5 Must Have Apps For an 8-Figure Shopify Store

I recently sat down with my good friend and business partner, Jason Modlinne, who co-founded Scentimental with us at V8 Capital.

We had an in-depth discussion about the top five types of Shopify apps that every online store owner should consider.

If you're an entrepreneur looking to elevate your Shopify store, you're in the right place.

Let's dive into the must-have apps that can transform your e-commerce business.

1. Advanced Discounting Apps: Get Creative with Offers

First on our list are advanced discounting apps, a game-changer for any Shopify store looking to stand out.

While Shopify's built-in discount features are functional, they are quite basic and often limited in scope.

You can set up simple discounts on products or shipping, but they lack the flexibility that modern marketing strategies require.

Jason pointed out that these limitations can hinder your ability to create compelling offers that resonate with customers.

With advanced discounting apps, you can craft unique and dynamic promotions that capture attention.

Some of the exciting promotions you can create include:

• Buy One, Get One Free (BOGO deals): Encourage customers to purchase more by offering a free item.
• Tiered Discounts: Offer increasing discounts based on the quantity purchased (e.g., buy two, get 10% off; buy three, get 20% off).
• Volume Discounts: Provide discounts for bulk purchases, ideal for B2B clients or large orders.
• Flash Sales: Create time-sensitive offers that generate urgency and drive quick sales.
• Bundle Deals: Combine related products at a discounted rate to increase average order value.

These apps provide pre-made templates or themes, making it easier to set up complex discounts without the need for coding skills or a developer.

They also allow you to schedule discounts to start and end at specific times, so you don't have to manually adjust prices at odd hours.

Imagine setting up a weekend sale that activates and deactivates automatically, giving you peace of mind and more time to focus on other aspects of your business.

Jason's Insight: "These apps let you be more creative with your offers, which can set you apart from competitors who are using standard discount methods."

Moreover, advanced discounting apps often come with analytics features, allowing you to track the performance of your promotions.

You can see which discounts are driving the most sales, helping you refine your marketing strategies over time.

Takeaway: Advanced discounting apps empower you to create enticing and flexible promotions that can boost sales, increase customer engagement, and enhance your brand's appeal.

2. Bulk Product Editing Apps: Save Time and Effort

Managing a large inventory can be a daunting task, especially when you need to make updates across multiple products.

This is where bulk product editing apps become invaluable.

Instead of spending hours manually updating each product, these apps allow you to make changes across hundreds or even thousands of products in just a few clicks.

Here's what you can accomplish with bulk editing apps:

• Edit Prices: Quickly adjust prices for sales events, market changes, or supplier cost fluctuations.
• Update Tags: Add or remove tags to better organize your products and improve searchability on your site.
• Modify Variants: Change options like sizes, colors, or materials in bulk, ensuring consistency across your catalog.
• Adjust Inventory Levels: Update stock quantities, which is especially useful during inventory audits or after large shipments.
• Schedule Changes: Plan updates in advance, such as launching new collections or seasonal products.
• SEO Optimization: Edit meta titles and descriptions in bulk to improve your store's search engine rankings.

Jason shared how he uses these apps to efficiently manage our store's inventory.

"During big promotional events like Black Friday, we can schedule all our price changes in advance. The app automatically updates the prices at the scheduled time, so we don't have to stay up late or worry about manual errors," he explained.

These apps not only save time but also reduce the likelihood of mistakes that can occur when editing products individually.

Jason's Tip: "Why spend hours clicking through products when you can automate the process? It frees up time to focus on strategy and customer engagement."

Additionally, bulk editing apps often have undo features, allowing you to reverse changes if something doesn't go as planned.

This safety net provides peace of mind when making significant updates to your store.

Takeaway: Bulk editing apps streamline your workflow, enhance accuracy, and save you valuable time that you can invest in other critical areas of your business.

3. Finance Tracker Apps: Know Your Numbers

Understanding your store's financial health is crucial for sustainable growth and informed decision-making.

We discussed the importance of using finance tracker apps like BeProfit to gain a clear picture of your business's performance.

