Shopify apps are good when it comes to optimizing the functionality of your Shopify theme or store. However, you must be very keen when integrating them because apps can cause conflict in the theme or within the Shopify platform.
Although we recommend Shopify apps as the ideal tools to enhance your Shopify theme or store, some issues can arise. Remember, the purpose of this blog is not to diminish Shopify apps but to help you make informed decisions when you experience any problem with your Shopify theme or Shopify store.
What exactly makes Shopify apps cause issues in your Shopify theme or store?
External Shopify Theme Files
Shopify apps are designed to optimize the UI/UX of your Shopify store are coded using CSS and JavaScript Snippets. They can cause conflicts due to various reasons.
First, every file that you add externally to your Shopify store adds the duration needed for a page to load all the design elements encapsulated. This is because:
- Shopify relies on its custom JavaScript and CSS files to bring you the many advanced eCommerce features. These external files are hosted in Shopify’s optimized Servers and apply advanced algorithms to reduce the load time.
- All Shopify themes contain at least one external CSS file and an array of JavaScript files stored in Shopify’s Servers.
- The external files that come with the Shopify theme or Shopify store define your store’s basic look and functionality. In contrast, the external files that come with the Shopify apps are meant to extend the already existing look and functionality.
- In most cases, the apps store files are in third-party locations or servers. As a result, a request has to be sent to another server whenever a user loads a page. In some cases, the connection throws an ‘exception’ message like “error 504”.
- Since most apps store files on third-party servers, there is no guarantee that the servers are optimized for fast load time.
In the end, all these factors result in low speed or higher load time on your Shopify store. However, high load time can be caused by other factors such as the size of the images and theme files.
Shopify Theme Conflicts
External CSS and JavaScript can also compete for resources with other CSS and JavaScipt files in the Shopify theme or store. This may result in having some of your pages not appearing as anticipated or make some features of your theme break.
- Conflicts by JavaScript are the most common reasons for Shopify features to break. App developers are the ideal expertise to troubleshoot issues caused by JavaScript conflicts.
- CSS builds and executes its code based on “specificity” and “priority.” This simply means a code is applied to a specific element and in a particular procedure.
Besides, simple apps that seem to add light changes to the theme may also cause a massive impact on the load time.
Images in Shopify Themes
As much as you want to reduce load time in your Shopify store, you can’t fail to consider the images you upload on your Shopify theme. This is because images are also external files that need to be loaded whenever you launch your store. Since you need your Shopify Store to look stunning, you would need high-quality imagery. Therefore, you may need to consider the time images take to load.
Conclusion
Taking Your Business to the next step can only come to reality if you have the right expertise to deliver outstanding solutions. At Seibert Consulting Group, we specialize in delivering modern solutions to businesses that aim at taking full advantage of the eCommerce platform. We always customize our solutions to align with Your Business requirements and goals. Let’s start talking about your project and find out how we can help your business grow. Get in touch with us via our chatbot or email hello@seibertconsulting.com and via our direct line at 760-205-5440.
