Salesforce is a leader in customer relationship management solutions. Its tools help businesses of all sizes improve their operations. Though it is extremely customizable, it is not a one-size-fits-all product, as each business has its own set of requirements.
One of the top features of Salesforce that enhances its flexibility is the AppExchange. This is a comprehensive marketplace for businesses to find apps that extend their CRM capabilities. The apps available on this marketplace are built by third-party developers, and can be seamlessly integrated with Salesforce.
But what exactly is the AppExchange, and what is its importance for businesses? Let's dive in.
What is Salesforce AppExchange?
Salesforce AppExchange is an app store for business apps. It was launched in 2006, and now it's the world's largest marketplace for enterprise cloud applications. Smartphones have App Store and Play Store to download and install apps, likewise, Salesforce has the AppExchange for users to find solutions and apps to cater to their business needs.
According to Salesforce, more than 91% of its customers, from small businesses to enterprise companies, have installed at least one app from the AppExchange.
How Does Salesforce AppExchange Work?
The first step to launch your solution on the AppExchange is to join the Salesforce Partner Program. Only partners are authorized to create and publish extensions to Salesforce. Let's see how AppExchange works.
The 3-Step Process
- Create: First,begin by creating a solution. The solution could be a custom tab, an extension, a component, or anything that can be used by Salesforce users to improve their business processes.
- Publish: Next, register, package, and then publish it to the AppExchange platform. To meet Salesforce's standards, create a demo of the solution's functionality to help users understand how it works before installing.
- Installation: Finally, browse through the AppExchange options and select the solution that can enhance your Salesforce experience.
Before selecting a solution, customers can:
- Check demos and conduct a test drive: Take advantage of free trials to see how it works. Also, read reviews from other customers who have already used the solution to make an informed decision.
- Install and deploy: Install thesolution, give required permissions to specific users, and deploy to start using the features instantly.
How to Find Apps in Salesforce AppExchange
Here are some ways to find applications on Salesforce AppExchange.
- Search Bar: The simplest way to find apps on AppExchange. Just type the app name in the search bar and select the one you need.
For example, to search for a sales automation solution, enter “sales automation” and hit enter. The first app that is displayed is the popular app on the AppExchange.
- Search by Salesforce Product Collection: You can search for apps by product category.
For example, if you need apps related to Sales Cloud or Commerce Cloud, just search in the respective product collections.
- Search in Industry Collections: Somesolutions are designed to meet specific industry demands.
For example, if you need a marketing solution, healthcare, or any other industry-specific solution, search in the respective industry verticals.
You can also search for apps based on solution type, features, capabilities, and your business needs.
When you are searching for apps, you will find native and non-native Salesforce apps. You need to understand the difference between them to find the right app for your business.
Difference Between Native and Non-Native Apps
Apps that are built on the Salesforce platform are native apps, while those that are not entirely built on the platform are non-native apps. Native apps are connected to the platform by default, while non-native apps must be connected manually to the Salesforce platform.
While it's your business's requirement to choose between native and non-native apps, choosing native apps has some key benefits, such as:
- No integration needed: Since native apps are built on the platform, you don't have to connect the app with Salesforce, allowing seamless product usage. Additionally, users can install and maintain native apps effortlessly.
- Data accuracy: Native apps have smooth connection with the Salesforce platform. Therefore, the data is accurate as it doesn't have to flow from one system to another.
- Common object model: Native apps have a common object model with Salesforce, and they can work with standard Salesforce objects like accounts and opportunities.
- Single login and more secure: Native apps can be accessed with existing Salesforce login credentials, and based on the user's profile, respective access levels can be granted. However, non-native apps may require separate access setup.
7 Key Features and Benefits of Salesforce AppExchange
Salesforce AppExchange offers the best features and benefits, making it the preferred platform for businesses.
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A Wide Range of App Selection
Salesforce AppExchange has over 7,000 solutions across marketing, sales, finance, and more. AppExchange has an app for every business requirement. There is a huge repository of analytics tools, project management tools, and automation tools to help your business grow.
Fun Fact: 40% of all apps on AppExchange are free! Just visit the all apps page and sort by “free” on the left menu.
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Seamless Integration
Every app available in the store will seamlessly integrate with Salesforce, putting an end to complex and time-consuming integrations. This gives users a hassle-free experience.
