Building a Shopify app is a great step toward growing your tech business, but making it available on the app store doesn’t mean merchants will start downloading it right away.
Many apps sit on the Shopify App Store without attention, traffic, or reviews.
To turn your app into a success, you need the right strategy to get more installs.
This blog will help you do just that. We’ll walk you through common reasons apps don’t get downloaded and 11 proven ways to bring in more users—no fluff, no jargon.
Struggling to Get Installs for Your Shopify App?
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Why Your Shopify App Is Not Getting Installs?
Before we get into what works, let’s talk about what might be going wrong. Here are the most common reasons apps get low installs on the Shopify App Store:
Weak App Listing Page
If your app description is confusing, too technical, or missing screenshots, store owners will likely skip it. First impressions matter.
No Keyword Targeting
If your listing doesn’t include keywords that merchants are typing in the search bar, your app won’t even show up.
Lack of Social Proof
No reviews or outdated reviews create doubt. Users prefer apps with active installs and fresh feedback.
No Free Trial or Free Plan
If users have to pay before trying your app, many will hesitate or never click install.
Poor Support
Apps that don’t respond to queries or don’t guide new users properly often get uninstalled quickly.
If any of these issues sound familiar, don’t worry. Below are 11 solid ways to fix them and increase your Shopify app installs.
Here are the most effective strategies that can help you bring in more users and grow your app business.
1. Write a Clear, Keyword-Rich App Description
Don’t write like a developer. Write like someone explaining to a store owner in simple words. Use bullet points, short sentences, and real-world benefits.
Quick tips:
Keep the first three lines powerful—they show before the “Read More” button.
Add keywords like “Shopify discount app” or “Shopify cart reminder” naturally in your text.
Use actual examples of what your app solves.
2. Use Targeted Keywords in the App Title and Subtitle
Shopify’s internal search engine is like Google. It scans titles, subtitles, and descriptions for relevant keywords.
How to fix:
Use tools like Ubersuggest or Google Keyword Planner to find what store owners search for.
Add those terms to your app title and summary on the App Store.
3. Offer a Free Trial or a Starter Plan
If users can’t try your app without paying, many will never give it a chance. Offering a trial builds trust and allows users to test your features.
Best practice:
Offer a 7 or 14-day trial.
Keep the setup simple.
Add trial reminders inside the app to help convert them later.
4. Collect At Least 10 User Reviews Early
People trust reviews. A Shopify app with 0 reviews often gets ignored—even if it’s great.
Ways to get them:
Ask beta testers to leave honest feedback.
After resolving a support ticket, kindly ask for a review.
Use in-app popups or emails after users finish a key action.
5. Build a Small, Focused Landing Page
Your app store listing is not enough. A landing page gives users another place to understand what your app does and how to install it.
Include on your page:
App name, description, and benefits
Screenshots or a short video demo
One install button leading to the Shopify App Store
Contact info and a short FAQ
6. Share the App on Forums and Groups
Shopify Facebook groups, Reddit, and other forums are filled with store owners looking for app suggestions.
Tips:
Join groups where merchants talk about real problems.
Don’t just drop links—talk about use cases, then share your app.
Answer questions like “what’s the best app for…?” with your honest insights.
7. Make a Quick Setup Video
A 2-minute YouTube video or app demo can do better than a long written guide. Store owners like visual content.
What to include:
A voiceover explaining features
Screen recording of the installation and first steps
Link to install the app in the video description
8. Offer Fast, Friendly Support
Apps with slow or no replies often get negative reviews. Merchants need help quickly, especially during setup.
How to improve:
Use a live chat tool like Tidio or Crisp.
Add a contact button inside the app.
Reply to all emails within 24 hours.
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9. Get Listed on Review Sites
Apart from Shopify’s store, people search on other platforms to compare apps.
Where to list your app:
G2
Capterra
GetApp
Software Advice
Ask your happy users to leave reviews on these platforms. It adds extra trust.
10. Partner with Shopify Agencies
Agencies help merchants set up their stores and often recommend apps they trust. If your app solves real problems, they’ll likely support it.
Offer a referral link or a small reward for installs.
Make a special agency support plan or quick start guide.
11. Start Small Paid Ads to Retarget Visitors
Running ads can be expensive, but retargeting is affordable and effective. It focuses only on people who have already seen your app or landing page.
Start with:
Facebook or Instagram ads
Google remarketing (using app name or keywords)
A $10–$20 daily budget to test what works
Common Mistakes That Stop App Installs (And What to Do Instead)
Sometimes, small issues in your app listing or marketing approach can block users from installing your app. Here’s a quick side-by-side look at what many developers do wrong—and how to fix it.
What Not to Do
What to Do Instead
Long, technical descriptions
Write short, clear text with real examples
No free trial or plan
Offer a 7-day trial or a free starter plan
No reviews
Ask early users to leave short, honest feedback
Only relying on Shopify search
Build a landing page and share it on other channels
No screenshots or video demo
Add 3–4 screenshots and a 2-minute setup video
No clear contact or help option
Add live chat or a support button inside the app
Generic app name with no keywords
Use a keyword-based name and subtitle
Ignoring forums or Shopify communities
Join active groups and answer merchant questions
This table helps you quickly see what changes can lead to more installs, even without running ads.
Work With CartCoders to Grow Your Shopify App
At CartCoders, we don’t just build Shopify apps—we help you make them successful. From idea to development, and from publishing to increasing downloads, we help you at every stage.
We also help with:
Custom Shopify app development
App listing optimization
App store SEO
Performance fixes and support setup
Marketing assets like landing pages and demo videos
Growing your Shopify app downloads doesn’t happen overnight. But with small steps done consistently, your app can start gaining attention, reviews, and paying users.
Write clear content, support your users quickly, share your app in the right places, and keep improving your listing. You don’t need a big budget—just focus on solving real problems clearly and helpfully.
Let your app speak for itself. And when you need a team to build, support, or scale your app, CartCoders is here to help.
As the CTO at Shiv Technolabs & CartCoders, I am liable for instigating, planning, integrating, and implementing the organization's strategic orientation.
I gather the most significant tech news in addition to sharing the information I gained while serving as the CTO of Shiv Technolabs, a renowned web and mobile app development company. I am pleased to answer questions as a most valuable expert for Shiv Technolabs Private Limited and to share my experience. I offer a keen insider's perspective on technical advancements.
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