Search
Close this search box.

Shopify Marketing Automation: 7 Best Apps & Simple Guide [2024]

By Adrienne Bosch Last updated: 12 minute read E-commerce & RetailMarketing Tools

In the world of e-commerce, where digital efficiency is king, Shopify marketing automation has emerged as a game-changer for online retailers. As we step into 2024, the question on many entrepreneurs’ minds is: What is Shopify automation? How can the right apps streamline operations? And most importantly, how does it work?

This comprehensive guide will demystify Shopify marketing automation, highlighting the best apps that make managing your online store a breeze. From automated emails post-purchase to the intricacies of Shopify flow and workflow automation, we’ll delve into how these tools can transform your business.

Ready to harness the power of automation for your Shopify store?

Let’s explore how this can propel your business forward.

Skip to What You Need

    read more

    Quick Overview of Shopify  Automation Apps

    7 Best Shopify Marketing Automation Apps 

    Key Features

     Pricing

    Our P2P Rating 

    1. Klaviyo

    • Predictive Analytics

    • Facebook Ad Integration

    • Comprehensive A/B Testing

    • Email Segmentation

    • Automated Email Flows

    • Free Plan

    • Email Plan: Starts at $30 per month

    • SMS Plan: Starts at $15 per month

    4/5

    2. Mailchimp

    • Precision-Targeted Emails

    • Expert Insights

    • Powerful Marketing CRM

    • Seamless Shopify Integration

    • Automated Abandoned Cart Emails

    • Instant Pop-Up Forms

    • Free Plan

    • Essentials Plan: $13 per Month

    • Standard Plan: $20 per Month

    • Premium Plan: $350 per Month

    4/5

    3. Shopify Search & Discovery

    • Customizable Search Filters

    • Synonym Groups Creation

    • Product Boosts in Search Results

    • Related Products on Detail Pages

    • Store Performance Analytics

    • Free

    3.5/5

    4. Pinterest

    • Connect Pinterest Account

    • Publish Product Pins

    • Automatic Catalog Update

    • Performance Tracking with Pinterest Tag

    • Campaigns for Awareness and Conversions

    • Custom Scaling Pricing

    3.5/5

    5. Judge.me Product Reviews

    • Automated Review Requests

    • Customizable Review Widgets

    • Multi-channel Sharing

    • Review Importation

    • Dedicated Review Page

    • Social Media Sharing

    • Google Shopping Integration

    • Free Plan

    • Awesome Plan: $15 per month 

    3.5/5

    6. Shopify Inbox

    • Real-Time Customer Chat

    • Automated Message Creation

    • Mobile App and Web Access

    • Product Recommendations

    • Automated Greetings and FAQs

    • Email Continuation of Chats

    • Free

    3/5

    7. TikTok

    • Easy Ad Creation

    • TikTok Pixel Installation

    • Order Management on TikTok Shop

    • Creative Video Generation

    • Product Feed Syncing

    • Custom Scaling Pricing

    3/5

    What Is Marketing Automation?

    Digital marketing automation, especially in the context of Shopify, is revolutionizing the way e-commerce businesses operate. At its core, it’s about leveraging technology to automate, streamline, and measure marketing tasks, significantly saving time and resources while enhancing customer experiences. The growth of this industry is evident in its impressive revenue jump—a 22% increase to $5.86 billion from 2021 to 2023, a figure that’s projected to more than double by 2030.

    The objective is to automate for efficiency, scale, and personalize marketing efforts across multiple channels. This includes executing tasks like sending automated emails after a purchase, managing social media posts on Instagram and Facebook, for example, and analyzing customer data to refine marketing strategies.

    Marketing automation is essential because it can perform activities accurately, consistently, and automatically, ensuring that every client engagement is individualized and timely. For instance, Shopify workflow automation and Shopify Flow enable businesses to create detailed workflows that automate tasks based on specific triggers and conditions.

    These automated systems can send emails to customers, update inventory levels, or even tag and segment customers for targeted marketing campaigns. Businesses can focus more on strategy and customer engagement by automating these tasks, ensuring that their marketing efforts are efficient and tailored to each customer’s unique needs.

    To better understand what marketing automation is, check out this video by Oracle CX.

    What Is Marketing Automation?

    Automation is revolutionizing e-commerce, particularly for Shopify users, by leveraging technology that automates, streamlines, and enhances marketing tasks, leading to significant time and resource savings It focuses on scaling and personalizing marketing across various channels, including automated emails, social media management, and customer data analysis.

