topic Re: App for Marketplace: Possible with workflow? in CMS Development

App for Marketplace: Possible with workflow?

sosv — Mon, 12 May 2025 18:35:32 GMT

Dear Hubspot Development superstars,

I am new to developing hubspot Apps and I have a very basic question: Can I develop an App using the Hubspot workflow engine and put it on the marketplace?

I have an idea, which I can of course implement as a typical app, I do feel that it can be done using a "simple" workflow, too. I could not find any information though, if this can then be put on the marketplace.

I hope someone of you can help me out on this.

Re: App for Marketplace: Possible with workflow?

BérangèreL — Tue, 13 May 2025 07:18:19 GMT

Hi @sosv, I hope that you are well!

Great question, thanks for asking the HubSpot Community!

I'd like to ask clarifying questions, just to make sure we help you the best we can.

1. Do you want to create an app via a workflow action?
2. Or do you want to install an app in the workflow section of the tool?

Here is a documentation "Custom Workflow Actions" that might be of interest for the workflow!
And this is if you want to add your app on the Marketplace: "Listing your app".

And I have found similar threads that might help you:

- The solution from @Willson on this post "Create App to be an Action in Workflow"
- The solution from @zach_threadint on this post "Create workflow actions for app"
- The solution from @Mike_Eastwood on this post "Install app in workflow"

I'd love to ask our Top Experts: Hi @sylvain_tirreau, @zach_threadint and @Anton do you have other tips to share with @sosv, please?

Have a wonderful day and thanks so much for your help in advance!
Bérangère

Re: App for Marketplace: Possible with workflow?

Anton — Tue, 13 May 2025 12:20:33 GMT

Hey @sosv,

creating a whole app with the workflow functionality is not possible, as the workflow builder is not an "app builder".

If you want to build an app, that will do something with workflows, this is totally possible. You will need to create a app developer account, create a public(!) app (local development), host the app on something like AWS/Firebase/Azure..., have it installed in - at least - 3 portals (might be more by now), meet the app listing guidelines, go through the listing approval process and then you got an app in your marketplace 🚀

Also an important note:

For the most widest possible user-group, I'm recommending to not create custom objects via the app, as this feature is Enterprise only at the moment. This means that only Enterprise portals would be able to use your app.

best,

Anton

Re: App for Marketplace: Possible with workflow?

sosv — Tue, 13 May 2025 16:58:53 GMT

Hi @BérangèreL , thank you very much for your response.

What I am trying is basically this:

1. When an Email is logged to Hubspot or sent via Hubspot

2. Check content of Email

3. Do some magic

This can easily be implemented with the Hubspot own Workflow engine (paid). I am not sure if I can make such a Workflow available in the Marketplace though for others to buy and use.

The alternative is to implement this as a Plugin with my own backend, ...

Does this help?

Re: App for Marketplace: Possible with workflow?

BérangèreL — Fri, 16 May 2025 10:36:08 GMT

Hi @sosv, thanks for getting back to me and thanks a lot @Anton for the help! ❤️

I understand that you'd like to create yourself a copy of HubSpot workflows that you'll create on your own and add it on the HubSpot Marketplace. Please let me know if that's not the case.

Have you tried the suggestions from @Anton which were creating an app developer account, then create a public app for that?

Let us know where you need help!

Thanks and have a lovely weekend!
Bérangère

Re: App for Marketplace: Possible with workflow?

OliverKendrick — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 06:44:33 GMT

Yes, you can build an app that utilizes HubSpot workflows, but there are a few important things to clarify when it comes to publishing that app on the HubSpot App Marketplace:

✅What’s Possible:

You can absolutely create an app that integrates with HubSpot Workflows using workflow extensions (also called custom workflow actions).
These actions allow users to add steps in their workflow that trigger your app’s functionality — for example, sending data to an external API, triggering an automation, or updating a custom system.
Your app would need to be hosted externally, and your workflow action would be registered via the HubSpot Workflow Extensions API.

🔁Can It Be Listed on the Marketplace?

Yes — if your app:

Provides a clear user benefit and integrates with HubSpot using APIs or extensions (like workflows, CRM cards, webhooks, etc.)
Follows HubSpot’s App Marketplace requirements
Is properly packaged with authentication, scopes, and a public listing

⚠️Important Notes:

You can’t build a HubSpot-native workflow alone (using only the workflow tool in the UI) and publish that as an “app.” There needs to be a technical integration — even if it’s lightweight — that connects external logic or systems via API.
A "simple workflow" without external extension or integration doesn’t qualify as an app for the marketplace.

👉Suggestion:

If your idea truly only involves native workflow capabilities, consider sharing it as a workflow template instead of an app. But if it includes external logic or interaction, turning it into an app with a custom workflow action is a great route.

Let me know if you'd like pointers on registering a custom action or preparing your app for submission — happy to help!

Oliver Kendrick
https://limeup.io/