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Markdown previewshopify-app-onboarding-checklist.md
# Shopify App Onboarding Checklist Use this when designing or reviewing onboarding for a Shopify app. The target is merchant first value, not just installation. ## 1. Install And Trust - [ ] App listing explains the merchant problem clearly. - [ ] Screenshots show the real merchant workflow. - [ ] Permissions are justified in plain language. - [ ] Pricing is visible before installation. - [ ] Reviews, support channels, and documentation are easy to find. - [ ] Install flow preserves context from the app listing. ## 2. First Run - [ ] The app confirms the store context. - [ ] The merchant understands what to do first. - [ ] Required setup steps are separated from optional enhancements. - [ ] Empty states include examples or defaults. - [ ] The app avoids asking for every setting upfront. - [ ] The merchant can leave and resume setup. ## 3. Store Data And Integrations - [ ] Product, customer, order, discount, and theme dependencies are explicit. - [ ] Missing data states are handled. - [ ] Sync progress is visible when data import takes time. - [ ] Sync failure messages include recovery actions. - [ ] External integrations explain why they are needed. - [ ] Permissions and scopes are reviewed before launch. ## 4. Merchant First Value - [ ] The activation milestone is defined. - [ ] The app helps the merchant create or enable something useful. - [ ] Preview states show what shoppers or staff will see. - [ ] The merchant can test safely before publishing. - [ ] Default recommendations reduce decision load. - [ ] The next best action is visible after activation. ## 5. Admin UX - [ ] Navigation labels match merchant language. - [ ] Settings are grouped by workflow. - [ ] Risky actions require confirmation. - [ ] Save states are clear. - [ ] The app handles slow Shopify API responses gracefully. - [ ] Tables, filters, and bulk actions work on smaller screens when relevant. ## 6. Commerce Growth - [ ] The app explains how it improves revenue, conversion, retention, or operations. - [ ] Analytics connect app usage to merchant outcomes. - [ ] Merchants can understand what changed after enabling the app. - [ ] Upsell prompts are tied to value moments. - [ ] Trial reminders are helpful and not aggressive. - [ ] Billing changes are clear. ## 7. Support And Recovery - [ ] Documentation links are contextual. - [ ] Support contact is visible during setup failure. - [ ] The merchant can undo or disable the app behavior. - [ ] Theme changes or storefront effects are documented. - [ ] App uninstall behavior is explained. - [ ] Known limitations are honest and findable. ## 8. Launch QA - [ ] Test with a development store. - [ ] Test with a store that has very few products. - [ ] Test with a large catalog. - [ ] Test permission denial. - [ ] Test billing failure or plan downgrade. - [ ] Test install, uninstall, and reinstall. - [ ] Verify analytics events for install, setup, activation, and upgrade.