0:03
More than 80% of Shopify stores use apps to manage and grow their business. Why use an app? Well, Shopify provides you with the core features to help you start and grow your business. For your business, you may need specific features that aren’t yet available on Shopify.
0:19
The Shopify app store has thousands of apps developed by both Shopify and Shopify partners that enhance the functionality of your store. When choosing an app for your store, begin by asking yourself a few questions. What does my store need outside of Shopify core features?
0:36
What would make managing my store easier? What would increase my sales? How much can I afford to spend on apps? Apps can either be free or paid depending on what the app developer decides to charge. Paid apps have a monthly fee, a one-time fee, or a fee every time you use it.
0:54
Most paid apps also offer a free basic plan or a free trial period, so you can try the app before you buy it. Let’s install an app together. From your admin, click “Apps.” Shopify will consistently recommend apps based on the stage of your business.
1:10
Since there are thousands of apps in the app store, the personal recommendations from Shopify will help you save time. Click on “Product reviews.” This is an app created by Shopify. As you can see, it’s been highly rated and reviewed.
1:26
Now let’s take a look at the app store. From here, I’ll click on “Shopify app store” to go to the App Store’s home page. Like themes, apps are organized into collections and categories to help make it easy for you to find the right apps for your store. Before choosing an app, be sure to read the app description and note how you can get support if you have any questions.
1:49
As some apps are created by Shopify partners you’ll need to reach out to their support if you have any questions or encounter any issues. After you’ve found an app that you want to use, you’ll need to add it to your store. If you’re installing an app from the Shopify app store, then click “Add app” on the app’s listing page.
2:10
After you click “Add app” you need to authorize the app by clicking “Install app” from your Shopify admin. Once you’ve installed your apps you can see them all within the app section of your Shopify store. Common apps you’ll see for growing businesses tend to be more focused on marketing and sales.
2:28
It’s all about making those first few sales and getting some momentum. Consider installing an email marketing app that will help to store the email address addresses captured on your store and help you start marketing. You may also want to enhance your product pages with product reviews, live customer chat or product bundling offers.
2:46
As you explore the app store you may not understand what certain apps are for. And that’s OK. As you grow your business, many of the apps you see in the app store will become critical elements for your long term success. In the next lesson, I’ll show you how to use the marketing section of your store.
