Become a Shopify Partner: Unlock Revenue OpportunitiesTable of ContentsIntroductionThe Impact of Built for ShopifyNew Perks for BFS AppsUpdated Criteria for Built for Shopify AppsAnnual Renewal ReviewsConclusionFAQIntroductionImagine having the ability to unlock new revenue streams, enhance your business expertise, and achieve accelerated growth—all through a single partnership. The Shopify Partner Program offers unparalleled opportunities for developers and businesses to grow within the Shopify ecosystem. As traffic in the e-commerce space continues to surge, having access to innovative tools and resources is more crucial than ever. This blog post aims to shed light on the recently announced updates to the Built for Shopify (BFS) program, which further elevate Shopify apps' visibility, credibility, and performance. We will detail the new perks, outline updated criteria, and explain how these changes can be a game-changer for both existing and prospective Shopify partners.So, whether you're already a Shopify partner looking to leverage these updates or someone contemplating joining the program, continue reading to discover the vast potential that lies ahead.The Impact of Built for ShopifyLaunched over a year ago, the Built for Shopify program has been a revolutionary platform for apps within the Shopify App Store. Its impact is evident from the numbers alone: apps with BFS status witness an average increase of 49% in new installs within just two weeks of achieving the status. The program champions apps built to Shopify's highest standards for ease of use, design, and performance, ensuring both merchants and end-users get the best Shopify experience.Elevated Visibility and CredibilityAchieving BFS status does more than just stamp your app with a badge of honor. It integrates your app seamlessly with Shopify’s ecosystem, enhancing its visibility and credibility. Apps that meet BFS criteria are consistently highlighted as superior in quality, leading to greater trust and higher installation rates from merchants. This dual benefit is a powerful driver for any app aiming to gain traction and grow.New Perks for BFS AppsShopify has announced exciting new incentives that make the BFS program even more rewarding for developers. These updates, set to take effect in January 2025, aim to provide deeper, more meaningful engagement with the right merchant audiences.Merchant Plan-Based Ads TargetingOne of the new perks allows BFS apps to target App Store search ads to specific merchant plans. Whether you want to focus on Plus merchants or Shopify Retail merchants, this enhanced targeting capability ensures you reach the exact segment of users who are most likely to benefit from your app. This precision targeting maximizes your app's visibility and optimizes your advertising spend, offering a significant return on investment.Standalone Search FilterTo further boost discoverability, BFS apps will now be easier to find via a standalone search filter. Previously hidden within the “Refine” group of filters, this dedicated filter allows merchants to pinpoint BFS apps more effectively. This update means that your app stands a higher chance of being discovered, leading to increased installations and user engagement.Updated Criteria for Built for Shopify AppsTo maintain the highest standards of quality and integration, Shopify is raising the bar for BFS apps. These updates include both general criteria that apply to all BFS apps and category-specific criteria tailored to diverse app functionalities.General CriteriaThe overarching criteria focus on ensuring that BFS apps offer seamless integration with Shopify’s admin interface and across buyer surfaces. These include factors like user experience, performance metrics, and design standards. Adhering to these rigorous standards helps maintain a consistent level of excellence across the Shopify App Store.Category-Specific CriteriaIn addition to general criteria, Shopify has expanded its requirements to cover more app categories. This approach ensures that apps meet specialized performance and integration standards relevant to their specific functionalities. Developers must now identify the appropriate category or categories their apps belong to and comply with the corresponding criteria. Adhering to these requirements will be crucial for maintaining BFS status.Annual Renewal ReviewsStarting in January 2025, Shopify will implement annual renewal reviews for all BFS apps. This yearly checkpoint ensures that apps continue to meet the evolving BFS standards. Apps failing to comply will enter a 60-day grace period to address any issues before they lose their BFS status. This process underscores Shopify’s commitment to upholding the highest quality standards and enhances the overall reliability of apps listed on the platform.Plus Certified App ProgramSpecial attention is given to Shopify’s Plus Certified App Program (PCAP). Beginning June 2025, apps within the PCAP must also comply with all BFS criteria. This integration ensures a uniform set of high-quality standards across all certified apps, reinforcing the integrity and trustworthiness of the Shopify app ecosystem.ConclusionThe updated Built for Shopify program offers unparalleled opportunities for developers to not only enhance their apps but also significantly boost their visibility and installation rates. By adhering to the new criteria and leveraging new perks like targeted ads and enhanced search filters, developers can look forward to accelerated growth and deeper engagement within the Shopify ecosystem.Becoming a Shopify Partner is more than just an opportunity; it’s a pivotal step toward growing your digital business. Stay ahead of the curve by complying with the updated standards and leveraging the new incentives to make the most out of this powerful program.FAQWhat are the main benefits of achieving Built for Shopify status?Built for Shopify status elevates your app’s credibility and visibility, leading to increased installs and user engagement. It also ensures your app meets high standards of performance and integration within the Shopify ecosystem.What new perks come with the latest BFS updates?The new perks include the ability to target App Store search ads to specific merchant plans and a dedicated standalone search filter for BFS apps, enhancing discoverability and advertising efficiency.What are the updated criteria for BFS apps?The updated criteria encompass general standards that all BFS apps must meet, along with category-specific requirements. These criteria ensure seamless integration and superior performance of apps across various functionalities within Shopify.How do the annual renewal reviews work?Starting January 2025, BFS apps will undergo annual reviews to ensure they meet the updated standards. Apps failing to comply will enter a 60-day grace period to address any issues before losing their BFS status.What is the significance of updates to the Plus Certified App Program?From June 2025, Plus Certified App Program apps must comply with all BFS criteria, ensuring a consistent quality standard across all certified apps. This update aims to elevate the overall reliability and trustworthiness of the Shopify app ecosystem.