Transform Your Shopify Store into a Mobile App: A Complete Guide

Nowadays people steadily shop using their smartphones and tablets. With a shift towards mobile-first shopping, businesses need to serve this on-the-go customer. This is where a dedicated Shopify mobile app comes in. As per Statista report, Mobile commerce sales are expected to account for over 73% of all e-commerce sales worldwide by 2025.

Businesses that want to thrive in this environment need to adapt by offering a flawless mobile experience. For Shopify store owners, the answer lies in creating a dedicated mobile app. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from understanding the benefits to the steps involved in transforming your Shopify store into a powerful mobile app.

Why You Should Turn Your Shopify Store Into a Mobile App

• Mobile apps offer a faster, more convenient shopping experience with features like one-click purchases and saved products.
• Mobile applications can make it easier for customers to browse and buy products, leading to higher sales and conversions.
• It allows for push notifications, loyalty programs, and other features that can help build stronger customer relationships.
• Having a dedicated app on the App Store and Google Play increases brand visibility and recognition.
• Mobile apps provide valuable data about customer behavior and preferences, which can be used to improve marketing and product offerings.

Can You Create Mobile Apps in Shopify?

Shopify itself doesn’t offer a built-in app builder. However, you have two main options to create a mobile app for your Shopify store:

1. Hire Dedicated Shopify Mobile App Developers: If you hire Shopify mobile app developers then they offer the most customization and control over the store. However, it requires significant investment and technical expertise.
2. Use a Shopify Mobile App Builder: Several third-party app builders integrate seamlessly with Shopify. These are typically easier to use and more cost-effective but may offer less customization compared to custom development

Steps to Convert Your Shopify Store into a Mobile App

There are two main approaches to converting your Shopify store into a mobile app, depending on your budget and technical expertise:

1. Leverage a Shopify App

This is a simpler solution ideal for those who aren’t developers. Here’s the process:

• Step 1: Ensure Mobile-Friendly Store: Before you build an app, make sure your Shopify store offers a seamless experience on mobile browsers. This means your website should be responsive and adjust to different screen sizes.
• Step 2: Pick a Shopify App: The Shopify app store offers various apps that convert your Shopify store into a mobile app. Research and choose one that suits your needs and budget. Popular options include MageNative and Shopper by BuildFire.
• Step 3: Customize Your App: These apps typically offer customization options. You can personalize the app’s look and feel to match your brand and integrate functionalities like push notifications.
• Step 4: Configure and Test: Once you’ve customized the app, configure settings like payment processing and shipping. Then, thoroughly test the app on various devices to ensure a smooth experience.
• Step 5: Publish and Promote: Once everything works flawlessly, publish your app to the Google Play Store (Android) and Apple App Store (iOS). Don’t forget to promote your app to your existing customer base to drive downloads.

2. Hire Mobile App Developers

This approach offers more control and customization but requires technical expertise and a larger budget. Here’s a general roadmap:

• Step 1: Planning and Design: Discuss your vision with experienced mobile app developers. They will help define features, design the app’s user interface (UI), and plan the backend integration with your Shopify store.
• Step 2: Development: Developers will build the native app for iOS and Android, ensuring a smooth user experience on each platform. This involves creating functionalities like product browsing, shopping carts, secure payments, and order tracking.
• Step 3: Integration with Shopify: The app needs to connect to your Shopify backend to access product data, customer information, and order management. Developers will create an API to facilitate this seamless communication.
• Step 4: Testing and Deployment: Rigorous testing is crucial before publishing the app. Developers will identify and fix any bugs to guarantee a stable app. Once testing is complete, they will submit the app to the app stores for approval.
• Step 5: Maintenance and Updates: Maintaining and updating your app is essential. Developers can help address any issues that arise and keep the app compatible with future iOS and Android updates.

The best approach depends on your resources and goals. If you have a limited budget and are comfortable with a basic app, using a Shopify app is a good option. For a more customized app with advanced features, consider hiring mobile app developers.

Conclusion

Having a dedicated mobile app can be a game-changer for your Shopify store. It provides a superior shopping experience for your customers, boosts sales and brand loyalty, and offers valuable data insights. By following these steps, you can transform your Shopify store into a mobile app and take your business to the next level.