As Shopify continues to be the leading e-commerce platform for brands worldwide, tracking and analyzing how users discover your app in the Shopify App Store has never been more critical. For Shopify app developers and marketers, understanding which search terms drive traffic to your app listing is key to optimizing visibility, conversions, and installs. And that’s where Google Analytics 4 (GA4) steps in.
In this, we’ll walk you through how to track Shopify App Store search terms in GA4, what this data means for your growth strategy, and how WebPlanex helps you unlock the full potential of your Shopify app with advanced tracking.
Why Shopify App Store Search Tracking Matters
Just like ranking on Google, visibility on the Shopify App Store can make or break your app’s success. Users often search using intent-based keywords like “email marketing”, “boost page speed”, or “bundle app”. If you’re not tracking these queries, you’re missing out on valuable insights.
How Can You Track Shopify App Store Searches in GA4?
Yes, we can track the Shopify app store search terms report in Google Analytics, but with some limitations. Unlike websites you own, the Shopify App Store is a third-party platform. That means direct integration is not straightforward. However, by setting up custom GA4 tracking on your app’s website (or embedded app dashboard) and using UTMs and referral paths, you can capture useful data such as:
- Which campaigns or sources drive traffic to your app listing
- What keywords do users search before landing on your app
- Click events from CTA buttons (e.g., “Install App”)
Here’s a polished, step-by-step guide modeled after the SaaS Insights approach on tracking your Shopify App Store search terms and install clicks in GA4 — tailored for better app marketing insights, in the style you requested:
Step-by-Step: Track Shopify App Store Search Terms & Installs in GA4
Shopify doesn’t natively provide App Store search data—but with GA4, UTM parameters, and built-in event tracking, you can reconstruct what matters most: what merchants search, view, and install.
1. Setup GA4 for Your App Listing
- Go to Google Analytics and create a new GA4 property (if you don’t already have one)
- Under Admin → Data Streams → Web, add your Shopify app listing URL (if you haven’t added)
- Configure Advanced Enhanced Measurements Settings & Set Site Search
- Copy the Measurement ID & Add in Shopify Admin Portal (if you haven’t added)
2. Generate API Secret
- In GA4 Data Stream settings, click “Measurement Protocol API Secret.”
- Create and copy the API Secret for server-side event flow
3. Custom Definitions
- You can use custom definitions to provide more data regarding your application interactions etc.
click on “custom definitions” and then “Create custom dimension”
Enter “shop_id” into the dimension name and event parameter & create other dimensions
Now Custom definitions should be visible
4. Set a goal
- To track conversions, add shopify_app_install
- Shopify Partner Portal
- Log into the Shopify Portal
- Open your app
Choose Apps from the left menu.
Choose your app from here.
Then click the Distribution in the left menu.
Then click the Manage Listing button
5. Enter Google Analytics Information
scroll down to the Tracking Information section and enter your Measurement ID and API Secret into the corresponding fields. Then scroll down and click Save & Publish.
Now you are all set up to track page views and conversions.
Why This Works
- Captures install behavior directly via GA4
- Leverages Shopify’s embedded search parameter tracking (surface_detail)—no scraping required
- Reveals real merchant intent, not just generic app metrics
- Enables data-driven optimization of your listing and keyword strategy
How Can You See Exact Shopify App Store Search Terms?
Here’s the catch: Shopify currently doesn’t offer direct access to search terms users typed in the App Store before viewing or installing your app. Unlike Google Search Console for websites, Shopify’s app ecosystem lacks a native keyword insights dashboard.
However, you can approximate this data using the following, as Shopify passes additional URL parameters when a merchant visits your app listing from the Shopify App Store.
- Query string tracking via UTM links:
- Search term reports from Google Ads (if you’re running paid campaigns)
- Feedback from app reviews or user surveys
- Shopify App Analytics (for impressions, clicks, and installs)
How WebPlanex Helps App Developers Track and Optimize Better
At WebPlanex, we’ve worked with hundreds of Shopify app developers to help them track, analyze, and scale their presence in the Shopify App Store. Here’s how we help:
Custom GA4 & GTM Setup
We implement advanced GA4 configurations with event tracking, conversion funnels, and UTM management tailored for your app.
Shopify App Store Analytics Reporting
We create dashboards using GA4 + Looker Studio to visualize referral traffic, app install behavior, and campaign ROI.
SEO Optimization for App Listings
We audit and optimize your Shopify App Store listing for keyword-rich titles, descriptions, and structured data to boost visibility.
Strategic Insights
We combine analytics data with competitive intelligence to help you align your positioning with high-performing apps in your category.
Conclusion: It’s Time to Track Smarter
Shopify App Store search terms may be difficult to access directly but with the right GA4 implications, you can build a clear picture of how users are discovering, evaluating and installing your app. At WebPlanex, we turn that data into action.
If you’re serious about growing your app installs and optimizing your app store presence, let us set up the tracking foundation for long-term success.
To setup GA4 and custom GA4 events tracking, find and contact Shopify experts or marketers. For more details regarding setting up Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, and URL Parameters for app listings, visit https://shopify.dev/docs/apps/launch/marketing/track-listing-traffic
