Create with Sidekick app extensions fast

Executive summary:

• Shopify launches Sidekick app extensions.
• Enhances app data connectivity and merchant control.
• Aims at improving merchant-AI interactions.

What changed

Shopify's new Sidekick app extensions open enhanced integration avenues for your apps. Sidekick, the AI commerce assistant, can now connect directly to your app's data and workflows. This facilitates data searches, question answering with app data context, and navigating merchants to precise sections within the app. Moreover, Sidekick can operate within your app, executing defined actions such as editing an email template or updating support issues, while keeping merchant oversight intact.

Why it matters

This development empowers Shopify Plus merchants by optimizing workflows and enhancing routine operations. By allowing Sidekick to seamlessly integrate with your app, merchants can leverage AI to automate mundane tasks, freeing up resources for strategic activities.

Role-specific impact

• Marketers: Can leverage AI for content suggestions and engagement strategies.
• Developers: Gain tools for integrating app workflows with AI, improving user interactivity.
• Store admins: Benefit from streamlined task automation, facilitating efficient store management.

Use-case example

Real-world scenario & metric

Consider a merchant using an app to manage order issues. With Sidekick, AI can automatically suggest resolution steps, reducing customer service time by 30%.

Implementation checklist

1. Review documentation on Sidekick extensions.
2. Identify key app workflows for integration.
3. Implement extensions in your app.
4. Test AI suggestions in a live scenario.
5. Gather feedback and optimize further.

FAQ

Q: Can Sidekick overwrite app data?
A: No, Sidekick suggests actions while merchants maintain update control.

Q: Is there a cost for using Sidekick app extensions?
A: It's included with your Shopify Plus plan.

Resources

Visit Shopify's developer documentation for more details.

Need guidance? Talk to Makro.