A Shopify Podcast To Grow Revenue And Loyalty

Welcome to eCommerce Fastlane. Today, my guest is Matt O’Leary, who leads Technology Partnerships at Shopify Plus.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the evolving Shopify Plus Certified App Program and how it’s reshaping the way high-growth brands find and integrate the best technology partners. Matt has been instrumental in developing this program, ensuring that Shopify Plus merchants have access to best-in-class, pre-vetted technology solutions that enhance performance, security, and scalability.

Here’s what we cover in today’s conversation:

• Why the Plus Certified App Program was created – How it simplifies decision-making for high-growth brands.
• How Shopify Plus merchants benefit – The key factors that make an app Plus Certified and why it matters.
• The growing complexity of Shopify Plus brands – Why these businesses need more advanced solutions than standard Shopify merchants.
• The evolving technology landscape – Why consolidation in the app ecosystem is a game-changer for merchants.
• What’s next for the Plus Certified App Program – Future updates and how Shopify is refining the ecosystem for long-term merchant success.

If you’re a Shopify Plus merchant, tech partner, or eCommerce leader looking to maximize your app stack efficiency while ensuring seamless scalability, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

This is Matt’s Story:

Matt O’Leary is no stranger to technology and partnerships. Before joining Shopify Plus, he was a startup founder in Canada, gaining firsthand experience in scaling tech solutions. At Shopify, he leads the Technology Partnerships team, focused on ensuring high-growth brands can access the best software solutions to drive revenue and streamline operations.

With 7,000+ Shopify Plus merchants, including global brands like Staples, Lindt Chocolate, and Heinz, the need for vetted, high-performance apps is greater than ever. That’s where the Plus Certified App Program comes in—helping brands cut through the noise and implement pre-approved solutions that meet Shopify Plus standards.

Unlike the general Shopify App Store, the Plus Certified App Program is a curated selection of apps that have been rigorously tested for security, performance, and merchant support—helping brands avoid costly mistakes when choosing their tech stack.

Key Takeaways:

1️⃣ A More Streamlined App Ecosystem Shopify is evolving its app marketplace to make it easier for Plus merchants to find and integrate certified, high-performing solutions.

2️⃣ Why Vetting Matters for Scaling Brands High-growth brands have higher technical demands. The Plus Certified App Program ensures apps meet strict privacy, security, and performance standards.

3️⃣ Tech Consolidation = Simpler Operations More tech providers are merging features—offering multi-functional solutions like email, SMS, loyalty, and reviews in a single platform.

4️⃣ The Future of Shopify Plus Tech Partnerships Shopify is continually expanding its certified app directory, adding new partners in key areas like data analytics, automation, and omnichannel commerce.

5️⃣ Why Mid-Market Brands Should Prioritize Retention For Shopify Plus brands, focusing on customer retention, lifetime value, and opt-in strategies is more important than ever—especially as ad costs continue to rise.

Episode Summary:

The Shopify Plus Certified App Program: What Merchants Need to Know

• Why Plus merchants require a different level of tech solutions than standard Shopify stores.
• The biggest mistakes merchants make when choosing apps—and how Shopify is solving them.
• The importance of performance, support, security, and privacy in scaling brands.

How Tech Partnerships Are Shaping the Future of eCommerce

• The rise of all-in-one marketing platforms (email, SMS, loyalty, reviews) vs. standalone solutions.
• How Shopify’s app ecosystem is adapting to enterprise-level needs.
• Predictions for the next wave of eCommerce technology trends.

How Brands Can Leverage the Right Apps for Growth

• Why customer retention should be a primary focus for mid-market and Plus brands.
• How merchants can build stronger opt-in lists (email, SMS, push notifications, Messenger).
• The best strategies for leveraging certified apps to increase revenue and customer loyalty.

Links and Resources Mentioned

• Shopify Plus Certified App Partners
• Shopify Plus Certified App Program
• Apply to the Shopify Plus Certified App Program

Help Us Reach More Shopify Entrepreneurs

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