    Benefits of Marketing Automation on Shopify

    In the fast-paced e-commerce world, marketing automation is a cornerstone for Shopify businesses, especially in data-driven decision-making. These platforms are adept at collecting and analyzing critical data, which is essential for crafting targeted, effective marketing strategies. As we move into 2024, an increasing number of companies recognize the value of integrating marketing automation into their marketing efforts, with 56% already on board.

    This integration allows for unparalleled personalization, aligning marketing messages closely with individual customer behaviors and preferences, a key factor in maintaining competitiveness in the digital marketplace.

    B2B-Marketing-Automation-systems-market-size-infographic
    Source: Email Monday

    Improved Efficiency

    Automating repetitive tasks such as Shopify email marketing, social media posting, and data analysis increases efficiency and significantly boosts productivity.  As such, 63% of companies that actively integrate marketing automation into their marketing strategies outperform their competitors.

    For Shopify stores, employing Shopify automation apps and leveraging Shopify Flow can transform how businesses interact with their customers. Businesses can ensure timely and relevant customer communication by automating tasks like sending a Shopify automated email after purchase.

    Increased ROI

    Furthermore, automation directly and positively impacts sales and revenue. Efficient nurturing and lead scoring through automation lead to higher conversion rates. For instance, implementing marketing automation has been known to increase sales productivity by 14.5% and result in a 451% increase in qualified leads. This heightened efficiency in targeting and converting leads is a substantial benefit for Shopify stores aiming to maximize their ROI.

    Effectiveness-of-marketing-automation SalesMate Infographic
    Source: Sales Mate

    Better Customer Retention

    In addition to acquiring new customers, digital marketing automation plays a pivotal role in customer retention. Automated campaigns, a part of done-for-you Shopify automation’, are instrumental in building and strengthening customer relationships. With 77% of marketers witnessing increased conversions due to marketing automation, it’s evident that this technology is not just a tool for growth but also for sustaining long-term business success.

    Benefits of Marketing Automation on Shopify

    Marketing automation is a key component for Shopify stores, focusing on data-driven decision-making and crafting effective marketing strategies. It allows for personalized customer interaction by aligning marketing messages with individual behaviors and preferences, enhancing competitiveness. Automation of tasks like email marketing and social media boosts efficiency and productivity. Moreover, it significantly impacts sales and revenue by improving lead nurturing and scoring, leading to higher conversion rates. Beyond acquiring new customers, marketing automation is crucial in customer retention, strengthening relationships, and contributing to long-term business success.

    How to Add Marketing Automation to Your Shopify Store

    Understand Shopify Automation

    To effectively integrate digital marketing automation into your Shopify store, it’s crucial to first grasp what Shopify automation entails. It’s a sophisticated approach to managing various marketing tasks, ranging from customer segmentation to behavioral email marketing.

    Understanding Shopify automation’s capabilities can help you better strategize how to enhance customer engagement, streamline workflows, and optimize your marketing efforts.

    Choose Shopify Automation Apps

    Selecting the right apps is key to enhancing your store’s efficiency. Numerous apps are available, each offering unique features for different aspects of marketing automation.

    For example, apps like Klaviyo or Mailchimp are excellent for email marketing, allowing you to automate follow-up emails, promotional messages, and more. Other apps like Kit can help with social media marketing by automatically creating targeted advertising campaigns based on customer behavior and preferences.

    Set Up Automated Email Campaigns

    Automating your email marketing is a vital step in Shopify automation. This involves setting up triggered emails that are sent automatically after certain actions, such as a purchase or cart abandonment.

    These emails are critical for maintaining customer engagement by providing timely updates, product recommendations, and personalized content. Utilizing Shopify’s built-in email tools or integrating third-party apps can help you manage these campaigns efficiently.

    For more statistics and a better understanding of email marketing, check out this video by HubSpot Marketing.

    Utilize Done-for-You Shopify Automation Services

    For store owners who prefer a more hands-off approach, ‘done for you’ Shopify automation services are a perfect solution. These services manage all aspects of your store’s marketing automation, from setting up email campaigns to managing customer data.

    This allows you to focus on other areas of your business while experts handle the intricacies of automation, ensuring your marketing strategies are implemented effectively and efficiently.

    Implement Shopify Flow

    Shopify Flow is an e-commerce automation tool that enables you to create custom workflows for automating tasks and processes within your store. This could include automating inventory management, order processing, or even creating personalized customer experiences. Setting up Shopify Flow allows you to streamline operations, reduce manual tasks, and ensure that your store runs smoothly and efficiently.

