How to Write a Shopify App

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Shopify’s App Ecosystem
3. Validating Your App Idea
4. Designing Your Shopify App
5. Building Your Shopify App
6. Submitting Your App to the Shopify App Store
7. Post-Launch: Monitoring and Maintaining Your App
8. Conclusion

Introduction

Ever wondered how many hours Shopify merchants save by using apps that automate their daily tasks? Interestingly, over 80% of Shopify merchants rely on third-party apps to optimize their store operations. This dependency highlights a massive opportunity for developers to create solutions that meet the unique needs of these merchants. Shopify apps extend the functionality of e-commerce stores, enabling merchants to solve specific issues or enhance their operations.

In this comprehensive guide, you will learn how to write a Shopify app from scratch. Whether you're a seasoned developer looking to tap into the Shopify ecosystem or a beginner eager to build your first app, this guide is designed for you. We will cover every aspect, from validating your app idea to deploying it on the Shopify App Store. By the end of this post, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to create a Shopify app that can attract and satisfy users.

Understanding Shopify’s App Ecosystem

The Role of Shopify Apps

Shopify apps are essentially web applications that enhance the Shopify platform by adding capabilities not offered out of the box. These apps interact with Shopify via APIs to perform actions like updating products, managing inventory, or processing orders in ways that tailor the experience to each merchant's specific needs.

Types of Shopify Apps

Shopify classifies apps into two categories:

1. Public Apps:

   • Designed for one-to-many distribution.
   • Available via the Shopify App Store.
   • Ideal for reaching a broader merchant base.

2. Custom Apps:

   • Developed for a specific merchant’s store.
   • Not listed on the Shopify App Store.
   • Tailored solutions for unique business requirements.

For the sake of this guide, we will focus on creating public apps to leverage the wider distribution channel offered by the Shopify App Store.

Validating Your App Idea

Steps to Validate Your Idea

1. Identify Merchant Problems:

   • Engage with the community through forums like the Shopify subreddit and Facebook groups.
   • Conduct direct conversations and surveys.

2. Research Industry Trends:

   • Stay updated with evolving trends in e-commerce.
   • Look into successful case studies for insights.

3. Assess Current Solutions:

   • Understand how merchants currently solve their problems.
   • Identify gaps and areas for improvement.

4. Determine Willingness to Pay:

   • Gauge whether merchants are willing to pay for your app.
   • Conduct price sensitivity analysis.

Validating your idea ensures that your app will solve a real problem and gain traction in the marketplace.

Designing Your Shopify App

Using Shopify’s Polaris Design System

Shopify’s Polaris is an open-source design system aimed at providing a cohesive and user-friendly experience across all Shopify interfaces. Polaris components are pre-built, flexible, and adherent to web accessibility standards.

Key Design Principles:

• Considerate: Design for diverse user needs, including accessibility requirements.
• Empowering: Simplify important tasks while providing advanced features for those who need them.
• Crafted: Balance aesthetic appeal with functional effectiveness.
• Efficient: Make tasks quick and intuitive to complete.
• Trustworthy: Be transparent about what your app does and how it manages data.
• Familiar: Use common design patterns to ensure usability.

Writing Accessible and Inclusive App Copy

Language clarity is essential. Aim for a Grade 7 reading level to ensure readability across a diverse audience. Utilize tools like Hemingway or Readable to refine your app's content, ensuring it is grammatically correct and easily understandable.

Internationalization

Plan for multi-language support from the beginning. Shopify has robust guidelines for internationalization that ensure your app is usable across different languages and geographies. Use localization libraries and follow best practices to make your app global-ready.

Building Your Shopify App

Setting Up Your Development Environment

1. Scaffold a New App:

   • Install Shopify CLI: npm install -g @shopify/cli
   • Create a new app: shopify app create
   • Select the desired template (e.g., Remix).

2. Develop Locally:

   • Navigate to your app directory: cd my-new-app
   • Start the local server: shopify app serve

Core Functionalities to Implement

1. Authentication:

   • Use OAuth 2.0 for secure authentication.
   • Integrate Shopify’s embedded app SDK for seamless embedding into the Shopify Admin.

2. APIs and Webhooks:

   • Leverage Shopify's Admin API and Storefront API.
   • Set up webhooks for event-driven functionalities like order creation or product updates.

Testing Your App

Before submitting your app for review, comprehensive testing is critical. Test your app for various scenarios to ensure it handles different merchant configurations and edge cases seamlessly. Use tools like Jest, Mocha, and Cypress for automated and manual testing.

Submitting Your App to the Shopify App Store

1. Meet Shopify’s Requirements:

   • Adhere to technical, security, and UX guidelines.
   • Ensure your app's listing is complete and compelling.

2. Write an Effective App Listing:

   • Provide a clear and attractive description.
   • Include high-quality images and videos.
   • Highlight key features and benefits.

3. Submit for Review:

   • Follow the submission steps via Partner Dashboard.
   • Be prepared for revisions and feedback.

Review Process

Once submitted, Shopify’s App Review Team will evaluate your app. The review process may involve multiple rounds of feedback. Address feedback promptly to expedite approval.

Post-Launch: Monitoring and Maintaining Your App

Ensuring App Health

1. Track Performance:

   • Use tools like Datadog, Sentry, or Bugsnag to monitor app performance.
   • Ensure minimal downtime and quick issue resolution.

2. Update and Iterate:

   • Keep your app updated with the latest Shopify API versions.
   • Roll out new features based on user feedback and evolving needs.

Business Insights

Measure your app’s success through key metrics such as:

• Acquisition: How effectively your app attracts new users.
• Activation: The rate at which new users engage with your app.
• Retention: User stickiness and ongoing engagement.
• Revenue: Your app's profitability.
• Referral: Organic growth driven by satisfied users.

Conclusion

Developing a Shopify app is an exciting venture that can significantly impact merchants’ business operations. By following this guide, you’re well on your way to building a successful Shopify app. Start with a well-validated idea, design user-friendly and accessible interfaces, build robust functionalities, and stay committed to continuous improvement.

FAQ

Q1: What programming languages can I use to develop a Shopify app? You can use various languages like JavaScript (Node.js), Ruby, PHP, and Python. However, Shopify’s extensive toolset and documentation are best experienced with JavaScript/Node.js.

Q2: How long does it take to get my app approved on the Shopify App Store? The review process typically takes about one to two weeks, depending on the complexity of your app and the revisions needed.

Q3: Can I update my app after it's been published on the Shopify App Store? Yes, you can update your app anytime. However, substantial updates may require additional reviews by the Shopify App Review Team.

Q4: How much does it cost to become a Shopify Partner and submit an app? It’s free to become a Shopify Partner. However, upon reaching a certain threshold of install-based revenue, Shopify takes a revenue share.

Q5: What are some common pitfalls to avoid when developing a Shopify app? Avoid creating features that don’t solve actual merchant problems, neglecting app performance, and failing to adhere to Shopify's guidelines for security and UX.

Embark on your Shopify app development journey today and contribute to the thriving e-commerce ecosystem!