Salesforce AppExchange gives you instant access to thousands of apps, integrations, and components—but installing apps without a clear strategy can quickly lead to security risks, performance issues, and unnecessary costs.

That’s why Salesforce experts always emphasize best practices when using AppExchange.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• The most important AppExchange best practices

• How to evaluate apps before installing

• Security, performance, and governance tips

• Common mistakes to avoid

• How to manage AppExchange apps at scale

Whether you’re installing your first app or managing dozens, these best practices will help you get value without compromising your Salesforce org.

Pro Tip

The best practice when using AppExchange is to carefully evaluate, secure, and govern every app before and after installation to ensure performance, data security, and long-term scalability.

Now let’s break this down into actionable steps.

Many teams install AppExchange apps because they look useful—not because they solve a specific problem.

Before searching AppExchange, define:

• The exact problem you’re solving

• Who will use the app

• What data it needs access to

• Whether Salesforce native features already solve it

Pro Tip

If the requirement isn’t clear, the app will likely become shelfware.

Salesforce-native apps:

• Use standard objects and APIs

• Follow Salesforce governor limits

• Are built as managed packages

• Easier upgrades

• Better performance

• Stronger security

• AppExchange compliance

Avoid unmanaged or heavily customized apps unless absolutely necessary.

Before installing any AppExchange app:

• Review requested permissions

• Check object-level and field-level access

• Confirm how data is stored and transmitted

• Ensure external integrations use OAuth

Key things to look for:

• Named Credentials

• No hardcoded secrets

• Clear privacy policy

Pro Tip

An app with excessive permissions is a red flag.

1. Install the app in a sandbox

2. Validate core functionality

3. Test with realistic data volume

4. Monitor performance and limits

5. Confirm user permissions

This prevents:

• Org-wide outages

• Data corruption

• Unexpected automation behavior

• Consistent high ratings (not just quantity)

• Detailed reviews from real customers

• Regular update history

• Active vendor support

Also verify:

• How long the vendor has been active

• Frequency of releases

• Responsiveness to issues

A well-maintained app is far more valuable than a feature-heavy but stagnant one.

After installing an app:

• Track API consumption

• Monitor governor limits

• Review scheduled jobs and flows

• Watch for performance degradation

Some apps work well initially but cause issues at scale.

Too many AppExchange apps can lead to:

• Performance issues

• Conflicting automations

• Complex troubleshooting

• Higher security risk

Best practice:

Pro Tip

Install only what you actively use and review apps quarterly.

Remove unused or redundant apps.

Many apps introduce:

• New objects

• Automation

• Dependencies

Before upgrading:

• Review release notes

• Test upgrades in sandbox

• Validate downstream integrations

Unplanned upgrades can break critical processes.

Best practice includes:

• Documenting why each app was installed

• Assigning an owner per app

• Tracking dependencies

• Maintaining an app inventory

This becomes crucial during:

• Audits

• Security reviews

• Org cleanups

• Migrations

If an AppExchange app already solves a problem:

• Don’t rebuild the same logic with custom Apex

• Avoid overlapping automation

This reduces:

• Technical debt

• Maintenance overhead

• Conflicts during upgrades

If you’re publishing apps, best practices change slightly.

You should:

• Follow Salesforce security review guidelines strictly

• Design integrations upfront

• Use managed packages only

• Avoid last-minute architecture changes

Failing to plan for this leads to:

• Failed reviews

• Extra fees

• Delays in listing

Best practice cadence:

• Quarterly app audits

• Permission reviews

• Performance checks

• Usage analysis

What was useful last year may be unnecessary today.

• Installing apps directly in production

• Ignoring permission requests

• Overloading the org with tools

• Not monitoring API usage

• Keeping unused apps installed

• Choosing apps without long-term vendor support

Avoiding these mistakes is as important as following best practices.

✔ Define the business need
✔ Prefer managed, Salesforce-native apps
✔ Review permissions and security
✔ Test in sandbox first
✔ Monitor performance and API usage
✔ Limit number of installed apps
✔ Document and govern apps
✔ Review apps regularly

Managing AppExchange apps manually doesn’t scale.

Appnigma helps Salesforce teams:

• Track installed AppExchange apps

• Monitor permissions and usage

• Identify unused or risky apps

• Maintain AppExchange hygiene

• Prepare for audits and security reviews

All from a single, Salesforce-native platform.

The best practice when using AppExchange is to carefully evaluate, test, secure, and govern every app to ensure performance, data security, and scalability.

No. Always test AppExchange apps in a sandbox before deploying to production.

Yes, AppExchange apps pass Salesforce security review, but admins must still review permissions and monitor usage.

AppExchange apps should be reviewed at least quarterly for usage, security, and performance.

AppExchange is one of Salesforce’s biggest strengths—but only when used responsibly.

By following AppExchange best practices, you:

• Reduce risk

• Improve performance

• Lower costs

• Keep your Salesforce org healthy

Smart AppExchange usage is not about installing more apps—it’s about installing the right ones.