If you’re a Shopify merchant, you know that mobile is the future of commerce. In fact, over 70% of all online traffic now comes from mobile devices. That means if you’re not on mobile, you’re missing out on a huge chunk of potential customers.
The good news is that it’s easy to convert your Shopify store into a mobile app. There are a number of different ways to do it, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the different ways to convert your Shopify store to app and help you decide which method is right for you.
We’ll also discuss the benefits of having a mobile app for your Shopify store, and why it’s essential for businesses of all sizes in 2023.
So whether you’re just starting out with Shopify or you’re looking to take your store to the next level, read on to learn more about how to convert your Shopify store to a mobile app.
Do You Really Need to Turn Your Shopify Store into a Mobile App?
Picture this: 7.33 billion people worldwide own a mobile device, and more than half of all internet traffic comes from mobile devices.
That’s right – mobile has become the primary gateway to the digital world. As a business owner or entrepreneur, embracing this shift isn’t just a choice; it’s an essential strategic move.
The online shopping landscape has witnessed a seismic shift toward mobile commerce.
According to Statista, over $2.2 Trillion dollar of e-commerce sales are expected and out of those sales 60% of sales which is USD $1.32 trillion to come from mobile devices by the end of the 2023.
So, this isn’t a trend – it’s a reality that’s transforming the way consumers interact with brands.
In short, yes you need to turn your Shopify store/website into a mobile app.
Benefits of converting shopify store to app
1. Stronger Brand Presence
Imagine having your brand’s logo resting on your customers’ screens, ready to be tapped. A mobile app gives your brand an exclusive spot on your customers’ devices, creating a continuous visual connection. Every time they glance at their phone, there you are – a reminder of your offerings and identity.
2. Connect with Customers Better
Apps offer a direct and personalized line of communication with your customers. You’re no longer a mere website they visit occasionally; you’re a part of their daily app routine. This proximity allows you to engage them through push notifications, bringing them back to your app for exclusive updates and offers.
3. Personalized Experience
Apps excel at tailoring experiences. With user data at your fingertips, you can personalize recommendations, deals, and even the interface based on individual preferences. Creating an app that feels uniquely theirs can foster loyalty and excitement.
4. Instant Updates and Notifications
The ability to deliver real-time updates straight to your customers’ devices is a game-changer. Whether it’s flash sales, restocked items, or breaking news, apps allow you to keep your audience informed and engaged on the spot.
5. Convenience Redefined
Your app is like a virtual storefront in your customers’ pockets. They can browse, shop, and checkout effortlessly, without switching between tabs or devices. This seamless experience enhances convenience and encourages spontaneous purchases.
Converting Your Shopify Store to a Mobile App
In the dynamic landscape of e-commerce, adapting to mobile-centric consumer behavior is no longer a luxury—it’s a strategic necessity. Fortunately, there are multiple avenues to embark upon this transformation. In this section, we’ll delve into five distinctive approaches, each offering its unique advantages and considerations.
Whether you’re seeking speed, customization, or a blend of both, our exploration of these methods will guide you toward making an informed choice that aligns perfectly with your business objectives. So, let’s embark on this transformative journey and uncover the diverse pathways that lead to turning your Shopify store into a powerful mobile app presence.
Wrapper Approach
The wrapper approach involves encapsulating your existing website within a mobile app framework. Imagine this framework as a protective “wrapper” that envelops your website’s content, layout, and functionalities, presenting them in a format optimized for mobile devices. It’s like giving your website a mobile-friendly makeover without altering its core structure.
1. Appmysite
Appmysite presents an efficient solution for converting your Shopify store into a mobile app. By utilizing your existing website, Appmysite molds your content, products, and design into a mobile-friendly format. This tool significantly reduces development time and ensures consistency across your brand presence.
2. MobiLoud
MobiLoud is another robust choice for transitioning your Shopify store into a mobile app. This tool creates a seamless connection between your website and the app, granting you the freedom to customize the app’s appearance and functionality. MobiLoud ensures your users enjoy a cohesive experience, whether they’re on your website or exploring your app.
Pros of the Wrapper Approach:
- Speedy Implementation: Transforming your Shopify store into an app becomes a swift process, leveraging your existing website structure.
- Cost-Efficiency: The Wrapper approach minimizes development costs as it utilizes your established web content and design.
- Consistent Branding: Both your app and website reflect consistent branding, fostering a unified and recognizable user experience.
- User-Friendly Transition: Users familiar with your website will find navigating the app intuitive, reducing the learning curve.
- Time-Saving: This method saves considerable time compared to building an app from scratch, allowing you to quickly tap into the mobile market.
