Apps can slow down your Shopify Plus store. They add extra code, create more server requests, and sometimes clash with each other, leading to slower load times and poor user experiences – especially on mobile. Here’s what you need to know:
- Extra Scripts: Each app adds JavaScript files, increasing load times.
- Code Conflicts: Multiple apps can clash, causing delays or broken features.
- Leftover Code: Uninstalled apps often leave behind unused code that still affects performance.
- Mobile Issues: Mobile users face the biggest impact due to slower devices and networks.
Quick Fixes:
- Audit and remove unnecessary apps.
- Use Shopify Plus tools like Flow and Scripts for built-in solutions.
- Choose apps designed for speed or consider custom-built features.
- Optimise images and assets to improve loading times.
A fast store means happier customers and better conversions. Regularly review your apps and performance to keep your store running smoothly.
Direct Speed Impact of Third-Party Apps
Using third-party apps on your Shopify Plus store can slow it down due to the extra processing they require. Knowing how these apps affect performance can help you make smarter decisions about which ones to use and how to optimise them.
Extra Scripts and Loading Time
Each app you install adds JavaScript files that need to load and run before your pages are fully visible. This means more scripts to download, process, and execute, along with additional API calls and data rendering. All of this adds up to slower page load times.
For example, a product page might need to process scripts for inventory management, customer reviews, upsell suggestions, and analytics before customers can see the content. These delays can also lead to code conflicts, which we’ll discuss next.
App Code Conflicts
When multiple apps are running on your store, their code can sometimes clash, causing performance problems. Here are some common issues:
- JavaScript functions might conflict, delaying interactions or breaking features.
- Competing resource demands can lead to inefficient code execution.
- Poorly optimised app interactions may cause memory leaks.
These conflicts can slow down page loads, delay user interactions, or even cause features to stop working entirely. The more apps you add, the greater the risk of these problems. Even leftover code from uninstalled apps can drag down your store’s performance.
Leftover App Code
Uninstalled apps often leave behind unused code, which can still affect your store. This leftover code typically falls into four categories:
| Code Type | Impact on Store |
|---|---|
| Theme Files | Extra liquid code snippets clutter templates. |
| JavaScript | Unused scripts still load with your pages. |
| CSS | Redundant styles increase stylesheet size. |
| Database Entries | Orphaned data takes up valuable storage. |
Regularly reviewing your theme files and database can help you remove this leftover code and keep your store running efficiently. By understanding these technical challenges, you can make better choices about app usage and maintenance, keeping your store fast and functional.
Main Speed Problems from Apps
Extra scripts and code conflicts can directly affect your store’s speed, but there are a few specific challenges that can significantly drag down performance.
Too Many Server Requests
Every app you install adds more HTTP requests, which can stack up and slow down your page loading times.
Slow App Scripts
Synchronous or resource-heavy app scripts can cause delays, especially during high-traffic periods like sales or promotions. These slowdowns are even more noticeable on mobile devices.
Mobile Speed Issues
Mobile devices often struggle with limited processing power and unreliable network connections. When multiple apps are running, they can further increase load times, making the shopping experience frustrating for mobile users.
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Fixing App Speed Problems
Addressing app speed problems is crucial to maintaining a fast, functional store. Issues like extra scripts, code conflicts, and leftover app remnants can slow things down, but tackling them methodically can make a big difference.
Check and Remove Apps
Start by auditing your installed apps. Look at usage stats to identify apps you no longer need. Follow these steps when removing an app:
- List the app’s functions for reference
- Back up any important data
- Test the removal on a staging site first
- Remove the app during low-traffic hours
- Check your store’s functionality afterward
If simply removing apps doesn’t solve the issue, consider developing custom solutions.
Build Custom Features
Custom-built features can be more efficient than multiple apps. They use streamlined code, reduce server requests, and eliminate unnecessary processes. This approach can help you cut down on redundant installations and improve speed.
If custom development isn’t an option, Shopify Plus offers built-in tools that can help.
Use Shopify Plus Tools
Shopify Plus comes with tools like Flow, Launchpad, Scripts, and Bulk Account Inviter. These tools integrate directly with your store and can help improve performance without adding unnecessary complexity.
Choose Faster Apps
When you need third-party apps, choose ones designed with speed in mind. Look for apps that load asynchronously to avoid slowing down your store. For critical functions, consider partnering with a certified Shopify Plus agency like Alinga. They can assess your store’s performance and create tailored solutions to keep things running smoothly.
Speed Maintenance Tips
Keeping your Shopify Plus store running smoothly is essential, especially when juggling multiple apps. Here’s how to maintain top performance with smart theme choices, asset optimisation, and regular testing.
Choosing a Fast Theme
The theme you select sets the stage for your store’s speed. Look for options that emphasise performance, featuring:
- Minimal JavaScript: Reduces third-party scripts for faster loading.
- Efficient Code Structure: Clean, organised code speeds up processing.
- Mobile-Ready Designs: Ensures smooth functionality across devices.
- Asynchronous Asset Loading: Prevents delays by loading assets in the background.
Before committing, review the theme’s performance details in the Shopify Theme Store and test it in a development environment to ensure it meets your needs.
Optimising Images and Assets
Fine-tuning your images and assets can significantly reduce load times. Here’s how to do it:
- Compress Images: Tools like TinyPNG or ImageOptim shrink file sizes without affecting quality.
- Enable Lazy Loading: Load images below the fold only when needed.
- Use Shopify’s CDN: Take advantage of Shopify’s built-in Content Delivery Network for quicker asset delivery.
- Pick the Right Formats: Opt for WebP where possible, with JPEG as a fallback.
Regular Speed Testing
Monitoring your store’s performance ensures you catch issues early. Set up a routine testing schedule:
- Weekly Performance Checks: Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to track key metrics like First Contentful Paint (FCP), Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), and Time to Interactive (TTI).
- Monthly In-Depth Audits: Dive deeper into server response times, app loading sequences, asset delivery, and mobile performance.
- Quarterly App Reviews: Assess each app’s impact by analysing server requests, script loading times, resource usage, and performance logs.
Optimising Third-Party Apps on Your Shopify Plus Store
Improving the performance of third-party apps on your Shopify Plus store requires a careful balance between maintaining speed and ensuring functionality.
Here are some key steps to enhance your store’s performance:
- Conduct regular app reviews to pinpoint and remove any that aren’t essential.
- Choose apps designed for speed and performance.
- Use Shopify Plus’s built-in tools for essential features.
- Develop custom solutions for critical business needs.
These steps help create a strong base for further improvements.
For more advanced performance enhancements, consider working with certified Shopify Plus experts like Alinga. They specialise in building scalable, custom solutions that optimise performance by replacing resource-heavy apps with tailored alternatives.
“As Shopify Plus Partners with expert-level accreditation, we believe in creating beautiful, high-converting Shopify eCommerce experiences.” – Alinga
Are you ready to elevate your online business to the next level? With automation, easy customisation, and multi-channel adaptability, Alinga’s Shopify Plus integration will help grow your e-commerce business. Our team of experts ensures that your setup is smooth future-ready, and fits every requirement. Let’s explore how Alinga can transform your Shopify platform into an effective sales tool, get in touch with us right away!
