Throughout history, commerce has been constantly evolving and changing. From ancient bazaars to modern online marketplaces, one key principle has remained at the heart of the subject: the need to adapt to customers’ shopping habits.
As with any change, there is a natural selection process in commerce. Those sellers who can meet the demands of customers’ shopping habits survive and flourish, while those who can’t, get eliminated.
Today, the latest change in commerce is the rise of mobile shopping. If you want to succeed as a seller in this new landscape, you’re in the right place. The survivors in this new era of commerce will be mobile sellers, and we’re here to show Shopify merchants how to thrive in this new environment.
Developing a Shopify mobile app opens up new possibilities for your business, but it is not a simple task.
There are five approaches you can take to create a Shopify Mobile App. Let’s get started.
1. Use a Mobile App Builder
One of the easiest ways to turn your Shopify store into a mobile app is to use a mobile app builder. Mobile app builders are software tools that enable businesses to create mobile apps without any coding skills. There are several mobile app builders available in the market that support Shopify integration. These app builders offer various customization options that allow you to create a mobile app that matches your brand image.
Some of the popular mobile app builders for Shopify app development are Tapcart, Plobal Apps, and Shopney. These app builders offer a range of features, including push notifications, in-app purchases, and social media integration. With a mobile app builder, you can create a mobile app for your Shopify store in just a few minutes.
2. Utilizing SaaS Platform
By utilizing a Software as a Service (SaaS) platform through an App Builder, you can access cloud-based software without the need for installation or maintenance. This subscription-based service offers pre-built modules, also known as constructors, for easy development.
The SaaS platform offers several benefits, including affordability, as it operates on a pay-as-you-go model and eliminates the need for hardware or maintenance costs. Additionally, technical skills are not necessary, as various layouts and modules are readily available for development, with the option to integrate different features from eCommerce stores.
The SaaS platform is accessible 24/7 through any internet browser on any device, allowing for easy scalability to meet changing needs. Finally, the platform provides analytics tools to access vital reports about the app.
3. Making Use of Third-party Shopify Premium Apps
Shopify Apps are applications available through the Shopify App Store that can be used to turn your store into a mobile application. These apps are mostly developed by certified Shopify mobile app developers or teams.
There are several advantages to using Shopify Apps to convert your Shopify store to a mobile app. One of the main benefits is cost-effectiveness; you don’t have to spend a lot of money to reach a larger audience. Instead, you simply pay a monthly fee and you’re good to go.
Another advantage is app data access; by using Shopify Apps, you can quickly and easily access your store’s data. This can be extremely useful for tracking sales and other important metrics.
Shopify Apps also offer rapid mobile app development, making them an excellent choice for those who are short on time. With Shopify Apps, it’s possible to create a mobile app in just a few days.
Additionally, personalized marketing plug-ins can be used to enhance your marketing efforts and increase revenue from sales. And the best part is, you don’t need to be a professional or have a technical background to convert your store into a mobile app using Shopify Apps.
4. Transform your Shopify store into a Mobile App Effortlessly using third-party plugins
These plugins are created either by individuals or a group of developers, and they offer numerous benefits.
One of the advantages of using third-party plugins is their affordability. If you have a tight budget but still want to expand your reach, plugins are an excellent option. You only need to pay a monthly subscription fee to use the plugin.
Moreover, plugins offer a smooth and efficient development process. If you are pressed for time, you can create a plugin in just one day and launch it after investing some time.
With the help of Shopify plugins, you can create a native app for Android or iOS that can easily access the hardware components, providing exceptional performance.
Another benefit of using third-party plugins is that you don’t need to hire specialists. The team that created the plugin provides complete support, and you only need to choose the features and an appropriate subscription plan.
5. Build an App from Scratch
To build a mobile app from scratch for your Shopify store, you can opt for custom mobile app development. Your chosen development team will understand your business and assist in converting your Shopify store into a mobile app that helps you achieve your business objectives.
Benefits of building an app from scratch:
- Full Ownership: As the sole owner of the app, all essential documents, videos, images, and resources are yours.
- Unique Design: With the ability to customize your Shopify store’s mobile app, you can efficiently develop and deliver a premium user experience.
- Highly Scalable: Unlike mobile applications created using Shopify’s premium apps or app-building platform, custom app development allows for easy scalability.
- Secure: You have the option of storing all your information in a safe location.
- Easy Maintenance: As the owner of the app, you can maintain it according to your requirements.
- 100% Customizable: With custom development, you can modify your app according to your business and user requirements, including adding features that users love and removing those they dislike. You can also incorporate features that align with your audience’s preferences or popular features on the market, expanding your reach and business.
Why you should turn your Shopify Store into Mobile App?
As a business owner, it is essential to keep up with the ever-changing trends in eCommerce. With studies indicating that 60% of online shoppers prefer mobile apps over eCommerce websites, it is important to have a website that is optimized for mobile devices. This means having a Shopify theme developer create a website that looks great on all devices and is easy to navigate. As a business owner, it is crucial to keep up with this trend and increase your revenue by offering a mobile app for your products and services, in addition to a responsive website.
While mobile sites are beneficial, they are often insufficient for enhancing user engagement and productivity. To stay ahead of the competition, every business needs to have a mobile app for their eCommerce store.
After careful consideration, we have identified several benefits of having a mobile app for your Shopify business, including:
- Faster loading times and better user experience
- Personalized content for a unique user experience
- Instant offline and online access
- Easy push notifications and updates
- Increased audience reach and decreased marketing costs
Wrapping Up
We hope that you now have a good understanding of the various ways to convert your Shopify store into a mobile app. If you have a limited budget and need an immediate solution, it’s best to use a SaaS solution or plugins. This is also a good option if you don’t plan to make many updates to the app.
However, if you want to provide your users with a top-notch experience and grow your business exponentially in the coming years, it’s advisable to seek the services of a custom mobile app development service.
If you are looking to hire a Shopify app developer within your budget, CGColors can be the ideal solution for you. Their Shopify developer team are experienced in creating advanced and updated Shopify website design tailored to your unique design and taste. With a skilled team, CGColors is committed to delivering the best service possible. For businesses looking to create an online presence, a Shopify website design is the perfect solution. With all these features in place, you’ll be able to build a successful online store in no time!
