Starting a Shopify store requires more than adding products and choosing a theme. To run an online store efficiently, you need tools that improve performance, marketing, conversions, and customer experience. Shopify apps help store owners add essential features such as page customization, speed optimization, email marketing, upsells, reviews, and customer support. These tools reduce manual work and help automate daily operations.
Using the right apps also improves website loading speed, search engine optimization, and overall store usability. New store owners often struggle with low conversions, abandoned carts, and poor engagement, which can be fixed with the right solutions.
Selecting the must have apps for shopify allows businesses to build a strong foundation, improve sales performance, and scale faster. Instead of installing unnecessary apps, choosing essential Shopify apps ensures better store stability, higher conversion rates, and long-term ecommerce growth.
Why Using the Right Shopify Apps Is Essential for New Stores?
Starting a Shopify store is easier than ever, but running it successfully requires the right tools and Shopify Store Themes to support growth, performance, and customer experience from day one.
- Improve Store Functionality: Shopify apps add features that are not available by default, such as page builders, upsells, reviews, and automation tools, helping new stores operate more efficiently.
- Save Time and Manual Effort: Automation apps handle tasks like email follow-ups, image optimization, and order management, allowing store owners to focus on marketing and product growth.
- Increase Conversion Rates: Apps designed for upselling, reviews, and live chat help reduce hesitation, build trust, and guide customers toward completing purchases.
- Enhance Customer Experience: Faster loading pages, responsive design tools, and instant support apps create a smooth shopping journey that keeps visitors engaged.
- Support Marketing and Sales Growth: Email marketing, affiliate, and loyalty apps help attract traffic, retain customers, and drive repeat sales without heavy ad spending.
- Improve Store Performance and SEO: Speed optimization and SEO-focused apps help improve search visibility, page load times, and organic traffic potential.
By choosing the right Shopify apps early, new store owners build a strong foundation that supports scalability, better customer satisfaction, and long-term business success. If you're planning to launch a fitness brand, follow our step-by-step guide for creating a Shopify Fitness Store to ensure your setup is optimized from day one.
Must Have Apps for Shopify
Must have apps for Shopify help new store owners add essential features, improve store performance, and increase sales without technical skills. These apps support everything from store design and speed optimization to marketing, customer engagement, and conversion growth. If you're learning How to set up a Shopify store, installing the right apps early ensures your store is fully optimized from day one. Choosing the right Shopify apps at the start builds a strong foundation for a successful online store.
1. PageFly Landing Page Builder![]()
Pricing: Starting $18/ month
PageFly Landing Page Builder is a powerful drag-and-drop page builder designed to help Shopify merchants create custom store pages without writing code. When starting an online store, store design plays a huge role in conversions, user experience, and SEO. Many themes on Shopify are limited, especially in layout options for homepages, landing pages, and product pages. PageFly Landing Page Builder fills that gap by providing a flexible editor that lets you control every section of your page, including banners, product blocks, testimonials, FAQ sections, countdown timers, and more. This makes PageFly Landing Page Builder one of the most essential tools for store owners who want professional page design without relying on developers or expensive custom work.
We include PageFly Landing Page Builder on the list of must have apps for shopify because it directly affects how your store looks and performs. Beautiful, high-quality pages help increase conversions, reduce bounce rates, and improve SEO visibility. Whether you’re creating campaign pages, seasonal offers, or unique layouts, PageFly gives you the flexibility to build strong first impressions and high-converting store pages.
PageFly Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop page builder
- Pre-built conversion-optimized templates
- 100% mobile responsive designs
- Full layout control (no coding needed)
- SEO-friendly page structure
- Integrates with major Shopify marketing apps
- A/B testing and analytics
2. Tiny Smart Image Optimizer
Pricing: Starting $14/ month
Tiny Smart Image Optimizer is a Shopify app that automatically compresses and optimizes your store images to improve loading speeds and search engine rankings. In ecommerce, large product images are necessary for clarity, but often slow down websites. Slow loading times can increase bounce rates, harm user experience, and lower SEO performance on Google. Tiny Smart Image Optimizer intelligently reduces image file size without sacrificing visual quality, helping ensure that your store loads fast on both desktop and mobile devices.
