Launching a product on the Salesforce AppExchange is like setting off on a road trip. You wouldn't just jump in the car without a map or a place to crash, right?

Well, the same goes for launching a killer product! It's all about careful planning and hitting the right milestones along the way.

We’re here to break down the stages of the AppExchange product journey and see how to ace each step without breaking a sweat.

Stage 1: Plan

The foundation of your AppExchange success should be in your meticulous planning. Define your target audience, articulate your business strategy, and determine which Salesforce editions and license types align with your goals.

Prioritize security considerations and ensure your team is well-versed with the Salesforce platform through resources like Trailhead. By crafting a solid plan and sticking to it, you set the stage for success.

Stage 2: Build

With a solid plan in place, it's time to bring your vision to life. Utilize second-generation managed packaging to streamline development and packaging operations. Leverage tools like Salesforce CLI and automation scripts to enhance efficiency.

While your technology team focuses on development, your business team formulates a robust go-to-market strategy encompassing marketing, sales, and support initiatives.

Stage 3: Distribute

As your solution takes shape, it's ready to be unleashed to the world. Package your app using managed 2GP and create an AppExchange listing to initiate the final review process. Embrace the comprehensive security review as a crucial step towards ensuring the integrity and trustworthiness of your offering.

Stage 4: Market

With your product primed for launch, it's time to captivate your audience. Engage in targeted outreach efforts, harness marketing opportunities at partner events, and optimize your AppExchange listing to maximize visibility.

Leverage insights from the Partner Marketing team to refine your strategies and position your product effectively in the marketplace.

Stage 5: Sell

The pivotal moment arrives as you endeavor to convert leads into loyal customers. Equip your sales team with the tools and knowledge they need to effectively engage prospects, qualify leads, and deliver compelling demos.

Collaborate closely with Partner Account Managers and Salesforce's direct sales teams to drive new leads and nurture existing relationships.

Stage 6: Support

As customers embark on their journey with your solution, prioritize their success by providing unwavering support and continuous improvement.

Implement a robust customer success framework, leverage tools like Push Upgrades and Subscriber Support Console to address issues promptly, and gather insights to inform iterative enhancements. Remember, customer success is the cornerstone of sustained growth and advocacy.

Keep in Mind…

Getting through the lifecycle of a Salesforce product on the AppExchange takes serious planning, hard work, and sticking to it. But if you tackle each stage of the AppExchange lifecycle with focus and determination, you'll have your company set up for success with the innovation flowing.

As you dive into your Salesforce AppExchange adventure, don’t forget to tap into all of Modelit’s awesome resources to keep things on track toward success.

‍