# Choosing your first extension

## Checkout Optimization Checklist

Figuring out how to optimize your checkout can feel overwhelming for some, but that’s exactly why we made this guide—to help you find the extension(s) that work best for your checkout.

{% hint style="info" %}
**How to use this checklist:**

1. Identify your primary goal.
2. Select the recommended extensions based on that goal.
3. Use the follow-up questions to help configure your checkout extensions.
   {% endhint %}

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## **Step 1: Determine your primary goal**

* [ ] **Increasing average order value (AOV)**

  *Encourage customers to spend more per order.*
* [ ] **Increasing checkout conversion rate (CVR)**

  *Reduce friction and guide customers smoothly through checkout.*
* [ ] **Improving clarity and trust with custom content**

  *Focus on providing reassurance, clear communication, and addressing customer concerns.*
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Step 2: Recommended extensions for each goal

#### **Goal 1: Increasing average order value (AOV)**

* [ ] **In-Checkout Cross-Sells**

  *Recommend related or complementary products in the checkout process.*
* [ ] **Incentive Progress Bar**

  *Incentivize customer with tiered rewards like free shipping, free gifts, or product discounts to encourage higher spending.*
* [ ] **Post-Purchase Offers**

  *Present discounted complementary products after the initial purchase to maximize order value with minimal friction.*

#### **Goal 2: Increasing checkout conversion rate (CVR)**

* [ ] **Promotion Progress Bar**

  *Motivate customers to complete their purchase by showing progress towards discounts or free shipping.*
* [ ] **Testimonials**

  *Showcase customer reviews to increase confidence with customers.*
* [ ] **Alert Banners**

  *Highlight critical information (e.g., shipping deadlines, limited-time offers) to create urgency and increase transparency.*
* [ ] **Icon with Text**

  *Use trust badges or payment security icons to address frequently asked questions.*

#### **Goal 3: Building trust or improving customer support with custom content**

* [ ] **Text Block**

  *Provide detailed information (e.g., return policies, product FAQs) directly in the checkout.*
* [ ] **Image Block**

  *Use visual elements to reinforce trust (e.g., product guarantees, awards).*
* [ ] **Checkbox Input**

  *Collect information from customers to improve order quality (e.g., gift messages).*
* [ ] **Dropdown List**

  *Answer common questions about your products/services.*
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

## **Step 3: Follow-up questions**

Once you’ve selected your goal, ask these follow-up questions to help set up the extensions:

**For improving AOV:**

* What products make sense for upsells, cross-sells, or post-purchase offers?
  * *Focus on products that are complementary, frequently bought together, or high-margin items.*
* Do you offer free shipping or product discounts?
  * *Use Promotion Progress Bar in checkout to incentivize customers to meet the threshold.*
* Are their products you do not want to upsell or cross-sell in checkout?
  * *Make sure to add them to* `Excluded Products`*.*

**For increasing CVR:**

* What specific information or signals would increase customer confidence?
  * *Highlight your return policy or shipping speed to reduce hesitation.*
  * *Use testimonials or trust badges to reinforce your credibility.*
* What pain points could cause customers to abandon checkout?
  * *Address them with targeted alert banners (e.g., “Free returns within 30 days!”).*

**For increasing customer confidence:**

* What details do your customers frequently ask about?
  * *Use text or dropdown blocks to proactively answer common questions.*
  * *Provide clear return or warranty policies for peace of mind.*
* Do your products require specific instructions or customization?
  * *Use checkboxes or dropdown lists to collect customization preferences or additional details like delivery instructions.*
    {% endstep %}
    {% endstepper %}

If you are unsure of what extensions are best for your brands or get stuck along the way, feel free to get in touch with us we will help you get set up.