What are the key things I should check before submitting my app to store? Follow this 7 step guide.

1. Build a single, flexible app vs. many replicated apps. - For example, a book publisher should not publish 100s of apps, one for each book. Rather, the publisher should deliver a single app that allows the user to browse their full book catalogue.

2. Check privacy requirement (Certification Requirement 4.1).  This is by far the most common reason for failure – well over half of submissions fail on this requirement.  The good news is that in the vast majority of cases, this is simply a documentation issue that does not require code changes, i.e., providing a link to the apps privacy policy on the Description page. 

3. Another very common reason for failure that is simple to fix is inappropriate Age Rating.

4. Ensure all app builders run the WACK before app submission.

5. Take advantage of App Fast Track (AFT) review where appropriate.

6. Familiarize yourself and app builders you engage with App Certification Tips on the Dev Center:  Common Certification Failures and Guidance for Resolving Certification Failures.

7.  Review apps locally before app submission with Store certification requirements in mind.

Further Resources

Windows 8 App Store Requirements – https://aka.ms/storereq

Resolving certification errors – https://aka.ms/storefix