Introduction

If you want to pick the best Shopify section app for your store, this guide gives a practical plan to choose, implement, and measure page sections that drive sales. Store owners who rely on theme defaults often leave 5-30 percent of potential conversions on the table because they cannot iterate quickly on product, collection, and landing pages. Section apps let you add, reorder, and A/B test (split test) modular sections without full theme edits.

This article covers what a Shopify section app does, why it matters for conversion rate and speed to market, how to evaluate apps by use case, and a step-by-step implementation timeline you can follow in 1 to 4 weeks. Expect concrete vendor options, approximate pricing, checklists, common pitfalls, and a short FAQ. The focus is practical: pick an app, build or migrate a key page, measure results, and scale improvements across your store.

What is a Shopify Section App and How It Differs From Themes

A Shopify section app is a third-party tool that creates reusable, drag-and-drop content blocks or full pages that integrate with Shopify themes and Online Store 2.0 features. Unlike theme-native sections that are limited to theme updates, these apps give you a visual editor, templates, and often built-in conversion features like countdown timers, testimonials, and upsell blocks.

Why this matters: a section app separates content iteration from theme development. A merchant can deploy a landing page or swap a hero plus three product feature sections in under an hour. For stores that run frequent promotions, launch new products every 6-12 weeks, or test pricing pages, that speed translates to real revenue gains.

How it differs from themes and page builders:

Theme sections: bundled with your theme, require theme code edits or developer work for non-trivial changes.
Page builders: full-page solutions that sometimes replace theme sections entirely; better for custom landing pages.
Section apps: lightweight, focused on reusable blocks; often faster to edit and integrate with product pages.

Technical considerations:

Compatibility with Online Store 2.0: prefer apps explicitly designed for OS 2.0, so sections can be added via the theme editor and saved as reusable blocks.
Performance: each app injects CSS and JavaScript; measure front-end performance (page weight, Time to Interactive) after adding an app.
SEO and schema: confirm how the app handles headings, structured data (product schema), and lazy loading images.

Example: A brand switched product page hero from a static image to a 3-part modular section with social proof and solved an immediate barrier to purchase. They implemented the section via a page builder app in 2 hours, then ran a 21-day A/B test and saw a 12 percent lift in add-to-cart rate. The timeline for a single change like this is typically 1 day to 1 week including testing.

Best Shopify Section App Roundup

This section names specific apps, their primary strengths, and quick-match use cases. The list focuses on apps that create sections or block-style content compatible with Shopify themes. Pricing shown is approximate starting pricing as of mid-2024; confirm current pricing on vendor sites.

Shogun Page Builder
Strengths: flexible page and section builder, templates, enterprise features, recommended for merchants who need both landing pages and fine control over page elements.
Starting price: about $49 per month; A/B testing and analytics available on higher tiers.
Best for: stores with frequent product launches and dedicated CRO (conversion rate optimization) efforts.
PageFly
Strengths: strong free plan, many prebuilt templates, large Shopify App Store presence, good for merchants with limited budgets.
Starting price: free tier available; paid plans starting around $19 per month.
Best for: merchants testing multiple landing pages without large recurring costs.
GemPages
Strengths: visual builder focused on speed and conversion modules, many conversion widgets, drag-and-drop.
Starting price: entry plans around $15 to $19 per month.
Best for: merchants focused on conversion widgets and quick page builds.
Zipify Pages
Strengths: built by CRO-focused company Zipify, includes built-in A/B testing and funnel templates, designed for marketers.
Starting price: roughly $67 per month historically; often targeted at serious stores and agencies.
Best for: merchants who run conversion funnels and want integrated split testing.
LayoutHub and Page Builder by HulkApps
Strengths: lower-cost options with templates for product pages and sections.
Starting price: some free plans; paid tiers around $9 to $29 per month.
Best for: small stores or early-stage brands that need cost efficiency.
Other specialized section tools
ReConvert: focus on thank-you pages and post-purchase upsells; starting about $7 to $15 per month.
If your chosen builder lacks testing, add a small A/B testing app like Neat A/B Testing or use Shopify’s native A/B testing (if available) to compare variants.

Actionable matching advice:

If you run >$10k monthly and need reliable testing and analytics, pick Shogun or Zipify.
If you are under $5k monthly and want free entry with growth potential, start with PageFly or GemPages.
If you need post-purchase upsells and automated flows, combine a section app with ReConvert or Klaviyo flows.

Why Use a Section App:

benefits, KPIs, and ROI examples

Business benefits of using a section app break into three buckets: speed, conversion, and maintainability. Each maps to measurable key performance indicators (KPIs).

Speed to Market

KPI: time to publish new page or campaign.
Typical improvement: from 2-5 days with developer help to 1-4 hours for a non-technical editor.
Example: Launch a seasonal landing page in 3 hours using a template, versus 3 days with dev work. Faster launches mean more campaigns per quarter: aim for 6-12 tests vs 1-3 if you depend on developer time.

