Update to Shopify App Builder

{
  "description": "Use when naming a new Shopify app, evaluating an app name candidate, running a trademark check, optimizing the app name for App Store SEO, or brainstorming brand candidates. Triggers: 'name my shopify app', 'app naming', 'app store SEO', 'trademark check', 'brand my app', 'what should I call my shopify app', 'brand domain', 'shopify app name', 'rename my app', 'is this app name taken', 'trademark Shopify'.",
  "included_files": [],
  "name": "app-naming",
  "skill_md_contents": "---\nname: app-naming\ndescription: \"Use when naming a new Shopify app, evaluating an app name candidate, running a trademark check, optimizing the app name for App Store SEO, or brainstorming brand candidates. Triggers: 'name my shopify app', 'app naming', 'app store SEO', 'trademark check', 'brand my app', 'what should I call my shopify app', 'brand domain', 'shopify app name', 'rename my app', 'is this app name taken', 'trademark Shopify'.\"\n---\n\n# Shopify App Naming & Trademark Strategy\n\n## Frontmatter Triggers\nWhen users ask:\n- \"What should I name my Shopify app?\"\n- \"Is [name] a good app name?\"\n- \"How do I check if my app name is trademarked?\"\n- \"What naming patterns work for Shopify apps?\"\n- \"Should I trademark my app name?\"\n- \"Help me generate app name ideas\"\n- \"Will Shopify reject my app name?\"\n\nThen execute this skill.\n\n---\n\n## When to Use This Skill\n\n**Use this skill when:**\n- You've chosen a niche/problem to solve but need a name\n- You want to validate naming choices before building\n- You're unsure if your name will pass Shopify's review\n- You're torn between multiple name options\n- You want to ensure trademark safety before launch\n\n**Don't use this skill for:**\n- Naming internal projects (not going to Shopify App Store)\n- Personal website names (different rules apply)\n- Broader brand positioning (see Marketing skill instead)\n\n---\n\n## The Naming Minefield: What Shopify Will Reject\n\n### Hard Rejects (Automatic Rejection)\n\nShopify **will reject** your app if the name contains:\n\n1. **\"Shop\" or \"Shopify\"** (Shopify's protected trademark)\n   - ❌ \"ShopPrinter\" (Rejected)\n   - ❌ \"Shopify Bundle Builder\" (Rejected)\n   - ✅ \"Bundle Blitz\" (Approved)\n\n2. **Brand names without permission** (Stripe, PayPal, Twilio, etc.)\n   - ❌ \"Stripe Invoicer\" (Rejected)\n   - ❌ \"PayPal Direct Sync\" (Rejected)\n   - ✅ \"Invoice Pro\" (Approved)\n\n3. **Generic/overused terms** that confuse identity\n   - ❌ \"Store Manager\" (too generic, high competition)\n   - ❌ \"Sales Tool\" (meaningless)\n   - ✅ \"Profit Dashboard\" (specific problem, brandable)\n\n4. **Acronyms that are registered trademarks**\n   - ❌ \"CRM Pro\" (CRM is trademarked in some contexts)\n   - ❌ \"API Dashboard\" (API is too generic)\n   - ✅ \"Pipeline Manager\" (clear, branded)\n\n5. **Offensive, vulgar, or discriminatory language**\n   - ❌ Any slurs or explicit content\n   - ✅ Professional language only\n\n### Soft Rejects (Likely Rejection)\n\nShopify **will likely reject** if the name:\n\n- **Sounds too similar to existing apps** (Judge.me vs Judge Pro vs Judge.ai)\n  - Research: Search \"Shopify app [your proposed name]\" before committing\n\n- **Is hard to spell or pronounce**\n  - Merchants won't search for it\n  - You'll get 50% fewer organic installs\n  - Example: \"Zycphlax\" vs \"Smart Bundle\"\n\n- **Has zero brand personality** (feels like generic software)\n  - ❌ \"App Tool\" (no personality)\n  - ✅ \"Printful\" (memorable, branded, implies speed)\n\n- **Implies features you don't have**\n  - ❌ \"Smart AI Optimizer\" (if you have zero AI)\n  - ✅ \"Bundle Builder\" (honest about what you do)\n\n---\n\n## The Naming Formula