How to Convert Shopify Store to App

By Yuvraj Singh | September 3, 2024 7:19 am

Converting your Shopify store into a mobile app can significantly improve the user experience, increase sales, and enhance engagement. This guide will walk you through the process, highlighting the benefits, necessary tools, and step-by-step instructions on how to turn your Shopify store into an app.

What is the Shopify Store?

Shopify is a cloud-based SaaS (software as a service) that allows businesses to create a website, set up an online store, and sell products. It offers paid customizable templates, easy payment integration, and tools for managing inventory, orders, and customers.

Benefits of Converting Your Shopify Store to a Mobile App

Converting your Shopify store into a mobile app enhances customer engagement and boosts sales. Mobile apps provide a more seamless shopping experience compared to mobile websites, leading to higher conversion rates. Here are some reasons why you should convert your Shopify store to a mobile app:

Better for Mobile Users: With most people shopping on their phones, having a mobile app makes it easier for them to browse and purchase from your store. The app is specifically designed for mobile use, offering an optimized experience that is far superior to a mobile website.

Faster Shopping: Mobile apps generally load faster than websites on mobile devices. This means users can shop more quickly and efficiently without the delays often associated with loading web pages. Faster load times can significantly improve the shopping experience and reduce cart abandonment rates.

Stay Connected: With push notifications, you can send direct messages to your customers' phones. This allows you to keep them informed about new products, special promotions, and important updates in real-time. Push notifications are more likely to be seen and acted upon compared to emails, making them a powerful tool for customer engagement.

Looks Professional: Having a mobile app makes your store appear more established and trustworthy. An app demonstrates that your business is modern and committed to providing the best possible shopping experience. This can help build credibility and attract more customers.

Offline Access: One of the advantages of mobile apps is that they can offer offline access. Customers can browse your products and even add items to their cart without needing an internet connection. This feature is particularly useful for users in areas with unreliable internet access or for those who want to shop on the go.

Better User Experience: Mobile apps offer a smoother and more intuitive shopping experience compared to mobile websites. They are designed to be user-friendly, with easy navigation and features that enhance the overall shopping process. A better user experience can lead to higher customer satisfaction and more repeat business.

Increased Sales: Mobile apps can lead to higher conversion rates because they are more accessible and user-friendly. Features like saved payment information and one-click checkouts make it easier for customers to complete their purchases, leading to increased sales and revenue for your business.

Push Notifications: Keep users engaged by sending timely updates about promotions, new products, and other important information. Push notifications help you maintain a direct line of communication with your customers, ensuring they are always informed about what’s happening in your store.

Brand Loyalty: Mobile apps can significantly enhance customer loyalty. Features like loyalty programs, personalized recommendations, and exclusive in-app offers can encourage repeat purchases and foster a long-term relationship with your customers. By providing a personalized and rewarding shopping experience, you can increase customer retention and build a loyal customer base.

Steps to Convert Your Shopify Store into a Mobile App without coding

Converting your Shopify store to a mobile app can be a straightforward process with the right tools. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth transition from a web-based store to a fully functional mobile application.

Step 1: Visit Appy Pie’s Shopify Store to App Converter

Go to Appy Pie's Shopify to App Converter. This platform simplifies the conversion process, making it accessible even for those without coding experience.

Step 2: Enter Your Shopify Store URL

Enter the URL of your Shopify store. This is the starting point for converting your website into an app.

Step 3: Pick a colour scheme

Pick a color scheme. Remember, you can change this later.

Step 4: Select Device for Testing

Choose the device type (Android or iOS) on which you want to test your app. This step ensures that you can preview how your app will function on different platforms.

Step 5: Create an Account

To test your app on your selected device, you need to create an account with Appy Pie. Sign up with your email address or mobile number, or sign in using your Google account.

Step 6: Customize Home Page

Start customizing your app's home page. You can add sections, modify text, images, and the overall layout to match your brand's identity.

Step 7: Use the App Editor

Use the Appy Pie app editor to add features, create new pages, and refine the app’s design. This is where you finalize how your app looks and functions before launching it.

Step 8: Test your Demo App

Wait while your app is getting ready. Once the app is created, scan the QR code or send the app installation link to your device by email or SMS, and test your demo app.

Step 9: Launch Your App

Once you are satisfied with the customization and functionality, launch your app on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Convert Shopify Store to a Mobile App

Key Features to Include in your Shopify Store

When converting your Shopify store into a mobile app, there are several important features you should consider, including ensuring a great user experience and maximizing the app's functionality.

Push Notifications

Push notifications are a great way to keep your customers engaged. Use them to tell users about new products, special offers, and important updates. This helps keep customers coming back to your store.