    7 Best Shopify Marketing Automation Apps

    1. Klaviyo

    Klaviyo is a robust cloud-based email and SMS marketing automation tool ideal for e-commerce platforms, including Shopify. It delivers super-targeted campaigns using predictive analytics, drawing from customers’ purchasing history and interactions.

    Klaviyo’s strength lies in its customizable campaigns and precise customer targeting, allowing e-commerce marketers to create personalized marketing strategies.

    Klaviyo Shopify Marketing Automation App
    Source: Klaviyo (Shopify)

    Key Features

    • Predictive Analytics
    • Facebook Ad Integration
    • Comprehensive A/B Testing
    • Email Segmentation
    • Automated Email Flows

    Pros and Cons

    Pros

    • Highly Customizable Campaigns
    • Precise Customer Targeting
    • Painless Facebook Integration
    • Seamless Marketing Automation
    • Pre-built Templates

    Cons

    • Complicated Advanced Features
    • Inattentive Customer Support
    • Pricey Tiered System

    Pricing

    • Free Plan
    • Email Plan: Starts at $30 per month
    • SMS Plan: Starts at $15 per month

    Score: 4/5 of 1.8k reviews

    2. Mailchimp

    Mailchimp, a renowned email marketing and automation app tailored for Shopify stores, excels in creating personalized customer communication. Its emphasis on crafting meaningful email interactions, such as automated abandoned cart emails and personalized product recommendations, makes it a standout choice for enhancing customer engagement and driving sales.

    Mailchimp Shopify App Store Page
    Source: Mailchimp (Shopify)

    Key Features

    • Precision-Targeted Emails
    • Expert Insights
    • Powerful Marketing CRM
    • Seamless Shopify Integration
    • Automated Abandoned Cart Emails
    • Instant Pop-Up Forms

    Pros and Cons

    Pros

    • Precision-Targeted Emails
    • Expert Insights
    • Powerful Marketing CRM
    • Seamless Shopify Integration
    • AI-Powered Enhancements

    Cons

    • Expensive Paid Plans
    • Limited Email Quota (Free Plan)
    • Basic Outdated Templates

    Pricing

    • Free Plan
    • Essentials Plan: $13 per Month
    • Standard Plan: $20 per Month
    • Premium Plan: $350 per Month

    Score: 3.5/5 of 497 reviews

    3. Shopify Search & Discovery

    Shopify Search & Discovery is a free app developed by Shopify, designed to enhance your store’s shopping experience. It focuses on making product searches more intuitive and effective for customers, thereby improving sales and customer satisfaction.

    Shopify Search & Discovery Shopify App Store Page
    Source: Shopify Search & Discovery (Shopify)

    Key Features

    • Customizable Search Filters
    • Synonym Groups Creation
    • Product Boosts in Search Results
    • Related Products on Detail Pages
    • Store Performance Analytics

    Pros and Cons

    Pros

    • User-Friendly Interface
    • Accurate SKU-Based Search
    • Metafield Filtering
    • Enhanced Customer Experience
    • Free and Easy Setup

    Cons

    • Limited Advanced Features
    • No Paid Plan Options
    • Potential for Integration Issues

    Pricing

    • Free

    Score: 4.3/5 of  465 reviews

    4. Pinterest

    The Pinterest Shopify App, launched in February 2020, integrates seamlessly with Shopify stores, enabling merchants to promote their products on the Pinterest platform.

    This app facilitates connecting your Pinterest account with your Shopify store, allowing for easy management of Product Pins and real-time updates of your product catalog. This app offers an intuitive and effective way for Shopify merchants to enhance their product visibility and customer reach on Pinterest.

    Pinterest Shopify App Store Page
    Source: Pinterest (Shopify)

    Key Features

    • Connect Pinterest Account
    • Publish Product Pins
    • Automatic Catalog Update
    • Performance Tracking with Pinterest Tag
    • Campaigns for Awareness and Conversions

    Pros and Cons

    Pros

    • User-Friendly Interface
    • Seamless Shopify Integration
    • Real-Time Catalog Updates
    • Effective Pin Management
    • Detailed Performance Analytics

    Cons

    • Additional Ad Charges
    • Limited Advanced Features
    • Potential Setup Complexity

    Pricing

    • Custom Scaling Pricing

    Score: 4.6/5 of  5.7k reviews

    5. Judge.me Product Reviews

    Judge.me Product Reviews is a popular app designed for Shopify stores, focusing on collecting and showcasing customer reviews to build trust and increase sales. It offers a comprehensive set of features for managing and displaying reviews.

