How To Turn Your Shopify Store Into A Mobile App: 9 Best Builders

If you sell on Shopify, you may be wondering whether a mobile app is worth the effort. A mobile app gives repeat customers a faster, more personal way to shop, and it gives you a direct channel to reach them through push notifications.

Mobile is where most online shopping starts, and mobile-first design is the default for online stores. A fast, well-designed mobile site comes first. An app is a next step for brands with loyal, repeat customers, and it can improve the shopping experience, order value and engagement with your products.

An app is not necessary for every store, but it can build customer loyalty and bring shoppers back. In this guide, we cover how to turn your Shopify store into a mobile app and nine builders to consider.

Turn your Shopify store into an app with a mobile app builder

To turn a Shopify store into a mobile app, follow a clear process.

First, choose the right Shopify app builder. Some stand out for easy-to-use interfaces, support or flexibility. The best ones keep the app in sync with your store so products, prices and inventory always match your website.

Before you go further, optimize your Shopify site for mobile devices. This helps with compatibility and improves the experience on any screen size.

Next, schedule a consultation with an app expert to discuss your requirements and address concerns. An experienced team can guide the process and handle the technical work.

Then customize the app so it feels different from the browser version. Set up push notifications for engagement, and plan for the App Store and Google Play submission process, which can take time. With help from experienced professionals, iOS and Android apps can often be ready for publication in a few weeks.

Here is our list of Shopify mobile app builders to consider:

Tapcart builds mobile apps for Shopify stores, with a focus on retention and repeat purchases. It presents products, collections and content attractively, and uses push notifications to promote offers and bring shoppers back.

Checkout supports Apple Pay and Google Pay to reduce friction, and the app stays in sync with your online store so product and inventory information is current. It also supports flash sales and promotions.

Best for: Shopify brands that want a polished, template-based app built around push notifications and fast checkout.

Plobal Apps builds native iOS and Android apps for Shopify stores, with an emphasis on conversions. You can create countdown banners tied to specific products for flash sales, and send push notifications triggered by shopper behavior, such as abandoned carts.

It also offers AI-based product recommendations and a range of designs and layouts to fit your brand.

Best for: stores that want an app focused on retention and sales campaigns, with some automation built in. Check the current plans and any additional charges before you commit.

Superfans, the 2022 rebrand of Vajro, builds native mobile apps for Shopify and Shopify Plus brands and now positions itself around loyalty and customer retention.

Its apps include push notification campaigns, live selling and video content, and in-app features that give your best customers early access to products and offers. The apps sync products and collections with your website.

Best for: established Shopify brands that want a mobile app built around loyalty and community. It has moved toward a more premium offering, so compare it with lower-cost builders.

Shopney offers native iOS and Android mobile apps for Shopify and Shopify Plus stores. It has customizable themes, a drag-and-drop design process and in-app chat for real-time customer conversations.

Push notifications include abandoned cart and back-in-stock alerts, which help recover sales that might otherwise be lost.

Best for: merchants of all sizes that want a native app with strong built-in engagement tools.

Mobile App Creator by Appit is a simple way to create a mobile app for your Shopify store so customers can order conveniently from their phones. It supports push notifications, a personal wish list and one-touch checkout.

It is a basic option, and the company has also moved toward custom app development, so confirm what is currently included and supported.

Best for: smaller stores that want to try a mobile app with a minimal setup.

MobiLoud turns your existing website into iOS and Android apps. Unlike template-based platforms, it takes a custom, managed approach, so your Shopify store is replicated in the app along with the plugins, integrations and custom features you already use.

The app stays in sync with your website, and you can add app-specific features such as push notifications on top of it.

Best for: stores with a customized site that cannot be rebuilt in a template, and brands willing to invest in a managed service.

AppMaker simplifies app creation with visual editing and integration with Shopify stores. It is user-friendly, though it may seem less sophisticated than some competitors. Payment options include Apple Pay, but integrations are more limited.

Pros: Easy to use, support for popular payment gateways and solid Shopify sync.

Cons: Limited customization beyond templates, an inability to convert existing plugins or themes, fewer integrations and plans that can be pricey for what they include.

Best for: straightforward setups. If you need more advanced functionality, look at other options too.

Hulk Mobile App Builder, by HulkApps, is a no-code builder with drag-and-drop tools for creating apps without coding. It syncs with your Shopify store through the Shopify API and is known for being simple and affordable.

Pros: Cost-effective, user-friendly and a smooth fit with Shopify.

Cons: Integrations beyond HulkApps products are limited, and it relies on templates like other builders.

Best for: budget-friendly app creation within the Shopify ecosystem, especially if you already use HulkApps plugins.

MageNative is a no-code Shopify app builder that is popular with fashion, food and marketplace stores. It offers pre-built themes, and the drag-and-drop builder lets you connect your Shopify account and import product information.

It is an attractive entry-level option, but businesses that need more advanced functionality may want a more robust solution. Some users note the inflexibility that is common with template-based builders.

Best for: straightforward ecommerce apps on a budget, with the understanding that you may need to compromise on customization.

How to choose the right builder for your store

Each builder has strengths and limits. Compare them on the things that matter to your business:

• Native or wrapper: Some tools build fully native apps from templates, while others, such as MobiLoud, replicate your existing site.
• Customization: Check whether you can match your brand and keep the features and apps you already use.
• Engagement tools: Push notifications, abandoned cart alerts and loyalty features can make the biggest difference to results.
• Support and updates: Apple and Google change their requirements often, so choose a vendor that keeps apps compliant.
• Costs: Compare plans, setup fees and any revenue sharing on each vendor’s own site, because pricing changes often.

Weigh the pros and cons carefully, try a free trial where one is offered and choose the builder that fits your goals.

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