"i only speak liquid" #60: Performance Trade-offs in Shopify Apps

Hey everyone! Sad one today: My last edit of the  i_only_speak_liquid newsletter!

I'm Martynas, a freelance web developer and proud member of the Storetasker network. I spend a lot of time building Shopify sites, and also React applications.

Let’s stay connected via Linkedin!!

What I’ve been thinking about:

As developer, you’ve probably run into the same issue I have: app overload. Shopify apps are great for adding functionality, but after a certain point, you start noticing the drag on load times. When you’re working on a store with 20 or 30 apps, each loading their own JS and CSS files, the performance hits can be hard to ignore.

The thing is, many of these apps are solving simple problems—ones we could handle directly in the theme if we just rolled up our sleeves. In my experience, reducing reliance on apps not only boosts performance but also gives you more control over the codebase. By taking the time to build custom features into the theme using Liquid, JavaScript, or API integrations, you can create a solution tailored to the store’s needs without the bloat that comes with multiple third-party tools.

One strategy I’ve started using is leveraging Shopify’s built-in capabilities like Metafields. You can store additional data for products, pages, or collections and display it without needing an app to manage things like custom product information or enhanced functionality. 

The bottom line is, apps are great for adding quick features, but if you’re serious about performance, it’s worth considering where you can replace them with custom-built solutions. You maintain full control, the code is easier to manage, and the store stays fast.

3 links you can’t miss:

1. Acne Studios Size Guide – An excellent example of a clear and effective size guide, helping reduce return rates by matching customers with the right fit.

2. PromptBase – Explore 130,000+ curated AI prompts made by expert creators. Save time, produce better outputs.

3. Eightify – A powerful AI tool that summarizes YouTube videos, to help users get the main points of a video before watching.

1 app I like:

Grapevine

Want to really understand your customers? Grapevine lets you ask them directly through post-purchase surveys, NPS, and on-site feedback. It’s a super simple way to gather insights and get to know what’s on their minds, so you can keep improving.

One learning as a freelancer:

One of the coolest things about freelancing? You’re always leveling up. Every project pushes you to learn something new or try a different approach. It’s a great way to stay sharp, keep up with trends, and make sure your skills are always in demand.

Martynas