    The app’s usability and integration capabilities make it an excellent choice for Shopify store owners looking to enhance their online presence and customer trust through authentic reviews.

    Judge.me Product Reviews Shopify App Store Page
    Source: Judge.me Product Reviews (Shopify)

    Key Features

    • Automated Review Requests
    • Customizable Review Widgets
    • Multi-channel Sharing
    • Review Importation
    • Dedicated Review Page
    • Social Media Sharing
    • Google Shopping Integration

    Pros and Cons

    Pros

    • Unlimited Review Requests
    • Incentivize Customers
    • Customizable Requests
    • SEO-Friendly Reviews
    • Rich Snippets

    Cons

    • Branding in Free Plan
    • Limited Advanced Customization
    • Possible Integration Complexity

    Pricing

    • Free Plan
    • Awesome Plan: $15 per month

    Score: 5/5 of  21k reviews

    6. Shopify Inbox

    Shopify Inbox, launched in August 2019, is a dynamic messaging tool that integrates seamlessly with Shopify stores. It empowers merchants to engage with customers in real-time, providing insights and tools to convert chats into sales efficiently.

    Shopify Inbox Shopify App Store Page
    Source: Shopify Inbox (Shopify)

    Key Features

    • Real-Time Customer Chat
    • Automated Message Creation
    • Mobile App and Website Access
    • Product Recommendations
    • Automated Greetings and FAQs
    • Email Continuation of Chats

    Pros and Cons

    Pros

    • Efficient Live Chat Interface
    • Insightful Customer Information
    • User-Friendly Mobile App
    • Automated Customer Support
    • Enhanced Sales Conversion

    Cons

    • Limited Customization Options
    • Additional Setup Complexity
    • Potential Integration Hurdles

    Pricing

    • Free

    Score: 4.7/5 of  3k reviews

    7. TikTok

    The TikTok Shopify App, launched in October 2020, brings the power of TikTok’s massive social media platform to Shopify stores. It enables store owners to effortlessly create and manage TikTok-style ads, track ad performance, and directly manage orders through TikTok Shop.

    TikTok Shopify App Store Page
    Source: TikTok (Shopify)

    Key Features

    • Easy Ad Creation
    • TikTok Pixel Installation
    • Order Management on TikTok Shop
    • Creative Video Generation
    • Product Feed Syncing

    Pros and Cons

    Pros

    • Simplified Creative Process
    • Effective Audience Targeting
    • User-Friendly Interface
    • Direct Selling on TikTok Shop
    • Enhanced Product Visibility

    Cons

    • Limited to U.S. for TikTok Shop
    • Additional Ad Charges Apply
    • Learning Curve for New Users

    Pricing

    • Custom Scaling Pricing

    Score: 4.8/5 of  9.9k reviews

    Final Thoughts on Shopify Marketing Automation

    In conclusion, Shopify automation represents a transformative tool in e-commerce websites, especially as we move into 2024. Its ability to streamline marketing tasks, from email campaigns to social media management, boosts efficiency and significantly enhances the customer experience.

    For Shopify store owners, this means a unique opportunity to engage with customers more personally and efficiently, leading to increased sales and customer loyalty. Integrating tools like Shopify Flow and various apps into their business models is key to staying competitive in the rapidly evolving digital marketplace.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How does Shopify automation handle inventory management?

    Shopify offers built-in inventory tracking and alerts, but for advanced automation, you can use apps that:

    - Track inventory in real-time
    - Set reorder points and auto-generate purchase orders
    - Forecast demand based on sales history

    What is the main purpose of Shopify sales automation?

    Shopify sales automation frees up your time by automating repetitive tasks like emails and discounts, allowing you to focus on strategy and customer relationships.

    Why is a Shopify Automated Email After Purchase Important?

    Sending an automated email after a purchase on Shopify is crucial for maintaining customer engagement and building loyalty. These emails can include order confirmations, shipping updates, or personalized product recommendations, enhancing the post-purchase experience. Effective use of Shopify automated emails can lead to increased customer satisfaction and repeat business. Read our full guide to understand the significance of post-purchase emails in Shopify’s ecosystem.

    References

    Emailmonday: The Ultimate Marketing Automation statistics overview

    Statista: Marketing automation – statistics & facts

    Lori Turner-Wilson LinkedIn: Using Marketing Automation to Increase Sales Efficiency, Quality Lead Generation and Revenue

    Sales Mate: Complete List of Marketing Automation Statistics for 2024

    Oracle Netsuite: What Is Customer Retention? Importance, Metrics & Strategies