Conversion Lift

KPI: conversion rate (CVR), add-to-cart rate, average order value (AOV).
Typical uplift range: many merchants report 5-20 percent CVR improvement after adding optimized sections like social proof, urgency timers, or better CTAs (call to action).
Example: Add a “frequently bought together” section and track AOV. If AOV rises from $55 to $62, that is a 12.7 percent lift; for a store averaging 5,000 monthly orders, that is an incremental $17,500 monthly revenue.

Maintainability and Scaling

KPI: time spent on non-revenue tasks, number of reusable components.
Example: Build a product feature section as a reusable block, then deploy it across 100 products in under an hour using the theme editor or bulk apply app. That reduces future update costs and keeps branding consistent.

Calculating Expected ROI (Simple Model)

Cost: app subscription + setup time (developer or merchant time).
Benefit: monthly incremental revenue from CVR uplift and AOV increases.

Example calculation:

Monthly revenue baseline: $50,000
Expected conversion lift: 8 percent -> incremental $4,000
App cost: $49 per month
Implementation time: 10 hours at $40/hour = $400 (one-time)
First month net benefit: $4,000 - $49 - $400 = $3,551
Payback period: under one month in this scenario.

Measurement Plan (Practical)

Define primary KPI: CVR or AOV change for the page you alter.
Run an A/B test (split test) for 2-4 weeks or until statistically significant results are reached.
Track secondary metrics: bounce rate, time on page, cart abandonment.
Use absolute numbers: sample sizes should aim for thousands of visitors for small CVR deltas; run longer tests if traffic is low.

How to Choose and Implement a Section App:

selection criteria and step-by-step timeline

Selection criteria - quick checklist:

Compatibility: supports Online Store 2.0 and theme editor integration.
Performance: lazy-loading for images and defers noncritical JavaScript.
Testing: built-in A/B testing or easy integration with testing apps.
Templates and widgets: has prebuilt conversion elements (testimonials, urgency, product bundles).
Price and scalability: monthly cost vs expected uplift.
Support and documentation: response SLAs and developer guides.

Decision framework (score each criterion 1-5; choose app with highest total):

Weight technical compatibility and performance more if you run paid traffic.
Weight templates and conversion widgets higher if your in-house design skill is limited.

Step-By-Step Implementation Timeline (4-Week Plan)

Week 0 - Prep (1-2 days)

Define objective and KPI (example: raise product page CVR by 8 percent).
Select app using the checklist; install on a staging theme if possible.

Week 1 - Build (1-3 days)

Choose template or create a section: hero, product features, social proof, CTA.
Create asset set: high-quality hero image (1200-1600 px wide), 3-5 testimonials, one product bundle suggestion.

Week 2 - QA and internal review (1-2 days)

Test on desktop and mobile; measure load time with PageSpeed or Lighthouse.
Verify structured data and headings for SEO.

Week 3 - Launch A/B test (14-28 days)

Run A/B testing (split traffic 50/50).
Monitor traffic and conversions daily; avoid stopping early unless large negative impact.

Week 4 - Analyze and roll out

If variant wins, deploy across priority pages in batches of 10-50 products per day to monitor performance.
Document the reusable block and update design system docs.

Implementation tips:

Start with the product page or a high-traffic landing page for the fastest measurable impact.
Keep content differences limited to the section you are testing; avoid unrelated changes during tests.
If traffic is low, prioritize changes that raise average order value (AOV) since those need smaller sample sizes to measure impact.

When to Use Which App:

use cases and recommended pairings

Use Case 1 - Fast Landing Pages for Paid Ads

Requirements: quick templates, good mobile performance, built-in conversion elements.
Recommended apps: Shogun Page Builder or PageFly for fast iteration; Zipify if you want built-in funnels and A/B testing.
Timeline: build and launch in 1-3 days; expect to iterate weekly.

Use Case 2 - Improve Product Pages and Scale Reusable Blocks

Requirements: OS 2.0 compatibility, reusable blocks, lightweight code.
Recommended apps: PageFly, GemPages, or native section templates if your theme supports it.
Timeline: create reusable blocks and apply across products in 1-2 weeks.

Use Case 3 - Conversion Funnels and a/B Testing

Requirements: integrated A/B testing, funnel templates, analytics.
Recommended apps: Zipify Pages or Shogun with higher tier; combine with Google Analytics 4 (GA4) and your checkout analytics.
Timeline: set up funnel in 1-2 weeks; run tests 2-6 weeks.

Use Case 4 - Post-Purchase and Thank-You Optimizations

Requirements: control over thank-you page sections and post-purchase upsells.
Recommended apps: ReConvert, OrderlyEmails for post-purchase templates.
Timeline: implement upsell sequence and monitor for 4 weeks.

Practical considerations for integrations:

Email service provider: connect to Klaviyo or Omnisend for triggered flows based on page interactions.
Inventory and product bundles: ensure app supports dynamic product data and does not require manual SKU syncing.
Analytics: tag variants and events for GA4 or Segment to measure conversion funnels.

