Shopify app marketing is becoming more competitive, with a growing number of apps available for every aspect of your business.
This holds true for Shopify mobile app builders as well. Whether you’re creating an app to enhance customer engagement, improve sales, or streamline operations, there’s a variety of app builders to choose from.
However, it’s important to remember that your app needs are unique. What works for one business might not be suitable for another. Therefore, it’s crucial to invest time in finding a mobile app builder that aligns with your vision. By eliminating those that don't meet your specific requirements, you’ll narrow down your options to only a few.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose the best Shopify mobile app builder for your eCommerce business.
What should you look for in a Shopify mobile app builder?
When choosing a Shopify mobile app builder, it can feel like you’re spoiled for choice. Numerous builders claim to offer everything you need to create a successful eCommerce mobile app. However, when you start building your app, you may realize that the platform falls short in areas crucial to your business. By the time you discover the limitations, switching to another builder might be time-consuming and expensive.
To avoid this, it’s essential to identify the key features and functionalities your Shopify mobile app builder must offer from the start. Below, we’ll cover some important factors to consider when making your decision.
1. Native app support
One of the first things to consider when selecting a Shopify mobile app builder is whether it supports native app development. Native eCommerce apps are built specifically for either iOS or Android are how effective your app is in driving sales depends quite heavily on the fact that if it’s native or not.
Now, why are we saying native app are important? Here’s why:
- Enhanced Performance: Native apps run faster and more smoothly because they’re designed for the specific operating system.
- Improved User Experience: They adhere to platform-specific guidelines, which means users get an interface they’re familiar with.
- Offline Functionality: Native apps can store data locally, allowing certain features to work even without an internet connection.
- Access to Device Features: Native apps can leverage features like the camera, GPS, and push notifications directly.
Your Shopify mobile app builder should support the creation of true native apps for both iOS and Android. Some builders only offer web-based apps, which may run slower and lack access to essential device functionalities. By choosing a builder that allows for native app development, you ensure that your app performs at its best across platforms.
2. Customization options
You eCommerce business is not the same as your competitor’s, and your mobile app should reflect the uniqueness of your brand.
Customization is a key feature to look for in a Shopify mobile app builder. The ability to tailor the app to your specific needs allows you to create a cohesive and recognizable brand experience for your customers.
A mobile app that feels generic can diminish the trust and connection you’ve built with your customers on other platforms. Instead, look for eCommerce app builders that offer extensive customization options.
Here’s why:
- Consistency with Branding: You should be able to adjust the layout, fonts, and colors to match your Shopify store’s look and feel. Maintaining this consistency across all customer touchpoints strengthens your brand.
- Flexible Feature Integration: Your app builder should allow you to pick and choose features that align with your business strategy, whether that’s a custom homepage layout or the ability to display customer reviews.
- User Experience Control: Customization isn’t just about aesthetics; you should have control over the user journey and how customers navigate your app - be it the eCommerce search and filter options or any navigational element.
The more control you have over how your app looks and functions, the better you can cater to your target audience’s expectations. Opt for builders that don’t limit you to rigid templates but instead give you the freedom to bring your vision to life.
3. Shopify integration
Seamless integration with your Shopify store is another essential factor when selecting a mobile app builder. If your mobile app doesn’t sync smoothly with your Shopify backend, you risk creating a disjointed experience for both you and your customers.
A good Shopify mobile app builder will integrate with your store’s existing infrastructure without the need for additional manual work. This includes syncing products, orders, customer data, and other essential eCommerce components.
Here’s what you should expect from the integration:
- Product Syncing: As you add or update products in your Shopify store, your app should automatically reflect these changes. This ensures that customers always have access to accurate inventory data.
- Order Management: Orders placed on your mobile app should feed directly into your Shopify store, just as if they were placed on the web. This streamlines fulfillment and customer service.
- Customer Data Synchronization: Any customer profiles created or updated in the app should sync with your Shopify CRM, allowing for consistent marketing and engagement.
Without seamless Shopify integration, you might face operational inefficiencies and deliver a less-than-optimal experience for your users. Make sure your chosen builder excels in this area.
💡Pro Tip: Talking about integrations, always check if your Shopify mobile app builder has integrations with the Shopify apps you’re using in your store. If you don’t see it mentioned on the website, consider asking their team — even if they do not have it, they might bring in the integration for you!
4. Push notifications
Push notifications are a powerful tool for increasing customer engagement and boosting sales. They allow you to send timely, targeted messages directly to users’ devices, encouraging them to return to your app or complete a purchase.
If you’re building an app for your Shopify store, your mobile app builder should include robust push notification capabilities. And if you want it to be more effective, choose a mobile app builder that supports deeplinks.
Here’s why push notifications are so critical:
- They keep your app top-of-mind by reminding customers of abandoned carts, restocked items, or personalized product recommendations.
- Allow you to segment your audience based on browsing behavior or past purchases and send personalized offers that are more likely to convert.
- You can communicate time-sensitive promotions, such as flash sales or limited-time discounts, directly to users.
Push notifications, when used effectively, can significantly increase your customer engagement rates. Ensure that your app builder not only supports push notifications but also allows you to automate push notifications for various triggers.
5. Performance and speed
A slow or unresponsive app can quickly drive customers away. In fact, performance issues are one of the top reasons why users uninstall apps. As a result, performance and speed are critical factors to evaluate when choosing a Shopify mobile app builder.
The app should load quickly, navigate smoothly, and work well across different devices. Mobile users are typically more impatient than desktop users, so any lag or delay could result in lost sales.