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Improved Data Management
Data is the backbone for any modern business. Salesforce AppExchange has several data management apps that enable businesses to capture, store, and analyze data with precision. These apps help businesses to gain valuable insights, make data-driven decisions, and unlock new growth opportunities.
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Quality Assurance Guaranteed
All the available apps on AppExchange undergo a thorough quality assurance process to not just guarantee their reliability but also comply with Salesforce best practices.
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Enhanced Collaboration and Productivity
SalesforceAppExchange has numerous apps and collaboration tools that help businesses enhance collaboration and productivity. These apps facilitate seamless communication, document sharing, and project management, helping teams to coordinate and work together remotely.
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Cost-effective
Building apps from scratch is time-consuming and increases the time to market for businesses. As an alternative, there are several pre-built solutions on the AppExchange that are ready to use to meet your business needs. Many apps also have free trials to assess their functionality before making a purchase. Therefore, you can avoid overspending while finding the right fit solution.
With a vast selection of customizable apps, the AppExchange empowers businesses to tailor their Salesforce environment without the cost or complexity of building solutions from scratch.
Pro Tip!!
Want to reduce spending but not performance?
“Check out our blog on Salesforce License Optimization: 5 Best Strategies to Cut Costs.”
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Ratings and Reviews
Users can rate and review apps on AppExchange, enabling businesses to decide easily before a purchase. This fosters a transparent and collaborative environment to make informed choices.
How Do I Get Started Using AppExchange?
Now that you have experienced the features and benefits of the platform, learn how to get started with AppExchange.
- Set Goals: Outline your short-term and long-term goals. Having clear goals will help in searching for the specific solution you need on the AppExchange platform, which eventually helps in identifying KPIs and tracking your organizational performance easily.
- Allocate Budget: Budget playsa prominent role in deciding on the tools and solutions one can afford. Salesforce AppExchange has solutions with diverse pricing options for you to choose one that best suits and fits your budget.
- Master the Platform: Educate yourself about platform features to maximize its effectiveness. Salesforce offers a fun way to learn a platform called Trailhead, which has structured learning paths to help you use applications effortlessly. Moreover, you can go through the user guides from developers to better understand their offerings.
- Read Reviews: Read other users' experiences of using the app to know its limitations. Assess factors such as availability of customer support, ease of use, and customer satisfaction.
- Test Before You Purchase: The last step is testing the application functionalities in real-time to assess if they fit your organization's needs.
Who Can Use the AppExchange?
There is a myth that only specific individuals can access the Salesforce AppExchange platform but in reality, it is designed for:
- Salesforce Users: Businesses that use Salesforce to manage their operations.
- Salesforce Developers: The technical experts who create apps to expand Salesforce functionality.
- Salesforce Consultants: Specialists who advise businesses about specific Salesforce solutions suitable for them.
- Independent Software Vendors (ISVs): Companies that develop and sell applications on the platform independently.
Conclusion
More than a marketplace, Salesforce AppExchange is a strategic platform and ecosystem to enhance organizational capabilities through its wide range of applications. Choose the right solution to boost productivity, scale effectively, improve customer satisfaction, and grow rapidly to stay ahead of the competition.
Whether you are just getting started with Salesforce or looking to enhance your existing setup, V-Soft Consulting can maximize the value of your Salesforce investment.
FAQs
- Do I need coding skills to use apps from AppExchange?
Not necessarily, as many apps are just plug-and-play. Some of the apps offer low-code customization, and users require minimal technical skills to access.
- Are the apps on Salesforce AppExchange free?
No. Some apps are free, and a few offers free trials. Most apps have subscription-based pricing models.
- Can I customize AppExchange apps to better suit my business processes?
Yes, you can customize using the built-in settings or using Salesforce's low-code tools.
- How can I decide if the app fits my business requirements?
Apps on the AppExchange offer demos and customer success stories to help you decide. Besides, you can even check reviews and ratings given by users who have already used the apps. Additionally, check pricing, customer service availability, and make a decision.
- Are the apps listed on Salesforce AppExchange secure?
Yes. All apps go through a stringent Salesforce security review before they are listed on the platform.
- What are the popular app categories commonly used from AppExchange?
Popular categories include analytics, sales automation, marketing, customer service, and project management.
