app: Illustration of two people. One is looking at a fold-out instruction card and the other has their arms stretched out holding a measuring tape. Both are looking at the instructions.\"\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigning an app that integrates seamlessly into a merchant’s online store makes the user experience (UX) more familiar and appealing, and the user interface (UI) more intuitive. The design principles you incorporate into your app not only represent your user’s brand, but their values as well. The more user friendly, accessible, and beautiful your app is, the more likely you will have happier customers and higher retention rates.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this section, we’ll dive into what factors you need to consider as you design your Shopify app, and the tools that can make designing your app easier and faster.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-sanitized-data-partners-signup=\"app_developer\" data-partners-signup=\"app_developer\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"polaris-getting-started\"\u003eGetting started with Polaris\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg class=\"block block--bordered\" src=\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app-polaris-v-6.jpg?v=1614176541\" alt=\"How to build a Shopify app: Polaris – Our design system helps us work together to build a great experience for all of Shopify's merchants.\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003eThe recent launch of \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/whats-new/whats-new?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003ePolaris v6.0.0\u003c/a\u003e offers a refreshed color palette, icons, as well as a reduction to our bundle size and additional accessibility features.\u003c/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003ePolaris\u003c/a\u003e is Shopify’s open-source design system used internally and by third-party developers to design and build apps that seamlessly integrate into a merchant’s store. Polaris helps speed up the design process and adheres to web accessibility standards, while creating an app experience that is familiar to users. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile we recommend you build an app within the Shopify Admin, you can use Polaris regardless of whether your app is embedded within the Shopify Admin or operates outside of it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“From a front-end developer’s perspective, one of the things I always hone in on is the usefulness of Polaris,” says Jennifer Gray, a front-end developer at Shopify. “If you want to move forward with an embedded app, which is what we encourage, Polaris gives that seamless user experience.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePolaris components speed up your development process because you don’t have to build custom UI elements. Polaris components are pre-built, flexible, and easy to implement, so you can create a positive UX even if design isn’t your strong suit.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePolaris components are a collection of interface elements that can be used across your app. They include:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColors\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTypography\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIllustrations\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIcons\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInteraction states\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpacing\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg class=\"block block--bordered\" src=\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app-screenshot-of-polaris-page-component.jpg?v=1614176624\" alt=\"How to build a Shopify app: Screenshot of a Polaris Page component in the Admin demonstrating how a three-quarter-inch leather pet collar product would appear.\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003eThe \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/components/structure/page?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#all-examples\"\u003ePolaris Page component\u003c/a\u003e is one of the most commonly used and is highly customizable.\u003c/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeveraging common conventions allows your app to look like it “belongs” in the Shopify Admin. Your users won’t need to learn to navigate a new UI if you make use of conventions they’re already familiar with. Polaris conventions also take accessibility into consideration.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs you build your Shopify app, keep the \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/foundations/experience-values?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eShopify experience values\u003c/a\u003e in mind:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsiderate:\u003c/strong\u003e Be thoughtful about how your users will access your app, including their device, language, geography, and accessibility needs. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEmpowering:\u003c/strong\u003e Shopify merchants have a wide range of skill levels, needs, goals, and experiences. Optimize your app for the most important tasks by removing unnecessary complexity, but give your users access to additional features if they need it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCrafted:\u003c/strong\u003e A beautiful app is only as good as its ability to help users solve a problem. Paying attention to thoughtful details or design considerations can make or break the user experience.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEfficient:\u003c/strong\u003e Keep your design and tasks simple and clear. Users should be able to complete actions quickly, accurately, and easily.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTrustworthy:\u003c/strong\u003e Be transparent about what your app can and cannot do. A trustworthy app demonstrates to users that its developers are acting in their best interests. This is reflected holistically in the app’s UX and UI.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamiliar: \u003c/strong\u003eWhen people feel comfortable using digital products, they can focus on the task at hand, rather than trying to navigate a complicated UI. Use familiar patterns so the UX is straightforward and intuitive. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile Polaris gives both designers and developers the tools they need to design a beautiful and functional Shopify app, that doesn’t mean you can’t apply some of your own creativity to the design process.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe unique needs of your users should always be your main priority when designing your Shopify app—you are free to add custom components that should also feel right at home in the Shopify Admin.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShopify Partner \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/shopify-commerce-awards-past-winners?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\" title=\"Shopify Commerce Awards past winners – Pledgeling\"\u003ePledgeling\u003c/a\u003e won a 2017 Shopify Commerce Award for \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/shopify-commerce-awards-2017-winners?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#polaris\" title=\"Shopify Commerce Awards Best App Design Using Polaris\"\u003eBest App Design Using Polaris\u003c/a\u003e, where they were recognized by the judges for their Polaris design. They also added custom components that their users needed, while keeping the UX and UI consistent with Polaris principles.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg class=\"block block--bordered\" src=\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app-pledgelings-give-and-grow-donation-app.jpg?v=1614176857\" alt=\"How to build a Shopify app: Screenshot of Give \u0026amp; Grow app dashboard includes introduction text, navigation controls, and a 'Get started' button.\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePledgeling’s \u003ca href=\"https://apps.shopify.com/give-grow?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eGive \u0026amp; Grow Donations\u003c/a\u003e app won the 2017 Shopify Commerce Award for \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/shopify-commerce-awards-2017-winners?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#polaris\" title=\"Shopify Commerce Awards Best App Design Using Polaris\"\u003eBest App Design Using Polaris\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePolaris ensures your app will fit seamlessly into a merchant’s work. Take some time to review the \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/design/polaris-is-changing?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003ePolaris documentation\u003c/a\u003e, which covers everything from design guidelines, accessibility considerations, internationalization, and information architecture.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf app developers don’t have a designer on their team, Polaris is exactly the tool they should be using.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cfooter\u003e\u003ccite\u003eJennifer Gray, Shopify Front-end Developer\u003c/cite\u003e\u003c/footer\u003e\n\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“If app developers don’t have a designer on their team, Polaris is exactly the tool they should be using,” Gray says.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePolaris is an evolving design framework. The recent launch of \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/whats-new/whats-new?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003ePolaris v6.0.0\u003c/a\u003e offers refreshed visual styles with a new color system, rebuilt, high-quality components, a reduction to bundle size, and additional accessibility features among many other feature updates.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore some examples of standalone apps \u003ca href=\"https://github.com/Shopify/polaris-react/tree/master/examples?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eusing Polaris as the UI component library on GitHub\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"accessibility-principles\"\u003eThe best app design embraces accessibility principles\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInclusive, accessible, and usable design are three principles that intersect when it comes to creating a digital product that everyone can use with ease. “Everyone” is a lot of people, with varying experiences and abilities, but it is possible to build a Shopify app that is inclusive, accessible, and usable to all.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApps with the best UX and UI are inclusive and accessible by design. \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/inclusive-design?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\" title=\"inclusive design\"\u003eInclusive design\u003c/a\u003e considers the needs of all users, and benefits all users, regardless of their abilities.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree key factors that contribute to a high-quality, accessible UX are:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA UX/UI design that is both functional and beautiful\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConsistent and helpful \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/content/product-content?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#navigation\"\u003ecopy\u003c/a\u003e that thoughtfully uses clear, plain language\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eActively incorporates principles of \u003ca href=\"http://universaldesign.ie/What-is-Universal-Design/\"\u003euniversal design\u003c/a\u003e and inclusivity\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe’ve already covered how to ensure your app is functional and aligns to the look and feel of your merchant’s work by following the Polaris design principles. Let’s explore the next two topics more in depth.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eYour app copy: write for everyone\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigning a visually beautiful and functional app is a great start. It’s equally important that all the language you use to describe how to use your app is easy to understand. This means using straightforward language free from jargon or phrases that could confuse someone who is unfamiliar with the topic or the language itself. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs of January 2020, English was the most popular language online, representing about \u003ca href=\"https://www.statista.com/statistics/262946/share-of-the-most-common-languages-on-the-internet/\"\u003e26 percent\u003c/a\u003e of total internet users worldwide, followed by Chinese at 19 percent.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg class=\"block block--bordered\" src=\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app-graph-of-top-10-languages-used-on-internet.jpg?v=1614176938\" alt=\"How to build a Shopify app: Horizontal bar chart. English, 25.9%. Chinese, 19.4%. Spanish, 7.9%. Arabic, 5.2%. Indonesian/Malaysian, 4.3%. Portuguese, 3.7%. French, 3.3%. Japanese, 2.6%. Russian, 2.5%. German, 2%. Rest of languages, 23.1%.\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003eThe top 10 languages used on the internet account for 77 percent of global internet users as of January 2020, according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.statista.com/statistics/262946/share-of-the-most-common-languages-on-the-internet/\"\u003erecent research by Statista\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConsider both your target user and your future potential growth users—it’s a good idea to make language a top priority within your app design. Learning \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/multilingual-shopify-apps?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\" title=\"How to build multilingual Shopify apps\"\u003ehow to build multilingual Shopify apps\u003c/a\u003e will give you a competitive advantage.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Polaris content guidelines considers plain language to be at a United States Grade 7 reading level. There are many tools you can use to check if your content is grammatically correct and easily understandable. Many of these tools also can tell you the readability level.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere are three content tools you can use to get started:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"http://www.hemingwayapp.com/\"\u003eHemingway App\u003c/a\u003e (free)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://www.grammarly.com/\"\u003eGrammarly\u003c/a\u003e (free and paid subscriptions)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://readable.com/\"\u003eReadable\u003c/a\u003e (paid, tiered, annual subscriptions)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe’ll further explore the nuances of how to write for a global audience in the Internationalization section below.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelpful \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/content/product-content?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#navigation\"\u003etips\u003c/a\u003e from the Polaris content guidelines:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWrite short sentences (ideally less than 15-20 words).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMake your content scannable using headings and bullets.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlways choose a short, simple word over a long and complicated one.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThink about translations. Avoid idioms and phrases with indirect or ironic meanings.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid jargon. Only use industry-standard terms when you have reason to believe it will improve understanding. Spend time researching what words people actually use, instead of defaulting to what corporations call things.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEdit out unnecessary or repeated words.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWrite for small screens first. These constraints can help you focus on the most important message.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRead your content out loud. If you get tripped up or it doesn’t sound like something a human would say, your content needs to be revised.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow that you have a solid grasp on how to write content within your app, let’s break down what it means to design your app to be inclusive and accessible.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDesigning for accessibility, usability, and inclusion\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs your app scales and grows, it’s important that it remains inclusive, accessible, and usable to Shopify’s millions of merchants. Each of those users have unique needs, so learning now how to support those needs will make scaling your app easier in the future. To that end, here are three design considerations to keep in mind:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e1. \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/foundations/accessibility?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccessibility\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/components/get-started?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003ePolaris components\u003c/a\u003e are designed to meet \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/foundations/accessibility?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eaccessibility\u003c/a\u003e standards and maintain a consistent experience while your app is in use. If you haven’t already done so, it’s time to consider how you define your “average” user, and whether you have designed your app in a way that considers users who have disabilities. From \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/keyboard-accessibility?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\" title=\"keyboard accessibility\"\u003ekeyboard accessibility\u003c/a\u003e to visual design elements, there’s a lot to consider.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe World Health Organization reports that, as of December 2020, more than \u003ca href=\"https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/disability-and-health\"\u003e1 billion people worldwide\u003c/a\u003e—about 15 percent of the global population—live with some form of disability, and the numbers are increasing. Getting familiar with \u003ca href=\"https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag/\"\u003eWeb Content Accessibility Guidelines\u003c/a\u003e is a great starting point to learn more about accessibility standards and techniques so you can apply these principles as you build your app.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“\u003ca href=\"https://thenextweb.com/podium/2019/09/27/the-huge-cost-of-ignoring-accessibility-when-designing-your-website/\"\u003eDo not ignore accessibility\u003c/a\u003e when designing and developing your app,” says Shopify Platform Accessibility Specialist Scott Vinkle. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Accessibility helps to ensure an \u003ca href=\"https://www.w3.org/WAI/perspective-videos/\"\u003eassistive technology\u003c/a\u003e-friendly environment for people with disabilities,” Vinkle adds. “It also helps the aging population to use your site or app, \u003ca href=\"https://www.deque.com/blog/seo-and-accessibility-real-talk/\"\u003eincreases SEO\u003c/a\u003e, and decreases \u003ca href=\"https://blog.usablenet.com/a-record-breaking-year-for-ada-digital-accessibility-lawsuits\"\u003eaccessibility-related lawsuits\u003c/a\u003e. Provide people with disabilities an equal opportunity to unlock the power of commerce.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide people with disabilities an equal opportunity to unlock the power of commerce.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cfooter\u003e\u003ccite\u003eScott Vinkle, Shopify Platform Accessibility Specialist\u003c/cite\u003e\u003c/footer\u003e\n\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep these core principles of accessibility in mind when creating your app:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCan the user \u003ca href=\"https://www.w3.org/WAI/fundamentals/accessibility-principles/#perceivable\"\u003eperceive\u003c/a\u003e the content? People must be able to observe and identify content using one of the senses available to them.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCan the user \u003ca href=\"https://www.w3.org/WAI/fundamentals/accessibility-principles/#operable\"\u003eoperate\u003c/a\u003e the user interface? People must be able to complete tasks using the input device that works best for them, such as a mouse or touchpad, keyboard, touchscreen, screen reader, voice dictation software, etc.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCan the user \u003ca href=\"https://www.w3.org/WAI/fundamentals/accessibility-principles/#understandable\"\u003eunderstand\u003c/a\u003e the content? Create content and user interfaces that people can comprehend. Use simple language, supplied in the correct language, in a consistent user experience.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIs the content \u003ca href=\"https://www.w3.org/WAI/fundamentals/accessibility-principles/#robust\"\u003erobust\u003c/a\u003e? Provide support for various devices and assistive technologies. Use standards based, semantic HTML and ARIA \u003ca href=\"https://www.w3.org/TR/using-aria/#firstrule\"\u003ewhere required\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVinkle says it’s important to apply these principles and \u003ca href=\"https://scottvinkle.me/blogs/work/testing-with-screen-readers\"\u003etest with assistive technology\u003c/a\u003e. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWiden the usability of your app to include even more people. This has the potential to increase positive reviews and revenue generated by your app.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cfooter\u003e\u003ccite\u003eScott Vinkle, Shopify Platform Accessibility Specialist\u003c/cite\u003e\u003c/footer\u003e\n\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Widen the usability of your app to include even more people” he says. “This has the potential to increase positive reviews and revenue generated by your app.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere are five assistive technology testing tools and insightful resources to help improve overall accessibility and app quality:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://www.paciellogroup.com/resources/contrastanalyser/\"\u003eColor Contrast Analyzer\u003c/a\u003e: Check the legibility and contrast of your app design elements using this app for Mac and Windows\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://colororacle.org/\"\u003eColor Oracle\u003c/a\u003e: Simulate color blindness using this app available for Mac, Windows, and Linux\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://github.com/getflourish/Sketch-Color-Contrast-Analyser\"\u003eSketch Color Contrast Analyzer\u003c/a\u003e: Ensure your designs meet color contrast recommendations from within Sketch\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/design/inclusive\"\u003eInclusive Design at Microsoft\u003c/a\u003e: Learn and follow accessibility best practices with Microsoft’s inclusive design principles\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://accessibilityinsights.io/\"\u003eAccessibility Insights\u003c/a\u003e: Solve accessibility issues before they reach merchants using this automated accessibility testing tool.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e2. \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/foundations/internationalization?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eInternationalization\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuilding an interface that works no matter where in the world your users are located not only increases your global market reach, it also creates a better overall UX. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBe sure to plan for:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCultural differences: From your icons to your images to your content, localizing your app means not only translating to the local language, but also adapting to regional differences and being mindful of potentially confusing or offensive content\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eText expansion: Translating your app text can expand it and take up more space, so your interface needs built-in flexibility to accommodate language-specific formatting, as it can vary greatly between languages\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChanges in word order: It’s safe to assume the word order of every sentence in your UI will change when translated, so it’s best to avoid using UI components to build sentences and only use \u003ca href=\"https://ux.shopify.com/how-to-concatenate-localized-strings-mindfully-bcc7b6d4961a?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003econcatenated strings mindfully\u003c/a\u003e, or not at all\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGet familiar with the \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/foundations/internationalization?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003ePolaris foundations of internationalization\u003c/a\u003e so that you can create an exceptional UX no matter where your users are located.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLearn more about the principles that will help you build a truly internationalized app in our in-depth blog post: \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/internationalization?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\" title=\"Internationalization\"\u003eInternationalization: Practical Tips to Build for a Global Audience\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e3. \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/foundations/information-architecture?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eInformation architecture (IA)\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/foundations/information-architecture?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003einformation architecture\u003c/a\u003e (IA) is the way you organize, structure, and label all your content, with the goal of helping your users find the information they need and to complete tasks efficiently. Effective IA:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSimplifies complexity\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupports scalability\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreates familiarity\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGetting familiar with the \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/foundations/information-architecture?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003ePolaris IA principles\u003c/a\u003e will help guide you through the process of making good IA decisions, no matter what project you’re working on. Keeping your app organized and straightforward prevents user confusion, especially if your app is more complex.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor more information about IA and how to get started, check out our recent blog post: \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/information-architecture?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\" title=\"Information architecture\"\u003eAn Introduction to Information Architecture\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"merchant-in-mind\"\u003eApp design with the merchant in mind\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA clean app design with accessible UX and clear language is crucial for building an app merchants love. Your users interact with the web, apps, and dashboards on a daily basis, so they’ll have high expectations for how your app will integrate and interact with their online store.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow that you have a grasp of how app design principles influence your users’ experience, you’re ready to start building your app.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAdditional resources:\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/building-apps\" title=\"building apps\"\u003eBuilding Apps: 3 Things we Learned in Making Design Consistent and Scalable \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/prototyping\" title=\"prototyping\"\u003e10 Myths About Prototyping, Busted \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/improve-your-design-process-with-these-4-deliverables\" title=\"Improve your design process with these 4 deliverables\"\u003eImprove Your Design Process With These 4 Deliverables \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.ca/partners/blog/rapid-prototyping\" title=\"Rapid prototyping\"\u003eEverything You Always Wanted to Know About Rapid Prototyping \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/shopify-commerce-awards-2017-winners#polaris\" title=\"Shopify Commerce Awards 2017 winners\"\u003eAnnouncing the Winners of the 2017 Shopify Commerce Awards (Polaris) \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/keyboard-accessibility\" title=\"Shopify Commerce Awards 2017 winners\"\u003e5 Steps to Design Apps with Keyboard Accessibility in Mind \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/information-architecture\" title=\"Information architecture\"\u003eAn Introduction to Information Architecture \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDigital property: \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003ePolaris\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDocs: \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/foundations/designing-apps?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eDesigning apps for Shopify\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDocs: \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/components/get-started?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eComponent library docs\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDocs: \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/resources/resources?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003ePolaris Resources\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDocs: \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/foundations/accessibility?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003ePolaris accessibility documentation\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePolaris GitHub: \u003ca href=\"https://github.com/Shopify/polaris-react?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#licenses\"\u003eLicenses\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVisit our \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/getting-started/create\"\u003edeveloper documentation at shopify.dev\u003c/a\u003e to learn how to use our developer tools to create your Shopify app.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"submission-to-store\"\u003e4. Submission to the Shopify App Store\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"block block--bordered\" src=\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app-submission-to-the-app-store.jpg?v=1614184034\" alt=\"How to build a Shopify app: submission to the Shopify App Store. Illustration depicts an envelope with a long checklist of items cascading out of it. Items on the checklist are represented by abstract lines and circles, with arrows pointing towards different areas on the checklist.\"\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubmitting your app to the \u003ca href=\"https://apps.shopify.com/?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eShopify App Store\u003c/a\u003e is the next step to getting it live and in the hands of the merchants who will benefit from it most. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore it’s published, your app needs to be reviewed by the Shopify App Review team. The app submission and review process usually takes our partners a few weeks to complete, and includes the follow steps:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e1. \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/apps/store/requirements\"\u003eMeeting Shopify’s technical, security, and UX requirements\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/a\u003e2. \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.ca/partners/blog/shopify-app-store-downloads?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#optimize\"\u003eWriting an effective app listing\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/a\u003e3. \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/apps/store/review/testing\"\u003eTesting your app for performance and bugs\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/a\u003e4. \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/apps/store/review\"\u003eApplying any revisions required by our review team\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"prepare-submit\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreparing to submit your app\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Shopify App Review Team’s goal is to get you through the review process as quickly as possible! Knowing what to expect beforehand, and understanding what information you should have ready to go, will help you move more quickly through the review stages.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollow these three steps before you submit your app for review:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e1. Meet Shopify’s app requirements\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/getting-your-app-approved/app-requirements?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003etechnical, security, and UX requirements\u003c/a\u003e that all public apps must meet before they can be approved for the app store. Follow these requirements as you build and prepare to submit your app to ensure your app is published without hiccups.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s important to note that unlisted apps need to meet the same requirements as listed apps because they are both public app types. This is important for maintaining a quality standard for merchants, but also because these public apps can change visibility at any time.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition, \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/apps/store/requirements#specific-requirements-for-certain-app-configurations\"\u003ecertain app configurations have additional requirements\u003c/a\u003e. These app configurations include but are not limited to:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnline store apps\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEmbedded apps\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduct sourcing apps\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSales channels\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePurchase Option apps\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCheckout UI extension apps\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e2. Write your app listing\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"grid partners-signup\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"grid__item partners-signup__container\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"heading--4 partners-signup__heading\"\u003e[September 2022] New app listing guidelines\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"partners-signup__content\"\u003eAs of September 2022, we've updated the requirements for app listings in the Shopify App Store. Some of the information in this section may be out of date. To make sure your app listing is optimized for merchant installs, please visit our documentation for the newest guidelines.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ca data-sanitized-target=\"_blank\" class=\"marketing-button partners-signup__cta\" href=\"https://shopify.dev/apps/store/requirements?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eVisit docs\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll public apps—listed or unlisted—require a complete app listing for submission. Your app listing page will serve as the home of your app in the Shopify App Store. This information is your most powerful tool for convincing users that your app is the best solution for them. Because this is such a key surface, you should spend time understanding \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/getting-your-app-approved/app-requirements?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#writing-a-shopify-app-store-listing\"\u003ethe requirements of your app listing\u003c/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.ca/partners/blog/shopify-app-store-downloads?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#optimize\"\u003ehow to best optimize it\u003c/a\u003e. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/shopify-app-listing-screenshot_600x600.png?v=1658350648\" alt=\"Shopify Inbox app listing\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile some of these elements are optional, the more information you provide potential users, the better. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour app listing is a critical part of gaining new installations and users. For more in-depth guidance on creating the best listing page you can, \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.ca/partners/blog/shopify-app-store-downloads?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003evisit our guide on How to Get More App Downloads in the Shopify App Store\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e3. Test your app\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce you’re confident your app meets the app and listing requirements above, we encourage you to ensure your app is well tested. Shopify is a complex platform, and no two merchants have the same needs or goals. Thorough testing helps catch as many errors and bugs as possible, so that your app doesn’t break when these varied merchants install it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen testing your app, you want to ensure it functions correctly for your users, especially for merchants who aren’t tech-savvy. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore details on testing your app can be found \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/getting-your-app-approved/testing-your-app-before-submitting?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003ein our documentation\u003c/a\u003e. You can also read our in-depth guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.ca/partners/blog/user-test-app?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003euser testing your app\u003c/a\u003e on our blog.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"submitting\"\u003e4. Submit your app\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce your app and listing are ready, and you’ve thoroughly tested and prepared, \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/getting-your-app-approved/app-submission?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003efollow the instructions in our documentation\u003c/a\u003e to submit your app via the Partner Dashboard. The Shopify App Review Team will check to make sure that your app is a complete product and is ready to be used by a merchant the moment it’s approved for the Shopify App Store.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"review\"\u003eThe review process\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn average, your app will be reviewed within 7 business days of being submitted. You’ll be kept informed about progress and feedback along the way.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can learn more about what to expect during the approval process \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/getting-your-app-approved/review-process?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003ein our developer documentation\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"revise\"\u003eRevisions and changes\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe time to approval can vary from days to weeks or even months, depending on how long it takes you to resolve the issues found. It’s very common that after review, you’ll be asked to make some changes or revisions to your app. You’ll be informed via email of what needs to be updated. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf the necessary changes are substantial enough, your app will be rejected. Once you fix the outstanding issues, you can resubmit. However, if the changes are relatively minor, you’ll be put into contact with the review team via Zendesk to chat about your app and make the necessary updates.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce you’ve fixed everything that needs to be fixed, and the review team is confident that your app meets our standards, you’ll be approved, and your app will go live in the Shopify App Store. It’s time to celebrate! You’ve earned it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAdditional resources:\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDocs: \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/getting-your-app-approved/app-requirements?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eRequirements for public apps on Shopify\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDocs: \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/apps/store/review/testing\"\u003eTesting your app before submitting\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDocs: \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/getting-your-app-approved/app-submission?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eSubmitting your app\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDocs: \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/getting-your-app-approved/review-process?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eThe review process\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDocs: \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/tutorials/authenticate-with-oauth?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eAuthenticate with OAuth\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDocs: \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/tutorials/bill-for-your-app-using-graphql-admin-api?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eBill for your app with the GraphQL Admin API\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.ca/partners/blog/insights-shopify-app-review?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003e7 Insights From the Shopify App Review Team to Set Your App Up for Success\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.ca/partners/blog/user-test-app?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eUser Testing Your Shopify App: Public App Use Cases You Should Test\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"monitoring\"\u003e5. Monitoring your app: keeping performance top of mind\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"block block--bordered\" src=\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app-monitoring-your-app.jpg?v=1614184968\" alt=\"How to build a Shopify app: Monitoring your app: keeping performance top of mind. Illustration of a person looking through a telescope at a digital map of moving arrows.\"\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore you launch your app, there are a few things you need to know about how to keep it healthy, secure, and high-performing beyond launch.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis section covers what it means to have a “healthy” Shopify app, and what it takes to keep it successful, so it continues to be helpful to merchants over both the short and long term.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"app-health\"\u003eApp health within the Shopify ecosystem\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA healthy Shopify app fulfills the specific use case it was installed to address, while allowing the developer to continue to grow and scale their own business. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintaining your app’s health means staying on top of any and all changes, addressing potential security issues, and monitoring the business insights that will help you understand your app’s performance within the Shopify ecosystem.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"changes-and-api-versioning\"\u003eBreaking changes and API versioning\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShopify is always building, changing, and growing. As a developer, it’s important to stay in the loop with all these changes, so that your app stays secure and up-to-date in the process.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe always make sure to announce changes in advance and remind developers of versioning or deprecation closer to the release. Your Partner Dashboard, the \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/changelog?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003edeveloper changelog\u003c/a\u003e, and our \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/shopify-introduction?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003edeveloper documentation\u003c/a\u003e all make it easier for developers to keep informed of upcoming changes. We also \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/api-deprecation-update-2020-10?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eannounce updates in advance on the Partner Blog\u003c/a\u003e. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs well as the above resources, we also have an \u003ca href=\"https://partners.shopify.com/current/apps?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eAPI health report\u003c/a\u003e available in your Partner Dashboard. The report shows any deprecated calls your public or custom apps are making, and the deadline for updating those calls in your app.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFurthermore, you should always ensure that your developer contact information is up-to-date, as we regularly use email to communicate important updates and breaking changes well in advance.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg class=\"block block--bordered\" src=\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app-developer-changelog.jpg?v=1614185009\" alt=\"How to build a Shopify app: screenshot of the developer changelog page. Stay up to date with the recent changes to Shopify's APIs and other developer products. Screenshot shows tabs for both Recent and Scheduled updates, a field to enter your email to sign up for email updates, allow you to filter the changelog for posts that require action, or by tag: API, Tools, Shopify App Store, Themes, or Platform.\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003eThe \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/changelog?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003edeveloper changelog\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2019, we introduced \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/api-versioning-at-shopify?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eAPI versioning at Shopify\u003c/a\u003e so that both Shopify and third-party developers have a clear cadence for when specific changes will be made to the API. Every quarter, Shopify releases a new API version. These releases typically happen on (or close to) January 1, April 1, July 2, and October 1. When a version is released, it lives for about a year, and is named in a \u003ccode class=\"marketing-code\"\u003eyear-month\u003c/code\u003e format, such as \u003ccode class=\"marketing-code\"\u003e2020-10\u003c/code\u003e. Each stable version is locked for a year, after which support isn’t guaranteed. You should always keep your app on a stable version to avoid any breaking changes.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to the ways Shopify helps keep you up-to-date on app performance and ecosystem updates, there are a myriad of other performance management and analytics tools you can use to make sure your app stays healthy post-launch.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"performance-and-management\"\u003eApp performance management and monitoring\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are various monitoring tools you can use to make sure your app stays healthy and stable as you build new features, scale your performance, and grow your user base. By ensuring all the software within your tech stack is performing smoothly, you maintain a consistent, high-quality user experience and minimize any downtime.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApp performance monitoring tools like \u003ca href=\"https://www.bugsnag.com/\"\u003eBugsnag\u003c/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https://www.datadoghq.com/product/apm/\"\u003eDatadog\u003c/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https://sentry.io/welcome/\"\u003eSentry\u003c/a\u003e monitor your app stability, and make it easy to pinpoint and solve any errors across the applications in your tech stack. Each of these tools have varying costs associated with them.