That Works\n\n### Core Formula: [Action Verb] + [Problem Area] + [Differentiator]\n\n**Anatomy breakdown:**\n\n| Component | Purpose | Examples |\n|-----------|---------|----------|\n| **Action Verb** | Shows what the app DOES | Recover, Loop, Seal, Print, Collect, Automate, Boost, Convert |\n| **Problem Area** | What problem it solves | Returns, Subscriptions, Bundles, Referrals, Support, Analytics |\n| **Differentiator** | Why it's better/different | AI-first, Fast, Smart, Pro, Ultimate, Direct, Real-time |\n\n### Real App Analysis Using the Formula\n\n| App Name | Formula Breakdown | Why It Works |\n|----------|-------------------|-------------|\n| **Printful** | Print (action) + Fulfillment (problem) + Full (completeness) | Implies speed, handles everything, memorable |\n| **Gorgias** | Handle (implied) + Support (problem) + AI-First (diff) | Suggests quick response, modern approach |\n| **ReConvert** | Recover (action) + Purchase (problem) + Conversion (diff) | Direct outcome messaging, shows ROI |\n| **Bold** | Build/Enable (action) + Checkout (problem) + Customization (diff) | Short, actionable, clear niche |\n| **Rejoiner** | Rejoin/Recover (action) + Abandonment (problem) + Customer (diff) | Specific problem, memorable verb |\n| **Loop Returns** | Loop (action/metaphor) + Returns (problem) + Circular (diff) | Implies repeat/circular process, visual |\n| **Seal Subscriptions** | Seal (action) + Subscriptions (problem) + Security (diff) | Trust-oriented, problem-specific |\n| **Kustomer** | Custom (action) + Customer (problem) + Service (diff) | Creative spelling, memorable, problem-focused |\n| **Profit Dashboard** | Show (implied) + Profit (problem) + Real-time (diff) | Outcome-focused, clear intent, merchant-focused |\n\n### Name Generation Framework (30+ Ideas in 5 Minutes)\n\n**Step 1: List 5 Action Verbs for Your Problem**\n- Problem: \"Returns management\"\n- Verbs: Return, Recover, Restore, Revive, Resolve\n\n**Step 2: List 5 Ways to Describe the Problem**\n- Problem descriptions: \"Returns,\" \"Reverse Logistics,\" \"RMA,\" \"Refunds,\" \"Returns Operations\"\n\n**Step 3: List 5 Differentiators (Why You're Different)**\n- Differentiators: \"Smart,\" \"Fast,\" \"Automated,\" \"Direct,\" \"Pro\"\n\n**Step 4: Mix & Match (5 × 5 × 5 = 125 combinations)**\n- Return + Logistics + Smart = \"Smart Reverse\"\n- Recover + Returns + Automated = \"AutoRecover\"\n- Restore + Operations + Direct = \"Direct Restore\"\n\n**Step 5: Filter for Memorability & Availability**\n- Can you say it out loud 10 times without messing up? ✅\n- Does it have a clear verb + noun? ✅\n- Is it 2-3 words max? ✅\n- Is the .com available? ✅\n\n---\n\n## 30 Example App Names Analyzed by Category\n\n### Returns & Reverse Logistics\n| Name | Pattern | Strength |\n|------|---------|----------|\n| Loop Returns | Verb (Loop) + Noun (Returns) | Visual metaphor, memorable |\n| AutoRestore | Prefix (Auto) + Verb (Restore) | Clear automation benefit |\n| Recover RMA | Verb (Recover) + Term (RMA) | Problem-specific, technical |\n| Reverse Flow | Verb + Direction | Implies easy setup |\n| ReturnIQ | Verb (Return) + Suffix (IQ) | Smart/intelligent positioning |\n\n### Bundle & Upsell\n| Name | Pattern | Strength |\n|------|---------|----------|\n| Bundle Blitz | Noun + Speed metaphor | Fast, memorable, energetic |\n| Bundlefy | Bundle + Suffix (fy) | Similar to Shopify, familiar pattern |\n| Combo Stack | Noun + Structure metaphor | Visual, implies layering |\n| BundleBoost | Bundle + Verb | Shows results/lift |\n| Kits Pro | Noun + Tier (Pro) | Simple, clear positioning |\n\n### Subscription Management\n| Name | Pattern | Strength |\n|------|---------|----------|\n| Seal Subscriptions | Verb (Seal) + Noun | Security/stability implied |\n| PauseFlow | Key feature + Flow | Solves specific pain (pause requests) |\n| Sub Smart | Noun (Sub) + Adjective (Smart) | Tech-forward, specific |\n| Flex Billing | Adjective + Core feature | Emphasizes flexibility |\n| Renew Pro | Verb + Tier | Outcome-focused |\n\n### Post-Purchase & Upsell\n| Name | Pattern | Strength |\n|------|---------|----------|\n| ReConvert | Re + Action (Convert) | Direct ROI messaging |\n| Thank You Boost | Feature + Benefit | Specific, outcome-focused |\n| OrderFlow | Process noun + Flow | Smooth, integrated feel |\n| CTA Pro | Feature + Tier | Action-oriented |\n| Capture Upsell | Action + Feature | Two benefits in one |\n\n### Inventory & Fulfillment\n| Name | Pattern | Strength |\n|------|---------|----------|\n| Printful | Action (Print) + Adjective (Full) | Complete solution feel |\n| Stock Smart | Process noun + Adjective | Intelligent positioning |\n| Inventory IQ | Noun + Intelligence suffix | Smart/advanced feel |\n| Sync Now | Verb + Time commitment | Speed/real-time messaging |\n| FulfillPro | Verb + Tier | Professional solution |\n\n### Customer Support\n| Name | Pattern | Strength |\n|------|---------|----------|\n| Gorgias | Brand name (Gorge + AI) | Unique, memorable, implies AI |\n| SupportStack | Feature + Structure | Multiple channels stacked |\n| Respond Quick | Verb + Benefit | Speed-focused |\n| HelpDesk Pro | Feature + Tier | Clear, professional |\n| Chat Stream | Feature + Flow | Real-time, continuous |\n\n### Analytics & Reporting\n| Name | Pattern | Strength |\n|------|---------|----------|\n| Profit Dashboard | Outcome + Feature | Merchant goal-focused |\n| DataFlow | Noun + Flow | Clean, data-centric |\n| MetricsIQ | Feature + Intelligence | Smart positioning |\n| Report Pro | Feature + Tier | Professional analytics |\n| Insights Real-time | Benefit + Speed | Actionable, immediate |\n\n---\n\n## App Store SEO Title Formula\n\nYour Shopify App Store **title** (50 characters max) should follow this pattern:\n\n**[Brand Name] - [Problem/Benefit]**\n\nExamples:\n- ❌ \"Printful\" (Too short, no problem messaging)\n- ✅ \"Printful - Print on Demand Fulfillment\" (48 chars, clear problem, brand name first)\n\n- ❌ \"Support Tool\" (Generic, no brand)\n- ✅ \"Gorgias - AI Customer Support Platform\" (37 chars, clear benefit)\n\n- ❌ \"Bundle App\" (Too generic)\n- ✅ \"Bundle Blitz - Dynamic Bundle Discounts\" (39 chars, specific problem)\n\n**Why this formula:**\n1. **Brand name first** → App Store algorithm weights initial keywords\n2. **Dash separator** → Clean, readable, improves CTR\n3. **Problem/benefit** → Tells merchant exactly what you solve\n4. **Under 50 chars** → Displays fully on mobile\n\n---\n\n## Trademark Research Checklist (7-Step Verification)\n\n### Step 1: USPTO Federal Trademark Search\n**What to do:** Search tmsearch.uspto.gov for exact match + phonetic variations\n\n- Search 1: Exact name (\"Loop Returns\")\n- Search 2: Phonetic (\"Lupe Returns\")\n- Search 3: Variations (\"Loops Return\")\n\n**Red flag:** If you find a \"LIVE\" trademark in Classes 42 (software) or 35 (business services), DO NOT use the name.\n\n**Example:** \"AutoRestore\" already trademarked for software = skip it\n\n### Step 2: Google Exact Match Search\n**What to do:** Google \"[Exact Name] Shopify app\"\n\n- If 5+ results appear = name is taken or saturated\n- If 0-2 results = likely available\n- If results are unrelated products = good sign\n\n**Example:**\n- \"Loop Returns Shopify\" = 250+ results (saturated, skip)\n- \"AutoRestore Shopify\" = 0 results (available, move forward)\n\n### Step 3: Shopify App Store Competitor Search\n**What to do:** Search Shopify App Store directly for exact name + variations\n\n- Search