This app is considered among the must have apps for shopify because store speed is a ranking signal for search engines and a key factor in conversion rates. Faster stores create happier customers, higher engagement, and lower cart abandonment. Tiny Smart Image Optimizer also supports SEO best practices like ALT text, improving your site’s appearance in image search. For new store owners, this app automates a technical optimization that would otherwise require manual effort or developer help, making it a practical and impactful addition right from the start.
Tiny Smart Image Optimizer Key Features:
- Automatic image compression
- Lossless optimization (no quality loss)
- Auto ALT text improvements for SEO
- Supports all image formats
- Bulk optimization in one click
- Speeds up store load time
- Reduces data usage for customers
3. Essential Post-Purchase Upsell
Pricing: Starting $9.99/ month
Essential Post-Purchase Upsell is a Shopify app that helps you increase your average order value (AOV) by offering additional products to customers immediately after they complete checkout. Once a customer has entered their payment details, they are more likely to add another item if the process is simple and friction-free. This tool inserts one-click upsell offers at the thank-you page, giving complementary product suggestions that shoppers can add instantly without re-entering information.
We include this app on the list of must have apps for shopify because increasing the value of each order is one of the fastest ways to grow revenue without spending more on ads. An optimized post-purchase flow turns one sale into multiple purchases with minimal effort.
For beginners, this app provides a conversion-focused enhancement that doesn’t require complex sales funnels or advanced marketing skills. With Essential Post-Purchase Upsell, even new merchants can generate notable revenue gains by making smart offers at the right moment in the customer journey.
Essential Post-Purchase Upsell Key Features:
- One-click upsell offers after checkout
- Customizable offer templates
- Works directly with Shopify checkout
- Increase average order value
- Easy drag-and-drop offer builder
- Real-time offer performance analytics
- No coding required
4.UpPromote
Pricing: Starting $29.99/ month
UpPromote allows Shopify store owners to set up and manage their very own affiliate program. Affiliate marketing helps you grow reach and sales by incentivizing influencers, bloggers, and partners to promote your products in exchange for commissions. With this app, you can create affiliate links, track referrals, assign custom commissions, and automate tracking and reporting all without manual management.
We list this tool among the must have apps for shopify because affiliate programs help reduce customer acquisition costs and expand your marketing footprint organically. New stores often struggle to generate traffic on their own; affiliates effectively become a sales force that promotes your brand to new audiences.
This app simplifies affiliate recruitment, tracking, and payouts so you can focus on product quality and customer service, rather than time-consuming manual tracking. Build trust and credibility while increasing sales without spending heavily on paid ads.
UpPromote Key Features:
- Create custom affiliate programs
- Track affiliate clicks sales
- Automated affiliate links
- Custom commission settings
- Real-time reporting dashboard
- Helps expand influencer promotions
- Easy affiliate onboarding
5. TinyCookie
Pricing: Starting $7/ month
TinyCookie is a smart compliance tool that helps Shopify stores meet global data protection and privacy requirements like GDPR, CCPA, and other cookie laws. When selling to customers in regions like the EU, UK, or California, you must obtain consent before tracking user behavior or using cookies.
TinyCookie displays customizable cookie banners and consent notices, giving visitors control over what data gets collected. It’s a lightweight yet powerful solution that saves time and helps your store avoid legal issues related to privacy.
This app is included in the must have apps for shopify because legal compliance is critical, even for new stores. Ignoring cookie consent rules can result in fines and damage to your reputation. TinyCookie handles consent management automatically, without technical setup or ongoing maintenance.
It improves trust by showing visitors that you respect their privacy and protects your business by ensuring compliance with complex privacy regulations. For beginners who don’t have legal expertise, TinyCookie is an easy and necessary safeguard for international selling.
TinyCookie Key Features:
- GDPR CCPA compliance
- Custom cookie consent banners
- Consent tracking and reporting
- Multi-language support
- Lightweight fast performance
- Easy setup without coding
- Improves user privacy trust
6. BON Loyalty Rewards
Pricing: Starting $25/ month
BON Loyalty Rewards is a customer loyalty program app designed to help Shopify stores increase repeat purchases by incentivizing customer behavior. The app allows you to award points for purchases, referrals, reviews, social engagement, and even account creation. Customers can redeem points for discounts, free items, or special perks.
