Improve Marketplace outcomes with AI-powered listing recommendations in App Advisor

Having spent over two decades in the Microsoft partner ecosystem, I’ve witnessed the challenges small software development teams face as they transition from crafting solutions to publishing and effectively selling them. Building a business around our products can be tough, but the landscape has evolved significantly.

Today, I’m particularly impressed by how streamlined this process has become, especially with tools like App Advisor. This resource showcases Microsoft’s dedication to helping software companies thrive, marking a notable advancement in this journey.

For our team at Breakthru, selling via the Microsoft Marketplace has always been a crucial avenue for growth. However, like many software firms, we often had to balance speed with accuracy, particularly when it came to optimising our listings to stimulate demand.

With the introduction of App Advisor and AI-driven marketplace listing recommendations, we’re now able to enhance our Marketplace presence without taking unnecessary risks or relying on guesswork. We enjoy more control and clearer insights than ever before.

Interested in exploring AI recommendations for your listing? Visit aka.ms/ImproveMyListing.

In my 20 years within the Microsoft partner sphere, I’ve seen technology change dramatically. Throughout, Microsoft has consistently provided partners with resources to aid growth. However, with so much information available, pinpointing the most relevant next steps could be a challenge.

Understanding what to do is one thing, but knowing how and when to do it correctly is another. This is where App Advisor truly shines; it not only guides you but actively engages with your current situation, helping you chart your next steps.

What makes App Advisor particularly beneficial is its practicality and actionable insights. Instead of piecing information together or turning to external consultants, we can rely on App Advisor for straightforward, structured direction.

This approach saves us time, reduces confusion, and empowers us to execute with greater assurance throughout the entire journey, from publishing to sales processes.

As App Advisor has advanced, it has transformed into more than just a resource; it’s a comprehensive system that allows us to:

• Learn how to build, publish, and sell more effectively.
• Navigate Marketplace requirements independently, without needing outside help.
• Enhance your execution throughout the entire process.

The new AI-powered marketplace listing recommendations build on this solid foundation.

For us, Marketplace listings are key to driving inbound interest. In the Teams App Store, visibility directly leads to installs, usage insights, and eventually, sales opportunities.

This elevates the stakes.

Any adjustments to a listing—including new messaging, updated visuals, or revised positioning—can significantly affect performance. Previously, we hesitated to make changes, but that has now changed.

With AI recommendations at hand, we can quickly:

• Check the quality of listings before and after updates.
• Spot gaps in keywords, messaging, and structure.
• Make enhancements without jeopardising performance.
• Experiment more frequently without hesitation.

The ability to continuously validate our listings while maintaining high-quality standards as we refine our messaging is incredibly valuable.

This isn’t merely about optimisation; it signifies a shift towards operational fluency.

Rather than viewing our Marketplace listings as static entities, we now regard them as dynamic services that need continuous improvement.

For instance, the recent App Advisor feature indicated that our keywords needed enhancement. While our listings excelled in structure and clarity, refining keywords would boost discoverability.

This targeted feedback leads to meaningful results, shortening feedback cycles and reducing uncertainty.

What stands out most about this feature is how it integrates into the broader App Advisor experience.

It isn’t just a standalone tool; it’s part of a cohesive system that empowers software firms to:

• Develop with Marketplace readiness in mind.
• Publish clearly and in compliance.
• Sell with improved positioning and visibility.

This continuity is essential.

It ensures that your development, positioning, and Marketplace presentation are all aligned from the outset.

If you’re currently selling in the Marketplace or have plans to start, my extensive experience with Microsoft suggests this is one of the quickest ways to enhance performance without adding extra burden.

Revisit your existing listings and utilise the AI recommendations. You’ll swiftly identify where to focus your efforts.

Are you ready to start? aka.ms/AppAdvisor

Discover how to enhance your listing and boost Marketplace performance today: aka.ms/ImproveMyListing.