Running an online store can be exciting, but let’s be honest – it can also be exhausting. Between updating product listings, managing orders, answering customer questions and running ads, it feels like there’s always something that needs attention. That’s where automation comes in.
Automation allows you to grow your e-commerce business without getting caught up in the daily grind. It saves time, reduces human error and lets you focus on the big picture instead of small tasks. With the right tools, you can set up systems that work around the clock, even while you sleep.
Let’s explore the top e-commerce automation tools every store owner should have in their arsenal.
1. Klaviyo – Smarter Email and SMS Marketing
Klaviyo is one of the most popular automation tools for email and SMS marketing. It helps you send targeted messages based on customer behaviour. For example, if someone abandons their cart, Klaviyo can send a reminder automatically. If a customer hasn’t ordered in a while, it can send a re-engagement email. You can also segment your audience to make your emails more personal and effective. This tool is perfect for boosting repeat purchases and improving customer relationships.
2. Zapier – Connect Your Tools Without Coding
Zapier is like glue for your tech stack. It connects different apps and automates actions between them. For instance, if someone fills out a form on your site, Zapier can automatically add them to your email list or CRM. You can create “Zaps” that save you from doing repetitive tasks over and over again. It’s ideal for store owners who use multiple tools and want them to work together smoothly.
3. Seller Snap – Your Price Automation Partner
A repricer like Seller Snap or Repricer Express is essential for sellers on marketplaces such as Amazon. This tool changes your product prices in real time based on rules you set. You can stay competitive, win the Buy Box and protect your profit margins without lifting a finger. In a busy market where prices change quickly, automation through a repricer helps you respond fast and sell more. This is hands-free growth at its best.
4. Tidio – AI Chatbots for 24/7 Support
Customer support is important, but it can also take up a lot of time. Tidio is a live chat and AI chatbot platform that helps you answer questions automatically. You can set it up to handle common queries about shipping, returns or product details. It also integrates with popular platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce. With a chatbot in place, your store can assist customers anytime, even outside business hours.
5. ShipStation – Simplify Shipping and Fulfilment
Shipping is one of those tasks that can eat up a lot of your day. ShipStation automates the fulfilment process by connecting your store with shipping carriers. You can print labels, track orders and send customers updates with ease. It helps you avoid mistakes and speed up delivery, which keeps customers happy. Whether you sell locally or internationally, this tool is a major time-saver.
6. Hootsuite – Automate Your Social Media
Posting on social media regularly is great for your brand, but doing it manually takes time. Hootsuite allows you to schedule posts in advance across multiple platforms like Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). You can plan your content calendar, respond to comments and track performance all in one place. It keeps your online presence active without constant effort.
7. QuickBooks Commerce – Manage Inventory and Finances
QuickBooks Commerce helps you manage your stock, track sales and keep your accounts in order. It connects with your e-commerce platform to automate tasks like inventory updates, invoice generation and financial reporting. It’s perfect for keeping your business organised and compliant, without needing to be an accounting expert.
8. Loox – Automated Review Collection
Customer reviews build trust and drive conversions. Loox automates the process of collecting and displaying reviews, especially those with customer photos. After someone makes a purchase, Loox sends a follow-up email asking for feedback. You can display these reviews on your product pages, social media and ads. It helps build credibility and encourages new customers to buy.
9. Omnisend – All-in-One Marketing Automation
Omnisend is a great alternative to Klaviyo for email, SMS and push notifications. You can create workflows that trigger based on customer actions, like first purchases or browsing history. It also offers pre-built templates, which makes setting up campaigns quick and easy. Omnisend works well for small to mid-size stores that want to boost conversions with little manual work.
10. Trello – Automate Your Workflow
Trello may not be an e-commerce-specific tool, but it’s great for managing your tasks and projects. You can use automation within Trello to move cards, set due dates and notify team members. If you have a team or plan to scale, it helps everyone stay organised and on the same page.
Final Thoughts
Automation is not just a buzzword – it’s a practical way to grow your e-commerce store without burning out. With tools like Klaviyo for marketing, Tidio for chat support and a repricer to stay ahead of competitors, you can run your store more efficiently and focus on what truly matters.
Start small. Pick one or two areas where you spend the most time and look for a tool to automate them. As your business grows, you can add more tools to your automation arsenal.
By working smarter, not harder, you set your store up for long-term success. Let automation do the heavy lifting, so you can spend more time growing your business and less time managing it.
