Getting consumers to spend more per order can be challenging. Most online shoppers typically visit your store with a specific item in mind, making it difficult to encourage them to add extra products to their cart.
In fact, research shows that nearly 70% of customers make purchases with only their intended product in mind, limiting potential upsells. However, if you run a Shopify store, your mobile app can be a powerful asset in improving Average Order Value (AOV). You can use an AOV calculator to calculate your AOV.
With the right strategies, like personalized product recommendations and streamlined checkouts, you can entice shoppers to spend more in ways that feel effortless.
In this blog, we’ll explore ten effective ways to boost AOV directly from your Shopify mobile app, turning one-time buyers into high-value customers.
Let’s dive right in!
TL;DR - Quick Takeaways
Boost your Shopify mobile app's average order value with these proven strategies:
- AI-powered recommendations can drive up to 35% of total revenue (like Amazon's success)
- App-exclusive deals increase installs and encourage customers to discover more products
- Push notifications boost engagement by 88% and bring 65% of users back within 30 days
- BNPL options (Klarna, Afterpay) remove purchase barriers and enable larger cart sizes
- Free gift thresholds incentivize customers to spend more to unlock rewards
- Post-purchase upsells capture buyers in a purchasing mindset on confirmation pages
- Exclusive products for app users create urgency and drive premium purchases
- Educational content helps customers see value in complementary product bundles
- Influencer recommendations build trust for high-ticket items and premium bundles
- Customer reviews on product pages increase confidence in expensive purchases
Bottom line: Mobile apps convert 3x better than mobile web. Implementing even 3-4 of these strategies can increase your AOV by 20-40% within 90 days.
Time to implement: Most strategies take 1-2 weeks to set up with the right mobile app platform like Appbrew.
How can you increase your Shopify AOV with a mobile app?
Feel free to skip the next few lines if you know what AOV is — but if you need a refresher, AOV is the average amount of money spent on each order. The idea here is to increase the order value for every customer so that your revenue and profits shoot up even if the number of customers is not increasing.
Here are some strategies to increase your Shopify AOV with an eCommerce mobile app:
1. In-app product recommendations
You don’t need anyone to tell you how important personalized product recommendations are, but just how effective can they be? Amazon’s product recommendations are responsible for a staggering 35% of its total revenue. That’s proof of how much value personalized suggestions add to a shopper’s experience.
In your Shopify mobile app, you can use AI-driven product recommendations based on customer behavior and data. For example, if a shopper comes to buy a skincare product, you could upsell them a more premium version or cross-sell related items such as face masks, toners, or serums.
These upsell and cross-sell recommendations can be strategically placed in various parts of your app, like product pages, during checkout, or even in the shopping cart, encouraging the customer to add more to their order.
Moreover, by using data on previous purchases, browsing history, and other behavior, you’ll be able to create recommendations that feel personal and relevant, leading to higher AOV.
2. Exclusive app-only deals
Brands like Uniqlo, H&M, IKEA and many more know the power of having an engaged eCommerce app user base. This sales channel's contribution is only growing, with app-only deals being one of the top methods for driving engagement.
Many of these brands offer app-exclusive deals to nudge customers into making purchases via their mobile apps. For example, Uniqlo offers time-limited discounts exclusively for its app users, encouraging more downloads and purchases.
There are two key benefits to running exclusive deals on your Shopify mobile app: first, you increase your Shopify mobile app installs, and second, customers browsing your app-exclusive discount page are likely to discover and buy more than they originally intended.
To improve your AOV, consider offering time-sensitive deals like “Spend $X and save $Y” or “Get a free gift on orders over $50.” These types of promotions not only create urgency but also encourage customers to spend more, increasing your average order value.
3. Send push notifications for personalized recommendations
Push notifications can increase app engagement by up to 88%, and 65% of users return to an app within 30 days when push notifications are enabled. Combine that with personalized product recommendations, which result in a 344% increase in time spent on the store, and you’ve got a powerful AOV-boosting strategy.