Loyalty programs not only increase sales from returning customers but also strengthen brand affinity and improve long-term customer satisfaction. We consider this one of the must have apps for shopify because retaining existing customers is cheaper and more effective than acquiring new ones.
A strong rewards system encourages repeat business, boosts customer lifetime value, and builds brand advocates. For new store owners, implementing a loyalty program early on can set the foundation for sustainable growth and stronger customer relationships. BON’s interface makes it easy to customize rules and reward structures, with analytics that help you measure performance and customer engagement.
BON Loyalty Rewards Key Features:
- Points-based rewards system
- Referral incentive programs
- Custom reward redemption options
- Tiered loyalty programs
- Customer engagement dashboard
- Personalized reward options
- Analytics to measure loyalty impact
7. Klaviyo
Pricing: Starting $15/ month
Klaviyo is one of the leading email and SMS marketing platforms for Shopify, designed to help merchants grow revenue through targeted messaging. With Klaviyo, you can build automated flows such as welcome series, abandoned cart reminders, order follow-ups, and promotional campaigns, all triggered based on customer behavior.
Advanced segmentation allows you to send personalized messages to specific customer groups, increasing engagement and conversions. Included in the must have apps for shopify, Klaviyo is essential for building relationships, increasing retention, and boosting repeat sales. Email marketing consistently delivers high ROI because it reaches customers who have already shown interest in your brand.
For beginners, an email and SMS strategy helps maintain customer engagement, recover lost carts, and announce new products or offers without ad spend. Klaviyo’s deep Shopify integration means every order and customer action feeds directly into your campaigns, making automation powerful and reliable.
Klaviyo Key Features:
- Email and SMS automation
- Advanced customer segmentation
- Shopify purchase behavior tracking
- Pre-built marketing flows
- Personalization and dynamic content
- A/B testing and analytics
- Conversion tracking revenue reporting
8. Judge.me
Pricing: Starting $15/ month
Judge.me is a product review app that helps Shopify merchants collect and display customer reviews on product pages, collection pages, and even in marketing emails. Product reviews serve as social proof, building trust, credibility, and buyer confidence.
In online shopping, where customers can’t physically interact with products, authentic reviews significantly influence purchase decisions. Judge.me offers automatic review requests, photo and video testimonials, and customizable widgets to match your store theme. This app is listed as one of the must have apps for shopify because social proof is a cornerstone of ecommerce conversions.
Reviews improve click-through rates, help SEO with rich snippet support, and reduce hesitation at checkout. For new store owners, collecting reviews early builds long-term trust signals that improve sales over time. With Judge.me, you get a reliable, affordable solution for managing and showcasing reviews that align with your brand.
Judge.me Key Features:
- Automated review collection
- Photo video review support
- SEO-rich review widgets
- Customizable display styles
- Integration with email and SMS
- Star ratings on product listings
- Incentivized review requests
9. Tidio
Pricing: Starting $29/ month
Tidio is a live chat and chatbot tool that helps Shopify stores engage with customers in real time and automate support for frequent questions. Visitors can be greeted instantly, guided to the right product, or helped with tracking and policy questions through AI-powered bots. For store owners who don’t have dedicated support teams, Tidio’s automated responses save time while improving customer experience.
This app earns its place among the must have apps for shopify because immediate assistance increases conversions, reduces abandoned carts, and builds trust. Real-time interaction reassures hesitant buyers and speeds up the decision process.
Tidio also offers integrations with email and Messenger, making it a versatile support hub. For new stores operating with limited staff, AI or live chat acts like a digital customer service assistant, improving satisfaction and driving repeat business.
Tidio Key Features:
- Live chat support
- AI chatbot automation
- Mobile-friendly chat widget
- Multichannel (email Messenger)
- Pre-built support templates
- Visitor typing preview
- Customer satisfaction analytics
10. DSers
Pricing: Starting $19.90/ month
DSers is a dropshipping automation app that integrates seamlessly with Shopify and AliExpress, allowing merchants to import products, automate order fulfillment, and optimize supplier choices. If you’re running a dropshipping store, managing orders manually can quickly become overwhelming.
