Shopify app vs. custom code: Pros and Cons

What I’ve been thinking about:

I recently put together an Instagram post sharing my favorite development projects of 2022 and it got me thinking - why did I choose custom code over an app for these projects? With hundreds of Shopify apps, there are a lot of options to extend the functionality of your online store.

But sometimes an app doesn’t quite cut it. More and more often, merchants are looking for tailored solutions.

Here are some things I take into consideration when choosing to go the app or custom coding route:

Customization

Apps: Often limited to their existing functionality but may allow for some design customization.

Custom coding: A talented developer can code just about anything a merchant may want or need.

Development Time

Apps: With some apps, you could be up and running in a matter of minutes or with a few hours of setup at the most.

Custom coding: Depending on the complexity of the project, custom coding could take anywhere from a few days to even several months.

Cost

Apps: Apps are generally inexpensive (and sometimes even free!) but most have a monthly fee that you’ll have to pay as long as you need that feature.

Custom coding: More expensive upfront but usually a one-time cost.

Maintenance

Apps: Most apps come with support from the app developers and are regularly updated to meet Shopify requirements.

Custom coding: A developer will need to be hired for any changes, updates, or fixes.

3 links you can’t miss:

• 16 Black Friday Ecommerce Strategies - BFCM is almost here! Help your clients make the most of it with these strategies from Shogun.
• Modifying Shopify Themes Workshop - I created a workshop that shows you how to modify a Shopify theme with CSS, HTML, JavaScript, and JSON.
• Iconoir - One of my go-to resources for open source icons these days. I like that icons are available in SVG format and no link is required to use for free.

One app I like:

Smile: Loyalty & Rewards by Smile.io

Existing customers tend to buy more frequently and spend more than new customers. So why not reward them for their loyalty?

With Smile, customers can earn points by taking actions like placing an order, following social channels, and even celebrating a birthday. You can also use this app to reward referrals in a give $10, get $10 promotion, for example.