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Extensions are add-on software modules designed to enhance user experience and increase conversions. The standard Magento platform is somewhat basic, allowing it to work for a range of eCommerce businesses. Since Magento is also an incredibly flexible and adaptable platform, extensions allow each company to add elements that are most beneficial for them and their target market. Extensions help to make each site more unique and optimized. As a business grows, extensions can be added or removed to allow for prime functionality.

Adding extensions to a site can improve the conversion funnel by make it easier for customers to find products, check out quickly, feel comfortable providing credit card information, and know when to expect delivery of their order. These extensions can have make-or-break results when it comes to conversions.

For example, according to Internet Retailer, one-third of online shoppers hesitate to make a purchase due to credit card security concerns. Extensions can add a layer of safety and convenience to online purchases, making the customer feel more comfortable with the decision to buy.

The number and type of Magento extensions that can be developed is almost endless. Extensions can be created for orders, checkout, shipping, buttons, marketing, integration, reporting, navigation, search, reviews, and more. They can make a site more attractive with better product images, simple menu structure, dynamic category pages, and customized content.

Extensions can be used to integrate other platforms and services such as apps, social media, various payment systems, and email service providers. Extensions can also be implemented to increase customer loyalty through discounts, coupons, rewards, membership, and promotions.

With all of these possibilities, Magento Commerce cannot create these extensions on their own, or it would likely consume the entire business. That’s why companies like ParadoxLabs build extensions that will provide the most value to their clients. Typically, these extensions are bought online and installed by the purchaser.

Some extensions, like those by ParadoxLabs, allow the purchaser to modify the source code to fit their needs and come with free fixes and updates. For example, ParadoxLabs offers the following extensions for Magento and/or Magento 2:

– Buy Now Checkout for Magento
– Authorize.net CIM Payment Module for Magento
– Authorize.net CIM with Recurring Profiles for Magento
– Authorize.net CIM for Magento 2
– Adaptive Subscriptions for Magento 2
– BluePay Payment Module for Magento
– BluePay Payment Module with Recurring Profiles for Magento
– First Data Payeezy Payments for Magento
– First Data Payeezy with Recurring Profiles for Magento
– First Data Payeezy for Magento 2
– Stripe for Magento 2

These extensions are specifically designed to work in Magento and allow for simple and secure payment processing, ordering, subscriptions, menus, shipping, or reminders.

So, how do you know if you need an extension? Within the Magento platform, there may be a component that you want for your site but do not see as an option. If you can think of it, someone has probably created an extension for it.

Maybe your analytics show that there is a point in the conversion flow where customers are dropping off. An extension might help fix this problem and make the process better for the customer.

If you are like ParadoxLabs Support customers, you have a team of developers maintaining your site, letting you know what areas could be improved and which extensions would do the job.

For more information about ParadoxLabs extensions, check out our store or give us a call at 717-431-3330.