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServices like \u003ca href=\"https://aws.amazon.com/lambda/\"\u003eAWS Lambda\u003c/a\u003e allow you to run code without provisioning or managing servers, and automatically scales based on how many event requests you get without needing to upgrade your servers. This will prevent situations like your app becoming slow to load, damaging the user experience. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDepending on where the majority of your users are located, your app usage may spike during certain times of day. You want to make sure you set up your infrastructure so there is no downtime during a spike.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing an app performance monitoring or management tool helps you to understand the stability and security of your underlying systems, which allows you to predict or project how your app will perform if you have a surge of installs, for example. You’re able to anticipate app performance based on various user loads.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot all app performance monitoring tools are created equal in terms of features and functionality, however, and they vary in price depending on the vendor. It’s a good idea to do your own research into what tool will help you the most for your app’s specific use case.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"insights\"\u003eBusiness insights\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSetting yourself up to track business insights is something you’ll also want to do from the beginning. Developer Daniel Sim created Shopify apps such as \u003ca href=\"https://apps.shopify.com/plug-in-seo?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003ePlug In SEO\u003c/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https://apps.shopify.com/plug-in-speed?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003ePlug In Speed\u003c/a\u003e (which he exited earlier in 2020) and is the founder of \u003ca href=\"https://www.appstoreanalytics.io/\"\u003eApp Store Analytics\u003c/a\u003e. He says monitoring business insights was something he and his team set up before they launched their apps in the Shopify App Store.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Our team was very data-driven,” Sim says. “We had metrics covering product, support, software, infrastructure, and marketing. We kept the number of metics as small as possible, making sure each was actionable and owned by someone on the team. They applied right from when an app had tens of users through to tens of thousands.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Every app developer needs to know how merchants are finding their app, and what their journey looks like. It makes all the difference when it comes to earning revenue from your app,” Sim says.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery app developer needs to know how merchants are finding their app, and what their journey looks like. It makes all the difference when it comes to earning revenue from your app.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cfooter\u003e\u003ccite\u003eDaniel Sim, Founder, App Store Analytics\u003c/cite\u003e\u003c/footer\u003e\n\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSim’s team used \u003ca href=\"https://fourweekmba.com/pirate-metrics/\"\u003eDave McClure's AARRR Pirate Metrics\u003c/a\u003e funnel of Acquisition, Activation, Retention, Revenue, and Referral to measure app performance.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAcquisition: \u003c/strong\u003eHow a merchant finds your app \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eActivation: \u003c/strong\u003eWhen a merchant installs your app \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRetention:\u003c/strong\u003e After activation, users stick around and stay engaged with your app\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRevenue: \u003c/strong\u003eHow much money the merchant makes for you\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReferral:\u003c/strong\u003e A count of how many merchants are telling others about it\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AARRR metrics funnel gives app developers a performance overview that helps to decide what to focus on next to grow. Sim used the conversion rates between each stage of the funnel to benchmark against other apps, and to spot opportunities and trends between his own apps.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“It's fun to build products and add new features,” Sim says. “I'm a developer, so I love to code. Working on acquisition was out of my comfort zone. At first, I didn't properly measure it, essentially ignoring it altogether. But when I eventually did start tracking it, I could see everything else was performing way above average apart from acquisition.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeasuring a few key metrics will help you understand how your app is performing so you can adjust what isn’t working as needed. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"metrics\"\u003eWhat metrics you should be tracking\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithin the AARRR framework, Sim’s main business metrics were:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTotal users from Google Analytics visiting their app listing and public website \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstalls taken from the Shopify Partner Dashboard \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReviews written on their app listing\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree trial to paid conversion rate\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRevenue growth\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePercentage of merchants who churned in a given period\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo track free trial to paid conversion rate, revenue growth, and churn, you can export the app history CSV from your Partner Dashboard into Google Sheets.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce you start tracking, what do you do with the data? \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“We put all of our AARRR metrics into a Google Sheet and shared it with the team every week,” Sim says. “Depending on the stage of the app, we'd either use just a week's worth of numbers if there was enough to be statistically significant, or a sliding window of 28 days.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe conversion rates were important in deciding what to work on. If Sim could see that their revenue growth was slowing, they would investigate back up the funnel to see why. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSim says becoming disciplined at tracking AARRR every week helped him and his team focus on things that would support serious growth rather than incremental improvements.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, Sim says you can make the mistake of tracking too much.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“My thinking was: ‘Oh no, if I don't track this now and we need it in future there's no way to get it retroactively,’” he says. “There was too much noise and it was expensive to maintain all of that tracking as we developed the product. It was a mess. So we pared everything back to just the metrics we needed to track our running experiments. It got tracked and it got done.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you’re able to identify problem areas or adoption rate stagnation, you have a better understanding of how your app is performing, your users’ behavior, and where there is room for improvement.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eMetrics-tracking starter tech stack\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tools you use to track your business metrics will vary depending on your needs and goals. \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/being-successful-in-the-app-store/marketing-internally/tracking-your-listing-traffic?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eTracking your listing traffic\u003c/a\u003e in the Shopify App Store is a great way to get more information about how users are finding your app listing.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can go even further by setting up a couple tools that will help you keep track of the metrics and data that matter. Here are a few to get you started:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://analytics.google.com/analytics/web/#/\"\u003eGoogle Analytics\u003c/a\u003e: for marketing efforts and acquisition\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePartner Dashboard: for CSV exports of activation, retention, and revenue \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://amplitude.com/\"\u003eAmplitude\u003c/a\u003e: for in-app and email events, attributes, and segmentation\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://partnermetrics.io/\"\u003ePartner Metrics\u003c/a\u003e: for quarterly and annual trends\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://baremetrics.com/\"\u003eBaremetrics\u003c/a\u003e: for benchmarks, goals, and free trial insights\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://segment.com/\"\u003eSegment\u003c/a\u003e (\u003ca href=\"https://www.twilio.com/press/releases/twilio-completes-acquisition-segment-market-leading-customer-data-platform\"\u003eacquired\u003c/a\u003e in 2020 by Twilio): for organizing your data pipeline for a clean overview\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis metrics-tracking tech stack can help jumpstart tracking the right data so you can make more informed business decisions and gain traction in the Shopify App Store.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce you have the data to understand how your app is performing, you can begin to conduct experiments to improve your app and scale over time.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"designing-growth\"\u003eDesigning app growth experiments through data analysis\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s important to understand which metrics you want to track and prepare to track them before you publish your Shopify app. This will set you up to have a clear understanding of how your app is performing, allow you to define what success looks like to you, and design growth experiments through that data analysis.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce Sim and his team identified which metrics they wanted to improve, they would come up with hypotheses to try out. For the most promising hypotheses, they designed experiments. Each experiment offered more granular temporary metrics, that would tell Sim if their hypothesis was validated or invalidated. Wherever practical, and if they had enough volume, they would run A/B tests on their hypotheses.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne such experiment was when they changed the code installation step of onboarding to be automated rather than something support would help with. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“To make it an accurate experiment, we added metrics for which stage of onboarding the merchant was dropping out at, their interactions with support, and how engaged they were with the app after onboarding,” Sim says. “Surprisingly, we found that automated code installation led to worse retention. Temporary, focused metrics helped us to invalidate what looked to be a valid hypothesis.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"understand\"\u003eBuild and understand traction to scale app performance and installs\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce you’ve set up your app performance management and monitoring tools, you’ll start to see trends, be able to flag fixable errors, and learn how to keep your app high performing and your users happy.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Getting initial traction is like pushing a huge boulder,” Sim says. “Once you get it rolling though, Shopify offers many opportunities to work with the world's best merchants in a healthy, thriving ecosystem of partners.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAdditional resources:\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/api-versioning-at-shopify?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=api_deprecation_update_2020_10\" title=\"Introducing API versioning at Shopify\"\u003eIntroducing API Versioning at Shopify \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/api-deprecation-update-2020-10\" title=\"API deprecation at Shopify\"\u003eAPI Deprecation at Shopify: 2020-10 Edition \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/app-metrics\" title=\"8 growth metrics every app developer should track\"\u003e8 Growth Metrics Every App Developer Should Track \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDocs: \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/shopify-introduction?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eDeveloping on Shopify\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShopify.dev: \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/changelog?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eChangelog\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGet started building your Shopify app\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLearning how to build a Shopify app can feel daunting if you’re not sure where to start. Now that you’ve learned the six stages of app building for the Shopify ecosystem, the only limit is your creativity. There are many different ways you can approach creating your app and the steps outlined in this article are simply meant to guide you through the app-building process.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou’ve got what you need to start building a Shopify app. The rest is up to you.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ca data-encoded-tag-name=\"meta\" data-encoded-tag-value=\"\" data-encoded-attr-charset=\"dXRmLTg=\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLearn more at: \u003c/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners\"\u003eShopify Partners\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-sanitized-data-partners-signup=\"app_developer\" data-partners-signup=\"app_developer\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIllustrations by \u003c/em\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://eugeniamello.com/\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eEugenia Mello\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cem\u003e.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","excerpt":"Millions of merchants use Shopify to power their businesses, and apps play a critical role in their success. Apps empower merchants to meet their unique challenges and needs. While there are limitless opportunities to build an app, if you haven’t developed an app for the Shopify App Store before, where exactly do you start? In this guide, you’ll learn the six stages of app development you need to know to create and launch a successful app on Shopify. Let’s get started.","excerptHtml":"\u003ca href=\"https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/how-to-build-a-shopify-app?utm_source=exacttarget\u0026amp;utm_medium=email\u0026amp;utm_campaign=blog\u0026amp;utm_content=partner_blog-2021-02-25\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app.jpg?v=1614173396\" alt=\"How to build a Shopify app\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMillions of merchants use Shopify to power their businesses, and apps play a critical role in their success. Apps empower merchants to meet their unique challenges and needs. While there are limitless opportunities to build an app, if you haven’t developed an app for the Shopify App Store before, where exactly do you start?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this guide, you’ll learn the six stages of app development you need to know to create and launch a successful app on Shopify. Let’s get started.\u003c/p\u003e","seo":{"__typename":"SEO","title":null,"description":"How to Build a Shopify App is everything you need to know to build your first Shopify app. Learn the tools and insights you need to build a successful app."},"metafields":[null,null,null,null,{"__typename":"Metafield","value":"[{\"title\":\"How to Build a Shopify App as a Front End Developer\",\"url\":\"partners/blog/front-end-app\"},{\"title\":\"How to Build a Shopify App in One Week\",\"url\":\"partners/blog/building-a-shopify-app-in-one-week\"},{\"title\":\"Everything You Need to Know About Development Stores\",\"url\":\"partners/blog/development-stores\"},{\"title\":\"How to Generate a Shopify Access Token\",\"url\":\"partners/blog/17056443-how-to-generate-a-shopify-api-token\"},{\"title\":\"Learn About Shopify App Development at React Summit 2021\",\"url\":\"partners/blog/react-summit-2021\"},{\"title\":\"How to Level Up Your App with Theme App Extensions\",\"url\":\"partners/blog/theme-app-extensions\"}]","key":"interlinkings_json"},null,{"__typename":"Metafield","value":"[{\"title\":\"10 Beautiful Ecommerce Website Color Schemes\",\"tags\":[\"Web Design Tools and Resources\"],\"handle\":\"93130630-10-beautiful-ecommerce-website-color-schemes\",\"imageUrl\":\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/website-color-schemes_aa512fdf-91cb-4a30-8fa2-3d2c88d28cf1.jpg?v=1566309308\u0026width=1024\",\"imageAltText\":\"website color schemes\",\"modifiedAt\":\"2019-08-20\"},{\"title\":\"How to Build a Shopify App: The Complete Guide\\n\",\"tags\":[\"Shopify App Development\"],\"handle\":\"how-to-build-a-shopify-app\",\"imageUrl\":\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app.jpg?v=1614173396\u0026width=1024\",\"imageAltText\":\"How to build a Shopify app\",\"modifiedAt\":\"2021-02-24\"},{\"title\":\"15 Funny Lorem Ipsum Generators to Shake Up Your Design Mockups\",\"tags\":[\"Web Design Tools and Resources\"],\"handle\":\"79940998-15-funny-lorem-ipsum-generators-to-shake-up-your-design-mockups\",\"imageUrl\":\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/lorem-ipsum-generator.jpg?v=1555505887\u0026width=1024\",\"imageAltText\":\"lorem ipsum generator\",\"modifiedAt\":\"2019-04-17\"},{\"title\":\"20 Memorable Web Design Portfolio Examples to Inspire Your Own Website\",\"tags\":[\"Inspiration \u0026 Creativity\"],\"handle\":\"web-design-portfolio-inspiration\",\"imageUrl\":\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/web-design-portfolio-inspiration.jpg?v=1503509907\u0026width=1024\",\"imageAltText\":\"Web design portfolio inspiration\",\"modifiedAt\":\"2019-05-01\"},{\"title\":\"Inclusive Design: 12 Ways to Design for Everyone\",\"tags\":[\"Web Design\"],\"handle\":\"inclusive-design\",\"imageUrl\":\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/inclusive-design.jpg?v=1521725383\u0026width=1024\",\"imageAltText\":\"inclusive design\",\"modifiedAt\":\"2018-03-23\"},{\"title\":\"How to Manipulate Images with the img_url Filter\",\"tags\":[\"Learning Liquid\"],\"handle\":\"img-url-filter\",\"imageUrl\":\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/img-url-filter.jpg?v=1515074624\u0026width=1024\",\"imageAltText\":\"img url filter\",\"modifiedAt\":\"2018-01-04\"},{\"title\":\"Create a Marketplace in Less than 8 Minutes with Shopify’s Marketplace Kit\",\"tags\":[\"Shopify News\"],\"handle\":\"shopify-marketplace-kit\",\"imageUrl\":\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/Partner_blog_hero_image.png?format=webp\u0026v=1655890916\u0026width=1024\",\"imageAltText\":\"Shopify Marketplace Kit hero image\",\"modifiedAt\":\"2022-05-13\"},{\"title\":\"Introducing Online Store 2.0: What it Means For Developers\",\"tags\":[\"Shopify News\"],\"handle\":\"shopify-online-store\",\"imageUrl\":\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/shopify-online-store.jpg?v=1624557750\u0026width=1024\",\"imageAltText\":\"shopify online store\",\"modifiedAt\":\"2021-01-29\"}]","key":"popular_blog_post_json"}],"imageUrl":"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/articles/how-to-build-a-shopify-app.jpg?v=1727286002","imageAltText":"How to build a Shopify app","imageClass":"","modifiedAt":"25 Feb 2021","modifiedAtRaw":"2021-02-25T03:00:00Z"},"metaDescription":"How to Build a Shopify App is everything you need to know to build your first Shopify app. Learn the tools and insights you need to build a successful app.","contentHtml":"\n\u003cp\u003eThere’s never been a better time to build a Shopify app. Millions of merchants across the globe build, scale, and manage their businesses on Shopify. Apps play a critical role in their success by empowering them to meet the unique challenges and needs of their business. In fact, apps are so important to the merchant journey that the average Shopify merchant has six apps installed on their store.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith the diversity of our merchant base growing by the day, and a rapidly changing commerce landscape, there are always opportunities for developers to build creative solutions to diverse merchant problems. Each stage of a merchant’s entrepreneurial journey is a standalone billion-dollar industry—from sourcing products, marketing, order fulfillment, customer management, and more. The opportunities are there, but if you haven’t developed an app for the \u003ca href=\"https://apps.shopify.com?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eShopify App Store\u003c/a\u003e before, where exactly do you start?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe’ve got you covered. In this guide, we share the six stages of app development you need to know to build and launch a successful app on Shopify, with insights and advice from Shopify’s own developers and successful partner app developers who work with Shopify every day.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLet’s get started.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background: #f8f8f8; border: 1px solid #d6d7d7; padding: 0 20px 15px;\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eTable of contents\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"#ecosystem\"\u003e1. What to know about Shopify’s app ecosystem\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#apps-into-shopify\"\u003eHow apps fit into Shopify\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#types\"\u003eApp types\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#merchant-buyer-data\"\u003eMerchant and buyer data\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#app-store\"\u003eThe Shopify App Store\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#getting-started\"\u003eGetting started with your app\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#how-to-validate\"\u003e2. How to validate your app idea\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#step-validation\"\u003e4 steps to validate your app idea\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#right-reasons\"\u003eBuilding for the right reasons\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#consider-design\"\u003e3. What to consider as you design your Shopify app\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#polaris-getting-started\"\u003eGetting started with Polaris\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#accessibility-principles\"\u003eThe best app design embraces accessibility principles\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#merchant-in-mind\"\u003eApp design with the merchant in mind\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#submission-to-store\"\u003e4. Submission to the Shopify App Store\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#prepare-submit\"\u003ePreparing to submit your app\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#submitting\"\u003eSubmitting your app\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#review\"\u003eThe review process\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#revise\"\u003eRevisions and changes\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#monitoring\"\u003e5. Monitoring your app: keeping performance top of mind\u003c/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#app-health\"\u003eApp health within the Shopify ecosystem\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#changes-and-api-versioning\"\u003eBreaking changes and API versioning\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#performance-and-management\"\u003eApp performance management and monitoring\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#insights\"\u003eBusiness insights\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#metrics\"\u003eWhat metrics you should be tracking\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#designing-growth\"\u003eDesigning app growth experiments through data analysis\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#understand\"\u003eBuild and understand traction to scale app performance and installs\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"ecosystem\"\u003e1. What to know about Shopify’s app ecosystem\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"block block--bordered\" src=\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app-what-to-know-triangles.jpg?v=1614173343\" alt=\"How to build a Shopify app: Illustration of a person obscured by the waist up. They are holding colorful rectangles that overlay each other, piled past their head. The vague shape of a large arrow pointing up is created by the overlaid rectangles. This is a simplified, abstract representation of how Shopify's app ecosystem works together.