Stores & marketplaces

Salesforce AppExchange

Large buyer base, with a security review and a heavy process for a solo builder.

Visit appexchange.salesforce.com
Cost
Free + required fee

Security review and listing fees apply. Check current terms.

Verdict
long shot

Long shot: a large buyer base, but the security review is heavy for a solo builder.

Difficulty
Hard

Gatekept or reviewed, or needs an existing audience or reviews first.

Effort
High

About 10 or more hours a month, mostly during launches or a regular posting habit.

First result
3 to 6 months

A rough range for one person working on it part-time.

Payoff
Compounds

keeps growing while you keep at it.

Best for

Enterprise-focused products with a partner team.

Not for

Solo builders without a budget for the security review.

Pros

  • Large enterprise buyer base
  • High-value deals

Cons

  • Security review and fees
  • Heavy for a solo builder

The full guide

Last verified 2026-10-30

Links checked 2026-10-30 · All links answer

01What it is and who is there

Salesforce AppExchange is the marketplace for apps that extend Salesforce. Enterprise buyers and admins use it to find tools, and deals can be large. Apps go through a security review before listing, which takes time and has fees. For a solo builder, it is a long shot unless the product is clearly enterprise-focused.

02Cost and what you actually pay for

Salesforce sets fees for the security review and partner program. Check the current partner terms and review fees before you start.

03Is it right for you?

It fits enterprise-focused products that integrate deeply with Salesforce, with a team that can handle a security review. It fits poorly for solo builders, small budgets and products with light Salesforce use.

04Before you start

  • Join the Salesforce partner program.
  • Read the AppExchange security review requirements and current fees.
  • Plan for documentation, support and security testing.

05Step-by-step: how to distribute here

  1. Build the app and test it in a developer org.
  2. Prepare for the security review, following Salesforce's checklist.
  3. Submit for review and fix the issues found.
  4. Create the AppExchange listing with demos and docs.
  5. Work with early customers for reviews and case studies.

06What to post or submit

Listing headline:

[Product] for Salesforce: [business result] for [team]

07Common mistakes and do-nots

  • Do not start the review without budget and time.
  • Do not underestimate security requirements.
  • Do not list without documentation and support.

08How to measure it

  • Track listing views, test drives and leads.
  • Track deal size and sales cycle.
  • A realistic test: six months.

09Time budget

  • Before: 60 or more hours, plus review time.
  • Ongoing: 5 to 10 hours a month.

10Pair it with

11Sources

Sources