Distribution Channels

---
name: distribution-channels
description: When the user wants to plan product distribution via marketplaces, app stores, or third-party platforms. Also use when the user mentions "distribution channels," "marketplace listing," "app store listing," "Figma plugin," "Chrome extension marketplace," "AWS Marketplace," "Shopify app," "GPTs store," "app distribution," or "third-party marketplace." For channel mix, use integrated-marketing.
metadata:
  version: 1.1.1
---

# Channels: Distribution Channels

Guides product distribution via third-party marketplaces and app stores. Distinct from **directory-submission** (curated lists, Product Hunt, Taaft)—marketplaces are storefronts where customers discover and purchase apps, plugins, or integrations. Hyperscaler marketplaces (AWS, Azure, GCP) alone are projected to process $85B+ in software sales by 2028.

**When invoking**: On **first use**, if helpful, open with 1–2 sentences on what this skill covers and why it matters, then provide the main output. On **subsequent use** or when the user asks to skip, go directly to the main output.

## Channel Types

| Type | Definition | Examples |
|------|------------|----------|
| **Direct** | Company sells via own assets | Website, eCommerce, sales team |
| **Indirect** | Third parties sell on your behalf | Marketplaces, app stores, resellers |

**Marketplaces** = Digital storefronts where customers discover and buy; often pre-approved budgets (cloud spend), consolidated billing, faster procurement.

## Marketplace Categories

| Category | Platforms | Product fit |
|----------|-----------|-------------|
| **Design & collaboration** | Figma Community, Canva Apps, Adobe Exchange | Design tools, templates |
| **Browser extensions** | Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons | Extensions, dev tools |
| **Cloud & enterprise** | AWS Marketplace, Google Cloud Marketplace, Azure Marketplace | SaaS, data, infra |
| **Mobile** | App Store, Google Play, Microsoft Store | Mobile apps, cross-platform |
| **Vertical** | Shopify App Store, Slack App Directory, Salesforce AppExchange, Zoom Marketplace | E-commerce, collaboration, CRM |
| **Developer** | GitHub Marketplace, WordPress Plugins | Dev tools, integrations |
| **AI** | GPTs (OpenAI), emerging AI app stores | AI apps, agents |
| **Social commerce** | Pinterest Product Pins | E-commerce, design tools, templates; Product Schema or Pinterest Catalog |

**Pinterest Product Pins**: Configure product links; shopping tags; link to site. Requires Product Schema or Pinterest Catalog. See **pinterest-posts**.

## Listing Optimization

| Practice | Guideline |
|----------|-----------|
| **Reduce procurement friction** | Vendor Insights, standard contracts; streamline enterprise buying |
| **Pricing models** | Free trials, pay-as-you-go, private offers for enterprise |
| **Trust signals** | Verified reviews, partner badges, clear taxonomy |
| **Discoverability** | Optimize for marketplace search; clear descriptions, tags |
| **Co-sell** | Partner with platform field teams when available |

**Listing as asset**: Your marketplace page is both storefront and onboarding tool; prospects validate, customers discover integrations.

## Platform Selection by Product Type

| Product type | Prioritize |
|--------------|------------|
| Design / collaboration | Figma, Canva, Adobe |
| Browser extension | Chrome, Firefox |
| Cloud / enterprise SaaS | AWS, GCP, Azure |
| Mobile app | App Store, Google Play, Microsoft Store |
| E-commerce | Shopify |
| Collaboration | Slack, Zoom |
| Developer tools | GitHub, WordPress |
| AI application | GPTs, emerging AI stores |
| E-commerce / templates | Pinterest Product Pins |

## Related Skills

- **directory-submission**: Curated lists (Taaft, Product Hunt, G2)—different from marketplaces; both are distribution
- **integrations-page-generator**: Integrations page content; marketplace listing drives discovery
- **cold-start-strategy**: Distribution as cold-start channel
- **localization-strategy**: Regional marketplaces by locale