Skip Vanity. These Are the Apps That Move the Needle.
Most Shopify app lists are padded with fluff. Or worse apps that look good on your dashboard but do nothing for conversions.
This list is different. Every app below either:
- Improves conversion rate
- Increases average order value
- Brings repeat traffic
- Reduces cart abandonment
And they’re all either used by real stores I’ve worked with, or have hard proof in the data.
1. Pre-Purchase: Get More From First Click
These apps help convert casual browsers into buyers. They optimize the parts of the funnel most store owners forget.
1: Searchanise
What it does: Upgrades your store search bar to behave like Amazon’s with instant suggestions, typo correction, filters, and product previews.
Why it matters: Most Shopify stores lose conversions on poor internal search. This fixes it without custom dev.
Data: Stores see up to 2x higher conversion rates for users who use on-site search.
2: Fera Reviews
What it does: Collects and displays photo and video reviews. You can auto-request reviews after purchase, incentivize them, and tag by product attributes.
Why it works: It’s built to match your theme and doesn’t feel like a pop-up from 2013.
Related: How to Collect Reviews Without Breaking Rules
3: ReConvert
What it does: Adds a customizable post-purchase thank-you page that includes product recommendations, time-limited offers, and birthday collection.
Why it matters: You’re not stuck with Shopify’s basic thank-you page. Use it to upsell immediately after purchase when trust is highest.
2. Checkout: Reduce Drop-Off Where It Hurts Most
You don’t need to redesign your whole checkout to get more completions. A few tools can plug leaks fast.
4: Slide Cart Drawer by App HQ
What it does: Turns your cart into a sticky slide-out drawer that shows upsells and cross-sells without leaving the page.
Why it works: It reduces friction. Fewer page loads = fewer abandoned carts.
Related: A Smarter Way to Structure Your Navigation
5: Checkout Promotions & Upsells
What it does: Lets you add dynamic upsells and cross-sells during the actual checkout step.
Why it matters: Shopify’s default checkout is limited. This adds context-sensitive suggestions like: “Add this for 20% off.”
Note: Only available on Shopify Plus plans.
6: Shop Pay Installments
What it does: Lets customers split payments into 4 interest-free payments.
Why it matters: Reduces sticker shock. Increases AOV, especially for items $50+.
3. Post-Purchase: Turn Buyers Into Repeat Buyers
You’ve done the hard part. Now keep them coming back.
7: Klaviyo
What it does: Powerful email/SMS platform with advanced flows abandoned cart, product review, reorder reminders, etc.
Why it’s better than others: Klaviyo connects to your entire product catalog. Your emails don’t look generic.
Related: How to Automate Client Follow-ups on Email
8: Loop Returns
What it does: Streamlines the returns/exchange process with branded return portals.
Why it helps sales: Returns are often the #1 anxiety for first-time buyers. A smooth return flow can increase conversion, even if buyers never use it.
9: Repeat
What it does: Predicts when your customers are likely to reorder, and triggers a timely email/SMS reminder.
Why it matters: Repeat buyers cost less than new ones but only if you nudge them at the right time.
4. Bonus: Apps for Mobile-First Stores
80%+ of Shopify traffic is mobile. Your store must feel fast, light, and frictionless on small screens.
10: AMP by Shop Sheriff
What it does: Creates AMP versions of your product and collection pages for lightning-fast mobile loading.
Why it matters: Faster pages = lower bounce rate = higher conversions.
Related: One-Page Store Design That Converts on Mobile
11: Sticky Add to Cart Booster Pro
What it does: Adds a persistent “Add to Cart” button that scrolls with the user on product pages.
Why it’s useful: On mobile, your CTA should never be out of view. This fixes that.
5. When You’re Ready to Scale Further
At this point, your sales engine is running. These tools help you squeeze more from every dollar you spend.
12: Lifetimely
What it does: Calculates LTV by product, cohort, and channel.
Why it matters: You can’t scale ads until you know what a customer is worth over time.
Related: Tracking the Right Metrics in Paid Funnels
13: Triple Whale
What it does: Connects ad spend, attribution, and real-time profit in one dashboard.
Why it’s popular: Great for Shopify brands that run ads on Meta, TikTok, and Google all tracked in one place.
14: Alloy Automation
What it does: Build automated workflows across your tech stack (e.g., when X happens in Klaviyo, do Y in Shopify).
Why it’s different: Unlike Zapier, Alloy is built for Shopify. More native triggers. Fewer bugs.
Related:
- What to Automate First in Your Service Business
- Setting Up Smart Workflows Without Overkill
Conclusion: Use Tools That Actually Work
You don’t need 20 apps. You need the right ones that:
- Help people find your products
- Help them trust your listings
- Make it easier to check out
- Encourage them to come back
If an app doesn’t drive one of those, uninstall it.