Cons of the Wrapper Approach:
- Limited Customization: Wrapper apps might have limitations in customization, hindering the implementation of unique features.
- Performance Variability: The app might not achieve the same level of performance and responsiveness as a fully native app.
- Dependency on Website Updates: Since wrapper apps rely on website updates, changes made on the website might take time to reflect in the app.
- Can’t Upload to Apple App Store: Apple’s strict guidelines may prevent wrapper apps from being uploaded to the App Store, limiting your reach to iOS users.
Shopify Apps
Shopify apps are designed to seamlessly integrate with your existing Shopify store, allowing you to create a custom app tailored to your brand’s unique identity and user preferences. These plugins serve as valuable tools in your quest to establish a compelling mobile presence.
1. Magenative
Magenative stands as a robust option for translating your Shopify store into a feature-rich mobile app. With its user-friendly interface and customization options, Magenative empowers you to craft an app that reflects your store’s essence. Imagine incorporating your brand’s colors, visuals, and features seamlessly into the mobile app landscape.
2. Vajro
Vajro offers a versatile solution for businesses seeking a dynamic mobile app presence. This plugin provides an array of features, including advanced product showcasing, personalized recommendations, and user engagement tools. Vajro’s capabilities extend your store’s reach, ensuring a holistic shopping experience for your customers.
3. Jcurve
Jcurve comes into play as a connector between your Shopify store and your envisioned mobile app. This plugin facilitates seamless data synchronization, ensuring that your products, categories, and customer information transition smoothly to the mobile realm. Jcurve serves as a bridge that reinforces the cohesiveness between your online and mobile stores.
Pros of the Shopify App Approach:
- Tailored Functionality: Shopify plugins allow you to cherry-pick features that align with your business objectives, resulting in a highly customized app.
- Enhanced User Experience: With personalized features and a user-centric design, your app elevates user engagement and satisfaction.
- Extended Features: Plugins like Vajro offer advanced functionalities that enhance product exploration and customer interaction.
- Streamlined Data Sync: Plugins like Jcurve ensure that your app stays updated with the latest products and changes from your online store.
- Brand Consistency: Maintaining consistent branding across both your Shopify store and mobile app solidifies your brand identity.
Cons of the Shopify App Approach:
- Learning Curve: Utilizing plugins might require a learning curve, especially if you’re new to their functionalities.
- Potential Costs: Depending on the features you require, certain plugins might involve additional costs beyond the basic plan.
- Plugin Compatibility: Ensuring compatibility between your chosen plugins and your Shopify store’s configuration is crucial for a smooth app transition.
App Builder Website
App builder websites are platforms where you can create your app’s unique features, design, and functionalities. These platforms are designed to cater to your specific needs, enabling you to curate an app that mirrors your brand’s essence and engages users in meaningful ways.
Plobalapps
Plobalapps embodies elegance through simplicity. This custom app builder prioritizes user-friendly design, enabling you to craft a seamless and intuitive mobile app. With features like push notifications and personalized experiences, Plobalapps sets the stage for a delightful shopping journey.
Tapcart
Tapcart stands as a versatile platform that not only assists in translating your Shopify store into a mobile app but also elevates customer engagement. Imagine providing your users with personalized product recommendations, easy sharing options, and frictionless checkout experiences, all within the realm of your app.
Appypie
Appypie empowers you to craft an app without delving into complex coding. With a drag-and-drop interface, you can customize your app’s appearance, add functionalities, and design workflows that resonate with your audience. Appypie bridges the gap between your creative vision and app realization.
Pros of the Custom App Builder Approach:
- Tailored Experience: Custom app builders offer an unmatched level of tailoring, ensuring your app reflects your brand’s identity and values.
- Engagement Features: Platforms like Tapcart introduce engagement-enhancing features, fostering deeper connections with users.
- Ease of Use: Tools like Appypie simplify app creation, allowing those without coding expertise to realize their app aspirations.
- Efficient Development: Custom app builders streamline the development process, significantly reducing the time required for app creation.
- Flexibility: These platforms offer flexibility in terms of design, functionalities, and integrations, adapting to your evolving business needs.
Cons of the Custom App Builder Approach:
- Learning Curve: While custom app builders simplify the development process, there might still be a learning curve, especially when exploring advanced features.
- Cost Variability: The cost might vary based on the features and level of customization you opt for, potentially leading to higher expenses for intricate designs.
- Limitation in Complexity: Highly complex functionalities might still require the expertise of a professional developer, especially if they involve integrations beyond the builder’s capabilities.
Custom App Development
With custom development, you can add special and unique things to the app – like special features, how it works, and how it looks – that really connect with the people who use it. It’s all about giving your app a personality that matches your brand and makes people really like using it.
