#35 - Build A Successful Shopify App - Dashboard Design 🚀

We changed our newsletter platform. Again.We're now using Beehiiv instead of substack, and we'll see if I'll like it!---I'm a bit tired. I want to be honest with you. I'm not in my best shape!It's winter, so I always have less energy and don't sleep well. I had a migraine recently cause I do many migraines (ophthalmic migraines, if you know it).And the numbers of the apps aren't so great. I knew it. I expected it. But it's always frustrating.It should go up again in February, but to be completely transparent, we're back at $39,000 MRR. Not $40,000.And on top of that, I had to stop with my new developer as it didn't work.I want to share the good and bad sides with you because shit happens even if you have an app that makes money.But I also have good news. We hire another developer, and we'll do the test with him.And installs are increasing again already (we'll see if this doesn't change)

This image here is the number of installs per week. As you can see, at the beginning of December, we started to have fewer installs, but during the last week, as you can see, there has been an up which is good news.

The importance of your environment

As I wasn't in a good mood I decided to change my environment as it impacts you. And changing your environment doesn't necessarily mean moving to another place.I didn't change my location. I'm still in the same office.Yet I did a bit of reorganization. Moving stuff, even changing my computer wallpaper!You want some new, something fresh. It's perfect because it's also the new year so you can start from scratch with your workspace.I want to take a few seconds to talk about the environment. This is very important.Your environment is composed of everything that surrounds you. Your family, your friends, your colleagues, your office, your city, your country, etc.And it's real, a great environment can positively impact you but the contrary is also true.Do you know this sentence: "You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with."It means that your environment will influence your thoughts, your work or anything you can produce. So when you don't feel good in your life, sometimes changing your environment can be the solution.When I built WideBundle, even if I was alone in my room, I constantly talked with other entrepreneurs in Facebook communities. And by spending time with like-minded people or people better than you, you'll feel motivated and inspired.

The design of your app dashboard

When you build your 1st Shopify App, you might ask yourself this question:Should I make my app dashboard exactly like Shopify? Or should I create my own dashboard?And it's impossible to answer this question for you. I personally decided to create my own dashboard design but some people prefer to use Shopify Polaris components and create a design that looks like Shopify.And instead of telling you what's better, I will share with you the things to consider:

Design like Shopify

• You don't have to think too much about the design

• You can save time with components that already exist

• It's easier for the users to understand your dashboard

• You will easily respect Shopify Design Guidelines

Your own design

• You are more flexible

• You have a better branding

While UX is very important, you shouldn't neglect branding. Because the branding can make your app memorable and increase your perceived value.That's what I wanted to do with WideBundle. If you have ever checked my app design, it's particular.First there is a main color, a dark Fuschia with an icon for the app very simple.Then the dashboard is the same, the dark Fuschia is present to make it memorable and I even used the same structure of the dashboard for my 2nd app WideReview.And I wanted to do the same for the other apps I wanted to build! If you have strong branding, it's easier for the users to choose your app, recognize it, and use another of your app if you have more.

That's it for today!See you next week,Mat 😁