These apps offer real-time insights into various financial metrics, including:

• Real-Time Profit Tracking: Monitor your net profit and profit margins on a daily basis, giving you up-to-date financial status.
• Expense Breakdown: Keep track of all your costs, such as marketing spend, transaction fees, fulfillment expenses, and even hidden costs like packaging or handling fees.
• Marketing ROI: Evaluate the effectiveness of your advertising campaigns across different platforms, helping you allocate your budget more efficiently.
• Customizable Reports: Generate detailed financial reports tailored to your specific needs, which can be invaluable during tax season or when seeking investment.
• Integration with Ad Platforms: Sync data from Facebook Ads, Google Ads, and other marketing channels for a comprehensive view.
• Cost of Goods Sold (COGS): Calculate your exact profit by considering the cost of each product sold, not just the sales revenue.

Jason emphasized that many store owners operate based on assumptions rather than concrete data.

"Without accurate tracking, you might think you're profitable when you're actually losing money. Real-time data allows you to pivot quickly. If a campaign isn't delivering results, you can adjust before it's too late," he noted.

We also discussed how these apps help in identifying trends and making forecasts.

By analyzing historical data, you can predict future sales patterns and prepare accordingly.

For instance, if you notice a spike in sales every December, you can stock up on inventory and ramp up marketing efforts ahead of time.

Jason's Advice: "Knowledge is power. The more you understand about where your money is coming from and where it's going, the better decisions you can make to grow your business."

Moreover, finance tracker apps can alert you to any discrepancies or unexpected expenses, allowing you to address issues promptly.

Takeaway: Finance tracker apps enable you to make informed, data-driven decisions, optimize your spending, improve profitability, and ultimately achieve sustainable growth.

4. Workflow Automation Apps: Streamline Operations

Running an online store involves a myriad of repetitive tasks that can consume significant amounts of time and resources.

Workflow automation apps are designed to automate these processes, reducing manual effort and minimizing errors.

We use apps like Shopify Flow to automate various aspects of our operations.

Here are some ways these apps can help:

• Order Tagging: Automatically tag orders based on specific criteria such as order value, product type, or shipping method. This helps in prioritizing orders and managing fulfillment efficiently.
• Email Notifications: Send personalized emails triggered by certain events, like welcoming new customers, notifying about order delays, or sending re-engagement messages to inactive customers.
• Inventory Management: Automate stock level updates, receive alerts when inventory is low, and even trigger purchase orders to suppliers.
• Customer Segmentation: Automatically segment customers based on their purchasing behavior, allowing for targeted marketing campaigns.
• Fraud Detection: Set up rules to flag potentially fraudulent orders for manual review, reducing the risk of chargebacks.
• Review Management: Automate the process of requesting reviews after purchase, enhancing your store's credibility.
• Data Syncing: Ensure that all your platforms and tools are updated simultaneously, maintaining consistency across your business operations.

Jason shared a practical example of how workflow automation has benefited our business.

"We had an issue with orders not being fulfilled on time due to stock discrepancies. By setting up an automation that alerts us when stock is low and pauses marketing for out-of-stock items, we significantly improved our fulfillment process and customer satisfaction," he explained.

These apps not only save time but also help in providing a better customer experience by ensuring timely communication and order processing.

Jason's Perspective: "Automation frees you up to focus on strategic growth initiatives instead of getting bogged down by routine tasks. It's like having an extra team member who works 24/7 without breaks."

Additionally, workflow automation can help in compliance and reporting by maintaining accurate records of all automated processes.

Takeaway: Workflow automation apps enhance operational efficiency, reduce errors, improve customer satisfaction, and allow you to scale your business more effectively.

5. Review Apps: Build Trust and Credibility

In the competitive world of e-commerce, trust is a crucial factor that influences purchasing decisions.

Customers often rely on reviews and testimonials to gauge the quality and reliability of products and services.

Using robust review apps can significantly enhance your store's credibility and conversion rates.

