Top 10 Shopify Apps for 2021 to Elevate Customer Experience, Marketing, and Sales

Quick Answer

These ten apps boost store experience, marketing, and sales fast.

Use one app at a time to test gains, then expand tools that work.

At a glance

• Seguno — email marketing and abandoned cart recovery.
• Plug In SEO — automated SEO scans and fixes.
• Oberlo — source dropship products and test catalogs.
• Smile — points, referrals, and VIP loyalty tiers.
• Kit — AI help for Facebook and Instagram ads.
• Genie Store Locator — map and pickup directions.
• PushOwl — web push for cart recovery and alerts.
• Form Builder — no-code custom forms and feedback.
• Printful — on-demand print and fulfilment services.
• Return Magic — self-serve returns and label generation.

Definitions

Dropshipping means you sell items without holding inventory. A supplier ships orders directly to your customer, so you avoid upfront stock costs.

An abandoned cart is when a shopper leaves without paying. Reminders from apps like Seguno and PushOwl can recover those lost sales.

1. Seguno: Email Marketing

What it does

Seguno sends welcome, thank-you, and follow-up emails automatically.

It also helps recover abandoned carts and create discount codes.

Why it helps

Automated emails turn first buyers into repeat customers with low work.

Practical step: start a brief welcome series for new subscribers.

For example, imagine a new eco shop sending a welcome email and a first-order code. Have you considered how personalized emails might help boost your customer retention?

2. Plug In SEO

What it does

Plug In SEO scans pages and flags on-page issues for fixes.

It sends alerts so you can act before traffic falls.

Why it helps

Fixing basic SEO issues keeps product pages visible in search results.

Practical step: run a scan each season and fix top issues first.

For example, imagine fixing missing alt text and speed issues after a scan. What SEO challenges have you faced in keeping your site optimized?

3. Oberlo: Trending Dropship Products

What it does

Oberlo finds trending products and links you to global suppliers.

It tracks orders and helps you manage dropship fulfillment.

Why it helps

Dropshipping lets you test catalog ideas without buying stock up front.

Practical step: add a few test items to measure demand quickly.

For example, imagine testing a trending gadget in your store without buying stock. How often do you evaluate your product selection for trends or changes in demand?

4. Smile: Loyalty and Rewards

What it does

Smile runs points, referrals, and VIP tiers to reward shoppers.

It provides analytics to check reward uptake and lift.

Why it helps

Rewards boost repeat buys and encourage word-of-mouth recommendations.

Practical step: set a simple points rule for repeat purchases.

For example, imagine a small points program that nudges customers to return. Have you thought about how a loyalty program could increase your customer lifetime value?

5. Kit: AI for Social Ads

What it does

Kit helps create and run Facebook and Instagram ads via Messenger.

It suggests audiences, captions, and creative tasks to save time.

Why it helps

Use Kit to cut busywork and keep ad efforts steady and focused.

Practical step: ask Kit to draft a test campaign for bestsellers.

For example, imagine Kit suggesting an ad you launch the same day. What tasks could you automate to free up time for other business priorities?

6. Genie Store Locator Map

What it does

Genie shows store locations and gives customers directions quickly.

It supports curbside and in-store pickup workflows for local buyers.

Why it helps

Clear pickup options reduce friction and turn visits into orders.

Practical step: add store hours and pickup notes on each location.

For example, imagine a shopper finding same-day pickup with the map feature. How easy is it for your customers to find your physical location?

7. PushOwl: Web Push Notifications

What it does

PushOwl sends web push for abandoned carts, back-in-stock alerts, and reviews.

It runs permission-based nudges that bring shoppers back to checkout.

Why it helps

Push notes capture short attention spans and recover lost purchases.

Practical step: enable cart reminders within a day of abandonment.

For example, imagine a push that brings a buyer back to finish checkout. How do you currently engage customers who abandon their carts?

8. Form Builder

What it does

Form Builder creates custom forms without code for support and feedback.

It supports donation, payment, and application workflows too.

Why it helps

Good forms collect the right details and cut back-and-forth support time.

Practical step: add a pre-purchase form for custom or made-to-order items.

For example, imagine a quick feedback form that guides product tweaks. When was the last time you directly asked your customers for feedback?

9. Printful: On-Demand Fulfilment

What it does

Printful prints and ships shirts, mugs, posters, and many items on demand.

You list products and Printful makes items after purchase.

Why it helps

On-demand keeps costs low and lets you test design ideas at scale.

Practical step: launch a small print run of mockups to test demand.

For example, imagine selling a limited design without ordering stock first. How do custom items enhance your brand's uniqueness and appeal?

10. Return Magic

What it does

Return Magic offers a self-serve portal, labels, and refund rules.

It automates swaps, gift card refunds, and label creation.

Why it helps

Clear return rules protect margins and boost shopper trust.

Practical step: add clear steps and time windows to your return portal.

For example, imagine a smooth returns portal that keeps customers coming back. What return policy changes could improve customer trust and satisfaction?

How to pick apps

Start with one business goal, such as more repeat buyers or better SEO.

Choose an app that fits that goal, test for a short period, and measure results.

• Test one app at a time for clear results.
• Track key metrics like conversion and repeat rate.
• Remove apps that do not show a measurable lift.

About custom work

If your store needs custom workflows or a private app, we can help.

Contact us at wish@thegenielab.com to discuss Web App or Shopify App Development.

FAQ

Which app helps recover abandoned carts?

Seguno and PushOwl both help recover carts via email and web push.

Can I test dropship products quickly?

Yes. Oberlo lets you add and test items without buying stock first.

Do these apps cost money?

Many offer free plans and trials, with paid tiers for higher use.