The more time customers spend on your Shopify mobile app, the more likely they are to buy additional items.
By using data from past purchases or browsing history, you can send personalized push notifications that suggest products customers might like, especially higher-value items.
Appbrew, a Shopify mobile app builder, makes it easy to send personalized recommendations via push notifications. This boosts both customer engagement and the likelihood that they’ll buy more, significantly improving your AOV.
4. Exclusive products for app users
Offering exclusive products to app users is a great way to drive higher spending. By giving your mobile app customers early access to new collections or limited-edition items, you create a sense of urgency and exclusivity that encourages them to spend more.
Take Nike, for example. The brand frequently offers early access to new sneaker drops exclusively through its mobile app, creating a loyal fanbase that’s eager to purchase as soon as the new release goes live.
For your Shopify store mobile app, you could implement a similar strategy by offering app-only product releases or giving your app users early access to new arrivals before they’re available on your website.
This not only makes your mobile app a valuable shopping channel but also increases AOV as customers will be more likely to purchase exclusive items they can’t find elsewhere. Limited-time offers on exclusive items create urgency and drive higher cart values.
5. Integrate BNPL payment options
Offering Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options like Klarna or Afterpay has become a game-changer for increasing AOV.
By allowing customers to split their payments into manageable installments, they’re more likely to make larger purchases without the concern of upfront costs. This payment flexibility encourages shoppers to add more to their cart, knowing they can spread the cost over time.
For example, ASOS integrates BNPL options into its mobile app checkout, enabling customers to purchase entire outfits or make larger fashion buys without financial strain.
By integrating BNPL into your Shopify mobile app, you provide a seamless checkout experience that enables customers to comfortably make higher-value purchases.
The convenience of this payment method encourages users to spend more, boosting their AOV while still offering a frictionless shopping experience.
P.S.: Not to toot one’s own horn, Appbrew has integrations with both Klarna and Afterpay, which makes it easier for you to set up your BNPL and lets customers buy more than they have budgeted for.
6. Offer a free gift for higher spending
Who doesn’t love getting something extra? Offering a free gift for customers who reach a certain spending threshold is a classic strategy that still works wonders for increasing AOV.
For example, Sephora often provides free deluxe samples or makeup bags when shoppers spend a certain amount in one purchase. This small incentive can make a big difference in how much customers are willing to spend to qualify for the reward.
In your Shopify mobile app, you can offer a similar deal—such as a free gift with purchases over $100. The key is to ensure the gift is valuable enough to motivate customers to add more items to their cart. This strategy is effective because it enhances the customer experience while encouraging them to increase their order value to unlock the reward.
7. Post-purchase upsell in confirmation pages
The moment after a user completes a purchase is a golden opportunity to drive more sales. By offering a post-purchase upsell on the confirmation page, you can entice customers to buy additional items before their order ships.
For example, if someone buys a pair of shoes, you could offer them a deal on matching socks or accessories at a discounted price.
These post-purchase offers often feel like a natural extension of the shopping experience, making customers more likely to take advantage of the deal.
Since the buyer is already in a purchasing mindset, a well-placed upsell can quickly increase your AOV.
8. Provide educational content to drive upsells
Educational content can be a powerful tool for driving upsells, especially when customers are looking for solutions to enhance their product experience.
By offering in-app tutorials, how-to guides, or videos that demonstrate how multiple products work together, you encourage customers to explore and purchase complementary items.
So if someone buys a set of kitchen knives, you can include a tutorial on knife care and suggest additional accessories like sharpening tools, cutting boards, or knife storage.
Educational content helps customers see the full value of their purchase and can drive them to spend more on your app.
9. In-app influencer recommendations for premium products
Influencers have a huge impact on consumer decisions, and integrating influencer recommendations within your app can be a powerful way to promote higher-ticket items or product bundles.
When users see a trusted influencer endorsing premium products directly within your app, they are more likely to make a purchase.
