BSSA #109 - 30 things you should know about growing an app

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In today’s email we’re going to talk about:

  • Using data after feedback to improve it

  • Build a network to skyrocket your app MRR

  • 30 things you should know about growing a Shopify App

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Using data after feedback to improve it

We recently had a user ask a question about our settings page. He couldn’t find something, and we showed him where to look. Simple enough, right? But instead of stopping there, we asked ourselves:

Is this user the only one with this problem?

Instead of guessing or asking users (who might not give the clearest answers), I turned to data. I use Mixpanel to track all user actions, so I dug into the steps users take to interact with that specific setting.

Here’s what I found:

By analyzing the conversion rate of users reaching that setting and completing the action, I noticed something. The conversion rate was 81%. Not bad. But for a process that should be simple, 90% should be the bare minimum.

So even though it wasn’t a major issue, I took the time to improve it. Why? Because small improvements like these compound. The smoother your app feels, the fewer frustrations users face. And that translates into loyalty, word-of-mouth recommendations, and fewer support tickets.

If you’re not tracking these kinds of metrics, you’re likely leaving money on the table.

Start with the ones that have the biggest impact:

  • Installation rate: Are users installing your app at a healthy rate?

  • Conversion rate: How many users upgrade from free trial to paid plans?

If you’re not analyzing and improving these, you could be missing out on 50% of your potential growth—not just in MRR, but in unlocking the kind of seamless experience that drives exponential growth.

If you’re struggling with a tool like Mixpanel, there are simpler options now, like Mantle. Start tracking, and you’ll see how these small insights can drive massive results.

Build a network to skyrocket your app MRR

Building a Shopify app isn’t just about writing code—it’s about building a network that will help you validate, launch, and grow. But where do you actually build this network?

Start by focusing on LinkedIn.

Find people already active in the Shopify ecosystem. It could be app founders, e-commerce agency owners, or even Shopify merchants who share insights. Don’t just scroll—take action.

Here’s the method:

  • Pick one person who’s already in the ecosystem, someone you admire or follow.

  • Look at their posts and find the people who comment on them.

  • Start connecting with those commenters.

When sending a connection request, keep it simple and personal: “Hi [Name], I saw your comment on [Post Topic] and thought it was interesting. I’d love to connect!”

Once you’ve started building connections, engage with them daily.

Comment on their posts thoughtfully—don’t just drop generic remarks. Add value to the conversation by sharing your perspective or asking questions.

And don’t just stop at commenting. Send a few direct messages every day. Keep it light and friendly, like you’re at a Shopify event:

  • “Hey, I noticed you’re working on [specific project]. I’m building something in the same space, and I’d love to hear how you approach [specific challenge].”

The goal isn’t to sell. It’s to start conversations and build genuine relationships.

This consistent effort—10 new connections, 10 comments, and 3 messages daily—compounds quickly. Over 90 days, that’s 900 connection attempts. Even if only 20% accept, you’ve added 180 valuable people to your network.

The key is to stay focused on people within the Shopify ecosystem. Not developers—focus on store owners, marketers, and app partners. These are the people who will give you feedback, become your first users, and help you grow.

Your network isn’t just a group of contacts. It’s your launch strategy.

30 things you should know about growing a Shopify App

The Shopify App Store is an incredible place to grow your app, but there are key lessons you need to understand if you want to scale effectively. Here are 30 things I’ve learned from experience:

  1. Speed > Quantity for reviews
    How fast you get reviews is more important than how many you have. Early reviews help you rank and build trust faster.

  2. The right category matters
    You can’t rank on certain keywords if your app isn’t in the correct category.

  3. Support leads to reviews
    The easiest way to get reviews? Help people. Excellent support creates fans, and fans leave reviews.

  4. Ask early
    Don’t wait—ask for reviews even if the user just installed your app.

  5. Clarity wins on your listing
    Merchants scan your app listing. Use a clear image and go straight to the point.

  6. Use an image, not a video
    If your app is easy to understand, a well-designed image is better than a video.

  7. App Store traffic can kickstart your app
    You don’t need ads initially. The traffic from the App Store is enough to get started.

  8. Installs and uninstalls affect ranking
    Reviews and keywords matter, but Shopify also checks your install and uninstall rates.

  9. Translating attracts more users
    If your app already has users in a specific country, translating it into their language will bring even more.

  10. Follow the Approval Process carefully
    Shopify takes this seriously. Read the guidelines thoroughly and don’t rush.

  11. Don’t stress about BFS badge delays
    If you’re waiting for feedback on the Built for Shopify badge, it can take weeks. They didn’t forget you.

  12. Test keywords in real-time
    Changes to your app listing are live instantly. Use this to experiment with keywords.

  13. Don’t ask for 5-star reviews
    It’s prohibited, but if you’ve helped someone, simply asking for a review usually results in 5 stars.

  14. Traffic dips on weekends
    Installs are lower on Saturdays and Sundays but peak on Tuesdays.

  15. Support matters to Shopify
    Shopify rewards apps that provide excellent support and retain users—it aligns with their values.

  16. Follow Shopify’s vision
    Apps that align with Shopify’s goals (like Judge.me) are less likely to face issues.

  17. Revenue share resets annually
    Shopify takes 15% of revenue above $1M, but it resets every year.

  18. Partnerships are a growth hack
    Partnering with other apps is a powerful way to grow, especially if you have mutual users.

  19. Email reviews don’t work well
    Asking for reviews via email often falls flat. Focus on in-app interactions instead.

  20. Prioritize support over features
    Support will always have a bigger impact on your growth than any single feature.

  21. Never add fake reviews
    Shopify will catch you eventually. It’s not worth the risk.

  22. Proof helps with partnerships
    Apps are more likely to partner with you if you already share users—it’s proof your app adds value.

  23. Use all listing characters
    Don’t waste the space Shopify gives you in your app listing. Use every character wisely.

  24. Keywords in your app name
    You can’t just list keywords in your app name, but you can create a name that includes one naturally.

  25. Track installation rate with Google Analytics
    Add Google Analytics to your listing to measure and improve your conversion rate.

  26. Estimate keyword traffic
    Check the number of reviews on the top 5 apps for a keyword. More reviews mean more traffic.

  27. Apps that make merchants money win
    The best-performing apps are the ones that help merchants directly increase revenue.

  28. More conversations = more reviews
    Generate conversations through live chat or proactive outreach. The more tickets you have, the more reviews you’ll get.

  29. Live chat is essential
    It boosts both conversions and reviews.

  30. The App Store isn’t saturated
    Shopify is evolving constantly. There are always new needs to solve.

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Mat 😁