With a Shopify mobile app builder like Appbrew, you can build an app that prioritizes performance and speed as much as the design aspect of the app — because there’s no point having a flashy app that takes years to load the product page and centuries to reach the payment page.
6. Analytics
Data is essential for understanding how users interact with your mobile app. A Shopify mobile app builder with built-in analytics tools allows you to gain insights into customer behavior and app performance without needing third-party services.
Tracking key metrics like session duration, bounce rates, and conversion rates helps you pinpoint what works and what doesn’t. But you can’t do this if you have an app that’s built purely for the design.
But with the right Shopify mobile app builder like Appbrew, you can even analyze which products are most viewed, which features are driving sales, and where users drop off in the buying process. Having this feature allows you to make informed decisions about your app’s design, features, and marketing strategies.
So when choosing a Shopify mobile app builder, ensure that it provides detailed, easy-to-understand analytics dashboards so that you can monitor your app’s performance in real-time.
7. Support for app store guidelines
Launching an app isn’t as simple as clicking a button—both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store have stringent guidelines that must be followed. Failing to meet these requirements can lead to delays in approval or even rejection of your app. This is why it's critical to select a Shopify mobile app builder that offers built-in support for these guidelines.
Each platform has specific standards for app content, functionality, and security. Apple, for example, is notorious for its strict guidelines around user privacy, app performance, and interface consistency. Google Play also enforces rigorous policies concerning app security and user data protection.
Appbrew can guide you through the necessary steps to ensure compliance, whether it's ensuring your app doesn’t violate content guidelines or meeting performance standards.
It even offer automated checks for common issues before submission, which saves you time and prevents rejections. Opting for a platform that’s well-versed in app store guidelines can make the submission process smoother and faster, reducing the headache of app store rejections.
8. Regular updates
Mobile operating systems and Shopify’s platform are constantly evolving. With each new OS update, certain app features may become obsolete or incompatible, potentially disrupting your users' experience.
For this reason, it’s crucial to choose a Shopify mobile app builder that regularly updates its platform.
Regular updates ensure that your app stays aligned with the latest iOS and Android features, security protocols, and design standards.
In addition to keeping pace with mobile OS updates, the app builder should also remain compatible with new Shopify features. As Shopify introduces updates like new payment gateways, shipping options, or customer management tools, your app builder should integrate these seamlessly to help you maintain a competitive edge.
Therefore, you should ask your potential Shopify app builders about their update cycles, and review how often they roll out enhancements. And if you ask Appbrew the same question, we would say, we also support “Over the Air Updates,” which allows you to make changes and publish them without the need for app updates at the user’s end.
9. Customer support
Even the most user-friendly mobile app builders come with their challenges. Whether it’s setting up a feature or troubleshooting a bug, the availability of good customer support can make or break your experience. That’s why robust technical support is a key factor when selecting a Shopify mobile app builder, especially if you don’t have an in-house development team.
If you encounter an issue, how quickly you can get a resolution may directly impact your sales and customer satisfaction. So choose a Shopify mobile app builder that offer prompt and knowledgeable support, ideally with Shopify-specific expertise.
Before you commit, consider reading customer feedback regarding the platform's support quality. Are issues resolved quickly? Does the support team have a good understanding of both Shopify and mobile app development? A strong customer support system ensures that you won’t be left in the lurch when technical problems arise.
10. Pricing
Shopify mobile app builders vary significantly in cost, with some charging a flat fee and others requiring monthly subscriptions or taking a percentage of your sales. Understanding the pricing model that works best for your business is essential.
Upfront costs can be relatively low, but some platforms may have hidden fees, especially if they take a cut of your revenue. For smaller businesses, a subscription-based model may be more predictable and affordable, while larger businesses might prefer paying upfront to avoid ongoing fees.
You should also consider what’s included in the pricing package. Some builders may offer basic features at a lower cost but charge extra for advanced functionalities like push notifications, additional customization, or third-party integrations. It’s crucial to evaluate whether the platform offers scalable pricing that aligns with your business growth.
But an important thing to note is: the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Weigh the features offered and long-term costs to make a well-informed decision that suits your budget.
Bonus: User reviews
Before finalizing your decision, it’s wise to check user reviews from other Shopify merchants who have used the app builder. These reviews can give you valuable insights into the platform’s strengths and weaknesses, from ease of use to customer support quality.
Look for reviews that detail specific experiences with the platform. If merchants mention frustrations with the builder’s features, app speed, or update frequency, take note. Positive reviews that highlight how the app builder helped businesses scale or boosted sales can also be incredibly telling.
User reviews can often reveal issues or benefits that might not be immediately clear from the builder’s marketing materials. Use this feedback to narrow down your options and choose a Shopify mobile app builder that others in your position have found effective.
Build conversion-focused Shopify mobile app with Appbrew!
From native app support to seamless Shopify integration, customization, analytics, and reliable customer support—each factor plays a critical role in building an app that not only looks good but also drives engagement, conversions, and retention.
With Appbrew, you get all of these features and more. Whether it's building a fast, responsive native app for iOS and Android or sending targeted and automated push notifications to boost sales, Appbrew has you covered.
The platform is designed to help you create conversion-focused mobile apps that align perfectly with your brand and business goals. Plus, Appbrew regularly updates its platform to keep your app compatible with Shopify’s latest features and mobile OS changes.
Appbrew offers everything you need to build a high-performing mobile app. Book a demo today and see how we can help you turn your mobile eCommerce vision into reality!
