A Beginner Guide to Transform Shopify Store into a Mobile App

In recent years, mobile commerce has been on a substantial rise. Therefore, several merchants have decided to transform Shopify store into mobile app to enhance their businesses and boost their sales.

To convert your online presence on Shopify into a mobile app, you'll need to follow four simple steps:

• Step 1. Prepare your store for mobile transformation
• Step 2. Select a Shopify app builder
• Step 3. Customize your mobile store
• Step 4. Test and publish your Shopify mobile app

Additionally, in this article, I'll also explain why should you transform Shopify store into mobile app, and recommend the top 3 Shopify mobile app builders for your consideration.

Stay tuned!

Why Should You Transform Shopify Store into Mobile App?

From my perspective, having a mobile-friendly website is great, but a dedicated app can truly elevate your Shopify business. Here are all the benefits that a Shopify mobile store can bring:

#1. Increased customer engagement

An app provides a direct line of communication to your customers, allowing you to send personalized messages and notifications that keep them engaged and coming back for more. You can announce new product launches, flash sales, and exclusive deals directly to their pockets, ensuring they never miss out on an opportunity to shop. Push notifications for abandoned carts can be highly effective in recovering lost sales by reminding customers of the items they left behind and providing an easy way to complete their purchases.

By analyzing user behavior within the app, such as browsing history and purchase patterns, you can segment your audience based on their interests and preferences. This allows you to tailor messages and promotions to specific customer groups, ensuring that your communications are relevant, engaging, and more likely to convert.

#2. Improved brand loyalty

A mobile app acts as a dedicated space for your brand on your customers' phones, fostering a deeper connection that goes beyond a transactional relationship. Unlike a browser bookmark that can easily be lost among others, an app icon serves as a constant visual reminder of your brand, keeping you top-of-mind whenever they reach for their phones. Within the app, you can cultivate a unique brand experience that goes beyond simply browsing and purchasing. Implement loyalty programs that reward repeat customers with exclusive discounts and perks. Offer personalized recommendations based on their shopping history. Create engaging content, such as style guides or how-to videos, that provides value and keeps customers coming back for more.

#3. Enhanced user experience

Apps offer a significantly faster, smoother, and more streamlined shopping experience compared to mobile websites. Without the limitations of a browser, such as slow loading times and clunky navigation, apps can provide a clean, intuitive interface that loads quickly and responds seamlessly to user interactions. This creates a more enjoyable and frictionless experience that encourages customers to browse longer and explore your products without frustration. You can optimize navigation to make it easy for customers to find what they're looking for, simplify the checkout process to reduce cart abandonment, and create a user-friendly design tailored specifically for mobile devices.

#4. Offline accessibility

Unlike websites that require a constant internet connection, apps can offer core functionalities offline, making them incredibly convenient for customers on the go or in areas with limited connectivity. This is crucial for customers in areas with unreliable internet access or for those who want to browse on the go without relying on data or worrying about spotty connections. Customers can browse your entire product catalog, view detailed product descriptions and images, check stock availability, and even add items to their cart, all while offline. They can also view their order history, track shipments, and manage their account settings without an internet connection. The app can then sync with your Shopify store when a connection is available, ensuring a seamless experience and that all data is up-to-date.

#5. Access to device features

Apps can leverage a smartphone's built-in features to offer a richer and more interactive shopping experience that simply isn't possible with a mobile website. Integrating the device camera opens up a world of possibilities. Customers can use visual search to find products instantly by taking a photo of an item they like or by uploading an image from their camera roll. This is particularly useful for fashion and home decor retailers, where customers might not know the exact name of a product but have a visual reference. GPS location data can be utilized to offer location-based deals and promotions, further personalizing the shopping experience and driving foot traffic to brick-and-mortar stores if you have them.

For example, you can send notifications to customers who are within a certain radius of a physical store, informing them of exclusive in-store promotions or new arrivals. Additionally, push notifications can be tailored to remind customers about nearby store locations or upcoming sales events, ensuring they don't miss out on time-sensitive opportunities.

4 Steps to Transform Shopify Store into Mobile App

Now that you have a clear understanding of why should you transform Shopify store into mobile app, it's time to turn your vision to reality. Here are four steps to do so:

Step 1. Prepare your store for mobile transformation

A deep dive into your website analytics is where you should start, paying close attention to user behavior specifically on your mobile site. This analysis means going beyond overall website traffic and understanding how customers interact with your brand within the confines of smaller screens. Your analysis should identify your most popular product categories on mobile, analyze common browsing paths to see how users navigate your site, and pinpoint potential pain points that may be hindering the mobile shopping experience. This valuable information will guide your app design, feature prioritization, and overall user experience strategy.