Tools and Resources

Essential Build and Test Tools

Shogun Page Builder
Starting price: approx $49 per month; A/B testing on higher tiers.
Availability: Shopify App Store; works with most themes.
PageFly
Starting price: free plan with paid tiers starting around $19 per month.
Availability: Shopify App Store; strong template library.
GemPages
Starting price: approx $15 to $29 per month depending on features.
Availability: Shopify App Store; conversion-focused widgets.
Zipify Pages
Starting price: roughly $67 per month (historical pricing).
Availability: Shopify App Store; funnel-centric and A/B testing features.
ReConvert
Starting price: around $7 to $15 per month.
Availability: Shopify App Store; specialized in thank-you pages and post-purchase upsells.

A/B Testing and Analytics

Neat A/B Testing (Shopify apps exist that focus on split testing)
Pricing: entry-level plans under $30, with higher tiers for more traffic.
Google Analytics 4 (GA4)
Free; use events to measure custom interactions.
Hotjar or FullStory
Heatmaps and session recordings; pricing varies by traffic volume.

Performance and SEO Checks

Google Lighthouse or PageSpeed Insights
Free tools to measure performance score, accessibility, SEO.
Screaming Frog
Desktop crawler for SEO checks; useful for large stores.

Developer Tools

Shopify Liquid documentation
Essential if you plan to convert app sections into theme-native code later.
ThemeKit or Shopify CLI
For developers to manage theme changes and staging work.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake 1 - Choosing Solely on Templates

Problem: Beautiful templates can add heavy JavaScript that slows page load.
How to avoid: prioritize performance metrics, test template load times with Lighthouse, and compare render speed before full rollout.

Mistake 2 - Testing Too Many Variables at Once

Problem: Large multivariate changes make it impossible to attribute gains.
How to avoid: test one major change at a time (headline, hero image, CTA color) or use factorial testing properly with sufficient traffic.

Mistake 3 - Ignoring Mobile Experience

Problem: Many apps default to desktop-first layouts; mobile users may face slow loads or misaligned CTAs.
How to avoid: design mobile-first, verify on multiple devices, and set mobile-specific section visibility if available.

Mistake 4 - Not Tracking the Right Kpis

Problem: Focusing only on page views or vanity metrics that do not map to revenue.
How to avoid: track revenue-related KPIs—conversion rate, add-to-cart rate, average order value, and ultimately net margin impact.

Mistake 5 - Overusing Sections Everywhere

Problem: Too many sections bloats pages and increases cognitive load.
How to avoid: limit to 4-6 purposeful sections per page; prioritize clarity and a single primary CTA.

FAQ

What is the Best Shopify Section App for Beginners?

For beginners, PageFly or GemPages are strong choices because of free tiers, easy templates, and low learning curves. Start with a free plan, build one page, and test performance and mobile layout before upgrading.

Can Section Apps Slow Down My Store?

Yes, section apps add CSS and JavaScript which can impact load times. Avoid heavy widgets, optimize images, and test before and after with Google Lighthouse or PageSpeed Insights. Pick apps that emphasize lazy loading and performance.

Do I Need a Developer to Use a Section App?

Not necessarily. Many apps target non-technical users with drag-and-drop editors. However, a developer can help with theme integration, performance tuning, and deploying reusable blocks across large catalogs.

How Long Should an a/B Test Run on a New Section?

Run tests for at least 2-4 weeks or until you reach statistical significance. For low-traffic stores, tests may need 6-8 weeks. Ensure at least several hundred conversions per variant for reliable results.

Are These Apps Compatible with Shopify Online Store 2.0?

Most modern section apps support Online Store 2.0, but always confirm compatibility with your specific theme and checkout customizations. Prefer apps that explicitly state OS 2.0 support.

Will a Section App Affect SEO?

Section apps can affect SEO if they alter headings, delay content rendering, or hide content behind JavaScript. Use server-rendered or SSR-friendly apps, check that key content is visible to crawlers, and monitor search performance after changes.

Next Steps

Pick one page and one KPI

Choose a high-impact page (product page or a paid-traffic landing page) and one measurable KPI (conversion rate or average order value).

Trial two apps for comparison

Install a low-cost or free builder (PageFly or GemPages) and a higher-tier option (Shogun or Zipify). Build the same section in both to compare ease of use and performance.

Run a controlled A/B test

Launch a 50/50 split test with clearly documented hypotheses (example: “Adding testimonials above the fold will increase add-to-cart by 6-10 percent”). Run the test for at least 2 weeks and analyze results.

Roll out and document

If the variant wins, roll out in batches and convert the section into a reusable block. Add the block to your design system or brand component library to speed future launches.

Checklist for Launch (Quick)

Define KPI and hypothesis.
Choose app and plan.
Create assets and mobile-first layouts.
Test performance and structured data.
Run A/B test and collect results.
Roll out winning variant and document.

This guide gives a practical path from selection to measurable results. Use the checklists and timelines here to reduce friction, avoid common mistakes, and choose the best Shopify section app that fits your traffic, budget, and growth goals.