If you’re a beauty brand, you could partner with an influencer to recommend skincare bundles, showing how using multiple products together delivers better results. Featuring influencer recommendations in your Shopify mobile app encourages users to trust the value of the products, leading to higher AOV.
10. Feature reviews for high-ticket items
Featuring customer reviews prominently on product pages, especially for high-value items, is a great way to boost confidence and encourage higher spending.
When users see positive feedback from other customers, they are more likely to justify spending more on premium products.
For example, a fashion brand could showcase glowing reviews for its luxury handbags, highlighting their quality and durability.
Including reviews that focus on product value reassures customers, making them feel more confident in purchasing expensive items, ultimately increasing the AOV of your Shopify mobile app.
Shopify Mobile App AOV Benchmarks: What You Should Expect
Before diving into optimization strategies, it's important to understand where your average order value stands compared to industry benchmarks. This data will help you set realistic goals and measure the impact of implementing mobile app AOV strategies.
Average Order Value by Channel
Based on recent ecommerce industry data, here's how different shopping channels compare:
- Mobile Apps: $95-$115 per transaction
- Mobile Web: $73-$103 per transaction
- Tablet: $140-$149 per transaction
- Desktop: $146-$219 per transaction
Key insight: Mobile apps generate 10-30% higher AOV than mobile websites, making them a crucial investment for Shopify stores looking to maximize revenue per customer.
Mobile App vs. Mobile Web: The Performance Gap
The difference between mobile apps and mobile web goes beyond just AOV numbers. Here's why apps consistently outperform:
- Product discovery: App users browse 4.2x more products per session compared to mobile web visitors
- Session duration: Average app session lasts 5.2 minutes vs. 2.8 minutes on mobile web
- Conversion rates: Mobile apps convert 3-7x better than mobile websites
- Cart abandonment recovery: Apps achieve up to 22% recovery rate through push notifications
- Repeat purchase rate: App customers make 2.3x more repeat purchases
This engagement gap directly translates to larger basket sizes and higher customer lifetime value.
What's a "Good" AOV for Shopify Stores?
While AOV varies significantly by industry, here are general benchmarks for Shopify mobile apps:
By Industry:
- Fashion & Apparel: $80-$120
- Beauty & Cosmetics: $65-$95
- Electronics: $180-$300
- Home & Garden: $110-$160
- Food & Beverage: $45-$75
- Luxury Goods: $250-$500+
Important note: These are baseline averages. Implementing the strategies in this guide can help you exceed these benchmarks by 20-40%.
Regional AOV Variations for Mobile Apps
Geographic location significantly impacts mobile app spending patterns:
- Americas: $180 average AOV (highest globally)
- EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa): $157 average AOV
- APAC (Asia-Pacific): $132 average AOV
Understanding your primary market helps set appropriate AOV targets and tailor your optimization strategies accordingly.
How Much Can You Increase Your AOV?
When Shopify stores implement comprehensive mobile app AOV strategies, they typically see:
- First 30 days: 8-15% AOV increase (quick wins from basic optimizations)
- 90 days: 20-30% AOV increase (with personalization and exclusive deals)
- 6-12 months: 35-50% AOV increase (with full strategy implementation and optimization)
Fashion retailers implementing personalized recommendations and BNPL options have reported AOV increases from $85 to $115+ within three months, a 35% improvement.
Desktop Still Leads, But the Gap Is Closing
Desktop maintains the highest AOV at $146-$219, representing a 40-78% premium over mobile web. However, mobile apps are rapidly closing this gap by offering:
- Desktop-quality browsing experiences on mobile devices
- Seamless, one-click checkout processes
- Personalized shopping experiences that rival desktop capabilities
- Native device features (push notifications, biometric login, camera integration)
As mobile commerce continues to grow—now representing over 70% of all ecommerce traffic, optimizing your mobile app AOV becomes critical for overall business growth.
