How do I install an app on Shopify?

If you offer products or services online, you’ve probably already heard of the Shopify platform. It’s an all-in-one solution that makes it easy for you to create, track, and grow your online store. This service is offered in exchange for a subscription. However, it should be noted that the monthly rate applied by this online sales platform is quite low. In addition, its interface is easy to use and its services are of optimal quality. Given the many advantages it offers, it’s a great idea to do online commerce in partnership with the Shopify platform. However, at some point, you’ll need to install apps on Shopify.

Although it is a fairly simple maneuver and accessible to all, it is not always easy to find each other. To do this, find here all the information and tips that will allow you to install an application on Shopify.

What are the different categories of Shopify apps?

Before you proceed with installing a Shopify app, you first need to know the types of apps. Indeed, much more than you can imagine, the Shopify online sales platform is large and dynamic. So it’s not easy to find the best Shopify app without wasting a lot of time doing research. So, be aware that you can install three types of Shopify apps: public, private, and custom.

However, in the app store, you only have the option to directly install those that are public. When it comes to private and custom Shopify apps, they’re not listed in the App Store. In case you want to install a Shopify app that falls into these two categories, you’re bound to need to hire a Shopify expert or a developer of the platform. Indeed, only these professionals will be able to develop these integrations for your e-commerce site. This means that Shopify’s private and custom apps are not publicly available directly.

How do Shopify apps work?

In its design, Shopify makes it possible to integrate or communicate between installed apps and your online store. The most basic form that illustrates how these apps work is changing the theme of your storefront. Indeed, some applications are responsible for injecting styles, codes or scripts into the theme. Also, when your customers browse the e-commerce site, these applications are able to collect information through the storefront. It must be said that in the majority of cases, Shopify applications that work this way are oriented towards your customers and potential customers. By way of illustration, such a Shopify app can allow you to show your visitors a window that offers a discount on your products or services. The goal in general is therefore to help you increase your conversion rate and sales.

Then we find the applications that work thanks to an integration by the Shopify API. With this way of working, the Shopify app is able to access the data available on your online store and proceed with processing according to your needs. This is usually data relating to orders, customers, products and others. Constituting a real database for all internal applications, this data is exploited in real time. As an example, we find here the applications that allow you to do emailing or manage stocks. They are mainly used by the online store team. At the same time, you’ll find Shopify apps whose operation combines the two modes presented above. They therefore use API access, but also change the theme of your online store.

Summary

It’s worth noting that Shopify comes with real-time notification management technology, the webhook. This channel is especially useful for:

• order tracking applications;
• Shopify parcel tracking apps
• shopify customer review apps;
• shopify tracking apps;
• inventory management and other applications.

The webhook allows you to make the right decisions at the right time for the smooth running of your online business.

How do I install an app on Shopify from the App Store?

Now that you know a little more about the different types of apps available in the Shopify store and how they work, you can now move on to the installation stage. In itself, it must be said that the procedure is quite simple and easy. However, there are a few essential points to consider during the process. The very first thing to know is that you can access the app store from your Shopify admin. Indeed, on the “applications” page, you will find at the top a button that will redirect you to the store.

In addition, you can click on this link to access the page. Once on the Shopify app store, you have the opportunity to learn more about the app you want to install. The page usually provides information about the features, but also the requirements related to the operation of the Shopify application. However, before proceeding with the actual installation, here are the elements to check absolutely.

The elements to take into account on the page of the application to be installed

After learning about the overview and features of the Shopify app to install, you need to basically check out three things on the page.

• The support section

This section should provide as much information as possible and offer several options for assistance. Ideally, you’ll need to find the link to a Shopify app developer, the support contact (phone number, email, etc.), the privacy policy, and a link that redirects to an FAQ. It should be noted that former users can also help you in case of possible difficulties. To do this, it would be interesting for the application to have an expanded user network to its credit.

