Businesses of all sizes use on Shopify to launch, manage, and grow their online presence. With Shopify, building an online store, handling sales, marketing products, and accepting payments becomes seamless and efficient.
This secure, cloud-based system offers access from any device and allows you to add new features to stay current with trends. Whether you want a fun animation or a detailed user form, Shopify offers limitless customization to set up your store just the way you envision.
To make your store truly stand out, you can enhance its functionality by adding various apps. Here’s a complete guide to help you choose the best Shopify apps for online stores.
8 Tips on Choosing the Right Shopify Apps
Here is our detailed guide to Shopify app selection. We have added 8 key tips to help new store owners choose the right apps.
- Have a Clear Vision in Mind
- Explore Within Specific App Categories
- Check Features Thoroughly
- Consider the App Description
- Dive Deep into Ratings and Reviews
- Compare App Prices
- Check for Compatibility & Integration
- Ensure Timely Customer Support
Now, we will explore each of the above tips to find the right Shopify apps.
1. Have a Clear Vision in Mind
Before diving into the Shopify App Store, take time to evaluate your store’s needs and objectives. Identify the key areas where the use of an app can benefit your business, such as improving customer experience, increasing conversions, or streamlining operations. Determine the type of app functionality required to solve specific problems.
For instance, use helpdesk apps for customer support or product review apps to showcase testimonials. Assess your budget & available resources for app integration and maintenance.
By pinpointing your priorities and understanding your goals, you can make informed decisions & select apps that align with your specific objectives.
2. Explore Within Specific App Categories
A significant advantage of the Shopify App Store is its categorization of apps into various functional areas. Whether you need apps for marketing, sales, customer support, or reporting, exploring these categories helps you find apps tailored to your needs.
This organized approach ensures that the apps you select are specifically designed to address your business requirements.
By browsing through relevant categories, you can quickly identify tools that enhance your store’s functionality and improve overall performance, making it easier to meet your specific business milestones.
3. Check Features Thoroughly
Before installation, it is crucial to ensure the plugin has all the necessary features. Thoroughly read the app description and review all details on the developer’s site. Visit the developer’s official website for comprehensive information, as some features might not be listed in brief descriptions.
If you have any uncertainties, utilize their support to inquire about specific functionalities. Don’t forget to verify that the desired features are included in your selected plan.
By meticulously checking the functionality, you can ensure the plugin meets your business needs and integrates seamlessly with your existing setup.
4. Consider the App Description
When exploring the Shopify app store, remember that app descriptions, videos, and screenshots are primarily marketing tools, showcasing just fragments of the product. Your goal is to find a skilled developer, not just an effective marketer.
You might download an app, but the specific features you need might not be available in the basic plan and may require extra cost. You may think an app offers everything in one place, but sometimes, a smaller app can do the trick and give you exactly what you need.
To get a complete picture, look beyond descriptions and rely on customer reviews. Feedback provides valuable insights into the app’s true performance and reliability.
5. Dive Deep into Ratings and Reviews
Consumer reviews offer valuable insights into the functionality and efficiency of a Shopify app. By examining multiple reviews, you can understand user satisfaction and app performance. While higher-rated apps are generally preferable, don’t overlook those with slightly lower ratings.
Start by examining 1-star reviews, which may reflect frustration rather than real issues. Focus on 2-star and 3-star reviews for genuine concerns like missing features or installation difficulties. Most 4-star and 5-star reviews highlight positive experiences and features.
Ensure the app has at least a hundred reviews for a thorough evaluation. This way, you can make an informed decision based on comprehensive feedback.
6. Compare App Prices
Shopify apps come in three pricing tiers: free, paid, and one-time. For new stores on a tight budget, free apps are a good starting point, offering essential functionalities to get your business off the ground.
As your store grows and generates revenue, you might consider upgrading to paid plans for advanced features and enhanced performance. Paid plans vary widely, so reviewing them carefully helps to choose one that fits your needs and budget.
If you’re struggling to find the right plan, contact customer support; they can offer tailored advice and potential discounts to meet your requirements.
7. Check for Compatibility & Integration
When selecting a plugin, it’s essential to ensure it integrates smoothly with your existing Shopify setup. Compatibility issues can disrupt your workflow, as one app might not work well with another, causing conflicts that take additional time and effort to recover from.
To avoid these problems, choose apps that feature a “Works with the latest themes” badge and confirm they align with your store’s current theme and other installed apps.
Proper integration not only simplifies management but also enhances user experience by maintaining consistency across your store’s functionality.
Always review compatibility details in the app’s documentation or consult with the developer to ensure seamless operation within your store.
8. Ensure Timely Customer Support
Before installing a Shopify app, it’s essential to ensure it offers the necessary support. Visit the app’s official Shopify page and review the “Support” section. Look for comprehensive support options like chat, email, and phone.
Additionally, check the “Resources” section for FAQs and Privacy Policies to understand unadvertised features. The “About” section will provide insights into the developer’s history, available apps, and average ratings.
Evaluating these elements ensures you select an app with reliable support to enhance your store’s functionality and address any potential issues.
Conclusion
This was our guide on how to select Shopify apps for your store. Shopify offers tons of app options, and it can get confusing to pick the right one. With a clear vision in mind, you are off to a good start.
We advise you to explore specific app categories, check features thoroughly, and consider the app description. You can also check out the ratings and reviews and compare app prices to see the best options.
Lastly, you should explore whether the new app is compatible with other apps on your store and whether the app developers offer timely customer support in case you face an issue. With these tips in mind, you can pick the best apps that get the job done without wasting your time, money, and effort.
