Decoding Geolocation Popups: Finding the Right App for Your Shopify Store

Cracking the Code: Identifying Geolocation Apps on Shopify

Ever visited a website and been greeted by a popup asking about your location or preferred language? That's often the work of a geolocation app, and it's a pretty slick way to personalize the shopping experience. The other day in the Shopify Community, a store owner named JustinasR was trying to figure out which app a particular store, burga.eu, was using to display a geolocation popup. It’s a common question – you see something you like and want to replicate it!

The Mystery of the Burga.eu Popup

JustinasR posted a screenshot of the popup, hoping someone in the community could identify the app behind it. Here's the image he shared:

The response from another community member, tim_1, was pretty direct: "That’s their custom code, part of the theme."

And that’s the thing about Shopify – sometimes the coolest features aren’t from apps at all, but custom-built solutions baked right into the theme.

Geolocation Options: Apps vs. Custom Code

So, what does this mean for you if you're looking to add a similar geolocation popup to your store? You've essentially got two paths to consider:

• Shopify Apps: The easiest route, especially if you're not comfortable diving into code. There are several geolocation apps available in the Shopify App Store. They handle the technical stuff, allowing you to customize the popup's appearance and behavior through a user-friendly interface.
• Custom Code: This gives you ultimate control over the popup's design and functionality. However, it requires coding knowledge (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and possibly Liquid) or hiring a developer.

Finding Apps that Fit Your Needs

If you're leaning towards an app, here's how to find one that suits your store:

1. Search the Shopify App Store: Use keywords like "geolocation," "country redirect," "location popup," or "geoIP."
2. Read Reviews: Pay close attention to what other merchants are saying about the app's ease of use, customer support, and performance.
3. Check Pricing: Many apps offer free trials or basic free plans, allowing you to test them out before committing to a paid subscription.
4. Consider Features: Think about what you need the app to do. Do you want to redirect customers to a specific country domain? Display a welcome message based on their location? Offer different currencies or shipping options?

When to Consider Custom Code

Custom code might be the better choice if:

• You have very specific design requirements that can't be met by existing apps.
• You need to integrate the geolocation feature with other custom functionalities in your theme.
• You have a developer on your team or are comfortable hiring one.

Decoding a Site's Setup: How to Investigate

Want to try and figure out if a site is using an app or custom code? Here are a few things you can try:

• Check the Page Source: Right-click on the page and select "View Page Source." Look for script tags that might indicate the presence of a third-party app. Search for common app names or keywords like "geo," "location," or "country."
• Use Browser Developer Tools: Open the developer tools (usually by pressing F12) and go to the "Network" tab. Filter the requests by "JS" (JavaScript) and see if you can identify any files related to a geolocation app.
• Look for Clues in the Theme Files: If you have access to the store's theme files, you can examine the code for any geolocation-related logic.

Ultimately, figuring out whether a site uses an app or custom code can be tricky. In JustinasR’s case, it turned out to be custom code. But don't let that discourage you! Plenty of great apps can get you up and running quickly. The key is to explore your options, consider your needs, and choose the solution that best fits your technical skills and budget. Happy localizing!