Welcome to this week’s Shop Pulse newsletter! Another quiet week in the Shopify ecosystem after the Summer edition storm has passed. Here’s what we have for you this week:

• Evolution of the app store search 🧬

• Merchant updates roundup 👁️

Evolution of the app store search 🧬

The changes made to the App Store search have led to a significant increase in search-initiated conversions. These conversions are now at their highest levels ever, even surpassing those before the redesign.

The improved search now incorporates more data from how merchants interact with search results, and this enhancement continues to evolve positively. By providing more relevant results to merchants, the need to artificially cram keywords into app descriptions is reduced — hence, the character limit on the app store’s listing page was reduced to 500 characters.

Moreover, the search feature has a mechanism that benefits smaller apps by boosting trending ones in search results.

While the exact algorithm remains undisclosed, factors like installation rates, ratings, and reviews are considered, with a preference for recent data.

For app developers seeking to enhance their app's search performance, the key lies in creating an excellent app (Built For Shopify) merchants appreciate, accompanied by a high-quality app listing.

Shopify did put out a feedback form as they look to continue their app store ranking system.

Merchant updates roundup 👁️

Shopify Flow gets 3 new tasks

1. Customer Tags Added Trigger: When customer tags are added, a workflow can be initiated. For instance, you could automatically set a metafield when a specific tag is added to a customer.

2. Customer Tags Removed Trigger: Similarly, when customer tags are removed, a workflow can be triggered. For example, you could send an internal email notification when a particular tag is removed from a customer.

3. Update Product Status Action: This action enables the modification of a product's status to either Archived, Draft, or Active. For instance, you might use this to activate a product on a future date or when it becomes available again.

Inventory columns can now be hidden or rearranged

This new feature allows users to personalize the appearance of columns on the inventory page. They can choose which columns are shown and arrange their order according to their preference.

This customization helps merchants declutter the inventory page by hiding irrelevant inventory states. Moreover, merchants can save these customized views, including specific columns, creating a tailored inventory management experience that aligns with their unique business processes.

Pulse Check ⚡️

1. The customer event, checkout_started, will now trigger for all checkout visits if you upgraded to checkout extensibility. Previously, it only triggered the first time you entered the checkout.

2. Now use price and category filters in Shopify Collective product search.

That's a wrap for this week! Join us over on Twitter to chat about all things e-commerce. It's like attending the coolest virtual shopping party – no long lines, pushy salespeople, or shopping cart collisions in sight (@theshoppulse )