Shopify is one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the world and offers an easy and affordable entry point for merchants who want to set up an online store. Shopify apps play a fundamental role in this.
That's why in this article I'll show you how you can use Shopify apps to further improve your existing online store and which apps have the biggest impact on your sales.
What are Shopify apps
Shopify apps are extensions for your Shopify store that can be used to add or extend certain functions. Some of these apps are from Shopify directly, while others come from third-party providers. The apps can be obtained from the Shopify App Store. Some of the apps are free, others are chargeable.
How to install Shopify apps
Installing Shopify apps is quick and easy. These options are available.
Installation via the Shopify App Store
To install an app via the App Store, you must first be logged in. Then search for the app you want to use and click on the "Add app" button.
You will then be shown which authorizations the app requires. If you agree, you will be redirected to configure the app.
Installation via the app link
If you have found the app via the publisher's homepage, you can install it via the official link. This will redirect you to the Shopify App Store.
Install custom apps
If you have apps developed by Shopify developers specifically for your Shopify store, you will receive a link created by the developer specifically for your store. You will also be redirected here and can complete the installation.
Almost all apps have an FAQ if you need help. If the problem is more complex, most apps also have a support team that you can contact.
The 8 best Shopify apps to increase your sales
Shopify already comes with the most important functions without apps, but a few more should be added with the right apps. Otherwise you're leaving a lot of potential untapped. I'll introduce you to my favorites here to get the most out of your store.
Please note that every app can have a negative impact on the technical performance of your store. You must therefore always decide whether adding an app is really worthwhile.
However, I can recommend the 8 apps I'm going to introduce to you without reservation, as they integrate some of the key features in Shopify.
Don't feel like reading? Christian reveals the 8 best Shopify apps in this video.
#1 Email marketing/newsletter app
As a Shopify merchant, I highly recommend using an app to send and automate emails. This allows you to build an email list and send newsletters or emails about marketing campaigns. My two recommendations for this are Klaviyo and Mailchimp. Both offer all the features you would expect, so it's just a matter of preference which app you choose.
Reviews play an essential role in online shopping. Several positive reviews create trust among customers, which has an impact on your conversion rate. It is therefore important to collect reviews as quickly as possible. However, this function is not available without the corresponding Shopify app.
My recommendations here are Judge.me and REVIEWS.io. The latter comes with some unbeatable features, such as Google Shopping integration and the option to upload images to the reviews.
In order to receive as many reviews as possible on a regular basis, you can use an automated email reminder to remind buyers to leave a review of their purchased product after some time. This is easy to implement with both apps.
Good customer service can make the difference between a frustrating experience and an exceptional one. Accordingly, good customer service can turn a shopper into a long-term fan of your brand.
Gorgias helps you to keep your customer service at the top level. The app brings together all customer inquiries and information about the enquirer. At the same time, you can already automate a large part of the process with ready-made response templates. This makes it easy to gain an overview. This saves time and personnel and ensures a better customer experience.
With Appikon Back in Stock, you can notify interested parties by e-mail when your product is available again. So if you often find yourself in a situation where your products are sold out, you'll have the opportunity to bring them back for a purchase. I advise you to integrate this feature for all your product pages so that you don't miss out on any opportunities for conversion.
If you want to be one of the top retailers in e-commerce, you have to do everything you can to maximize customer satisfaction. This also includes the returns process. This is where you can often set yourself apart from less good retailers.
With easyReturns, you provide your customers with their own returns platform with which they can easily process returns. At the same time, the Shopify app relieves you of some annoying manual steps, allowing you to focus on more important things.
#6 Customize Shopify Checkout with Checkout Blocks
This option is reserved for merchants with the Shopify Plus plan. With Checkout Blocks, you can customize the checkout and add trust-building elements, for example. This way, you can ensure that fewer customers bounce and increase your conversion rate. Our experience shows that you should definitely work with A/B tests here to understand what works well and what works less well.
This Shopify app allows you to send post-sale surveys to buyers to understand your customers even better. The better you understand your customers, the better you can take the right measures in e-commerce to create an even better customer experience.
You should regularly evaluate the data obtained and incorporate it into your marketing efforts. This is the only way to continuously improve and grow in the long term.