Your perspective is what you need to shift next, reviewing your entire product catalog with a mobile-first lens. The appearance of each product page on a smaller screen is important to consider. The size of the images matters, ensuring they are large enough to see detail without requiring excessive zooming and scrolling. Their optimization for fast loading times on mobile connections is also key. Product descriptions should be concise and engaging, easy to read on mobile devices without overwhelming the user with text. The incorporation of multimedia elements can enhance the mobile browsing experience. High-quality product videos can showcase features and benefits. 360-degree product views can allow customers to interact with your products virtually.

Additionally, the streamlining of your checkout process is absolutely essential for minimizing cart abandonment and maximizing conversions on mobile, where distractions are abundant and patience can be thin. An evaluation of your existing checkout flow should be done to identify any areas that can be simplified or optimized specifically for mobile users. Unnecessary steps, lengthy forms, or confusing navigation might cause friction and lead to drop-offs. Express checkout options, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, are features to consider offering. These options allow customers to complete their purchases with a single tap, providing a seamless and secure payment experience.

Finally, don't underestimate the importance of maintaining brand consistency across all platforms. Your mobile app should be a natural extension of your Shopify store, reflecting your brand identity and providing a cohesive and familiar experience across all touchpoints. This consistency builds trust with your customers and reinforces your brand image. Your app design, color scheme, font choices, logo placement, and overall aesthetic should align harmoniously with your website and other marketing materials. Consistency is key to creating a strong brand presence and providing a unified customer experience.

Step 2. Select a Shopify app builder

I must say that choosing the right app builder is the make-or-break factor to transform Shopify store into mobile app. It will have a huge impact on your app's functionality, design, and overall success. Fortunately, Shopify itself offers a wide selection of third-party app builders that can convert your eCommerce website into a dedicated app, so you can choose whichever best suits your business.

From my experience, here are the criteria you need to consider when selecting the extension to transform Shopify store into mobile app.

• Ease of use: Not everyone is a coding whiz, and that's okay! My advice is to look for a builder with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that makes designing and customizing your app simple, even without technical expertise. A user-friendly platform will save you time and frustration, allowing you to focus on crafting an app that reflects your brand.
• Customization options: Your app should be a true extension of your brand, reflecting your unique style and offerings. Opt for a builder that provides ample customization options, from choosing templates and color schemes to uploading your own logos, fonts, and product imagery. The ability to personalize your app down to the smallest detail ensures a cohesive brand experience for your customers.
• Integrations and features: A seamless shopping experience relies on smooth integration with your existing Shopify store and other essential business tools. Ensure your chosen builder offers seamless integration with Shopify and other third-party apps like payment gateways, marketing automation tools, and analytics platforms. Additionally, consider the features offered – from push notifications and loyalty programs to social media integration and in-app messaging – to enhance functionality and customer engagement.
• Pricing and plans: App builders come with varying pricing structures, so it's essential to choose a plan that aligns with your budget and business needs. Consider factors like the number of products you offer, transaction fees, and whether you require advanced features like push notifications or analytics dashboards. Opting for a plan that offers scalability ensures your app can grow alongside your business.
• Customer support: Encountering roadblocks during the app development process is inevitable. Choose a builder that offers reliable and responsive customer support to guide you through any challenges. Look for options like live chat, email support, or even phone consultations to ensure you have timely assistance whenever needed.

Step 3. Customize your mobile store

The opportunity to create a truly unique and engaging shopping experience for your customers is one of the most exciting aspects when it comes to transform Shopify store into mobile app. Customization options extend beyond simply replicating your website's design; they allow you to leverage the unique capabilities of mobile devices to enhance your brand and drive customer loyalty.

A visually appealing and intuitive interface is paramount for captivating mobile users. Your app's design should align with your brand's aesthetic while optimizing the user experience for smaller screens. High-quality product images, clear typography, and intuitive navigation are essential for creating a visually pleasing and user-friendly interface that encourages browsing and product discovery.

Besides, please note that mobile-specific features can elevate your app beyond the limitations of a traditional e-commerce experience. At this point, integrating features like push notifications for personalized promotions, location-based offers to drive in-store traffic, and loyalty programs with exclusive app-only rewards can significantly enhance customer engagement and encourage repeat purchases.

