Deploying apps to Google Cloud involves several key steps, each of which plays a crucial role in ensuring your application is successfully hosted and runs efficiently on Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Here’s a general overview of the process:

1. Choose the Right Google Cloud Service: Depending on your application’s requirements, you might choose from a variety of GCP services. Common choices include:

   • App Engine: A platform for building scalable web applications and mobile backends.
   • Compute Engine: Offers virtual machines for more control over the environment.
   • Kubernetes Engine: Ideal for containerized applications, providing management of Docker containers using Kubernetes.
   • Cloud Functions: For event-driven serverless applications.

2. Set Up a Google Cloud Project: Create a new project in the Google Cloud Console. This will be the container for your app, resources, and settings.

3. Configure Your App: Prepare your application for deployment. This might include setting environment variables, configuring dependencies, and structuring your app according to the requirements of the chosen service.

4. Enable Required APIs: Depending on your service, you may need to enable certain APIs within your Google Cloud project.

5. Authentication and Permissions: Set up the necessary authentication credentials, and ensure your deployment environment (like your local machine or CI/CD pipeline) has the appropriate permissions to deploy to your Google Cloud project.

6. Database and Storage Configuration: If your app requires a database or storage, set up and configure Cloud SQL, Firestore, Cloud Storage, or other relevant Google Cloud data storage services.

7. Local Testing: It’s crucial to test your application locally to ensure it behaves as expected before deploying it to the cloud.

8. Deployment: Deploy your application using the command-line interface (CLI) or through the Google Cloud Console. The specific commands and process will depend on the service you’re using.

9. Monitoring and Logging: Once your app is deployed, use Google Cloud’s monitoring and logging tools like Stackdriver to keep track of your application’s performance and to troubleshoot any issues.

10. Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD): Set up CI/CD pipelines using Google Cloud Build or third-party tools to automate the deployment process for subsequent updates.

11. Scaling and Management: Configure auto-scaling settings (if applicable) and manage your deployed application, updating and maintaining it as required.

Remember, these steps are a general guide. Specifics will vary based on the nature of your application, the Google Cloud services you choose, and your particular requirements. It’s also essential to keep in mind best practices regarding security, cost management, and compliance with any relevant regulations or standards.