You Should Have a Shopify Mobile App - Here's why

Believe it or not, in today’s fast-paced world, a mobile device forms a large chunk of our life. Think about it - when was the last time you bought something by using a desktop? There are high chances that you are scrolling, browsing, and purchasing things right with your smartphones. 

So if you are running a Shopify store and still do not have a running mobile app, you are missing out on a huge opportunity.

You do not trust us? Let the numbers speak for itself.

An average person spends more than 3 hours on a mobile device. In the USA, this number is even more - 4 hours 31 minutes daily. That is more than 60 days in a year! 

So this comes as no surprise that 73% of ecommerce sales happen through mobile apps and 79% of all traffic comes to a Shopify store by only using phones.

Thus, we can safely say that mobile commerce is not just a trend - it is the future of online shopping. 

Why Does Shopify Mobile App Make Sense In Recent Times? 

You might be wondering, “I already have a mobile-optimized website. Isn’t that enough?” While a responsive website is essential, it’s no match for the power of a dedicated mobile app. 

Let's explore some of the reasons a Shopify mobile app can transform your business.

#1 Unmatched Convenience

A mobile app is designed in a way to offer the best convenience available. Once an app is installed by a customer, it is right there - just a tap away! Apps do not require your user to remember URLs or navigate through search engines. They eliminate friction, making online shopping as smooth as possible.

In addition, mobile apps store shopping history, user preferences, and payment details. This means a customer can check out faster. Providing a simple and user-friendly experience increases the likelihood of a returning customer.

#2 Better Customer Retention

Having a loyal customer community forms the foundation of an online store’s success. A mobile app can be a game-changer in keeping your customers engaged.

Here’s how:

Push notifications: By using an app, it becomes really easy to send timely notifications to your customers for upcoming offers, sales, or cart abandonment. These gentle nudges often lead to more conversions.

Personalized shopping experience: Apps provide a customized shopping experience to users based on their preferences to make them feel valued and understood. 

#3 Enhanced Brand Presence

Having a mobile application improves the identification of your brand. It serves as a continual reminder of your store by displaying your brand on your consumers' screens every day. Over time, this builds familiarity and trust, making your brand their go-to choice when they think of shopping.

Consider well-known companies like Zara, Amazon, and eBay. The fact that their mobile apps are available on consumers' phones is a key factor in their domination. You can create a similar impact for your Shopify store with your own app.

#4 Improves Conversion Rates

Here’s a surprising fact: mobile apps have three times higher conversion rates compared to mobile websites. Why? It all comes down to ease of use.

Speed: Apps outperform browsers in terms of speed. They load content almost instantly, which keeps customers engaged.

User Experience: They are made to be easy to use and simple which helps users avoid distractions and navigate the purchasing process.

Trust: A dedicated mobile app feels more secure and professional, encouraging customers to complete their transactions.

#5 Direct Communication With Customers

Your mobile app can be a direct source of communication with your customers. Take advantage of features like live chat or instant messaging to assist customers in real time and resolve their queries. This level of interaction reduces cart abandonment rates and increases conversions.

#6 Opportunities for Gamification

Gamification is a new and smart way to keep your customers hooked to the brand. By introducing games such as loyalty programs, spin the wheel, or other interactive elements, you can make shopping fun and engaging. 

Having an app makes it easier to integrate these ideas into your Shopify store thus giving a competitive edge. 

#7 Better Data Insights 

A Shopify mobile app gives you in-depth data of customer behavior. From understanding which products are making the most noise to tracking user behavior, it gives you an overall idea as to where you need to fine-tune your marketing strategies. 

With the help of these insights, you will always be one step ahead in your industry.

#8 Easy Integration With Shopify

It's not as difficult or costly as it might seem to create a mobile app for your Shopify store. Shopify provides a number of integrations and tools to facilitate the process. 

For instance:

• Platforms like Vajro, Tapcart, or Plobal Apps specialize in turning Shopify stores into mobile apps quickly and affordably.

• Orders, inventory, and customer information can all be updated in real time by syncing your app with your Shopify backend.

• Your consumers have more options at checkout thanks to Shopify apps' support for numerous payment gateways.

3 Common Myths About A Shopify Mobile App

Let’s address some misconceptions about a Shopify mobile app:

“Mobile apps are too expensive.”
Many app builders offer affordable plans for small businesses. The return on investment (ROI) from increased sales often outweighs the cost.

“My business is too small for an app.”
Mobile apps are not just for big brands. Small and medium businesses can benefit immensely from the personalized shopping experience apps provide.

“It’s hard to manage.”
With Shopify’s easy integration system, managing your app is no harder than managing your website.

How To Get Started? 

If you are ready to take the plunge, here is a simple roadmap for you to get started:

Define your objective

Be clear about what you want to achieve with a mobile app - is it more sales, better retention, or enhanced brand credibility?

Choose the right app builder 

You can choose options such as Tapcart or Vajro for your mobile app development. 

Design as per your target audience

Make sure your app is easy to navigate and is designed and developed as per your objective and potential customer.

Test before launch

Ensure to test the app thoroughly to identify and fix any glitches.

Promote your app

Use social media, email marketing, and in-store banners to let your customers know about your app.

Conclusion

Being ahead of the curve is essential in the dynamic realm of ecommerce. A Shopify mobile app is no longer optional—it’s a strategic move to future-proof your business. 

An app can revolutionize your Shopify store by providing unmatched convenience, increasing client retention, and generating higher conversion rates.

Author

Rutvik Boghara

Rutvik, the head of our Shopify department, is your go-to Shopify aficionado, turning complex ideas into smooth-running, scalable stores. With a passion for writing, he blends storytelling with tech to amp up your ecommerce game. When he’s not optimizing or creating content, he’s probably lost in a tech rabbit hole.