DSers speeds up processing with bulk ordering, supplier comparison tools, pricing rules, and simplified tracking updates. This makes order management smoother and more profitable.
We include DSers in the list of must have apps for shopify because automation saves time, reduces errors, and enhances operational efficiency, especially for new dropshipping entrepreneurs.
Streamlining fulfillment means you can focus on marketing, product selection, and customer experience rather than order management tasks. For anyone building a store using dropshipping models, DSers is an indispensable tool that reduces workload and scales your business without adding complexity.
DSers key Features:
- AliExpress integration
- Bulk product imports
- Automated order fulfillment
- Supplier comparison tools
- Pricing rules profit settings
- Real-time shipping status updates
- Inventory sync automation
How to Choose the Best Shopify Apps for Your Online Store?
Choosing the right must have apps for Shopify helps your online store run smoothly, grow faster, and avoid performance or cost issues caused by unnecessary tools.
- Identify Your Store’s Needs: Start by understanding what your store actually requires, such as better design, faster loading speed, marketing automation, or customer support features.
- Check App Reviews and Ratings: Always review user ratings, feedback, and overall reputation in the Shopify App Store to ensure reliability and consistent performance.
- Test Free Plans First: Many apps offer free versions or trials, allowing you to evaluate usability, compatibility, and impact before upgrading to paid plans.
- Avoid Installing Too Many Apps: Installing excessive apps can slow down your store and create conflicts, so focus only on tools that provide clear value.
- Ensure Theme and App Compatibility: Confirm that the app works smoothly with your Shopify theme and other installed apps to prevent technical issues.
- Consider Support and Updates: Choose apps that offer active customer support and frequent updates, ensuring long-term stability and security.
- By carefully selecting Shopify apps based on functionality, performance, and reliability, you can build a scalable store that delivers a better shopping experience and long-term growth.
Conclusion
Starting an online business becomes much easier when you use the right Shopify tools from the beginning. The apps discussed in this guide help new store owners improve store design, increase website speed, boost conversions, and manage marketing more efficiently. Choosing the must have apps for shopify allows you to automate daily tasks, enhance customer experience, and grow sales without technical complexity.
From page builders and image optimization to email marketing, loyalty programs, and upsell tools, these Shopify apps support every stage of ecommerce growth. Instead of installing too many apps, focus on essential Shopify apps and choose a conversion-optimized Shopify Supplement Theme like Zeal to ensure better performance and smoother store operations. The right Shopify apps, combined with a well-structured theme built for supplement brands, help improve SEO, reduce cart abandonment, and increase average order value. As your business grows, these tools scale with you and support long-term success. By investing in reliable Shopify apps early and selecting a high-performance Shopify theme, you build a strong ecommerce foundation that drives traffic, builds trust, and increases online sales consistently.
FAQ Related to Must have Apps for Shopify
What are Shopify apps, and why do I need them?
Shopify apps are tools that extend the basic features of a Shopify store. They help with tasks like store design, speed optimization, marketing, upsells, reviews, customer support, and automation. Most new stores need apps to improve performance, increase conversions, and manage daily operations efficiently.
Are Shopify apps safe to use for new stores?
Yes, Shopify apps listed in the official Shopify App Store go through a review process. To stay safe, always choose apps with good ratings, positive reviews, active support, and regular updates. Avoid installing apps from unknown sources.
How many Shopify apps should a new store install?
A new store should start with only essential apps. Installing too many apps can slow down your website and cause conflicts. Focus on apps that solve clear problems such as speed, design, marketing, or customer trust, and add more only when needed.
Do Shopify apps slow down a store?
Some poorly optimized apps can affect performance, but high-quality apps are designed to be lightweight. Choosing well-reviewed apps, avoiding unnecessary features, and regularly reviewing installed apps helps maintain good store speed.
Can Shopify apps help increase sales?
Yes, many Shopify apps are designed to increase sales by improving conversion rates, reducing cart abandonment, increasing average order value, and encouraging repeat purchases through email marketing, upsells, reviews, and loyalty programs