Shopify is so popular that many people tend to use Shopify apps to develop their business. However, there are some limited things we need to know before using third-party apps to avoid app overload on the Shopify theme.

SUPPORT

The first, as well as the biggest problem we need to know, is: how well the third-party app is supported. In fact, this is really necessary in case you need help.

You should check carefully a list of customers reviews before deciding to take the app. In case you see the ratings for the app, check out the number of reviews that the ratings are based on.

The truth is, it is better if you have a free trial before paying money for installing the app. If you have any requirements, you can check during the time the trial runs.

Normally, most apps allow you to use their free trials, so it is a good chance for you to add one of them and remove later if it is not suitable. This way can reduce so many potential problems in the future.

You can also contact the developer of the app, and discuss pre-sale requirements. If you do not receive any information, it means you need to think again for the app.

THEME CONFLICTS

Not all apps are good but some of them can cause you troubles. In this case, you have to check out if it makes your Shopify theme in the problem from Arena Commerce. This happens when the app adds additional javascript or HTML., which conflict with your Shopify theme files’ code.

If you are in this case, when two set of codes are competing, you can see that it is a difficult problem to solve. Why? Because these codes are not created just by a team.

In fact, most themes and apps are not willing to solve this trouble. Because there are many complexities involved. 

CONS OF APPS

If the app you choose adds a myriad of functionality, you can get more troubles than you may think of. It is not worth to choose it in this case.

You should not use so many kinds of apps because this makes things more complicated to deal with. The more apps you use, the more chances issues can happen. Remember!

When working, some apps will modify your Liquid but this is not really good at last. Because these apps cannot uninstall it if you do not want to use it later. This can be more problematic if you are testing an app and need to install an activate one just to remove it immediately.

When you test an app or remove the one you do not want to use anymore, please remember to make note of some pages which are modified by the app. This is because it is more methodical to reset the links or files.

Finally, do not use too many apps which add features to the store. They may cause your shop bloated and not user-friendly.  Some pages are more complicated and take much time to load. All these reasons may make you lose customers somewhere. 

CONSIDERING AN APP

From all above, we just want to show you what should or should not when choosing an app to avoid app overload. You can still use apps you want, but just check out more carefully before deciding. Because your last decision can make a big impact on your business.

You should have knowledge of functionality the app adds to the store, and their effect. Is it good to increase your sales and profit? Is it allow you to streamline order fulfillment to the right point that you can realize significant savings? Do you need to use one more app just to meet the unique requirement to sell your products?

Although many users think that slicking a new app will increase their sales, there are still a few quick fixes available. The truth is that sales can take time to pick up or there is a period of time for training and adjustment before the kinks can work well.

There are also nice features that many apps offer to your Shopify store. But do not decide right at that time. Please think twice if the app is expensive or not. Is it able to fall into this category? Make sure everything before deciding is better.

If you need a tip for gauging the cost of an app, just think if you are willing to pay the same amount of the fee if your sales stay still for some next few months. If you do not want to do this, do not choose the app.

One more suggestion is to prioritize to know which app can make sense for your Shopify store. You should find one which is more impactful down the road. You should make a list of apps you like and then see the business plan to find the best one.

INSTALLING AN APP

When you decide a suitable app, you still need to minimize any issues that might happen.

Firstly, please remember to download a backup of your entire theme. If you have a copy of this, you can fix the problem in many cases.

Secondly, you should pick a slow sales period before adding an app. If there are any problems, you can be in good preparation to deal with them or just uninstall the app at the end.

Thirdly, you can make a note to know the number and the working time of the support team. If you get any issues during the installation, you can be helped.  Do not install the app when the support team does not work! This is important!

At last, you can roll out each app in phases when installing a list of them. You also need a period of time, such as a week, to check out if the app works well,  and then you can install the next one. This way helps to isolate issues as well as prevent downtime. It also allows your customers to pay attention to your store when receiving news from email or social media.