What I mean is: are there any prerequisites one must meet (however mundane) before approaching a woman on the street, in a grocery store, etc?

The main one I've been living by is: mutual eye contact...ideally exchanging smiles as well (before approaching). But it seems like so many women divert their gaze in public and don't allow for this opportunity. Is this normal? Is my "rule" appropriate or am I holding myself back?

What's the proper protocol for approaching a woman during the day? And how do you strike the balance between acknowledging her as someone you want to meet/flirt with vs. coming off as an aggressive creep?

For brief context: I'm a guy who has had a lot of success on dating apps (which is to say, I know I'm not unattractive), but want to move off these and start approaching women in the real world. Still in the process of learning so any help or advice is appreciated.