app store for \"[Your Name]\"\n- Search for \"[Your Problem]\" (e.g., \"returns management\")\n- Check top 5 results for name similarity\n\n**Example:** If you're naming \"Smart Returns,\" search \"returns\" in app store and see:\n- 12 apps with \"returns\" in name (market is populated)\n- 3 apps very similar to your proposed name (avoid)\n\n### Step 4: Domain Name Availability\n**What to do:** Check registrar availability for .com, .io, .app\n\n- Primary: .com (highest trust, 90% of merchants expect this)\n- Secondary: .io (tech-forward, if .com taken)\n- Tertiary: .app (premium, good if related to problem)\n\n**Example:** \"Loop Returns\"\n- loopreturns.com = Available\n- loopreturns.io = Available\n- returnloops.app = Taken (don't use this one)\n\n### Step 5: Social Media Handle Verification\n**What to do:** Check major platforms for handle availability\n\nPlatforms to check:\n- Twitter (@yourappname)\n- Instagram (@yourappname)\n- LinkedIn (company page)\n- Facebook (business page)\n\n**Red flag:** If all social handles are taken by competitors = name is \"hot\" (saturated market)\n\n### Step 6: Trademark Registration (Optional but Recommended)\n**What to do:** Consider registering your trademark with USPTO if name is unique\n\n- Cost: ~$300-500 for application\n- Timeline: 4-6 months to approval\n- Benefit: Legal protection, increases brand value\n\n**When to register:**\n- ✅ If you're building a 5-year play (serious founder)\n- ✅ If name is truly unique and valuable\n- ❌ If you're testing an MVP (wait until $10k MRR)\n\n### Step 7: Phonetic & Similar Variations Check\n**What to do:** Google search phonetically similar names\n\n- \"Loop Returns\" → \"Lupe Returns,\" \"Loops Return,\" \"Loop Return\"\n- Check if similar names have existing trademarks\n- Check if existing apps use similar names (confusion risk)\n\n**Red flag:** If very similar names are already trademarked = higher legal risk\n\n---\n\n## Name Evaluation Rubric (Score Your Top 3 Names)\n\nRate each name on a scale of 1-5 (5 = excellent, 1 = poor):\n\n| Criteria | Weight | Your Top 1 | Your Top 2 | Your Top 3 |\n|----------|--------|-----------|-----------|-----------|\n| **Memorability** (Can you say it 10x without messing up?) | 25% | ☐/5 | ☐/5 | ☐/5 |\n| **Problem Clarity** (Does it immediately signal what it does?) | 25% | ☐/5 | ☐/5 | ☐/5 |\n| **Trademark Safety** (No conflicts, no rejections risk?) | 20% | ☐/5 | ☐/5 | ☐/5 |\n| **SEO Potential** (Contains relevant keywords?) | 15% | ☐/5 | ☐/5 | ☐/5 |\n| **Brand Personality** (Feels professional and unique?) | 15% | ☐/5 | ☐/5 | ☐/5 |\n| **TOTAL SCORE** | 100% | ☐/25 | ☐/25 | ☐/25 |\n\n**Scoring guidance:**\n- 23-25 = Strong pick, move forward with trademark check\n- 20-22 = Acceptable, consider alternatives\n- <20 = Weak, keep brainstorming\n\n---\n\n## Top 10 Things NOT to Do When Naming Your App\n\n1. **Don't use \"Shop\" or \"Shopify\"** → Automatic rejection (Shopify's trademark)\n\n2. **Don't name it after yourself** → \"Bob's Bundle Builder\" (not scalable, personal brand limits exit value)\n\n3. **Don't use generic terms** → \"Store Tool,\" \"App Manager,\" \"Helper\" (no SEO, confused with competitors)\n\n4. **Don't make it hard to spell** → \"Zycphlax Returns\" (merchants can't find it, organic installs suffer)\n\n5. **Don't overpromise in the name** → \"AI Smart Genius Master Returns\" (credibility killer, sets false expectations)\n\n6. **Don't use numbers or special characters** → \"R3turns2,\" \"Returns@Pro\" (harder to remember, unprofessional)\n\n7. **Don't copy competitors exactly** → \"Judge Returns\" when Judge.me dominates (legal risk, confusion)\n\n8. **Don't use acronyms without branding** → \"RMA Pro,\" \"SKU Manager\" (too technical, no personality)\n\n9. **Don't name based on current trend** → \"Returns AI,\" \"Returns Crypto\" (ages poorly, piggybacks on hype)\n\n10. **Don't skip the trademark check** → Using a trademarked name leads to Shopify rejection or legal cease-and-desist\n\n---\n\n## Real-World Naming Decision Tree\n\n```\nSTART: Need to name my Shopify app?