\"\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore you begin the process of planning and developing your app, it’s important to first understand how apps work with Shopify’s ecosystem.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this section, we’ll dive into how apps fit into Shopify, the infrastructure and tech stack available to developers, and the different types of apps you can build.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-sanitized-data-partners-signup=\"app_developer\" data-partners-signup=\"app_developer\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"apps-into-shopify\"\u003eHow apps fit into Shopify\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShopify is designed to get merchants up and running out of the box. But each merchant is unique, so they use apps to solve their specific challenges.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Shopify context, apps are web applications that extend the functionality of Shopify stores. They allow merchants to tailor their experiences on Shopify to exactly their needs.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApps integrate with Shopify by:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConnecting with \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/docs?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eShopify’s APIs\u003c/a\u003e, the most-used of which is the \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/docs/admin-api?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eAdmin API\u003c/a\u003e, which allows apps to read and write data about products, customers, orders, inventory, fulfillment, and more\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExtending new features inside existing parts of the Shopify Admin or POS\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEnhancing the way stores display information to customers\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"types\"\u003eApp types\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are\u0026nbsp;two different levels of accessibility your app can have:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/apps?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#public-apps\"\u003ePublic apps\u003c/a\u003e: Apps that are available to many merchants and can be listed in \u003ca href=\"https://apps.shopify.com?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003ethe Shopify App Store\u003c/a\u003e (see below). They are created in your Partner Dashboard.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/apps?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#custom-apps\"\u003eCustom apps\u003c/a\u003e: Apps that are custom made for a specific merchant and cannot be listed in the Shopify App Store. They are created in your Partner Dashboard.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cblockquote class=\"border-l-2 pl-4 font-aktivgroteskextended text-xl font-medium tracking-tight my-12 [\u0026amp;_p]:mb-4 [\u0026amp;_cite]:font-aktivgroteskextended [\u0026amp;_cite]:text-sm [\u0026amp;_cite]:not-italic [\u0026amp;_cite]:font-medium [\u0026amp;_cite]:tracking-[-0.0175rem] [\u0026amp;_footer]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_cite::before]:content-[\u0026quot;–\u0026quot;] [\u0026amp;_cite::before]:mr-1 border-partners-highlight\"\u003e\"For the purposes of this guide, we’re going to focus on creating public apps: apps that are meant for one-to-many distribution via the Shopify App Store.\"\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the purposes of this guide, we’re going to focus on creating public apps: apps that are meant for one-to-many distribution via the Shopify App Store. For developers who are new to the Shopify ecosystem, public apps are the fastest way to get up and running, and to connect your solution with our existing merchant base.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to their type, apps can take two different forms: standalone apps and embedded apps.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/apps?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#standalone-apps\"\u003eStandalone apps\u003c/a\u003e expose their own user interface, on their own web domain, and don’t have access to app extensions (see below). \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/apps?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#embedded-apps\"\u003eEmbedded apps\u003c/a\u003e are hosted on your own infrastructure, but integrate more deeply with Shopify using \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/tools/app-bridge?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eShopify App Bridge\u003c/a\u003e, and display directly in the Shopify merchant admin or point-of-sale (POS) inside an \u003ccode class=\"marketing-code\"\u003eiframe\u003c/code\u003e.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEmbedded apps also enable you to add features to certain parts of Shopify’s user interface (UI) and online stores via \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/docs/app-extensions?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eapp extensions\u003c/a\u003e. When you use an app extension, Shopify relays information to your app when the merchant interacts with Shopify, then surfaces your app back to the merchant via the extension. App extensions can be used to extend into:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Shopify Admin\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe online store\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShopify POS\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShopify Flow\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShopify Kit\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause of how closely they're integrated with Shopify and how much better of a merchant experience they deliver, we recommend building embedded apps, and this guide will walk you through that process. If you’re still brainstorming what use case your app will serve, read our chapter on \u003ca href=\"#how-to-validate\"\u003evalidating your app idea.\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote class=\"border-l-2 pl-4 font-aktivgroteskextended text-xl font-medium tracking-tight my-12 [\u0026amp;_p]:mb-4 [\u0026amp;_cite]:font-aktivgroteskextended [\u0026amp;_cite]:text-sm [\u0026amp;_cite]:not-italic [\u0026amp;_cite]:font-medium [\u0026amp;_cite]:tracking-[-0.0175rem] [\u0026amp;_footer]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_cite::before]:content-[\u0026quot;–\u0026quot;] [\u0026amp;_cite::before]:mr-1 border-partners-highlight\"\u003e\"We recommend building embedded apps because of how closely they integrate with Shopify and how much more they improve the merchant experience.\"\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"merchant-buyer-data\"\u003eMerchant and buyer data\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith millions of merchants using the Shopify platform to power their businesses, it’s important that every developer takes their trust and security—and that of their customers’—seriously.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"/ng/legal/api-terms?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eThe Shopify API License and Terms of Use\u003c/a\u003e is the final word on what is allowed and not allowed on Shopify’s platform. You can also visit the \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/trust-and-security?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003etrust and security page\u003c/a\u003e in our docs for information on the following:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAuthentication and API keys\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAPI rate limits\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAPI versioning\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eData privacy and sharing\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/trust-and-security/gdpr?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eGlobal GDPR compliance\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/tutorials/add-gdpr-webhooks-to-your-app?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#mandatory-webhooks\"\u003eMandatory webhooks\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese rules are designed to make using the Shopify platform fair and transparent for everyone, while protecting the data of our merchants and their customers. You can learn more about \u003ca href=\"#app-secure\"\u003eapp security best practices\u003c/a\u003e below.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"app-store\"\u003eThe Shopify App Store\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"block block--bordered\" src=\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app-screenshot-of-app-store-homepage.jpg?v=1614173290\" alt=\"How to build a Shopify app: Screenshot of the Shopify App Store home page with a search bar to search for specific apps, a section below that highlighting four staff picks, and a section at the bottom highlighting four trending apps.\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://apps.shopify.com?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eThe Shopify App Store\u003c/a\u003e is the easiest way for merchants to find apps that enable the functionality they need to build their stores. The Shopify App Store is organized by categories, and has a robust search feature and recommendation algorithm that helps merchants find the apps they need.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll public apps are given a listing page in the Shopify App Store. \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/visibility?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#listed-apps\"\u003eListed apps\u003c/a\u003e are publicly available to all merchants, while \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/visibility?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#unlisted-apps\"\u003eunlisted apps\u003c/a\u003e have limited visibility. Depending on your use case, both listed and unlisted apps have their own benefits.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eListed apps are visible in the Shopify App Store, allowing you to reach many merchants and highlight the features your app provides. With listed apps, you can take advantage of features like \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/advertising?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eads in the app store\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded my-12 border-l-2 pl-4 [\u0026amp;_h2]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h2]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h2]:text-t5 [\u0026amp;_h3]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h3]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h3]:text-t7 [\u0026amp;_h4]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h4]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h4]:text-t8 [\u0026amp;_ul]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_ul]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_ul:last-child]:mb-0 [\u0026amp;_ol]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_ol]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_ol:last-child]:mb-0 [\u0026amp;_p]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_p]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_p:last-child]:mb-0 border-partners-highlight\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBenefits of listed apps\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnly way to be discoverable by merchants through search\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncreased organic reach\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBrand awareness\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncreased trust from reviews\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHelps sell features\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeverage Shopify App Store ads\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlisted apps are public apps that are \u003cem\u003enot\u003c/em\u003e visible in the Shopify App Store (though they do still require an \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/getting-your-app-approved/app-requirements?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eapp listing\u003c/a\u003e). This allows you to control who can install your app, or hide your app during down seasons (for seasonal apps) or periods of maintenance. However, we recommend publicly listing your app to take full advantage of the opportunities and features of the Shopify App Store.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded my-12 border-l-2 pl-4 [\u0026amp;_h2]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h2]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h2]:text-t5 [\u0026amp;_h3]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h3]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h3]:text-t7 [\u0026amp;_h4]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h4]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h4]:text-t8 [\u0026amp;_ul]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_ul]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_ul:last-child]:mb-0 [\u0026amp;_ol]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_ol]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_ol:last-child]:mb-0 [\u0026amp;_p]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_p]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_p:last-child]:mb-0 border-partners-highlight\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBenefits of unlisted apps\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFocus on a targeted merchant base\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMore control over growth\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHelpful for seasonal apps\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGood for maintenance periods\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen starting out on Shopify, the Shopify App Store is likely going to be the main source of leads and installs of your app. Optimizing your app listing page, setting your app up for success, and leveraging tools like ads in the Shopify App Store are all ways of increasing installs and sales. We’ll dive deeper into the Shopify App Store and how to use it in the \u003ca href=\"#submission-to-store\"\u003eSubmitting your app to the Shopify App Store\u003c/a\u003e section of this guide.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"getting-started\"\u003eGetting started with your app\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow that you have an understanding of the basics of the Shopify platform, you’re ready to start validating your app idea to understand the business opportunity of building with Shopify.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAdditional resources\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/the-essential-list-of-resources-for-shopify-app-development\" title=\"The essential list of resources for Shopify app development\"\u003eThe Essential List of Resources for Shopify App Development \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/online-store-app-extensions\" title=\"Online store app extensions\"\u003eExtend Into the Storefront With Online Store App Extensions \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/point-of-sale-apps\" title=\"Point of sale apps\"\u003eHow to Build Point of Sale Apps Using Shopify App Bridge \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/shopify-subscription-apis\" title=\"Shopify subscription APIs\"\u003eIntroducing Shopify Subscription APIs: Build Apps That Integrate with Shopify Checkout \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/gdpr-compliance\" title=\"What App Developers Need to Know About GDPR\"\u003eWhat App Developers Need to Know About GDPR \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/web-security-2018\" title=\"Web Security Fundamentals\"\u003eWeb Security Fundamentals: What Every Developer Should Know \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDocs: \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/tools/app-bridge?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eShopify App Bridge\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDocs: \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/tutorials/authenticate-your-app-using-session-tokens?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eAuthenticate your app using session tokens (tutorial)\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDocs: \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/tutorials/embed-your-app-in-the-shopify-admin?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eEmbed your app in the Shopify admin (tutorial)\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"how-to-validate\"\u003e2. How to validate your app idea\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"block block--bordered\" src=\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app-validate-your-app-idea.jpg?v=1614173213\" alt=\"How to build a Shopify app: Illustration of two women tilting a large light bulb to the right.\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou’ve got an idea for an app—and it’s \u003cem\u003egood\u003c/em\u003e. Now that you know how apps fit into Shopify’s ecosystem, you’re ready to dive into the design process. But wait, are you? Validating your idea is a step in the app-building process you definitely shouldn’t skip.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eValidating your app idea gives you a much higher chance of success because you know you’re building something that your target user needs—and, in turn, building something that has a higher chance of getting more installs.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe key with validation is to not get caught up in research, but to learn enough that will make your minimum viable product (MVP) something that you can tweak and build on.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this section, we’ll dive into how to develop an app that solves a real merchant problem, how to validate your idea through research, and the market shifts and trends you’ll need to consider.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-sanitized-data-partners-signup=\"app_developer\" data-partners-signup=\"app_developer\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"step-validation\"\u003e4 steps to validate your app idea\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eValidating your app idea is a process unique to your experience and the needs of your target market. It’s an investment in your future success. Developers Preetam Nath and Sankalp Jonna spent two months investigating whether their first app idea was valid before starting any design or development, a process their team replicated for their second app, \u003ca href=\"https://www.delightchat.io/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDelightChat\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“We didn't want to build something and realize nobody's going to use it. We've had that situation in the past,” Nath said. “Although we took a longer approach, we wanted to understand what’s happening in the ecosystem and what the various problems are.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile there are many ways to prove your app idea is a good one, here are four key questions to answer that will help get you started:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDoes this idea solve a real merchant problem?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow is my target market trying to solve this problem right now?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAre merchants willing to pay for a solution to this problem?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCan we actually build the app?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLet’s explore each of these questions more in depth.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e1. Does your app idea solve a real merchant problem?\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst, you have to clearly define what a “real problem” means. Problem-solving is a full-time job for merchants, so it can be challenging to know where to begin.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA real problem is something that store owners are actively spending a lot of time, money, stress, and/or effort trying to solve. So how do you find out what merchants’ problems are? You go right to the source.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNath and Jonna posted questions in forums, such as the \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/shopify/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eShopify subreddit\u003c/a\u003e or the \u003ca href=\"https://community.shopify.com/c/Shopify-Community/ct-p/en\"\u003eShopify Community Forum\u003c/a\u003e, and were able to have conversations with merchants via direct messages to get clear answers to their questions. They also joined various \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/search/groups/?q=shopify\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eFacebook groups\u003c/a\u003e to listen and learn more about merchant frustrations.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you’re working with merchants already, consider sending out a feedback form or questionnaire to find out more details about the problems they face. If you don’t work with merchants yet, or you’re ready to learn more, it’s time to move on to question number two.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce you know your app can solve a real merchant problem, the next step is to learn more about how (or if) merchants are already trying to fix the problem themselves, and anticipate any new challenges they could face within their industry.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eWhat’s happening in the industry and what are the trends?\u003c/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are unique challenges within every industry and at every stage of the merchant journey—and each stage is a potential billion-dollar industry you can tap into. Keep up to date on trends and disruptions within a certain industry, such as marketing, shipping, finance, customer support, or product sourcing to learn its past, present, and future concerns and ambitions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote class=\"border-l-2 pl-4 font-aktivgroteskextended text-xl font-medium tracking-tight my-12 [\u0026amp;_p]:mb-4 [\u0026amp;_cite]:font-aktivgroteskextended [\u0026amp;_cite]:text-sm [\u0026amp;_cite]:not-italic [\u0026amp;_cite]:font-medium [\u0026amp;_cite]:tracking-[-0.0175rem] [\u0026amp;_footer]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_cite::before]:content-[\u0026quot;–\u0026quot;] [\u0026amp;_cite::before]:mr-1 border-partners-highlight\"\u003e\"There are unique challenges within every industry and at every stage of the merchant journey—and each stage is a potential billion-dollar industry you can tap into.\"\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaking the time to understand your target market, potential users, and industry trends will save you time and effort when it comes to refining your MVP. This comes down to the research you do before you begin to build. Learning the \u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/app-development-business-trends\" title=\"app development business trends\"\u003eapp development business trends\u003c/a\u003e applicable to your app idea is an ongoing process, so taking advantage of your existing expertise or knowledge will help get you started.