From Developer to Entrepreneur: How to Build an App Business
It could start with an “aha” moment or be something that’s been nagging at you for years, but no matter how that great idea arises, there’s nothing like the rush of excitement that comes along with an idea. But oftentimes, that’s as far as it goes — it’s just an idea. How do you convert that passion into a business? The first step can be the hardest to take in the journey to becoming an entrepreneur — but it doesn’t have to be. Take the first step with AppExchange, the #1 enterprise cloud marketplace, and learn everything you need to know to get going.
Buckle up and start taking notes as you check out these key tips to building a successful app business.
Customer-centricity is the key to success
What makes an idea great? How do you know that someone is willing to buy your product or service? Before you dive headfirst into an idea, take a step back. Your customers are the key to success, so make sure you know who your end customer is and what your idea solves for. Do you truly understand your customers’ needs and pain points? Once you realize their challenges then you’ll be well-positioned to meet and exceed their expectations.
Learn how to build your app business on AppExchange >
Build impactful solutions
Once you confirm that your app will deliver on your customers’ needs, the next step is to ensure it will create an impact. At Salesforce, there are three key ways to think about bringing your apps to AppExchange:
- Is your app looking to extend Salesforce for existing customers? Consider whether your technology could enhance Salesforce’s capabilities and our customer’s investment in Salesforce.
- Does your app fill a Salesforce whitespace? This is a big area of opportunity for partners. You can help Salesforce create more robust solutions that help fill gaps in our technology.
- Does your app serve a niche or industry need? If you specialize in a particular industry, your app can often be sold to any business whether they are a Salesforce customer or not. Your expertise goes a long way in delivering world-class solutions to the vast spectrum of industries across the ecosystem.
These three areas should give you a better idea of how to frame your app value proposition and where it can fit within AppExchange.
Tap a community with tools and resources
You’re not alone when you’re an AppExchange partner. We understand everything it takes to build, launch, and distribute your solution — all while continuing to innovate. That’s why the Partner Community exists. It’s the one-stop-shop for all of the tools and resources you need to succeed as a partner.
Get access to partner technology to run a better business including:
- App Analytics: Understand how customers are adopting and using your AppExchange app
- Einstein Analytics: Visualize and get insights from your customer usage data
- Salesforce Connect: Deliver connected solution experiences and Salesforce Communities to your customers so that they can expand their business processes to their own customers, extending collaboration and providing a single system of engagement
In addition to the above technology, there is a multitude of articles, guides, and webinars that you can access to help take your solution to greater heights.
Take a tour of the Partner Community >
Focus where it matters
80% of all SaaS apps are the same. They are made up of capabilities such as user provisioning, upgrades, security models, and authentication. They also contain core capabilities like language and workflows. So why spend your time on the 80% when it’s the 20% that will make you stand out from the rest? As an AppExchange partner, Salesforce gives you all of these features right out of the box as well as additional technology to help you with distribution like packaging, trials, license management, and customer support. It allows you to focus on the 20% where it matters as well as deliver amazing innovation to your customers.
Learn about AppExchange app development >
Deliver trust to your customers
In today’s day and age, trust is everything. At Salesforce, trust is our #1 value. We make a commitment to our customers to protect their data at all costs, and this extends to all Salesforce partners. Our Security Review team manages the thorough and diligent process that all partners must go through before listing their app on AppExchange. Security review detects any vulnerabilities that may exist in an application’s code. It also provides customers with confidence when installing your app, knowing that any AppExchange offering provides the highest level of protection for their data.
Learn more about AppExchange security review >
If you’re still feeling that energized, can’t-sit-still excitement, it’s time to get moving. Get on the path to your entrepreneurial journey today with Salesforce. Become a partner and share your innovation with the world.
