Module 18

Choosing your tool stack

2 lessons, 7 stepsOne instruction at a time, each with the result to expect. Tick steps as you go; Helix remembers.

Outcome: the right tools for where your store is today, without paying for apps you do not need.

In plain words

Stage: Grow (keep more of every sale, then scale). Every lesson below is tagged with its stage; see Attract, Convert, Grow.

What it is: Which apps and tools you need at each stage, and which to skip.

Why it matters: Too many apps slow your store and cost money. Fewer, better tools win.

Do this:

  1. List every app you pay for.
  2. Remove ones you do not use each week.
  3. Add a tool only when it solves a problem you have today.

Words to know:

  • Landing page: The page someone lands on after clicking an ad.

All words are explained in the glossary.

Lesson 18.1: The stack by need and stageGrow

Why this matters

The right tools depend on your stage: just starting, steady weekly sales (stage 1), or several channels with meaningful ad spend (stage 2). Buying tools too early slows your site and drains cash.

0 of 3 steps done

Step 1 of 3

Decide your stage: day one (just starting), stage 1 (steady sales every week) or stage 2 (several channels and meaningful ad spend).

Expected result

You know which column of the table below applies to you.

Good to know

Need Type of tool When to add it
Reviews A reviews app with photo reviews and automatic review requests Day one
Email sign-ups A pop-up and form builder Day one
Email and SMS An email platform with flows and segments; an SMS provider Email on day one. SMS from Stage 1.
Bigger orders Cart upsells, a bundle builder, offers after purchase Stage 1
Testing An A/B testing app When you have enough visitors (thousands of sessions for each version)
Seeing how people use your site Heatmaps and session recordings (free options exist) Day one
Attribution (which channel gets credit) A multi-touch or incrementality tool Stage 2, with several channels
Ad analysis A tool that groups ads by idea and hook Stage 2
Shoppable video Video on product pages and the homepage that people can shop from Stage 2
Returns A returns and exchanges portal When returns become a real job
Customer support A help desk with automations or an AI assistant Stage 1
Fulfilment A 3PL (a company that stores, packs and ships for you), local or overseas When packing takes over your week
Shipping Rates from several carriers, and label printing Early
Payments in other currencies Multi-currency bank accounts When you sell overseas
International tax Duty and tax calculation When you ship to other countries
Loyalty Points, VIP levels or cashback When more than 15 to 20% of customers buy again
Sending free product to creators A creator search and gifting platform Stage 1
Packaging A sustainable packaging supplier Early

Lesson 18.2: Rules for adding a toolGrow

Why this matters

Every app costs money and speed. Four steps make sure each one earns its place.

0 of 4 steps done

Step 1 of 4

Name the number the tool should improve, for example "email sign-ups per 100 visitors".

Expected result

The tool has a target number.

Self-check

  1. What must you name before adding a tool?
Answers
  1. The number it should improve.

Words to know in this module

Landing page
The page someone lands on after clicking an ad.
Pop-up
A box on your site that asks visitors for their email, often with a small reward.
Bundle
Two or more products sold together, often with a small saving.
Session
One visit to your store. One person can make several visits.
Attribution
Deciding which ad or channel gets credit for a sale.
Hook
The first line or first 3 seconds of an ad. Its only job is to make people stop scrolling.
3PL
Third-party logistics: a warehouse company that stores your stock and packs and ships your orders.
Creator
A person who makes social content and can feature your product.
All words to know