• The awards section

For each Shopify app, you should know that pricing structuring is different. When some offer a standard price, others opt for pricing based on your usage. It is therefore up to you to ensure that the information contained in this section meets both your budget and your expectations. In addition, be aware that almost all applications offer you a free trial period that takes effect upon installation. Make sure you enjoy this period.

• User reviews

To know that an application is really interesting, the ratings and reviews left by users are a track not to trivialize. So, when a Shopify app totals a lot of good ratings and positive reviews, you can deduce that it’s actually worth it. On the other hand, you should also be interested in negative reviews. This will allow you to get an idea of the limitations presented by the application and evaluate them.

Other steps to take before installing a Shopify app

When you install a Shopify app, it can generate significant changes to your online store. To do this, it is important to prepare for this eventuality by making your arrangements in advance. Among other things, you must back up the data on your website. If you only do this occasionally, you should opt for manual backups. To be more efficient, you can back up only the data that is in the areas of your site that are potentially touchable by installing the app. Simply inquire about the types of changes to get an idea of the areas that may be affected.

Steps to install an app on Shopify

Whether it’s installing a shopify product page app, a Shopify review app, or a shopify checkout app, the procedure to follow remains the same. As soon as you access the page that presents the list of applications, you must click on “add app”.

Then, you will notice on the screen an explanatory page of the permissions required for the application. Simply click on “view details” to learn more about all types of access. However, make the difference between “manage” and “view” accesses. In case you are convinced by the details of the permissions, all you have to do is click on the “Install app” button.

At this step and depending on the price of the Shopify app you want to install, you’ll see the “Approve Fees” button on the screen. Note that it is possible to pay immediately or at the end of the trial period, it is up to you. However, if you opt for the second solution, you will need to check the duration of the trial period. Also, don’t forget to make sure the price is correct.

You should already find that the Shopify app has been installed on your online store. So take the time to explore it and test its features to make sure it meets your expectations and the needs of your store.

What is the payment method for Shopify apps?

In general, Shopify apps available in the store (those that aren’t private or custom) will use the same method as all other Shopify payments. Thus, the fees for the app you just installed will appear on the same bill that allows you to pay for the Shopify platform itself.

If you don’t opt for an annual subscription or payment based on how you use it, you’ll be charged for the app every month. Also, in case you do not want to use the application after the trial period, it is advisable to uninstall it well before the last day. This is because Shopify does billing in advance. By making this arrangement, you do not risk paying in a vacuum.

How do I effectively uninstall a Shopify app?

It must be admitted that the process of uninstalling is much more complex than that of installing. Normally, the only person who is able to help you is the developer of the plug-in. You will easily be able to contact him if there is a link on the “support section” of the application page that leads to his page. However, here are some simple tips that can help you successfully uninstall a Shopify app without creating damage to your online store.

Make backups

To successfully uninstall a Shopify app easily, you need to make backups before it is installed. This will allow you to cancel at the appropriate time all changes that have been recently made to the online store. This is undoubtedly one of the most important precautions.

Get in touch with a developer

When you want to uninstall a Shopify app, you need to contact a Shopify developer. He will be able to give you the procedure to follow to completely and properly remove the application from your online sales site. It will also warn you about possible risks.

Back up theme files

Many Shopify apps, both mobile and non-mobile, make significant changes to the storefront theme. To do this, you should also have the option to go back to an older version of your storefront. So make the backup of the theme files regularly.

Take notes

When it comes to a manual installation, you should keep notes that provide information about the various changes. This will allow you to better manage the uninstallation. In addition, in general, it is advisable to be attentive to everything that happens in the background when installing a Shopify app.

In definition, here’s a detailed guide on the process of installing a Shopify app. Although the process is quite simple, you need to keep an eye out and make arrangements to avoid unpleasant surprises. When in doubt, feel free to seek advice from a Shopify developer or former users of the app. Also remember that making backups regularly is vital.