This approach gives you the freedom to make your app in a way that feels just right for your audience. While it might take a bit more time and effort, the end result is an app that feels like a true reflection of your brand and gives users a great experience.
Pros of Custom App Development:
- Make It Your Own: When you do custom app development, your app becomes truly yours. You can add special things that nobody else has.
- Perfect Fit: Your app is like a special puzzle piece that fits your brand perfectly. It feels just right for your business.
- Grow Together: As your business grows, your custom app can grow with it. It’s like having a flexible tool that changes with you.
- Safe and Secure: You can make sure your app keeps people’s information safe because you control everything about it.
- Smooth Connections: Your custom app can work really well with the other things you use in your business. It’s like all the pieces fit together perfectly.
Cons of Custom App Development:
- Takes Time: Making a custom app takes longer because everything is built from scratch. It’s like baking a special cake that needs more time to be just right.
- Costs More: Making a custom app can be more expensive because it’s like getting a tailor-made suit – it’s special, but it costs more.
- Needs Experts: You’ll need people who know how to do special things to create your custom app. It’s like building a unique house that needs skilled builders.
Creating a custom app that truly reflects your brand’s identity requires specialized skills. A custom app development company like Digimonk Solutions brings expertise in design, technology, and user behavior. They guide you from idea to execution, ensuring your app is functional, user-friendly, and aligned with your business goals.
Their experience in handling technical complexities and delivering exceptional experiences makes them a crucial partner in turning your Shopify store into an impressive mobile app. With their help, you can navigate challenges and create an app that stands out in a competitive digital landscape.
White Label Solutions
An approach that combines convenience and speed to transform your Shopify store into a mobile app. Think of White Label Solutions as a shortcut to app development.
It’s like having a ready-made template that you can personalize to match your brand. Instead of starting from scratch, you can use a framework that’s been pre-designed and then add your own touches to make it unique.
Pros of White Label Solutions:
- Time-Efficient: White Label Solutions save you time since they provide a ready-made structure. It’s like using a recipe to bake a cake – most of the work is done, and you just add your special ingredients.
- Cost-Effective: Since a lot of the groundwork is already done, White Label Solutions can be more budget-friendly than building an app from the ground up.
- Branding Opportunities: You can still make the app truly yours by adding your branding elements like logos and colors.
- Quick Launch: With less development time, you can launch your app faster and start engaging with your audience sooner.
- Customer Support: Many White Label providers offer customer support, helping you troubleshoot issues and make the most of the platform.
Cons of White Label Solutions:
- Limited Uniqueness: While you can customize White Label Solutions, your app might have similarities with other apps that use the same base.
- Less Customization: Some features might be fixed, limiting your ability to implement unique functionalities.
- Potential Restrictions: Depending on the platform, you might face restrictions on certain features or design elements.
If you’re looking for a convenient and swift way to transform your Shopify store into an app, White Label Solutions could be your answer and companies like Digimonk Solutions can provide you with high-quality white label apps. It’s like having a blueprint that you can modify to fit your needs.
However, if you’re seeking a highly personalized app with unique features, you might want to explore other paths like custom app development. The choice depends on your brand’s identity, goals, and the level of customization you desire.
Which is the best way to turn Shopify into mobile app?
Now that we’ve explored various approaches to turn your Shopify store into a mobile app, you might be wondering which one is the perfect fit for you.
Each approach we’ve discussed comes with its own set of advantages and considerations. The best choice depends on what matters most to you and your business.
Wrapper Approach
If you’re looking for a quick and cost-effective way to extend your online presence to mobile, the Wrapper approach might be ideal. It’s like redecorating a room – you’re making changes without changing the entire structure.
Shopify Plugins
For those who value customization and want to add special features to their app, Shopify plugins offer versatility. It’s like personalizing your phone with apps that suit your needs.
Custom App Builder
If you’re excited about having creative control without delving into complex coding, custom app builders provide a user-friendly platform. It’s like designing a puzzle with unique pieces that fit together perfectly.
Custom App Development
For brands seeking a fully unique and tailor-made app experience, custom app development is like crafting an intricate masterpiece. It takes time and effort, but the result is worth it.
White Label Solutions
If convenience and speed are your priorities, White Label Solutions offer a pre-designed framework that you can make your own. It’s like adding your own twist to a familiar recipe.
As you evaluate these options, consider factors such as your brand’s identity, the level of customization you desire, your timeline, and your budget. The choice isn’t just about building an app; it’s about crafting an experience that resonates with your audience and drives your business forward.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer – the best path depends on your unique needs and goals.