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded my-12 border-l-2 pl-4 [\u0026amp;_h2]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h2]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h2]:text-t5 [\u0026amp;_h3]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h3]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h3]:text-t7 [\u0026amp;_h4]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h4]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h4]:text-t8 [\u0026amp;_ul]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_ul]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_ul:last-child]:mb-0 [\u0026amp;_ol]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_ol]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_ol:last-child]:mb-0 [\u0026amp;_p]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_p]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_p:last-child]:mb-0 border-partners-highlight\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver the span of just three months in early 2020, \u003ca href=\"https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/strategy-and-corporate-finance/our-insights/five-fifty-the-quickening#\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eecommerce growth accelerated 10 years\u003c/a\u003e into the future as COVID-19 changed how many merchants do business.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/app-challenge-tilo-mitra?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eRead how Shopify App Challenge winner Tilo Mitra built his first app\u003c/a\u003e in response to these new challenges.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeveraging any prior experience with a current client, or within the industry or adjacent market you’re building an app for, will give you a competitive advantage, because you’re already familiar with your users’ pain points and industry trends.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded my-12 border-l-2 pl-4 [\u0026amp;_h2]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h2]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h2]:text-t5 [\u0026amp;_h3]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h3]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h3]:text-t7 [\u0026amp;_h4]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h4]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h4]:text-t8 [\u0026amp;_ul]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_ul]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_ul:last-child]:mb-0 [\u0026amp;_ol]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_ol]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_ol:last-child]:mb-0 [\u0026amp;_p]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_p]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_p:last-child]:mb-0 border-partners-highlight\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/chatdesk-app-developer-case-study?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\" title=\"Chatdesk app developer case study\"\u003eRead our case study\u003c/a\u003e to learn how co-founders Aneto Okonkwo and Andrew Olaleye built customer support app \u003ca href=\"https://apps.shopify.com/chatdesk-email-social-media-customer-service?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eChatdesk\u003c/a\u003e based on experiences, goals, and lessons learned in their previous careers.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eConducting market research\u003c/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven if you don’t already have experience in the industry you’re building for, you can conduct \u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/market-research-app?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\" title=\"market research app\"\u003emarket research\u003c/a\u003e for your app. Figuring out what excites or frustrates your customers will help shape your product.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt this point, you’ve already spoken to merchants and figured out how and where your app will add value. Gain more context about how your app will fit into the “big picture” by:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReading industry publications and white papers, such as Shopify’s annual \u003ca href=\"/ng/plus/commerce-trends?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eFuture of Commerce report\u003c/a\u003e, and McKinsey’s quarterly \u003ca href=\"https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/strategy-and-corporate-finance/our-insights/five-fifty-the-quickening#\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eFive Fifty report\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFollowing industry leaders and experts on social media, such as Shopify leadership team: Director of Partnerships, \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/fatimayusf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eFatima Yusuf\u003c/a\u003e, President \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/harleyf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHarley Finklestein\u003c/a\u003e, CTO \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/jmwind\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eJean-Michel Lemieux\u003c/a\u003e, and CEO \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/tobi\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eTobi Lutke\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonitoring news reports about commerce and business\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaking to experts in your industry\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreating a focus group\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnalyzing merchant feedback and concerns on social media and in \u003ca href=\"https://community.shopify.com/c/Shopify-Community/ct-p/en?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003ecommunity forums\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnalyzing app reviews on the \u003ca href=\"https://apps.shopify.com?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eShopify App Store\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubscribing to newsletters like \u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/whats-new-2021?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eWhat’s New for Shopify Developers\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttending events like \u003ca href=\"https://events.shopify.com/partnertownhall?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eShopify Partner Town Hall\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubscribing to relevant blogs, such as the \u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eShopify Partner Blog\u003c/a\u003e, the \u003ca href=\"/ng/?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eShopify Engineering Blog\u003c/a\u003e, and the \u003ca href=\"/ng/blog?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eShopify Merchant Blog\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnd more\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg class=\"block block--bordered\" src=\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app-fatima-yusuf-tweet.jpg?v=1614173125\" alt=\"how to build a shopify app: Screenshot of a viral tweet by Shopify Director of Partnerships Fatima Yusuf. The tweet says: Shopify surpassed 5,000 apps in the App Store in 2020, but the growth has only just begun. Here are some hashtag commerce trends I expect we'll see more of in Shopify's app ecosystem in 2021. A yellow emoji hand points down to indicate there is a thread of tweets and to read on.\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003eShopify Director of Partnerships Fatima Yusuf recently shared \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/fatimayusf/status/1346222106049183744\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ea full thread\u003c/a\u003e of anticipated commerce trends in Shopify’s app ecosystem in 2021.\u003c/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome of the most successful apps in the Shopify App Store started out by proactively solving merchant problems. Look back on past wins with specific clients, platforms, or markets to see if there are any trends or patterns you can build on.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eWill this app solve a niche need, or a feature or functionality gap?\u003c/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough there are multiple apps in each category of the Shopify App Store, remember that with millions of diverse merchants growing by the day, every merchant may need something a little different, depending on their size, their industry, their goals, and where they are in the world. This means there are niche needs in every category that you can find and create a solution for. The apps that work for one segment won't necessarily work for another.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote class=\"border-l-2 pl-4 font-aktivgroteskextended text-xl font-medium tracking-tight my-12 [\u0026amp;_p]:mb-4 [\u0026amp;_cite]:font-aktivgroteskextended [\u0026amp;_cite]:text-sm [\u0026amp;_cite]:not-italic [\u0026amp;_cite]:font-medium [\u0026amp;_cite]:tracking-[-0.0175rem] [\u0026amp;_footer]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_cite::before]:content-[\u0026quot;–\u0026quot;] [\u0026amp;_cite::before]:mr-1 border-partners-highlight\"\u003e\"Adding significant value to a niche merchant problem is one key to standing out.\"\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are so many opportunities to address a merchant pain point that hasn’t yet been addressed. Adding significant value to a niche merchant problem is one key to standing out. For example, if you want to build an SMS app and feel like there's too much competition, you can further investigate the needs of a key region or specific merchant segment, and you home in on the solution that makes sense for them.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded my-12 border-l-2 pl-4 [\u0026amp;_h2]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h2]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h2]:text-t5 [\u0026amp;_h3]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h3]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h3]:text-t7 [\u0026amp;_h4]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h4]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h4]:text-t8 [\u0026amp;_ul]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_ul]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_ul:last-child]:mb-0 [\u0026amp;_ol]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_ol]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_ol:last-child]:mb-0 [\u0026amp;_p]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_p]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_p:last-child]:mb-0 border-partners-highlight\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLearn how \u003ca href=\"https://apps.shopify.com/heyday?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eHeyday\u003c/a\u003e addressed a functionality gap and established a differentiated value proposition to successfully launch their \u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/self-serve-app?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\" title=\"self-serve app\"\u003eself-serve app\u003c/a\u003e on the Shopify App Store in 2020.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere’s no one correct way to differentiate your app’s value proposition. Nath says he got to know where gaps in his chosen vertical existed by analyzing the reviews of other apps to understand what challenges were going unaddressed. This work helped Nath understand what underserved areas their app could address, and what their users’ expectations would be.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“It took me a whole day, but it was worth it because now I knew clearly what merchants gave five-star reviews for, and also what they hated,” he said.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s important to remember that you’re not bringing merchants any value if you just create a copycat app. Without adding a significant, unique, or new improvement, your app won’t stand out. It’s also an ethical issue and you could be in violation of copyright.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote class=\"border-l-2 pl-4 font-aktivgroteskextended text-xl font-medium tracking-tight my-12 [\u0026amp;_p]:mb-4 [\u0026amp;_cite]:font-aktivgroteskextended [\u0026amp;_cite]:text-sm [\u0026amp;_cite]:not-italic [\u0026amp;_cite]:font-medium [\u0026amp;_cite]:tracking-[-0.0175rem] [\u0026amp;_footer]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_cite::before]:content-[\u0026quot;–\u0026quot;] [\u0026amp;_cite::before]:mr-1 border-partners-highlight\"\u003e\"It’s important to remember that you’re not bringing merchants any value if you just create a copycat app. Without adding a significant, unique, or new improvement, your app won’t stand out. It’s also an ethical issue and you could be in violation of copyright.\"\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e2. How is your target market trying to solve this problem right now?\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fastest and best way to understand how your target market is trying to solve this problem is by talking to real merchants. The good news is that it’s easier than you might think.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce Nath and Jonna had identified the right communities to join to learn from, and connect with merchants, they connected with them directly to learn how they were already trying to solve their problems.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Just reach out to five of these people you see on Shopify Facebook groups, subreddits, or the forum and ask them, ‘Do you need this app? If not, why? If yes, what do you need it for?’ That will open up Pandora's box of qualitative information for you,” Nath says.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaking the time to speak with your target users can teach you not only what their problems are, but also what they feel constitutes a solution.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor example, the merchant could already be paying someone to take care of the problem for them, which can be expensive or may not fulfill their needs. Sometimes merchants won’t necessarily consider outsourced work a \u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/build-apps-that-address-merchant-pain-points\" title=\"build apps that address merchant pain points\"\u003epain point\u003c/a\u003e, because it’s a task that is already being handled. This is important to consider because you may have to investigate deeper and ask specific, nuanced questions to truly understand both the problem and how your app aligns with the user’s needs.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFurthermore, if you’re considering building a custom app for one merchant to solve their unique needs, investigate whether it would be applicable to more merchants in the same industry or with similar traits. There’s a good chance you could better serve a broader market with similar challenges by publishing a public app in the \u003ca href=\"https://apps.shopify.com?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eShopify App Store\u003c/a\u003e.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e3. Are merchants willing to pay for a solution to this problem?\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFiguring out whether you can make money with your app idea is the next piece of the puzzle.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“If you're looking to build a free app, just to get a feel of the ecosystem, that’s fine,” Nath says. “But if you want to build your app into a product or business that replaces your salary, you need to know if people are willing to pay for it.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote class=\"border-l-2 pl-4 font-aktivgroteskextended text-xl font-medium tracking-tight my-12 [\u0026amp;_p]:mb-4 [\u0026amp;_cite]:font-aktivgroteskextended [\u0026amp;_cite]:text-sm [\u0026amp;_cite]:not-italic [\u0026amp;_cite]:font-medium [\u0026amp;_cite]:tracking-[-0.0175rem] [\u0026amp;_footer]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_cite::before]:content-[\u0026quot;–\u0026quot;] [\u0026amp;_cite::before]:mr-1 border-partners-highlight\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you want to build your app into a product or business that replaces your salary, you need to know if people are willing to pay for it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cfooter\u003e\u003ccite\u003ePreetam Nath, Co-founder and CEO, DelightChat\u003c/cite\u003e\u003c/footer\u003e\n\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe best way to find out is to discover if people are already using existing solutions, and if so, how much they are paying for them.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“That price point fundamentally changes your business,” Nath says. “As we were building DelightChat, we were very cognizant that we wanted to be in this $100-$200 price range, where we are serving merchants whose businesses are at a certain level.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany apps offer a free version and/or a free trial so merchants can try out its various features to see if it’s the right fit for their needs.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs discussed above, if your target audience isn’t already using an app or software to solve the problem you’re considering, they could also be hiring freelancers, paying someone part-time to manually work on the issue, or have even hired a full-time employee. How much are they paying for that solution? Would they be willing to pay instead for your app? This is where you’ll have to ask merchants in forums and direct conversations to learn more about their stop-gap solutions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e4. Do you have the expertise and time to build this app?\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce you take all merchant insights, industry trends, and current opportunities into consideration, and have researched your target market, you need to decide if what you want to build—and by when—is possible. There are varying degrees of complexity behind an app and you want to be sure that your timeline for building is realistic.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Some apps might take you a year to build if you're a one-person team, and some apps can be built in two weeks as a solo person,” Nath says. “You need to pick problems you can solve. Otherwise, you're just setting yourself up for failure. ”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote class=\"border-l-2 pl-4 font-aktivgroteskextended text-xl font-medium tracking-tight my-12 [\u0026amp;_p]:mb-4 [\u0026amp;_cite]:font-aktivgroteskextended [\u0026amp;_cite]:text-sm [\u0026amp;_cite]:not-italic [\u0026amp;_cite]:font-medium [\u0026amp;_cite]:tracking-[-0.0175rem] [\u0026amp;_footer]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_cite::before]:content-[\u0026quot;–\u0026quot;] [\u0026amp;_cite::before]:mr-1 border-partners-highlight\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome apps might take you a year to build if you're a one-person team, and some apps can be built in two weeks as a solo person. You need to pick problems you can solve. Otherwise, you're just setting yourself up for failure.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cfooter\u003e\u003ccite\u003ePreetam Nath, Co-founder and CEO, DelightChat\u003c/cite\u003e\u003c/footer\u003e\n\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe’ll dive deeper into how to build a Shopify app in the Tools and Resources section of this guide.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you decide to build a Shopify app with a higher price point, merchants will expect a high-quality app with more features. That being said, remember that your app doesn’t need to have every single feature to be high value. Your users will give you feedback on your MVP, which you can use to improve your app over time and build the features they truly want.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded my-12 border-l-2 pl-4 [\u0026amp;_h2]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h2]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h2]:text-t5 [\u0026amp;_h3]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h3]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h3]:text-t7 [\u0026amp;_h4]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h4]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h4]:text-t8 [\u0026amp;_ul]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_ul]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_ul:last-child]:mb-0 [\u0026amp;_ol]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_ol]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_ol:last-child]:mb-0 [\u0026amp;_p]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_p]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_p:last-child]:mb-0 border-partners-highlight\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecap: Four questions to answer when validating your app idea\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIs your app idea solving a real problem?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow is your target market trying to solve this problem right now?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIs this a problem people are willing to pay to solve?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo you have the necessary expertise and time to build the app?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"right-reasons\"\u003eBuilding for the right reasons\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow that you know how to validate an app idea that is driven by the business opportunity of building with Shopify, you’re ready to dive into the app design principles and key resources you can use to design your Shopify app.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAdditional resources\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/build-apps-that-address-merchant-pain-points\" title=\"Build apps that address merchant pain points\"\u003eWhy You Should Build Apps That Address Merchant Pain Points \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/how-to-do-a-competitive-analysis\" title=\"How to do a competitive analysis\"\u003eHow to do a Competitive Analysis That Drives Results for Your Clients \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/shopify-app-challenge\" title=\"Shopify app challenge\"\u003eIntroducing the Shopify App Challenge: Commerce and COVID-19 \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/market-research-app\" title=\"Market research app\"\u003eResearch 101: How to Conduct Market Research for Your App \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGuide: \u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/shopify-app-store-downloads#research\" title=\"Shopify App Store downloads\"\u003eHow to Get More App Downloads in the Shopify App Store \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"consider-design\"\u003e3. What to consider as you design your Shopify app\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"block block--bordered\" src=\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app-what-to-consider.jpg?v=1614176453\" alt=\"How to build a Shopify app: Illustration of two people. One is looking at a fold-out instruction card and the other has their arms stretched out holding a measuring tape. Both are looking at the instructions.\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigning an app that integrates seamlessly into a merchant’s online store makes the user experience (UX) more familiar and appealing, and the user interface (UI) more intuitive. The design principles you incorporate into your app not only represent your user’s brand, but their values as well. The more user friendly, accessible, and beautiful your app is, the more likely you will have happier customers and higher retention rates.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this section, we’ll dive into what factors you need to consider as you design your Shopify app, and the tools that can make designing your app easier and faster.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-sanitized-data-partners-signup=\"app_developer\" data-partners-signup=\"app_developer\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"polaris-getting-started\"\u003eGetting started with Polaris\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg class=\"block block--bordered\" src=\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app-polaris-v-6.jpg?v=1614176541\" alt=\"How to build a Shopify app: Polaris – Our design system helps us work together to build a great experience for all of Shopify's merchants.\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003eThe recent launch of \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/whats-new/whats-new?