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#

TypeDefinitionExamplesDirectCompany sells via own assetsWebsite, eCommerce, sales teamIndirectThird parties sell on your behalfMarketplaces, app stores, resellers

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

Marketplace Categories#

CategoryPlatformsProduct fitDesign & collaborationFigma Community, Canva Apps, Adobe ExchangeDesign tools, templatesBrowser extensionsChrome Web Store, Firefox Add-onsExtensions, dev toolsCloud & enterpriseAWS Marketplace, Google Cloud Marketplace, Azure MarketplaceSaaS, data, infraMobileApp Store, Google Play, Microsoft StoreMobile apps, cross-platformVerticalShopify App Store, Slack App Directory, Salesforce AppExchange, Zoom MarketplaceE-commerce, collaboration, CRMDeveloperGitHub Marketplace, WordPress PluginsDev tools, integrationsAIGPTs (OpenAI), emerging AI app storesAI apps, agentsSocial commercePinterest Product PinsE-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#

PracticeGuidelineReduce procurement frictionVendor Insights, standard contracts; streamline enterprise buyingPricing modelsFree trials, pay-as-you-go, private offers for enterpriseTrust signalsVerified reviews, partner badges, clear taxonomyDiscoverabilityOptimize for marketplace search; clear descriptions, tagsCo-sellPartner 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 typePrioritizeDesign / collaborationFigma, Canva, AdobeBrowser extensionChrome, FirefoxCloud / enterprise SaaSAWS, GCP, AzureMobile appApp Store, Google Play, Microsoft StoreE-commerceShopifyCollaborationSlack, ZoomDeveloper toolsGitHub, WordPressAI applicationGPTs, emerging AI storesE-commerce / templatesPinterest 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