How to Submit Your Shopify App

Are you considering how to Submit your Shopify App?

This may seem like a daunting task, but with the right guidance, it’s manageable even for non-developers.

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you through the process as you first find Product Market Fit and then Go-To-Market. 

Step 1: Register with Shopify Partners

First, sign up as a Shopify Partner.

Step 2: Access Your Shopify Partners Account

Once registered, log into your Shopify Partners account and navigate to the ‘Apps’ section. Here, you’ll see all your apps, including test and local versions.

Step 3: Prepare Before Shopify App Submission 

Before submitting your Shopify App, ensure it meets the following requirements:

• API Version: Update to the latest API version to avoid health issues.
• App Information: Fill in your app name, API contact email, and URLs for your app and allowed redirections.
• App Icon: Upload an app icon.
• Permissions: Specify what data your app can access or modify.
• GDPR Compliance: Set up endpoints for customer data requests and data deletion requests.

Step 4: Manage Your Shopify App Listing

Go to the ‘Manage Listing’ section. This is where you’ll create the public listing for your app:

• Content Security Policy: Ensure your app cannot be loaded outside the Shopify store it was installed on.
• Developer Contact Information: Include your phone number.
• Privacy Policy: Provide a URL to your privacy policy. This is mandatory.

Step 5: Submit Your Shopify App

After filling in all necessary details and ensuring compliance with Shopify’s requirements, hit the submit button. You’ll receive an email confirming the submission, and Shopify will begin its review process, which includes:

1. Automated Tests: These check for technical compliance.
2. Manual Review: A Shopify team member will install and test your app.

Now that you've submitted your Shopify App, you'll need to wait for them to complete the review process. If changes are required, you'll need to go through the process again after making updates.

Factors to Consider as you Submit your Shopify App

• Perfect Your App Listing: Your app listing page is your primary sales pitch. Ensure your tagline is clear and concise. Avoid generic language and use straightforward terms. Use coherent images and consider adding a promo video. The first two sentences of your description are crucial, so make them count.
• Test Thoroughly: Ensure your app is bug-free before submission. Conduct beta testing, check compatibility with different browsers, and ensure accessibility.
• Streamline Authentication: Use authentication to reduce manual setup for merchants by auto-filling required fields using captured store data.
• Optimize Images: Include three relevant screenshots, and use mobile screenshots and alt text for accessibility.
• Ensure Accessibility: Make all resources, including videos, accessible. Provide transcripts for voice-over videos.
• Comply with GDPR: Incorporate GDPR webhooks early to avoid submission delays.
• Simplify Billing Plan Changes: Allow merchants to upgrade or downgrade plans within the app UI without contacting support.

By following these steps, you’ll streamline the submission process and increase your chances of getting your app live on Shopify with minimal hiccups.

Happy developing and happy marketing with the right pricing structure.