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003ePolaris v6.0.0\u003c/a\u003e offers a refreshed color palette, icons, as well as a reduction to our bundle size and additional accessibility features.\u003c/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003ePolaris\u003c/a\u003e is Shopify’s open-source design system used internally and by third-party developers to design and build apps that seamlessly integrate into a merchant’s store. Polaris helps speed up the design process and adheres to web accessibility standards, while creating an app experience that is familiar to users.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile we recommend you build an app within the Shopify Admin, you can use Polaris regardless of whether your app is embedded within the Shopify Admin or operates outside of it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“From a front-end developer’s perspective, one of the things I always hone in on is the usefulness of Polaris,” says Jennifer Gray, a front-end developer at Shopify. “If you want to move forward with an embedded app, which is what we encourage, Polaris gives that seamless user experience.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePolaris components speed up your development process because you don’t have to build custom UI elements. Polaris components are pre-built, flexible, and easy to implement, so you can create a positive UX even if design isn’t your strong suit.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePolaris components are a collection of interface elements that can be used across your app. They include:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColors\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTypography\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIllustrations\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIcons\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInteraction states\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpacing\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg class=\"block block--bordered\" src=\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app-screenshot-of-polaris-page-component.jpg?v=1614176624\" alt=\"How to build a Shopify app: Screenshot of a Polaris Page component in the Admin demonstrating how a three-quarter-inch leather pet collar product would appear.\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003eThe \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/components/structure/page?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#all-examples\"\u003ePolaris Page component\u003c/a\u003e is one of the most commonly used and is highly customizable.\u003c/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeveraging common conventions allows your app to look like it “belongs” in the Shopify Admin. Your users won’t need to learn to navigate a new UI if you make use of conventions they’re already familiar with. Polaris conventions also take accessibility into consideration.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded my-12 border-l-2 pl-4 [\u0026amp;_h2]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h2]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h2]:text-t5 [\u0026amp;_h3]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h3]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h3]:text-t7 [\u0026amp;_h4]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h4]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h4]:text-t8 [\u0026amp;_ul]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_ul]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_ul:last-child]:mb-0 [\u0026amp;_ol]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_ol]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_ol:last-child]:mb-0 [\u0026amp;_p]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_p]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_p:last-child]:mb-0 border-partners-highlight\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs you build your Shopify app, keep the \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/foundations/experience-values?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eShopify experience values\u003c/a\u003e in mind:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsiderate:\u003c/strong\u003e Be thoughtful about how your users will access your app, including their device, language, geography, and accessibility needs.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEmpowering:\u003c/strong\u003e Shopify merchants have a wide range of skill levels, needs, goals, and experiences. Optimize your app for the most important tasks by removing unnecessary complexity, but give your users access to additional features if they need it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCrafted:\u003c/strong\u003e A beautiful app is only as good as its ability to help users solve a problem. Paying attention to thoughtful details or design considerations can make or break the user experience.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEfficient:\u003c/strong\u003e Keep your design and tasks simple and clear. Users should be able to complete actions quickly, accurately, and easily.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTrustworthy:\u003c/strong\u003e Be transparent about what your app can and cannot do. A trustworthy app demonstrates to users that its developers are acting in their best interests. This is reflected holistically in the app’s UX and UI.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamiliar: \u003c/strong\u003eWhen people feel comfortable using digital products, they can focus on the task at hand, rather than trying to navigate a complicated UI. Use familiar patterns so the UX is straightforward and intuitive.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile Polaris gives both designers and developers the tools they need to design a beautiful and functional Shopify app, that doesn’t mean you can’t apply some of your own creativity to the design process.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe unique needs of your users should always be your main priority when designing your Shopify app—you are free to add custom components that should also feel right at home in the Shopify Admin.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShopify Partner \u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/shopify-commerce-awards-past-winners?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\" title=\"Shopify Commerce Awards past winners – Pledgeling\"\u003ePledgeling\u003c/a\u003e won a 2017 Shopify Commerce Award for \u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/shopify-commerce-awards-2017-winners?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#polaris\" title=\"Shopify Commerce Awards Best App Design Using Polaris\"\u003eBest App Design Using Polaris\u003c/a\u003e, where they were recognized by the judges for their Polaris design. They also added custom components that their users needed, while keeping the UX and UI consistent with Polaris principles.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg class=\"block block--bordered\" src=\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app-pledgelings-give-and-grow-donation-app.jpg?v=1614176857\" alt=\"How to build a Shopify app: Screenshot of Give \u0026amp; Grow app dashboard includes introduction text, navigation controls, and a 'Get started' button.\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003ePledgeling’s \u003ca href=\"https://apps.shopify.com/give-grow?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eGive \u0026amp; Grow Donations\u003c/a\u003e app won the 2017 Shopify Commerce Award for \u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/shopify-commerce-awards-2017-winners?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#polaris\" title=\"Shopify Commerce Awards Best App Design Using Polaris\"\u003eBest App Design Using Polaris\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePolaris ensures your app will fit seamlessly into a merchant’s work. Take some time to review the \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/design/polaris-is-changing?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003ePolaris documentation\u003c/a\u003e, which covers everything from design guidelines, accessibility considerations, internationalization, and information architecture.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote class=\"border-l-2 pl-4 font-aktivgroteskextended text-xl font-medium tracking-tight my-12 [\u0026amp;_p]:mb-4 [\u0026amp;_cite]:font-aktivgroteskextended [\u0026amp;_cite]:text-sm [\u0026amp;_cite]:not-italic [\u0026amp;_cite]:font-medium [\u0026amp;_cite]:tracking-[-0.0175rem] [\u0026amp;_footer]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_cite::before]:content-[\u0026quot;–\u0026quot;] [\u0026amp;_cite::before]:mr-1 border-partners-highlight\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf app developers don’t have a designer on their team, Polaris is exactly the tool they should be using.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cfooter\u003e\u003ccite\u003eJennifer Gray, Shopify Front-end Developer\u003c/cite\u003e\u003c/footer\u003e\n\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“If app developers don’t have a designer on their team, Polaris is exactly the tool they should be using,” Gray says.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePolaris is an evolving design framework. The recent launch of \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/whats-new/whats-new?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003ePolaris v6.0.0\u003c/a\u003e offers refreshed visual styles with a new color system, rebuilt, high-quality components, a reduction to bundle size, and additional accessibility features among many other feature updates.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded my-12 border-l-2 pl-4 [\u0026amp;_h2]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h2]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h2]:text-t5 [\u0026amp;_h3]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h3]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h3]:text-t7 [\u0026amp;_h4]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h4]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h4]:text-t8 [\u0026amp;_ul]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_ul]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_ul:last-child]:mb-0 [\u0026amp;_ol]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_ol]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_ol:last-child]:mb-0 [\u0026amp;_p]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_p]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_p:last-child]:mb-0 border-partners-highlight\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore some examples of standalone apps \u003ca href=\"https://github.com/Shopify/polaris-react/tree/master/examples?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eusing Polaris as the UI component library on GitHub\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"accessibility-principles\"\u003eThe best app design embraces accessibility principles\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInclusive, accessible, and usable design are three principles that intersect when it comes to creating a digital product that everyone can use with ease. “Everyone” is a lot of people, with varying experiences and abilities, but it is possible to build a Shopify app that is inclusive, accessible, and usable to all.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApps with the best UX and UI are inclusive and accessible by design. \u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/inclusive-design?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\" title=\"inclusive design\"\u003eInclusive design\u003c/a\u003e considers the needs of all users, and benefits all users, regardless of their abilities.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree key factors that contribute to a high-quality, accessible UX are:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA UX/UI design that is both functional and beautiful\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConsistent and helpful \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/content/product-content?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#navigation\"\u003ecopy\u003c/a\u003e that thoughtfully uses clear, plain language\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eActively incorporates principles of \u003ca href=\"http://universaldesign.ie/What-is-Universal-Design/\"\u003euniversal design\u003c/a\u003e and inclusivity\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe’ve already covered how to ensure your app is functional and aligns to the look and feel of your merchant’s work by following the Polaris design principles. Let’s explore the next two topics more in depth.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eYour app copy: write for everyone\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigning a visually beautiful and functional app is a great start. It’s equally important that all the language you use to describe how to use your app is easy to understand. This means using straightforward language free from jargon or phrases that could confuse someone who is unfamiliar with the topic or the language itself.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs of January 2020, English was the most popular language online, representing about \u003ca href=\"https://www.statista.com/statistics/262946/share-of-the-most-common-languages-on-the-internet/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e26 percent\u003c/a\u003e of total internet users worldwide, followed by Chinese at 19 percent.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg class=\"block block--bordered\" src=\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app-graph-of-top-10-languages-used-on-internet.jpg?v=1614176938\" alt=\"How to build a Shopify app: Horizontal bar chart. English, 25.9%. Chinese, 19.4%. Spanish, 7.9%. Arabic, 5.2%. Indonesian/Malaysian, 4.3%. Portuguese, 3.7%. French, 3.3%. Japanese, 2.6%. Russian, 2.5%. German, 2%. Rest of languages, 23.1%.\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003eThe top 10 languages used on the internet account for 77 percent of global internet users as of January 2020, according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.statista.com/statistics/262946/share-of-the-most-common-languages-on-the-internet/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003erecent research by Statista\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConsider both your target user and your future potential growth users—it’s a good idea to make language a top priority within your app design. Learning \u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/multilingual-shopify-apps?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\" title=\"How to build multilingual Shopify apps\"\u003ehow to build multilingual Shopify apps\u003c/a\u003e will give you a competitive advantage.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Polaris content guidelines considers plain language to be at a United States Grade 7 reading level. There are many tools you can use to check if your content is grammatically correct and easily understandable. Many of these tools also can tell you the readability level.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere are three content tools you can use to get started:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"http://www.hemingwayapp.com/\"\u003eHemingway App\u003c/a\u003e (free)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://www.grammarly.com/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eGrammarly\u003c/a\u003e (free and paid subscriptions)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://readable.com/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eReadable\u003c/a\u003e (paid, tiered, annual subscriptions)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe’ll further explore the nuances of how to write for a global audience in the Internationalization section below.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded my-12 border-l-2 pl-4 [\u0026amp;_h2]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h2]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h2]:text-t5 [\u0026amp;_h3]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h3]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h3]:text-t7 [\u0026amp;_h4]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h4]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h4]:text-t8 [\u0026amp;_ul]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_ul]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_ul:last-child]:mb-0 [\u0026amp;_ol]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_ol]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_ol:last-child]:mb-0 [\u0026amp;_p]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_p]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_p:last-child]:mb-0 border-partners-highlight\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelpful \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/content/product-content?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#navigation\"\u003etips\u003c/a\u003e from the Polaris content guidelines:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWrite short sentences (ideally less than 15-20 words).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMake your content scannable using headings and bullets.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlways choose a short, simple word over a long and complicated one.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThink about translations. Avoid idioms and phrases with indirect or ironic meanings.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid jargon. Only use industry-standard terms when you have reason to believe it will improve understanding. Spend time researching what words people actually use, instead of defaulting to what corporations call things.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEdit out unnecessary or repeated words.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWrite for small screens first. These constraints can help you focus on the most important message.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRead your content out loud. If you get tripped up or it doesn’t sound like something a human would say, your content needs to be revised.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow that you have a solid grasp on how to write content within your app, let’s break down what it means to design your app to be inclusive and accessible.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDesigning for accessibility, usability, and inclusion\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs your app scales and grows, it’s important that it remains inclusive, accessible, and usable to Shopify’s millions of merchants. Each of those users have unique needs, so learning now how to support those needs will make scaling your app easier in the future. To that end, here are three design considerations to keep in mind:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e1. \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/foundations/accessibility?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccessibility\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/components/get-started?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003ePolaris components\u003c/a\u003e are designed to meet \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/foundations/accessibility?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eaccessibility\u003c/a\u003e standards and maintain a consistent experience while your app is in use. If you haven’t already done so, it’s time to consider how you define your “average” user, and whether you have designed your app in a way that considers users who have disabilities. From \u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/keyboard-accessibility?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\" title=\"keyboard accessibility\"\u003ekeyboard accessibility\u003c/a\u003e to visual design elements, there’s a lot to consider.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe World Health Organization reports that, as of December 2020, more than \u003ca href=\"https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/disability-and-health\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e1 billion people worldwide\u003c/a\u003e—about 15 percent of the global population—live with some form of disability, and the numbers are increasing. Getting familiar with \u003ca href=\"https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eWeb Content Accessibility Guidelines\u003c/a\u003e is a great starting point to learn more about accessibility standards and techniques so you can apply these principles as you build your app.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“\u003ca href=\"https://thenextweb.com/podium/2019/09/27/the-huge-cost-of-ignoring-accessibility-when-designing-your-website/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDo not ignore accessibility\u003c/a\u003e when designing and developing your app,” says Shopify Platform Accessibility Specialist Scott Vinkle.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Accessibility helps to ensure an \u003ca href=\"https://www.w3.org/WAI/perspective-videos/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eassistive technology\u003c/a\u003e-friendly environment for people with disabilities,” Vinkle adds. “It also helps the aging population to use your site or app, \u003ca href=\"https://www.deque.com/blog/seo-and-accessibility-real-talk/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eincreases SEO\u003c/a\u003e, and decreases \u003ca href=\"https://blog.usablenet.com/a-record-breaking-year-for-ada-digital-accessibility-lawsuits\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eaccessibility-related lawsuits\u003c/a\u003e. Provide people with disabilities an equal opportunity to unlock the power of commerce.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote class=\"border-l-2 pl-4 font-aktivgroteskextended text-xl font-medium tracking-tight my-12 [\u0026amp;_p]:mb-4 [\u0026amp;_cite]:font-aktivgroteskextended [\u0026amp;_cite]:text-sm [\u0026amp;_cite]:not-italic [\u0026amp;_cite]:font-medium [\u0026amp;_cite]:tracking-[-0.0175rem] [\u0026amp;_footer]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_cite::before]:content-[\u0026quot;–\u0026quot;] [\u0026amp;_cite::before]:mr-1 border-partners-highlight\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide people with disabilities an equal opportunity to unlock the power of commerce.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cfooter\u003e\u003ccite\u003eScott Vinkle, Shopify Platform Accessibility Specialist\u003c/cite\u003e\u003c/footer\u003e\n\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep these core principles of accessibility in mind when creating your app:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCan the user \u003ca href=\"https://www.w3.org/WAI/fundamentals/accessibility-principles/#perceivable\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eperceive\u003c/a\u003e the content? People must be able to observe and identify content using one of the senses available to them.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCan the user \u003ca href=\"https://www.w3.org/WAI/fundamentals/accessibility-principles/#operable\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eoperate\u003c/a\u003e the user interface? People must be able to complete tasks using the input device that works best for them, such as a mouse or touchpad, keyboard, touchscreen, screen reader, voice dictation software, etc.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCan the user \u003ca href=\"https://www.w3.org/WAI/fundamentals/accessibility-principles/#understandable\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eunderstand\u003c/a\u003e the content? Create content and user interfaces that people can comprehend. Use simple language, supplied in the correct language, in a consistent user experience.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIs the content \u003ca href=\"https://www.w3.org/WAI/fundamentals/accessibility-principles/#robust\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003erobust\u003c/a\u003e? Provide support for various devices and assistive technologies. Use standards based, semantic HTML and ARIA \u003ca href=\"https://www.w3.org/TR/using-aria/#firstrule\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ewhere required\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVinkle says it’s important to apply these principles and \u003ca href=\"https://scottvinkle.me/blogs/work/testing-with-screen-readers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003etest with assistive technology\u003c/a\u003e.