A Beginner’s Guide To Turn Your Shopify Store Into A Mobile App

YOU NEED TO TURN YOUR SHOPIFY STORE INTO A MOBILE APP NOW!

Sounds like a big claim? Just hear me out.

This isn’t just a tech trend you can ignore. This is where e-commerce is heading. In a world where customer attention lasts less than a few seconds, relying on your mobile site doesn’t work anymore. If you want customers to stay, it’s the best option to convert your Shopify store into a mobile app. A native app does not get lost in a browser tab, it stays on their phone where they can see it all the time. It’s faster, feels more personal, and keeps your brand just a tap away. Having an app for your Shopify store can help you connect better, engage more, and remain at the top of your customers’ minds every day.

In this blog, we’re keeping things simple. If you’re planning to convert your Shopify store into a mobile app, we’ll walk you through your options, help you pick the right Shopify app builder, and guide you step-by-step throughout the process.

Two Ways to Convert Your Shopify Website Into a Mobile App

Generally, there are two options to turn your Shopify store into a mobile app: either using a Shopify app builder or Traditional app Development.

Traditional development involves hiring developers or agencies to build your Android and iOS app from scratch. This process includes designing, coding, and testing everything done manually. Here you have complete control over design, but it takes a lot of technical work and is costly and time-consuming.

On the other hand, mobile app builders make it easier, offering ready-to-use templates, drag-and-drop tools, and simple Shopify integration. This is perfect for businesses that need something quick, affordable, and less technical. Some advanced builders, like MageNative, offer custom development options within the builder itself. This makes them suitable for complex products as well. So, even if your product needs something special, their team can create it without you needing to write a single line of code.

Take a look at the detailed comparison below to understand which development method fits your business best.

Also read: Best 5 Drag And Drop Mobile App Builder in 2024

How to Choose the Right Shopify Mobile App Builder for Turning Your Shopify Store Into Mobile App

To turn your Shopify store into a mobile app, begin by checking how well the app builder meets your business needs, both now and as you grow. The right builder should provide solid Shopify integration, enable real-time product syncing, and support quick, easy checkout experiences. Give top priority to solutions that improve your website with mobile-specific features rather than simply replicating it.

Go for a Shopify app builder that simplifies the process, such as a drag and drop mobile app builder that enables you to create without knowing any code. Make sure it provides marketing tools such as analytics, push notifications, and customization options. Also, consider app speed, customization flexibility, customer support, and total cost.

Take a look at the infographic below for 10 essential features your Shopify app builder should include:

Also read: 10 Must Have Features In Your Mobile App Builder

Step-by-Step: How to Turn Your Shopify Store Into a Mobile App Without Coding

Today, making an app for your Shopify store is not complicated, expensive, or technical. With modern no-code Shopify app builders, you can easily convert Shopify stores into a mobile app without writing any code.

Here’s a step-by-step explanation:

1. Choose the Right Shopify App Builder

Choose a reliable Shopify mobile app builder that matches your business goals. Select Shopify-specific platforms. They are designed to support native features like product sync, checkout, and user accounts. This leads to smoother integration and fewer performance issues. For example, MageNative is designed especially for Shopify and provides deep native integration to help you easily launch a high-performing mobile app.

2. Connect Your Shopify Store

After you choose your Shopify app builder, the next step is to connect your Shopify store. MageNative offers direct integration with Shopify. This lets your store’s data sync automatically. This real-time connection makes sure the app always displays the latest updates from your online store, with no manual effort required.

Check out: MageNative’s Integration

3. Design Your App Using a Drag-and-Drop Mobile App Builder

To design your Shopify app, MageNative provides a drag-and-drop interface that lets you arrange sections, banners, menus, and product collections without any coding. This creates a smooth mobile shopping experience for your customers that feels native, polished, and fully branded.

Also read: 10 Latest Trends in Mobile App Design for Online Merchants

4. Preview on Real Devices

Before launching, test how your app looks and works on real devices. This helps you find design problems, check responsiveness, and ensure everything runs smoothly. MageNative allows you to preview your Shopify mobile app in real-time for both Android apps and iOS apps.

5. Publish to Android & iOS

Once your Shopify app is ready, you can launch it on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. No need to worry if the process looks complex as MageNative’s team manages the entire submission for you. It is a smooth process, ideal for those who want to turn a Shopify store into an app without any technical hassle.

Also read: How To Build Your Mobile App With MageNative Mobile App Builder

Top 10 Most Asked Questions About Turning Your Shopify Store Into a Mobile App – Answered.

1. Can I make an app for my Shopify store?

Ans. Yes, you can turn your Shopify store into a mobile app. There are platforms that let you create android and iOS apps without any coding knowledge.

One such option is MageNative, a no-code Shopify app builder with an easy drag-and-drop interface designed for Shopify merchants.

2. Is it worth converting my Shopify store into a mobile app?

Ans. Yes, converting your Shopify store into an app boosts customer retention and engagement by providing a smoother shopping experience. It acts as an extra sales channel and increases your conversion rate manifold.

To know more, read: Why a Mobile App is Essential for Your Shopify Store’s Future Growth

3. Is the Shopify app marketplace oversaturated?

Ans. It’s busy, but it’s not so crowded that new apps can’t succeed. If your Shopify app addresses real problems and improves the shopping experience, it will stand out.

4. How can you convert your Shopify store into a mobile app?

Ans. You have three options for turning your Shopify store into a mobile app: use a Shopify app builder for a quicker, easier solution, hire a freelance developer, or do it yourself if you know how.

MageNative offers a no-code, drag-and-drop app builder with the flexibility to accommodate custom features to meet your business needs.

5. How to choose the right Shopify mobile app builder?

Ans. To choose the right Shopify app builder, find one that fits your budget and is simple to use. It should have a drag-and-drop feature. It must also offer additional features like push notifications, real-time syncing, scalability, and customer support.

MageNative strikes the perfect balance between strong features and ease of use, making it a great choice for building custom apps for Shopify ecommerce stores.

6. What are the top mobile app builders for Shopify?

Ans. There are many drag-and-drop mobile app builders on the Shopify App Store, but MageNative stands out as a top choice. It has strong features, simple setup, and options for customization at a reasonable price.

7. How to create a custom app for my Shopify e-commerce store?

Ans. To create your custom app for a Shopify ecommerce store, you can either code it yourself or hire a developer. A better option is to collaborate with a development team or a platform that offers custom features. Many Shopify app builders today provide customization services to help you create a native mobile app that matches your brand and meets your functional needs.

8. Can a Shopify app be created without any cost?

Ans. Although some Shopify App Builders provide free trials or freemium models, developing a full-featured Shopify mobile app typically involves a cost. However, you can convert your Shopify store into a mobile app at a reasonable price by using a no-code solution.

9. How much does it cost to make a Shopify app?

Ans. The cost of building Shopify apps varies based on your chosen method. Hiring a developer to create an app can be very costly. In contrast, using a no-code drag-and-drop mobile app builder is much cheaper. MageNative offers affordable plans with flexible features. You can check the pricing details here.

10. How long does it take to launch a Shopify mobile app?

Ans. If you are using a drag-and-drop mobile app builder, you can launch a mobile app for your Shopify store in a few hours or days. If you are building it from scratch, it may take several weeks to months, depending on how complex your app is.