Running a Shopify store is a whole lot easier (and more effective) when you’ve got the right tools working behind the scenes. After designing and launching countless Shopify sites, we’ve developed a list of go-to apps that we recommend to almost every client.
These tools aren’t just popular—they genuinely make a difference in how your store performs, how customers interact with your products, and how you convert browsers into buyers.
Here are our top 5 Shopify app recommendations, including a hidden gem we absolutely love using in client projects 👇
1. Klaviyo – Email Marketing That Converts
Link → https://apps.shopify.com/klaviyo-email-marketing
If you're ready to go beyond a basic “subscribe for updates,” Klaviyo is a must-have. It powers high-converting email flows like welcome sequences, abandoned cart reminders, and post-purchase follow-ups. We love how customizable it is, how well it syncs with Shopify data, and how manageable it makes email marketing for small teams.
2. PreOrder Now WOD – Keep Selling Even When You’re Out of Stock
Link → https://apps.shopify.com/pre-order-now
PreOrder Now is perfect for shops that restock in batches, offer seasonal collections, or launch handmade products. Instead of showing “Sold Out,” you can let shoppers preorder—keeping momentum and sales going even while you're in production.
3. ReCharge – Seamless Subscription Products
Link → https://apps.shopify.com/subscription-payments
Subscriptions are an amazing way to create recurring revenue. ReCharge makes it easy to offer monthly boxes, product refills, or memberships. If your brand is built on loyalty or consumable goods, this app can be a game-changer.
4. Judge.me – Reviews That Build Trust
Link → https://apps.shopify.com/judgeme
We all check reviews before we buy—your customers do too. Judge.me adds social proof with star ratings, written reviews, and photo uploads that integrate seamlessly with your product pages. It's lightweight, easy to use, and helps create trust from the first click.
5. Lucky Orange – The Hidden Gem That Changes Everything
Link → https://apps.shopify.com/lucky-orange
Here’s one most brands haven’t tried yet—but once you do, you’ll never go back. Lucky Orange lets you watch recordings of how real visitors interact with your site. See what they click, where they hesitate, and where they drop off. It's like UX gold.
Bonus: It also includes live chat, heatmaps, and analytics. We use it on many of our client projects to identify quick wins and smart refinements that help improve conversions.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to Shopify apps, less is more. We always recommend starting with a lean, strategic stack that supports your sales and customer experience goals—then building from there.
Each of these tools is Studio Kinde–approved and designed to help your store grow with intention. Whether you’re launching something new or refining what you’ve already built, these apps are a great place to start.
Need help choosing the right combo or integrating them into your site? That’s what we’re here for.
FAQs
Do we need all of these apps to launch our store?
Not at all. These are starting points based on what we commonly recommend. If you’re just getting started, try one or two (like Klaviyo + Judge.me) and expand from there.
Can we use Lucky Orange on a new store with low traffic?
Yes! Even with just a few visits per day, Lucky Orange can give you insight into how people are navigating your store and where small improvements could lead to more conversions.
Will these apps slow down our site?
When installed correctly and intentionally, these apps won’t noticeably affect performance. We always advise keeping your tech stack clean and only using what you really need.
Are these apps easy to set up?
Most are very beginner-friendly and come with strong support docs or onboarding. If you need help setting them up or styling them to match your brand, we’ve got you covered.
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