Your AOV Improvement Potential
Use this simple formula to estimate your improvement opportunity:
Current Mobile Web AOV × 1.30 = Target Mobile App AOV
For example:
- If your mobile web AOV is $80, your app target should be $104
- If your mobile web AOV is $120, your app target should be $156
Next step: Calculate your current AOV, compare it to these benchmarks, then implement the 10 strategies above to bridge the gap and exceed industry standards.
Wrapping up…
If you want to increase the AOV of your Shopify mobile app, the functionality and engagement of your app will play a critical role.
A well-designed app keeps users engaged, while top-notch features ensure a smooth and efficient shopping experience, leading to more conversions and higher retention rates.
By turning your Shopify store into a mobile app with Appbrew, you get an end product that excels not just in design but also in performance.
With Appbrew, you can seamlessly implement all the strategies mentioned above to boost AOV, from personalized recommendations to exclusive deals and push notifications.
Ready to take your Shopify store to the next level? Book a demo with Appbrew today and see how we can help you build a mobile app that drives results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Average Order Value (AOV) for Shopify stores?
Average Order Value (AOV) is the average dollar amount customers spend per transaction in your Shopify store. Calculate it by dividing total revenue by the number of orders. For Shopify mobile apps, the typical AOV ranges from $95-$115, which is 10-30% higher than mobile web.
How much higher is mobile app AOV compared to mobile web?
Mobile apps generate 10-30% higher AOV than mobile websites. Apps average $95-$115 per transaction, while mobile web averages $73-$103. This difference occurs because app users browse 4.2x more products per session and experience faster, more personalized shopping experiences.
What is a good AOV for a Shopify mobile app?
A good AOV depends on your industry. Fashion apps typically see $80-$120, beauty $65-$95, and electronics $180-$300. If your mobile app AOV exceeds your mobile web AOV by 20% or more, you're performing well. Aim to continually optimize toward a 30-40% premium over mobile web.
How long does it take to increase AOV with a mobile app?
Most Shopify stores see an 8-15% AOV increase within the first 30 days of implementing basic strategies like product recommendations and exclusive deals. By 90 days, expect 20-30% improvement. Full optimization with all strategies can deliver 35-50% increases within 6-12 months.
Do product recommendations really increase AOV?
Yes, significantly. Amazon attributes 35% of its total revenue to product recommendations. AI-powered recommendations in mobile apps increase time spent shopping by 344%, leading to more items added to cart. Personalized upsells and cross-sells can boost AOV by 20-35% when properly implemented.
What is Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) and how does it increase AOV?
BNPL services like Klarna and Afterpay let customers split payments into installments without interest. This removes price barriers, encouraging larger purchases. Stores using BNPL report 30-50% higher AOV because customers feel comfortable buying more when they can spread payments over time.
How effective are push notifications for increasing mobile app sales?
Push notifications increase app engagement by 88%, and 65% of users return within 30 days when notifications are enabled. Personalized push notifications for abandoned carts, exclusive deals, and product recommendations can recover up to 22% of abandoned carts and boost repeat purchase rates significantly.
Should I offer app-exclusive deals or website-wide promotions?
App-exclusive deals are more effective for increasing AOV because they create urgency, drive app downloads, and encourage customers to browse more products. Brands like Uniqlo and H&M use app-only promotions to build engaged user bases with 25-40% higher spending than web-only shoppers.
How much does it cost to build a Shopify mobile app?
Building a Shopify mobile app with platforms like Appbrew typically costs $200-$500 per month for subscription-based builders, compared to $25,000-$100,000+ for custom development. Most apps pay for themselves within 3-6 months through higher conversion rates and AOV improvements.
Can small Shopify stores benefit from a mobile app?
Yes. While mobile apps were once only viable for large retailers, modern app builders make them accessible to stores of all sizes. Even stores with 500-1,000 monthly orders can see positive ROI within 6 months due to higher AOV, better conversion rates, and improved customer retention.