Last but not least, to maximize conversions and minimize cart abandonment, don't forget about the checkout experience when starting to transform Shopify store into mobile app. Streamlining the checkout flow with mobile-friendly form optimization, guest checkout options, and multiple payment gateways can significantly improve the user experience and reduce friction during the purchase process.

Step 4. Test and publish your Shopify mobile app

From what I've been experiencing, thorough testing is crucial before launching your Shopify mobile app to the world. This essential step ensures a polished product free of bugs, glitches, and usability issues that could detract from the user experience. A multi-faceted testing approach, encompassing both functionality and user experience, is vital for identifying and resolving potential problems.

After ensuring your mobile app functions like a charm, let's get to the final step to transform Shopify store into mobile app, publishing. Don't forget to list your mobile app on major app stores, such as Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Adherence to each platform's guidelines, including app store listing requirements and content policies, is essential for a smooth and successful launch.

Top 3 Best Builders to Transform Shopify Store Into Mobile App

#1 Shopney

Shopney is a leading mobile app builder designed to help Shopify merchants create powerful, native mobile apps without writing a single line of code. The platform is built with a focus on user experience, offering a streamlined app creation process and a suite of features specifically designed to enhance customer engagement and drive sales. Shopney seamlessly integrates with your existing Shopify store, ensuring a smooth transition and a unified brand experience across all platforms.

Shopney highlight features:

• Drag-and-drop app builder: Easily create and customize your app with an intuitive visual editor, adding and rearranging elements effortlessly.
• Push notification scheduling: Schedule and send targeted push notifications to specific customer segments, promoting new products, announcing flash sales, and driving sales with personalized messages.
• Seamless Shopify integration: Effortlessly sync your Shopify store's products, collections, customer data, and inventory in real-time, ensuring consistency and accuracy across all platforms.
• Native mobile experience: Provide a fast, responsive, and smooth shopping experience with native iOS and Android apps that are optimized for performance and user engagement.
• Conversion-focused features: Leverage powerful tools like abandoned cart recovery, personalized discount codes, wishlists, and product reviews to increase conversions and boost customer lifetime value.

Pricing: From $149 to $1299 per month

#2 Vajro

Vajro is a comprehensive mobile app platform that allows Shopify merchants to create, launch, and scale high-performing native mobile apps. More than just an app builder, Vajro provides a full suite of marketing tools, analytics dashboards, and customer support features designed to help you maximize your mobile app's impact and drive business growth.

Vajro highlight features:

• Advanced personalization: Segment your audience and deliver highly targeted push notifications, in-app messages, and personalized product recommendations based on user behavior and preferences.
• Omnichannel marketing automation: Create automated workflows to engage customers across multiple touchpoints, including email, SMS, push notifications, and in-app messages.
• Good integration with Shopify: Enjoy seamless synchronization of products, collections, customer data, orders, and inventory between your Shopify store and your mobile app.
• In-app live chat: Provide instant customer support and resolve queries in real-time with a built-in live chat feature, enhancing customer satisfaction and reducing cart abandonment.
• Comprehensive analytics: Gain valuable insights into user behavior, app performance, and marketing campaign effectiveness with detailed analytics dashboards and reporting tools.

Pricing: From $99 to $999 per month

#3 MageNative

MageNative is a popular mobile app solution for Shopify merchants looking for flexibility and a wide range of customization options. It offers both pre-built app templates and the ability to create fully customized native apps for iOS and Android platforms. MageNative caters to businesses of all sizes, offering scalable solutions and dedicated support throughout the app development journey.

MageNative highlight features:

• Native app builder: Choose from pre-designed templates or build a custom app from scratch using their intuitive drag-and-drop builder.
• Multi-language & currency support: Expand your reach to a global audience with support for multiple languages and currencies, catering to diverse customer bases.
• Real-time synchronization: Seamlessly synchronize products, collections, customer data, and orders between your Shopify store and your mobile app.
• Marketing & promotion tools: Engage users and drive sales with features like push notifications, in-app banners, coupon codes, and social sharing options.
• Dedicated support team: Receive expert guidance and technical assistance from MageNative's dedicated support team throughout the app development and launch process.

Pricing: From $49 to $249 per month. Custom pricing is available.

Transform Shopify Store into Mobile App – FAQs

Key Takeaway

In short, transforming your Shopify store into a mobile app is a strategic move that can significantly elevate your customer experience, brand loyalty, and ultimately, your bottom line. While the process requires careful planning, the right tools, and a commitment to optimization, the potential rewards are undeniable.

I hope that this article has guided you through the full process of how to transform Shopify store into mobile app. If you like this topic, don't forget to check out other articles related to Shopify on our website.