Chat Feature

Include a chat feature to provide instant customer support. This allows users to get help quickly, improving their overall experience and satisfaction with your store.

Form Builder

Use a form builder to collect user data efficiently. You can create forms for feedback, surveys, or capturing leads. This helps you gather valuable information directly from your customers.

Social Network Integration

Integrate social media platforms to enhance user engagement. Allow users to share products on their social media profiles, log in using their social media accounts, and follow your store's social media pages directly from the app.

Event Management

Add and manage events within your app to keep users informed and engaged. This feature is useful for promoting sales events, product launches, and other special occasions. By including these key features, you can create a strong and user-friendly mobile app for your Shopify store that enhances the shopping experience and keeps your customers coming back.

Benefits of Using Appy Pie's Shopify to App Converter

Using Appy Pie's converter simplifies the process and offers several advantages. Our platform makes it easy to turn your Shopify store into an app without requiring extensive technical skills or a large budget. Here are some key benefits of using Appy Pie's converter:

No Coding Required: Easily convert your Shopify store into a mobile app without needing programming skills.
User-Friendly Process: The step-by-step process is straightforward and can be completed quickly.
Customization Options: Customize your app’s appearance and features to match your brand identity.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: Ensure your app works smoothly on both Android and iOS devices.
Cost-Effective: Save on development costs with this streamlined, no-code platform.
Support and Resources: Access Appy Pie's support and resources for assistance during the app creation process.

Why You Need to Convert Your Shopify Store to an App

In today's highly competitive market, having a mobile app for your Shopify store is no longer a luxury; it's a necessity. Here are several compelling reasons why you should consider converting your Shopify store to a mobile app, with an in-depth look at each benefit:

Enhanced Customer Experience

Better User Experience: Mobile apps provide a smoother and more intuitive shopping experience compared to mobile websites. Apps are specifically designed for mobile devices, ensuring a user interface that is easy to navigate with simple gestures. They load faster, reduce wait times, and eliminate the distractions often found on mobile browsers, leading to a more enjoyable and efficient shopping process.

Increased Sales

Higher Conversion Rates: Mobile apps generally have higher conversion rates compared to mobile websites. This is because apps are optimized to streamline the shopping process. Features such as saved payment information, one-click checkouts, and push notifications about abandoned carts help facilitate faster transactions. Users are more likely to complete their purchases in an app, boosting your overall sales.

Push Notifications

Engage Users: One of the most powerful features of mobile apps is push notifications. These real-time messages can alert users to new products, special promotions, discounts, and important updates directly on their device's home screen. Unlike emails, which can get lost in crowded inboxes, push notifications are immediate and can drive users back to your app, significantly increasing engagement and sales.

Offline Access

Browse Anywhere: Mobile apps can provide offline access, allowing users to browse products and make purchases even without an internet connection. This is particularly useful for users in areas with poor connectivity. Offline functionality can ensure that your store is always accessible, providing a seamless shopping experience regardless of the user's internet situation.

Brand Loyalty

Build Stronger Relationships: Mobile apps can help you build stronger relationships with your customers. Features like loyalty programs, personalized recommendations, and exclusive in-app offers can enhance customer satisfaction. By providing a personalized and rewarding shopping experience, apps can increase customer loyalty, encourage repeat purchases, and foster a long-term relationship with your brand.

Brand Differentiation

Stand Out from Competitors: Having a mobile app sets your store apart from competitors who may only have a website. It demonstrates that your brand is innovative and committed to offering the best possible shopping experience. A mobile app can help you capture the attention of tech-savvy customers who prefer the convenience of app-based shopping.

Integration with Device Features

Enhanced Functionality:Mobile apps can integrate with smartphone features such as the camera, GPS, and contacts. This can enable advanced functionalities like barcode scanning for quick product searches, location-based services to find nearby stores or delivery options, and easy sharing of products with friends and family through various communication channels.

Detailed Analytics

Understand User Behavior: Apps provide more detailed analytics compared to websites. You can track user behavior, understand how they interact with your app, and gather valuable data on their preferences and purchasing habits. This information can be used to personalize the shopping experience, optimize your marketing strategies, and improve overall app performance.

Improved Security

Secure Transactions: Mobile apps can offer enhanced security features, protecting user data more effectively than websites. This includes secure payment options, encrypted data storage, and secure login methods such as biometrics. Providing a secure shopping environment increases customer trust and can lead to more frequent and higher-value transactions.

By converting your Shopify store to a mobile app, you not only stay ahead of the competition but also meet the evolving needs of your customers. A mobile app enhances accessibility, improves the user experience, and provides powerful tools to engage with your audience, ultimately driving higher sales and fostering customer loyalty.

Convert Shopify Store

Yuvraj Singh