As a Shopify merchant, you should learn to love data. Data gives you important insights into purchasing behavior and the profitability of your marketing measures. Klar Analytics helps you to bring together all the data you receive in a "data warehouse". This gives you an overview of all your marketing channels at a glance.
Klar Analytics also calculates your running costs, so you can see on a daily basis whether you are profitable or not.
Depending on your requirements, there are other apps that can support you in your activities. Here is a list of other apps that may be suitable for you.
GDPR Legal Cookie
Although they do not increase sales, they are necessary for selling in Europe. GDPR Legal Cookie gives you legally binding cookie banners, which have been mandatory on every website since 2019. We use the Shopify app for our customers because it is uncomplicated and ensures 100% compliance.
Search engine optimization is an important marketing measure to attract visitors to your online store. Shopify already offers a search engine friendly setup. Yoast SEO gives you even more control over optimization. Yoast SEO can also be worthwhile for beginners, as the app helps you to optimize your individual pages for specific keywords through suggestions.
Here you can find out: everything about Shopify SEO
Algolia
Algolia is a powerful search and recommendation platform that helps you create lightning-fast and precise search experiences. It enables custom search functions, filter options and personalized results, ideal for e-commerce. Algolia is easily integrated, flexible and scalable, perfect for optimizing search results in real time.
The Google & YouTube Shopify app allows you to connect Google services with your Shopify store. For example, you can add your products to the Google Merchant Center to benefit from free advertising in the Google Shopping Network. The app also allows you to place paid ads in Google channels.
Shopify POS is the perfect app to connect your online store with your brick-and-mortar store. Whether you sell at trade fairs, in pop-up stores or in your own store, Shopify POS allows you to centrally manage all sales and synchronize stock in real time. With additional functions such as the integration of customer profiles and discounts, you can create a seamless shopping experience online and offline. However, you also need certain hardware for the integration - you can find out more in our guide.
Here you can find out: everything aboutShopify POS
Stocky
With Stocky, you always have your inventory under control. The app offers you detailed analyses to help you plan your stock efficiently and reorder in good time. Functions such as stock forecasts, reports on best-selling products and reorder suggestions help you to avoid overstocking and never run out of stock. The integration with Shopify POS is particularly practical, so that stock movements are updated in real time. Stocky makes organization easier and saves you valuable time.
Conclusion: Optimize your Shopify store with Shopify apps
Shopify apps give you the opportunity to customize your store to your needs and those of your customers. Some apps are necessary to optimize your processes so that you can sell effectively online. But with so many apps flooding into the app store every day, it's often not easy to find the right app for your requirements.
If you are looking for a function that goes beyond the apps I have suggested, we will be happy to advise you personally on the possibilities. If you have a specific problem, we can also solve it with an app developed in-house.
Frequently asked questions about Shopify apps
Do I need Shopify apps?
Whether you need Shopify apps depends on the requirements of your store. Shopify offers a solid set of basic features, but apps are useful for adding additional functionality, such as advanced search, marketing automation or checkout optimization. If your store has special requirements, such as subscriptions or personalized recommendations, you will be able to work more flexibly and efficiently with apps.
Why do I need apps for Shopify?
You need apps for Shopify to customize your store to your individual needs. Apps extend the standard functions of Shopify by providing you with tools for email marketing, customer reviews, stock management or SEO. They help you to automate processes, improve the shopping experience for customers and increase your sales. They are particularly indispensable for growing stores.
What do Shopify apps cost?
The costs for Shopify apps vary greatly. Many apps offer a free basic version, while premium features are often available in the form of subscriptions, which can cost between €5 and €50 per month. Some powerful apps, such as automation tools or advanced analytics, cost over €100 per month. There are also one-off fees for certain apps. Note that the investment is often justified by efficiency gains and higher sales.
What are the best apps for Shopify?
The best Shopify apps depend on your requirements, in this post I have given you eight recommendations to increase your sales. These have proven to be the best Shopify apps for our customers.
Luke Schmidt
Senior SEO Consultant
As an SEO expert and content marketing manager, Lukas successfully increases the visibility of our clients in Google. He shares his in-depth knowledge of online marketing, SEO, e-commerce and Shopify on the Golden Web Age blog.