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote class=\"border-l-2 pl-4 font-aktivgroteskextended text-xl font-medium tracking-tight my-12 [\u0026amp;_p]:mb-4 [\u0026amp;_cite]:font-aktivgroteskextended [\u0026amp;_cite]:text-sm [\u0026amp;_cite]:not-italic [\u0026amp;_cite]:font-medium [\u0026amp;_cite]:tracking-[-0.0175rem] [\u0026amp;_footer]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_cite::before]:content-[\u0026quot;–\u0026quot;] [\u0026amp;_cite::before]:mr-1 border-partners-highlight\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWiden the usability of your app to include even more people. This has the potential to increase positive reviews and revenue generated by your app.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cfooter\u003e\u003ccite\u003eScott Vinkle, Shopify Platform Accessibility Specialist\u003c/cite\u003e\u003c/footer\u003e\n\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Widen the usability of your app to include even more people” he says. “This has the potential to increase positive reviews and revenue generated by your app.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded my-12 border-l-2 pl-4 [\u0026amp;_h2]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h2]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h2]:text-t5 [\u0026amp;_h3]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h3]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h3]:text-t7 [\u0026amp;_h4]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h4]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h4]:text-t8 [\u0026amp;_ul]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_ul]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_ul:last-child]:mb-0 [\u0026amp;_ol]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_ol]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_ol:last-child]:mb-0 [\u0026amp;_p]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_p]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_p:last-child]:mb-0 border-partners-highlight\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere are five assistive technology testing tools and insightful resources to help improve overall accessibility and app quality:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://www.paciellogroup.com/resources/contrastanalyser/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eColor Contrast Analyzer\u003c/a\u003e: Check the legibility and contrast of your app design elements using this app for Mac and Windows\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://colororacle.org/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eColor Oracle\u003c/a\u003e: Simulate color blindness using this app available for Mac, Windows, and Linux\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://github.com/getflourish/Sketch-Color-Contrast-Analyser\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSketch Color Contrast Analyzer\u003c/a\u003e: Ensure your designs meet color contrast recommendations from within Sketch\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/design/inclusive\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eInclusive Design at Microsoft\u003c/a\u003e: Learn and follow accessibility best practices with Microsoft’s inclusive design principles\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://accessibilityinsights.io/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAccessibility Insights\u003c/a\u003e: Solve accessibility issues before they reach merchants using this automated accessibility testing tool.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e2. \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/foundations/internationalization?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eInternationalization\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuilding an interface that works no matter where in the world your users are located not only increases your global market reach, it also creates a better overall UX.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBe sure to plan for:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCultural differences: From your icons to your images to your content, localizing your app means not only translating to the local language, but also adapting to regional differences and being mindful of potentially confusing or offensive content\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eText expansion: Translating your app text can expand it and take up more space, so your interface needs built-in flexibility to accommodate language-specific formatting, as it can vary greatly between languages\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChanges in word order: It’s safe to assume the word order of every sentence in your UI will change when translated, so it’s best to avoid using UI components to build sentences and only use \u003ca href=\"https://ux.shopify.com/how-to-concatenate-localized-strings-mindfully-bcc7b6d4961a?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003econcatenated strings mindfully\u003c/a\u003e, or not at all\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGet familiar with the \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/foundations/internationalization?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003ePolaris foundations of internationalization\u003c/a\u003e so that you can create an exceptional UX no matter where your users are located.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded my-12 border-l-2 pl-4 [\u0026amp;_h2]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h2]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h2]:text-t5 [\u0026amp;_h3]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h3]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h3]:text-t7 [\u0026amp;_h4]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h4]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h4]:text-t8 [\u0026amp;_ul]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_ul]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_ul:last-child]:mb-0 [\u0026amp;_ol]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_ol]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_ol:last-child]:mb-0 [\u0026amp;_p]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_p]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_p:last-child]:mb-0 border-partners-highlight\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLearn more about the principles that will help you build a truly internationalized app in our in-depth blog post: \u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/internationalization?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\" title=\"Internationalization\"\u003eInternationalization: Practical Tips to Build for a Global Audience\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e3. \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/foundations/information-architecture?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eInformation architecture (IA)\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/foundations/information-architecture?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003einformation architecture\u003c/a\u003e (IA) is the way you organize, structure, and label all your content, with the goal of helping your users find the information they need and to complete tasks efficiently. Effective IA:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSimplifies complexity\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupports scalability\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreates familiarity\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGetting familiar with the \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/foundations/information-architecture?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003ePolaris IA principles\u003c/a\u003e will help guide you through the process of making good IA decisions, no matter what project you’re working on. Keeping your app organized and straightforward prevents user confusion, especially if your app is more complex.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded my-12 border-l-2 pl-4 [\u0026amp;_h2]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h2]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h2]:text-t5 [\u0026amp;_h3]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h3]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h3]:text-t7 [\u0026amp;_h4]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h4]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h4]:text-t8 [\u0026amp;_ul]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_ul]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_ul:last-child]:mb-0 [\u0026amp;_ol]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_ol]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_ol:last-child]:mb-0 [\u0026amp;_p]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_p]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_p:last-child]:mb-0 border-partners-highlight\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor more information about IA and how to get started, check out our recent blog post: \u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/information-architecture?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\" title=\"Information architecture\"\u003eAn Introduction to Information Architecture\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"merchant-in-mind\"\u003eApp design with the merchant in mind\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA clean app design with accessible UX and clear language is crucial for building an app merchants love. Your users interact with the web, apps, and dashboards on a daily basis, so they’ll have high expectations for how your app will integrate and interact with their online store.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow that you have a grasp of how app design principles influence your users’ experience, you’re ready to start building your app.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAdditional resources:\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/building-apps\" title=\"building apps\"\u003eBuilding Apps: 3 Things we Learned in Making Design Consistent and Scalable \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/prototyping\" title=\"prototyping\"\u003e10 Myths About Prototyping, Busted \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/improve-your-design-process-with-these-4-deliverables\" title=\"Improve your design process with these 4 deliverables\"\u003eImprove Your Design Process With These 4 Deliverables \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"/ca/partners/blog/rapid-prototyping\" title=\"Rapid prototyping\"\u003eEverything You Always Wanted to Know About Rapid Prototyping \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/shopify-commerce-awards-2017-winners#polaris\" title=\"Shopify Commerce Awards 2017 winners\"\u003eAnnouncing the Winners of the 2017 Shopify Commerce Awards (Polaris) \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/keyboard-accessibility\" title=\"Shopify Commerce Awards 2017 winners\"\u003e5 Steps to Design Apps with Keyboard Accessibility in Mind \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/information-architecture\" title=\"Information architecture\"\u003eAn Introduction to Information Architecture \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDigital property: \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003ePolaris\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDocs: \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/foundations/designing-apps?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eDesigning apps for Shopify\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDocs: \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/components/get-started?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eComponent library docs\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDocs: \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/resources/resources?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003ePolaris Resources\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDocs: \u003ca href=\"https://polaris.shopify.com/foundations/accessibility?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003ePolaris accessibility documentation\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePolaris GitHub: \u003ca href=\"https://github.com/Shopify/polaris-react?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#licenses\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eLicenses\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"marketing-block marketing-block--blue marketing-block--padded my-12 border-l-2 pl-4 [\u0026amp;_h2]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h2]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h2]:text-t5 [\u0026amp;_h3]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h3]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h3]:text-t7 [\u0026amp;_h4]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_h4]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_h4]:text-t8 [\u0026amp;_ul]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_ul]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_ul:last-child]:mb-0 [\u0026amp;_ol]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_ol]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_ol:last-child]:mb-0 [\u0026amp;_p]:!mt-0 [\u0026amp;_p]:mb-6 [\u0026amp;_p:last-child]:mb-0 border-partners-highlight\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVisit our \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/getting-started/create\"\u003edeveloper documentation at shopify.dev\u003c/a\u003e to learn how to use our developer tools to create your Shopify app.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"submission-to-store\"\u003e4. Submission to the Shopify App Store\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"block block--bordered\" src=\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app-submission-to-the-app-store.jpg?v=1614184034\" alt=\"How to build a Shopify app: submission to the Shopify App Store. Illustration depicts an envelope with a long checklist of items cascading out of it. Items on the checklist are represented by abstract lines and circles, with arrows pointing towards different areas on the checklist.\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubmitting your app to the \u003ca href=\"https://apps.shopify.com?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eShopify App Store\u003c/a\u003e is the next step to getting it live and in the hands of the merchants who will benefit from it most.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore it’s published, your app needs to be reviewed by the Shopify App Review team. The app submission and review process usually takes our partners a few weeks to complete, and includes the follow steps:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e1. \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/apps/store/requirements\"\u003eMeeting Shopify’s technical, security, and UX requirements\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/a\u003e2. \u003ca href=\"/ca/partners/blog/shopify-app-store-downloads?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#optimize\"\u003eWriting an effective app listing\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/a\u003e3. \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/apps/store/review/testing\"\u003eTesting your app for performance and bugs\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/a\u003e4. \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/apps/store/review\"\u003eApplying any revisions required by our review team\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"prepare-submit\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreparing to submit your app\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Shopify App Review Team’s goal is to get you through the review process as quickly as possible! Knowing what to expect beforehand, and understanding what information you should have ready to go, will help you move more quickly through the review stages.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollow these three steps before you submit your app for review:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e1. Meet Shopify’s app requirements\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/getting-your-app-approved/app-requirements?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003etechnical, security, and UX requirements\u003c/a\u003e that all public apps must meet before they can be approved for the app store. Follow these requirements as you build and prepare to submit your app to ensure your app is published without hiccups.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s important to note that unlisted apps need to meet the same requirements as listed apps because they are both public app types. This is important for maintaining a quality standard for merchants, but also because these public apps can change visibility at any time.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition, \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/apps/store/requirements#specific-requirements-for-certain-app-configurations\"\u003ecertain app configurations have additional requirements\u003c/a\u003e. These app configurations include but are not limited to:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnline store apps\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEmbedded apps\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduct sourcing apps\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSales channels\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePurchase Option apps\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCheckout UI extension apps\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e2. Write your app listing\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"grid partners-signup\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"grid__item partners-signup__container\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"heading--4 partners-signup__heading\"\u003e[September 2022] New app listing guidelines\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"partners-signup__content\"\u003eAs of September 2022, we've updated the requirements for app listings in the Shopify App Store. Some of the information in this section may be out of date. To make sure your app listing is optimized for merchant installs, please visit our documentation for the newest guidelines.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ca data-sanitized-target=\"_blank\" class=\"marketing-button partners-signup__cta\" href=\"https://shopify.dev/apps/store/requirements?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eVisit docs\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll public apps—listed or unlisted—require a complete app listing for submission. Your app listing page will serve as the home of your app in the Shopify App Store. This information is your most powerful tool for convincing users that your app is the best solution for them. Because this is such a key surface, you should spend time understanding \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/getting-your-app-approved/app-requirements?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#writing-a-shopify-app-store-listing\"\u003ethe requirements of your app listing\u003c/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"/ca/partners/blog/shopify-app-store-downloads?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app#optimize\"\u003ehow to best optimize it\u003c/a\u003e.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/shopify-app-listing-screenshot_600x600.png?v=1658350648\" alt=\"Shopify Inbox app listing\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile some of these elements are optional, the more information you provide potential users, the better.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour app listing is a critical part of gaining new installations and users. For more in-depth guidance on creating the best listing page you can, \u003ca href=\"/ca/partners/blog/shopify-app-store-downloads?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003evisit our guide on How to Get More App Downloads in the Shopify App Store\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e3. Test your app\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce you’re confident your app meets the app and listing requirements above, we encourage you to ensure your app is well tested. Shopify is a complex platform, and no two merchants have the same needs or goals. Thorough testing helps catch as many errors and bugs as possible, so that your app doesn’t break when these varied merchants install it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen testing your app, you want to ensure it functions correctly for your users, especially for merchants who aren’t tech-savvy.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore details on testing your app can be found \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/getting-your-app-approved/testing-your-app-before-submitting?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003ein our documentation\u003c/a\u003e. You can also read our in-depth guide on \u003ca href=\"/ca/partners/blog/user-test-app?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003euser testing your app\u003c/a\u003e on our blog.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"submitting\"\u003e4. Submit your app\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce your app and listing are ready, and you’ve thoroughly tested and prepared, \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/getting-your-app-approved/app-submission?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003efollow the instructions in our documentation\u003c/a\u003e to submit your app via the Partner Dashboard. The Shopify App Review Team will check to make sure that your app is a complete product and is ready to be used by a merchant the moment it’s approved for the Shopify App Store.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"review\"\u003eThe review process\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn average, your app will be reviewed within 7 business days of being submitted. You’ll be kept informed about progress and feedback along the way.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can learn more about what to expect during the approval process \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/getting-your-app-approved/review-process?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003ein our developer documentation\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"revise\"\u003eRevisions and changes\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe time to approval can vary from days to weeks or even months, depending on how long it takes you to resolve the issues found. It’s very common that after review, you’ll be asked to make some changes or revisions to your app. You’ll be informed via email of what needs to be updated.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf the necessary changes are substantial enough, your app will be rejected. Once you fix the outstanding issues, you can resubmit. However, if the changes are relatively minor, you’ll be put into contact with the review team via Zendesk to chat about your app and make the necessary updates.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce you’ve fixed everything that needs to be fixed, and the review team is confident that your app meets our standards, you’ll be approved, and your app will go live in the Shopify App Store. It’s time to celebrate! You’ve earned it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAdditional resources:\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDocs: \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/getting-your-app-approved/app-requirements?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eRequirements for public apps on Shopify\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDocs: \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/apps/store/review/testing\"\u003eTesting your app before submitting\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDocs: \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/getting-your-app-approved/app-submission?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eSubmitting your app\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDocs: \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/getting-your-app-approved/review-process?