Considering turning your Shopify store into a mobile app? Shopify mobile app builders make it easy to create an app for your store, from drag-and-drop tools to fully bespoke solutions. This guide explores why mobile apps are a smart investment for e-commerce brands, how to create one, and whether a custom solution is right for you.
Why Launch a Mobile App for Your Shopify Store?
Mobile commerce is booming:
- 73% of e-commerce revenue is generated from mobile devices.
- 85% of consumers prefer shopping via mobile apps over websites, enjoying the seamless experience.
- 79% of smartphone owners have made a purchase through an app in the past six months.
Mobile apps offer a smooth and engaging shopping experience, leading to higher conversion rates and increased customer loyalty. With Shopify mobile app builders, you can easily convert your store into a fully native iOS and Android app without writing a single line of code.
What are the benefits of a mobile app?
- Customer Retention - mobile app users are 10x more likely to become repeat buyers.
- Higher Conversion Rates - mobile app users are 3x more likely to make a purchase.
- Higher AOV - mobile app users spend ~20% more per order.
- Push Notifications - push notifications are free and 20x more likely to be engaged with vs. an email.
How do I turn my Shopify store into a mobile app?
Broadly, there are two primary methods for converting your Shopify store into a mobile app:
- Drag-and-Drop Tools: These tools integrate with your Shopify store, enabling you to create and customise the app yourself with minimal technical knowledge.
- Bespoke Mobile App Builders: Solutions like Venn Apps take a comprehensive approach, integrating with your Shopify store while designing and developing a bespoke app tailored to your brand.
For a deeper understanding of these approaches, see the detailed steps below:
With a Bespoke End-to-End Service (such as Venn Apps):
- Design Consultation: Begin with an in-depth consultation led by a dedicated designer to thoroughly understand your brand's unique requirements. This process ensures seamless brand continuity with your Shopify store while allowing for full customisation of your app’s pages to reflect your vision and identity.
- Custom App Build: Have a fully native iOS and Android app built in just a few weeks, based on your custom designs. Your Shopify store’s functionality is seamlessly translated into a native mobile-first experience for optimal performance.
- Launch & Strategic Support: Have the app published to the app stores on your behalf, receive strategic guidance and continuous support to ensure long-term success.
With a Drag-and-Drop Tool:
- Download a Shopify Mobile App Builder: Choose the right builder to suit your needs from the Shopify App Store.
- Build Your App Screens: Use template blocks to customise your app, ensuring consistency with your website’s UI. Link it to your site and import necessary content.
- Test the App: Test the app on your mobile device, then submit it for publishing on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
- Post-Launch: After launch, monitor for bugs or usability issues, and update the app as needed when adding new content or features to your website.
Why use a no-code mobile app builder?
Drag-and-drop app builders are affordable and can deliver an app more quickly. These solutions allow you to design and launch your app swiftly. They're ideal for creating a basic app and suit smaller brands that don’t want to invest in a more bespoke solution.
Why Opt for a Bespoke Shopify Mobile App?
While drag-and-drop solutions are convenient, they do have certain limitations. If you want an app that truly reflects your brand’s identity and business objectives, a bespoke solution like Venn Apps offers a custom, high-performance mobile app. Here’s why a bespoke mobile app could be the right choice for your Shopify store:
The Benefits of a Bespoke Mobile App
Brand Differentiation
A bespoke app provides a fully branded experience, enhancing the customer journey. If you’ve built a strong brand, your app should reflect it. This not only strengthens customer loyalty but also boosts average order value (AOV).
Seamless Functionality
Unlike off-the-shelf solutions, a bespoke app is tailored to your exact requirements. From unique layouts to advanced features like Shop the Look or tiered loyalty programmes, a custom app ensures functionality that complements your online store and meets your business needs.
Internationalisation & Scalability
A bespoke app is designed to grow with your business. As you expand into new markets, having localised app versions is essential for smooth checkouts. Poor localisation can reduce conversion rates by up to 50%.
Time Saving
Designing a mobile app can be time-intensive, and not everyone wants to oversee the process. Working with a bespoke app builder allows you to decide how involved you want to be, leaving the heavy lifting to the experts.
Expert Support
At Venn Apps, we don’t just design and build apps—we help make them successful. With a dedicated account manager, you’ll maximise ROI and get the most out of your app through tailored advice and ongoing support.
Key Features of Venn Apps’ Bespoke Shopify Mobile Apps
- Advanced Push Notifications: Automate and personalise notifications, such as abandoned cart reminders and flash sale alerts, to drive engagement and sales.
- Seamless Integrations: Easily connect with essential Shopify tech partners and third-party apps like Klaviyo and Yotpo, ensuring your app has all the tools needed for growth.
- Real-Time Analytics: Gain valuable insights into user behaviour and sales performance, enabling you to refine strategies and optimise your app’s performance.
- Exclusive Loyalty & Discounts: Reward loyal customers with exclusive discounts and early product access to boost retention.
- 'Shop the Look' Feature: Increase average order value (AOV) with curated shopping experiences, driving up to 3x higher conversions.
Why Choose Venn Apps Over Other Shopify Mobile App Builders?
- Tailored Experience: Venn Apps provides a custom solution that aligns with your brand’s identity, offering features and flexibility that standard builders can’t match.
- Greater Scalability: Our apps are designed to scale with your business, supporting features like multi-currency, multi-language, and third-party integrations to grow alongside your company.
- Expert Support: Beyond development, Venn Apps offers ongoing support and strategic advice to optimise your app’s performance and ensure its long-term success.
How long does it take to launch a bespoke app?
A fully tailored app can be ready in just a few weeks, depending on complexity.
Will the app be available on both iOS and Android?
Yes, we develop native apps for both iOS and Android, ensuring a seamless user experience across platforms.
Can I integrate my existing Shopify apps?
Absolutely. Our apps support over 50+ third-party integrations. We can also create custom integrations as needed, provided they have API documentation or an SDK.
Ready to Elevate Your Shopify Store?
Get in touch with Venn Apps today to learn how a bespoke mobile app can transform your Shopify store. Boost your average order value and customer lifetime value with a truly unique mobile experience tailored to your business.