Key features to consider when choosing a review app include:

• Automated Review Requests: Set up automated emails or SMS messages that prompt customers to leave a review after their purchase has been delivered.
• Photo and Video Reviews: Allow customers to upload images or videos of the products they purchased, adding authenticity and social proof.
• Incentivization Options: Offer discounts, loyalty points, or other rewards to encourage customers to leave detailed reviews.
• Moderation Tools: Manage and respond to reviews to address customer concerns and showcase excellent customer service.
• SEO Benefits: Displaying reviews on your site can improve search engine rankings by adding fresh, user-generated content.
• Integration Capabilities: Ensure the app can integrate with your email marketing, CRM, and other tools for a seamless workflow.
• Easy Migration: Ability to import or export reviews, which is essential if you decide to switch apps in the future.

Jason highlighted the importance of choosing reputable review apps that are widely used and trusted in the industry.

"We made the mistake of using a lesser-known app, and when we wanted to migrate, we faced challenges due to incompatibility. It taught us the value of investing in a quality app from the start," he shared.

We both agreed that genuine, detailed reviews with customer photos and personal stories significantly build credibility.

Potential customers are more likely to trust and purchase from a store that showcases real experiences from other shoppers.

Jason's Warning: "Avoid getting locked into an app that doesn't serve your long-term needs. It's worth doing the research upfront to find a solution that grows with your business."

Additionally, responding to reviews, both positive and negative, shows that you value customer feedback and are committed to continuous improvement.

Takeaway: Invest in a high-quality review app to build trust, enhance your brand's reputation, boost conversions, and foster long-term customer loyalty.

Bonus Tip: Consider App Integration and Compatibility

While we've focused on these five app types, it's essential to consider how any new app will integrate with your existing systems and workflows.

Poor integration can lead to data silos, operational inefficiencies, and even lost sales.

Here are some tips to ensure seamless integration:

• Check Compatibility: Verify that the app works well with your current Shopify theme, other installed apps, and any third-party services you use.
• Review App Ratings and Feedback: Look at reviews from other merchants to understand potential issues and benefits.
• Consider Customer Support: Choose apps that offer robust customer support, including live chat, email, or phone assistance.
• Mind the Costs: Be aware of subscription fees, transaction fees, or any hidden costs. Assess the return on investment the app is likely to provide.
• Test Before Committing: Utilize free trials or demo versions to evaluate the app's functionality and ease of use.
• Scalability: Ensure the app can handle your business as it grows, including higher traffic volumes and more complex operations.
• Security and Compliance: Confirm that the app adheres to security best practices and complies with relevant regulations like GDPR.

Jason's Insight: "The right combination of apps creates a powerful ecosystem that not only streamlines operations but also enhances the customer experience. It's like building a well-oiled machine where every part works in harmony."

Integrating apps thoughtfully can lead to exponential benefits, making your store more efficient, user-friendly, and profitable.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Shopify Store Today

Our conversation shed light on how the right apps can significantly impact your Shopify store's performance and your overall business success.

By leveraging these tools, you can:

• Create compelling and flexible discounts to attract and retain customers.
• Manage your product catalog efficiently, saving time, reducing errors, and allowing for quick adaptability.
• Gain deep financial insights to make data-driven decisions that enhance profitability and growth.
• Automate routine tasks to focus on strategic initiatives and innovation.
• Build trust with potential customers through authentic reviews and enhanced credibility.

My Final Thoughts: "In the competitive world of e-commerce, success isn't just about having an online store. It's about continuously optimizing every aspect of your business to provide exceptional value to your customers and stay ahead of the competition."

So, what's your next move?

Here are some action steps to consider:

1. Assess Your Current Store: Identify areas where you can improve efficiency, customer experience, or profitability.
2. Research Apps: Dive into the Shopify App Store to explore the apps we've discussed and others that may suit your specific needs.
3. Plan Implementation: Create a roadmap for integrating new apps, considering potential impacts on existing workflows.
4. Monitor Performance: After installation, regularly review key metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of the new tools.
5. Iterate and Optimize: Use insights gained to refine your strategies, making adjustments as necessary to maximize benefits.

Remember, the goal is to work smarter, not harder. The right tools can make all the difference in scaling your business and achieving long-term success.