Editor's Note
Keeping it light today.
This is a founder’s mailbag issue. These are questions I’ve seen repeatedly across emails, DMs, calls, and comments.
Short questions. Straight answers. No fluff.
At the end, I’m also sharing a new podcast episode with Shaan Arora (Alia Popups) and a big update on their recent acquisition.
Let’s go.
Founder’s Mailbag
7 questions Shopify app founders asked me last month
Hello Founders,
Today, i will cover the top 7 questions shopify app founders asked me last month. I will head straight to the questions:
“Do agency partnerships actually work?”
- Yes, but it’s not easy. Smaller agencies and consultants move faster. Bigger agencies care more about reputation than commission. The right way to start is a one-store pilot with a clear setup, clear verification, and a recap in 7 days.“How do I pick the right partners for cross-marketing?”
- Pick complementary apps that share the same merchant type. Keep the first swap simple: 7-day newsletter mention or an in-app placement, one tracking link, and a 7-day recap. If it works once, schedule the second swap immediately.“Should I start App Store ads now or wait?”
- Start only after your listing and onboarding are solid. Ads bring installs fast, but if activation is weak, you’re paying to lose. Fix the install-to-first-win path first, then scale paid.“What’s one onboarding change that improves retention quickly?”
- Add a “Verify it’s live” step. A lot of churn happens because merchants are not sure the app is working. If you help them confirm success in the first session, you reduce silent churn.“How do I get more reviews without risking policy issues?”
- Ask after a clear success moment, not after a calendar date. Keep the message short. Never ask for a positive review, and never offer incentives. Just keep an eye out for those happy moments and ask to share feedback.“Do I need Built for Shopify to grow?”
- It helps, but it’s not the only lever. The fundamentals still win: faster activation, reliable outcomes, clean support, and a strong listing. BFS amplifies momentum, but it can’t replace product value.“What should I focus on this quarter if I feel stuck?”
- Pick one engine and run it weekly:activation improvements
retention loop and win-backs
partnerships (apps + agencies)
Do not try to do all three at once. One engine, one rhythm, every week.
If you want your question answered next, reply to this email with:
Your app category
the one problem you’re stuck on right now
I’ll pick the best questions and include them in the next mailbag, and will also write to you personally with a detailed response with a full execution play.
Podcast update:
New episode for the Shopify App Founder’s Edition Podcast is now live with Shaan Arora, CEO at Alia Popups: https://youtu.be/jQmSuQ8eqwY
Why you should watch:
Shaan shares how he scaled Alia from $0 to $8M ARR
The company has been acquired by Dotdigital (deal value up to $60M)
He breaks down what actually worked, what didn’t, and the habits that helped him stay consistent
If you watch the episode, do me a quick favor:
like the video
subscribe to the channel
leave a thoughtful comment
Those comments help the episode reach more Shopify founders.
Till next time,
Best- Yuvraj Kewate