\n│\n├─ Is the name on Shopify's forbidden list (Shop, Shopify, brand names)?\n│  ├─ YES → Go back to Step 2, brainstorm again\n│  └─ NO → Continue\n│\n├─ Can I explain what the app does in one sentence using the name alone?\n│  ├─ NO → Too vague, rename\n│  └─ YES → Continue\n│\n├─ Is the .com domain available?\n│  ├─ NO → Consider .io or .app, or pick a different name\n│  └─ YES → Continue\n│\n├─ Did USPTO trademark search show conflicts in Classes 35 or 42?\n│  ├─ YES → High legal risk, pick a different name\n│  └─ NO → Continue\n│\n├─ Is the name memorable (can you say it 10x without stuttering)?\n│  ├─ NO → Too complex, simplify\n│  └─ YES → Continue\n│\n├─ Does \"Shopify app [name]\" Google search show >10 competitors with identical names?\n│  ├─ YES → Market is saturated, consider unique variation\n│  └─ NO → Continue\n│\n├─ Are the main social handles (@yourname) available?\n│  ├─ NO → Minor issue (can use variations), not blocking\n│  └─ YES → Great, move forward\n│\n└─ DECISION: Name is ready for Shopify submission!\n   → Proceed to App Store Listing Optimization skill\n```\n\n---\n\n## Output Format (When User Asks for Name Suggestions)\n\nWhen generating 5-10 name ideas for a user, format as:\n\n```\nSHOPIFY APP NAME SUGGESTIONS FOR: [Problem]\n\nTOP RECOMMENDATIONS:\n\n1. [Name]\n   Pattern: [Action Verb] + [Problem] + [Differentiator]\n   Why it works: [One-sentence reasoning]\n   SEO benefit: [Keyword value]\n   Trademark risk: [Low/Medium/High]\n   .com available: [Yes/No]\n\n2. [Name]\n   Pattern: [Formula]\n   Why it works: [Reasoning]\n   SEO benefit: [Keywords it captures]\n   Trademark risk: [Risk level]\n   .com available: [Yes/No]\n\n[Continue for all 5-10 names]\n\nRECOMMENDED NEXT STEPS:\n1. Choose your top 3 names\n2. Run USPTO trademark search on each (tmsearch.uspto.gov)\n3. Check .com availability (namecheap.com, godaddy.com)\n4. Google \"[Name] Shopify app\" to check competition\n5. Use the Evaluation Rubric above to score them\n```\n\n---\n\n## Key Metrics & Success Signals\n\nWhen you've picked a good name:\n\n- ✅ No trademark conflicts (0 results in USPTO Class 35/42)\n- ✅ .com domain available\n- ✅ Can say it 10 times without messing up\n- ✅ Clearly signals the problem in 1-2 words\n- ✅ Shopify submission doesn't auto-reject for naming\n- ✅ Merchants searching for the problem will find you (SEO-friendly)\n\nWhen a name is problematic:\n\n- ❌ Contains \"Shop,\" \"Shopify,\" or brand names\n- ❌ Uses non-standard spelling (too niche/hard to remember)\n- ❌ Is 5+ words long (impossible to brand)\n- ❌ Has zero personality (sounds like generic software)\n- ❌ Conflicts with existing trademark (legal risk)\n- ❌ Domain is unavailable (credibility issue, customer confusion)\n\n---\n\n## Tools & Resources\n\n**Trademark Search:**\n- USPTO: https://tmsearch.uspto.gov (free, official)\n- LegalZoom: https://www.legalzoom.com (paid trademark clearance, $300-500)\n\n**Domain Search:**\n- Namecheap: https://namecheap.com\n- GoDaddy: https://godaddy.com\n- Google Domains: https://domains.google\n\n**Shopify App Research:**\n- Shopify App Store: https://apps.shopify.com\n- Search for \"[Your Problem]\" directly in store\n\n**Competitor Research:**\n- Google: \"[Shopify] [Problem] [Top Apps]\"\n- Reddit r/shopify: https://reddit.com/r/shopify (merchant language patterns)\n- Shopify Community: https://community.shopify.com (official forums)\n"
}