Shopify isn't just a storefront—it's a powerful platform packed with marketing tools designed to help ecommerce brands scale. From AI-generated product descriptions to automated email campaigns and WhatsApp engagement, this guide breaks down the best Shopify marketing tools to help you tackle pain points like low conversions, high cart abandonment, and limited customer engagement.
Whether you’re searching for the best email marketing tools for Shopify, affiliate marketing solutions, or AI-powered automation, we’ve got you covered with real app suggestions, comparisons, and strategies to grow your Shopify store in 2025.
🔑 Why Marketing Tools Matter for Shopify Stores
In a crowded digital marketplace, the difference between success and stagnation often lies in how well you market. Shopify’s ecosystem allows you to:
- Automate repetitive marketing tasks
- Deliver personalized customer journeys
- Increase retention with segmentation and loyalty tools
- Engage customers via high-performing channels like WhatsApp and email
- Scale with influencer and affiliate marketing
🧰 Shopify’s Built-in Marketing Tools (Free with Plans)
Shopify offers a robust set of native tools:
- Shopify Email – Create branded email campaigns
- Shopify Inbox – Real-time chat with customers
- Shopify Collabs – Manage influencer partnerships
- Segmentation – Target by behavior, location, etc.
- Shop Cash Offers – Incentivize new customers
- Marketing Automations – Pre-built workflows for welcome emails, abandoned carts, and more
- Shopify Forms – Grow your list with on-site popups
These tools come included with most Shopify plans, making them ideal for early-stage brands.
✉️ Email Marketing Tools for Shopify
Email is still king. Whether you're just starting or scaling fast, here are the best options (Best Email Marketing):
| Tool | Best For | Free Plan? |
|---|---|---|
| Klaviyo | Advanced segmentation, personalization | Yes (250 subs) |
| Omnisend | Multichannel (email/SMS/push) | Yes (500 emails) |
| MailerLite | Ease of use, automation | Yes (1,000 subs) |
| Mailchimp | Beginners, analytics | Yes (2,000 subs) |
| ActiveCampaign | CRM integration, advanced workflows | No |
| SmartrMail | AI segmentation, SMS | Yes (1,000 subs) |
🏆 Best Email Marketing for Shopify
- Klaviyo: Advanced automation and targeting
- Omnisend: Multichannel engagement
- MailerLite: Cost-effective for beginners
🤝 Affiliate Marketing Tools for Shopify
Top picks (Affiliate Marketing Software):
- UpPromote – Full-featured affiliate manager
- Refersion – Recruitment + commission tracking
- Tapfiliate – Custom commissions, real-time tracking
- AffiliateWP – Non-native, connect via Zapier
💬 WhatsApp Marketing Tools for Shopify
Boost engagement via popular channels (WhatsApp Marketing):
- QR: WhatsApp Chat + Marketing – Cart recovery + support
- Dondy – Automation + chat widget
- Ctx – CRM integration
- WooChat – Sales follow-ups
🤖 AI Tools for Shopify Marketing
Leverage smart automation (AI Tools):
- Shopify Magic – AI for descriptions, email
- Sidekick – 24/7 ecommerce assistant
- Tidio – Chatbots + support
- Jasper – SEO content creation
- Shopify Analyzer – Data-driven insights
🔁 Marketing Automation Tools
- Klaviyo: Email/SMS workflows
- ActiveCampaign: Complex logic automation
- GetResponse: Cross-channel + AI
- Drip: Behavior-based actions
💸 Free & Budget Shopify Tools
| Tool | Free Plan Limits |
|---|---|
| Shopify Email | Included in plans |
| MailerLite | 1,000 subs / 12,000 emails |
| Mailchimp | 2,000 subs |
| Privy | 100 subs |
| Retainful | 300 subs |
⚖️ Shopify vs Squarespace vs BigCommerce
| Feature | Shopify | Squarespace | BigCommerce |
|---|---|---|---|
| App Ecosystem | Extensive | Limited | Moderate |
| Email Tools | Built-in + apps | Basic campaigns | Some built-in |
| Automation | Robust | Minimal | Average |
| Affiliate Tools | Many apps | Mostly 3rd-party | Mostly 3rd-party |
🧠 Conclusion
Shopify offers an unparalleled ecosystem of built-in and third-party marketing tools to help stores of all sizes grow, automate, and engage.
📚 FAQs
1. What are the best Shopify email marketing tools for 2025?
Klaviyo, Omnisend, and MailerLite are top picks.
2. Can I market my Shopify store on WhatsApp?
Yes. Use Dondy, Ctx, and WooChat.
3. Is there a free email marketing option for Shopify?
Yes. Shopify Email, MailerLite, and Mailchimp all offer free plans.
4. What is Shopify Magic?
Shopify Magic is an AI suite for generating content and email.
5. How do I run an affiliate program on Shopify?
Use UpPromote, Refersion, or Tapfiliate.
6. Can AI improve Shopify marketing?
Yes. Tidio, Jasper, and Shopify Analyzer streamline tasks.
7. Which is better: Shopify or Squarespace for marketing?
Shopify wins with its tools, apps, and scalability.