7 Shopify Apps I'd Actually Pay For (and 3 I'd Skip)

The Shopify App Store hosts over 8,000 apps, many of which demand $20 per month. Drawing from personal experience setting up multiple stores, here is a list of apps worth paying for and those to skip. (No sponsorships — honesty is guaranteed.)

1. Klaviyo for email marketing proves its worth as email still drives around 30% of revenue for most small stores. Features like abandoned-cart and post-purchase flows quickly pay for themselves. Begin with the free tier and upgrade when the email list expands.

2. Review apps like Loox or Judge.me are essential for building social proof. Photo reviews, in particular, boost conversion rates; text-only reviews fall short. Judge.me offers a generous free plan.

3. An effective upsell app, such as ReConvert, is crucial for increasing average order value. A post-purchase one-click upsell offers the highest ROI.

4. Image optimization tools TinyIMG or Crush.pics help ensure fast-loading stores, which directly impact conversion rates. This often-overlooked infrastructure work proves to be cost-effective.

5. An SEO app, such as SEOAnt, is necessary because Shopify's native SEO falls short. It lacks bulk alt-text editing and weak structured data capabilities. One solid SEO app bridges the gap.

6. Implementing a loyalty program, like Smile, is worthwhile once there is potential for repeat purchases (like in consumable or fashion stores). Skip for stores where purchases are one-time.

7. A currency converter, such as BEST Currency Converter, proves beneficial for international sales by showing local currencies, generating a measurable conversion lift. Shopify Markets now covers some of this, so check before purchasing.

On the other hand, these should be skipped:

1. Countdown timers or fake urgency widgets from 2018 have become less effective. They make customers feel less trusted; genuine scarcity, like low stock alerts tied to actual inventory, is acceptable. Fake timers are not.

2. Spin-to-win popups on day one are not advisable, as they often signal a dropshipper. Instead, focus on building an email list with a simple 10% off offer first.

3. Any app you installed three months ago should undergo a quarterly audit. Unused apps slow your store and bill monthly. If the dashboard hasn't been opened in 30 days, delete it. The rule of thumb is that each app should either generate revenue (through upsells, email, or reviews) or save measurable time. Nice-to-have apps often quietly transform a $39/month plan into $200/month. Review the list every quarter and be disciplined in your decisions.