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eThe review process\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDocs: \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/tutorials/authenticate-with-oauth?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eAuthenticate with OAuth\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDocs: \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/tutorials/bill-for-your-app-using-graphql-admin-api?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eBill for your app with the GraphQL Admin API\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"/ca/partners/blog/insights-shopify-app-review?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003e7 Insights From the Shopify App Review Team to Set Your App Up for Success\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"/ca/partners/blog/user-test-app?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eUser Testing Your Shopify App: Public App Use Cases You Should Test\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"monitoring\"\u003e5. Monitoring your app: keeping performance top of mind\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"block block--bordered\" src=\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app-monitoring-your-app.jpg?v=1614184968\" alt=\"How to build a Shopify app: Monitoring your app: keeping performance top of mind. Illustration of a person looking through a telescope at a digital map of moving arrows.\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore you launch your app, there are a few things you need to know about how to keep it healthy, secure, and high-performing beyond launch.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis section covers what it means to have a “healthy” Shopify app, and what it takes to keep it successful, so it continues to be helpful to merchants over both the short and long term.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"app-health\"\u003eApp health within the Shopify ecosystem\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA healthy Shopify app fulfills the specific use case it was installed to address, while allowing the developer to continue to grow and scale their own business.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintaining your app’s health means staying on top of any and all changes, addressing potential security issues, and monitoring the business insights that will help you understand your app’s performance within the Shopify ecosystem.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"changes-and-api-versioning\"\u003eBreaking changes and API versioning\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShopify is always building, changing, and growing. As a developer, it’s important to stay in the loop with all these changes, so that your app stays secure and up-to-date in the process.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe always make sure to announce changes in advance and remind developers of versioning or deprecation closer to the release. Your Partner Dashboard, the \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/changelog?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003edeveloper changelog\u003c/a\u003e, and our \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/shopify-introduction?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003edeveloper documentation\u003c/a\u003e all make it easier for developers to keep informed of upcoming changes. We also \u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/api-deprecation-update-2020-10?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eannounce updates in advance on the Partner Blog\u003c/a\u003e.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs well as the above resources, we also have an \u003ca href=\"https://partners.shopify.com/current/apps?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eAPI health report\u003c/a\u003e available in your Partner Dashboard. The report shows any deprecated calls your public or custom apps are making, and the deadline for updating those calls in your app.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFurthermore, you should always ensure that your developer contact information is up-to-date, as we regularly use email to communicate important updates and breaking changes well in advance.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg class=\"block block--bordered\" src=\"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0533/2089/files/how-to-build-a-shopify-app-developer-changelog.jpg?v=1614185009\" alt=\"How to build a Shopify app: screenshot of the developer changelog page. Stay up to date with the recent changes to Shopify's APIs and other developer products. Screenshot shows tabs for both Recent and Scheduled updates, a field to enter your email to sign up for email updates, allow you to filter the changelog for posts that require action, or by tag: API, Tools, Shopify App Store, Themes, or Platform.\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption\u003eThe \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/changelog?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003edeveloper changelog\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2019, we introduced \u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/api-versioning-at-shopify?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eAPI versioning at Shopify\u003c/a\u003e so that both Shopify and third-party developers have a clear cadence for when specific changes will be made to the API. Every quarter, Shopify releases a new API version. These releases typically happen on (or close to) January 1, April 1, July 2, and October 1. When a version is released, it lives for about a year, and is named in a \u003ccode class=\"marketing-code\"\u003eyear-month\u003c/code\u003e format, such as \u003ccode class=\"marketing-code\"\u003e2020-10\u003c/code\u003e. Each stable version is locked for a year, after which support isn’t guaranteed. You should always keep your app on a stable version to avoid any breaking changes.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to the ways Shopify helps keep you up-to-date on app performance and ecosystem updates, there are a myriad of other performance management and analytics tools you can use to make sure your app stays healthy post-launch.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"performance-and-management\"\u003eApp performance management and monitoring\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are various monitoring tools you can use to make sure your app stays healthy and stable as you build new features, scale your performance, and grow your user base. By ensuring all the software within your tech stack is performing smoothly, you maintain a consistent, high-quality user experience and minimize any downtime.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApp performance monitoring tools like \u003ca href=\"https://www.bugsnag.com/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eBugsnag\u003c/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https://www.datadoghq.com/product/apm/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDatadog\u003c/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https://sentry.io/welcome/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSentry\u003c/a\u003e monitor your app stability, and make it easy to pinpoint and solve any errors across the applications in your tech stack. Each of these tools have varying costs associated with them.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServices like \u003ca href=\"https://aws.amazon.com/lambda/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAWS Lambda\u003c/a\u003e allow you to run code without provisioning or managing servers, and automatically scales based on how many event requests you get without needing to upgrade your servers. This will prevent situations like your app becoming slow to load, damaging the user experience.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDepending on where the majority of your users are located, your app usage may spike during certain times of day. You want to make sure you set up your infrastructure so there is no downtime during a spike.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing an app performance monitoring or management tool helps you to understand the stability and security of your underlying systems, which allows you to predict or project how your app will perform if you have a surge of installs, for example. You’re able to anticipate app performance based on various user loads.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot all app performance monitoring tools are created equal in terms of features and functionality, however, and they vary in price depending on the vendor. It’s a good idea to do your own research into what tool will help you the most for your app’s specific use case.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"insights\"\u003eBusiness insights\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSetting yourself up to track business insights is something you’ll also want to do from the beginning. Developer Daniel Sim created Shopify apps such as \u003ca href=\"https://apps.shopify.com/plug-in-seo?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003ePlug In SEO\u003c/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https://apps.shopify.com/plug-in-speed?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003ePlug In Speed\u003c/a\u003e (which he exited earlier in 2020) and is the founder of \u003ca href=\"https://www.appstoreanalytics.io/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eApp Store Analytics\u003c/a\u003e. He says monitoring business insights was something he and his team set up before they launched their apps in the Shopify App Store.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Our team was very data-driven,” Sim says. “We had metrics covering product, support, software, infrastructure, and marketing. We kept the number of metics as small as possible, making sure each was actionable and owned by someone on the team. They applied right from when an app had tens of users through to tens of thousands.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Every app developer needs to know how merchants are finding their app, and what their journey looks like. It makes all the difference when it comes to earning revenue from your app,” Sim says.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote class=\"border-l-2 pl-4 font-aktivgroteskextended text-xl font-medium tracking-tight my-12 [\u0026amp;_p]:mb-4 [\u0026amp;_cite]:font-aktivgroteskextended [\u0026amp;_cite]:text-sm [\u0026amp;_cite]:not-italic [\u0026amp;_cite]:font-medium [\u0026amp;_cite]:tracking-[-0.0175rem] [\u0026amp;_footer]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_cite::before]:content-[\u0026quot;–\u0026quot;] [\u0026amp;_cite::before]:mr-1 border-partners-highlight\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery app developer needs to know how merchants are finding their app, and what their journey looks like. It makes all the difference when it comes to earning revenue from your app.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cfooter\u003e\u003ccite\u003eDaniel Sim, Founder, App Store Analytics\u003c/cite\u003e\u003c/footer\u003e\n\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSim’s team used \u003ca href=\"https://fourweekmba.com/pirate-metrics/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDave McClure's AARRR Pirate Metrics\u003c/a\u003e funnel of Acquisition, Activation, Retention, Revenue, and Referral to measure app performance.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAcquisition: \u003c/strong\u003eHow a merchant finds your app\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eActivation: \u003c/strong\u003eWhen a merchant installs your app\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRetention:\u003c/strong\u003e After activation, users stick around and stay engaged with your app\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRevenue: \u003c/strong\u003eHow much money the merchant makes for you\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReferral:\u003c/strong\u003e A count of how many merchants are telling others about it\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AARRR metrics funnel gives app developers a performance overview that helps to decide what to focus on next to grow. Sim used the conversion rates between each stage of the funnel to benchmark against other apps, and to spot opportunities and trends between his own apps.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“It's fun to build products and add new features,” Sim says. “I'm a developer, so I love to code. Working on acquisition was out of my comfort zone. At first, I didn't properly measure it, essentially ignoring it altogether. But when I eventually did start tracking it, I could see everything else was performing way above average apart from acquisition.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeasuring a few key metrics will help you understand how your app is performing so you can adjust what isn’t working as needed.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"metrics\"\u003eWhat metrics you should be tracking\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithin the AARRR framework, Sim’s main business metrics were:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTotal users from Google Analytics visiting their app listing and public website\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstalls taken from the Shopify Partner Dashboard\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReviews written on their app listing\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree trial to paid conversion rate\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRevenue growth\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePercentage of merchants who churned in a given period\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo track free trial to paid conversion rate, revenue growth, and churn, you can export the app history CSV from your Partner Dashboard into Google Sheets.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce you start tracking, what do you do with the data?\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“We put all of our AARRR metrics into a Google Sheet and shared it with the team every week,” Sim says. “Depending on the stage of the app, we'd either use just a week's worth of numbers if there was enough to be statistically significant, or a sliding window of 28 days.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe conversion rates were important in deciding what to work on. If Sim could see that their revenue growth was slowing, they would investigate back up the funnel to see why.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSim says becoming disciplined at tracking AARRR every week helped him and his team focus on things that would support serious growth rather than incremental improvements.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, Sim says you can make the mistake of tracking too much.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“My thinking was: ‘Oh no, if I don't track this now and we need it in future there's no way to get it retroactively,’” he says. “There was too much noise and it was expensive to maintain all of that tracking as we developed the product. It was a mess. So we pared everything back to just the metrics we needed to track our running experiments. It got tracked and it got done.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you’re able to identify problem areas or adoption rate stagnation, you have a better understanding of how your app is performing, your users’ behavior, and where there is room for improvement.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eMetrics-tracking starter tech stack\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tools you use to track your business metrics will vary depending on your needs and goals. \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/app-store/being-successful-in-the-app-store/marketing-internally/tracking-your-listing-traffic?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eTracking your listing traffic\u003c/a\u003e in the Shopify App Store is a great way to get more information about how users are finding your app listing.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can go even further by setting up a couple tools that will help you keep track of the metrics and data that matter. Here are a few to get you started:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://analytics.google.com/analytics/web/#/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eGoogle Analytics\u003c/a\u003e: for marketing efforts and acquisition\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePartner Dashboard: for CSV exports of activation, retention, and revenue\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://amplitude.com/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAmplitude\u003c/a\u003e: for in-app and email events, attributes, and segmentation\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://partnermetrics.io/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ePartner Metrics\u003c/a\u003e: for quarterly and annual trends\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://baremetrics.com/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eBaremetrics\u003c/a\u003e: for benchmarks, goals, and free trial insights\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https://segment.com/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSegment\u003c/a\u003e (\u003ca href=\"https://www.twilio.com/press/releases/twilio-completes-acquisition-segment-market-leading-customer-data-platform\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eacquired\u003c/a\u003e in 2020 by Twilio): for organizing your data pipeline for a clean overview\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis metrics-tracking tech stack can help jumpstart tracking the right data so you can make more informed business decisions and gain traction in the Shopify App Store.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce you have the data to understand how your app is performing, you can begin to conduct experiments to improve your app and scale over time.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"designing-growth\"\u003eDesigning app growth experiments through data analysis\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s important to understand which metrics you want to track and prepare to track them before you publish your Shopify app. This will set you up to have a clear understanding of how your app is performing, allow you to define what success looks like to you, and design growth experiments through that data analysis.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce Sim and his team identified which metrics they wanted to improve, they would come up with hypotheses to try out. For the most promising hypotheses, they designed experiments. Each experiment offered more granular temporary metrics, that would tell Sim if their hypothesis was validated or invalidated. Wherever practical, and if they had enough volume, they would run A/B tests on their hypotheses.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne such experiment was when they changed the code installation step of onboarding to be automated rather than something support would help with.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“To make it an accurate experiment, we added metrics for which stage of onboarding the merchant was dropping out at, their interactions with support, and how engaged they were with the app after onboarding,” Sim says. “Surprisingly, we found that automated code installation led to worse retention. Temporary, focused metrics helped us to invalidate what looked to be a valid hypothesis.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"understand\"\u003eBuild and understand traction to scale app performance and installs\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce you’ve set up your app performance management and monitoring tools, you’ll start to see trends, be able to flag fixable errors, and learn how to keep your app high performing and your users happy.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Getting initial traction is like pushing a huge boulder,” Sim says. “Once you get it rolling though, Shopify offers many opportunities to work with the world's best merchants in a healthy, thriving ecosystem of partners.”\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAdditional resources:\u003c/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/api-versioning-at-shopify?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=api_deprecation_update_2020_10\" title=\"Introducing API versioning at Shopify\"\u003eIntroducing API Versioning at Shopify \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/api-deprecation-update-2020-10\" title=\"API deprecation at Shopify\"\u003eAPI Deprecation at Shopify: 2020-10 Edition \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlog post: \u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/app-metrics\" title=\"8 growth metrics every app developer should track\"\u003e8 Growth Metrics Every App Developer Should Track \u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDocs: \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/concepts/shopify-introduction?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eDeveloping on Shopify\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShopify.dev: \u003ca href=\"https://shopify.dev/changelog?itcat=partner_blog\u0026amp;itterm=how_to_build_a_shopify_app\"\u003eChangelog\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGet started building your Shopify app\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLearning how to build a Shopify app can feel daunting if you’re not sure where to start. Now that you’ve learned the six stages of app building for the Shopify ecosystem, the only limit is your creativity. There are many different ways you can approach creating your app and the steps outlined in this article are simply meant to guide you through the app-building process.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou’ve got what you need to start building a Shopify app. The rest is up to you.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ca data-encoded-tag-name=\"meta\" data-encoded-tag-value=\"\" data-encoded-attr-charset=\"dXRmLTg=\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLearn more at:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"/ng/partners\"\u003eShopify Partners\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-sanitized-data-partners-signup=\"app_developer\" data-partners-signup=\"app_developer\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIllustrations by \u003c/em\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://eugeniamello.com/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eEugenia Mello\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cem\u003e.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\":R0:\" data-component-name=\"blog-read-more\" class=\"marketing-block marketing-block--light marketing-block--padded text-body-sm text-left my-8 tablet:my-16 p-8 bg-marketingBg border-t-2 [\u0026amp;_h2]:text-t5 border-partners-highlight\"\u003e\u003ch2 class=\"!mt-0 mb-6 font-aktivgroteskextended\"\u003eRead more\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cul class=\"!mt-0 !mb-0\"\u003e\u003cli class=\"mt-2\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/front-end-app\"\u003eHow to Build a Shopify App as a Front End Developer\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli class=\"mt-2\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/building-a-shopify-app-in-one-week\"\u003eHow to Build a Shopify App in One Week\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli class=\"mt-2\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/development-stores\"\u003eEverything You Need to Know About Development Stores\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli class=\"mt-2\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/17056443-how-to-generate-a-shopify-api-token\"\u003eHow to Generate a Shopify Access Token\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli class=\"mt-2\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/react-summit-2021\"\u003eLearn About Shopify App Development at React Summit 2021\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli class=\"mt-2\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"/ng/partners/blog/theme-app-extensions\"\u003eHow to Level Up Your App with Theme App 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