Did you know that 70%of online sales happen on mobile devices? More people are shopping on their phones than ever before, and if you don’t have a mobile app, you could be losing customers.
If you’re a Shopify store owner, having a great website is important, but in 2025, it’s not enough. Shopping habits are changing fast, and businesses that don’t adapt will fall behind.
In this guide, we’ll show you why every Shopify merchant needs a mobile app in 2025 and how you can easily build one. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to increase sales, improve customer loyalty, and grow your business with an app.
Ever wondered why potential customers browse your Shopify store but never complete a purchase? The problem with mobile sites-
- High Cart Abandonment Rates – Imagine a shopper adding products to their cart while commuting, but a slow or clunky experience makes them leave before checkout. Without reminders or an easy re-entry, that sale is lost.
- Low Customer Engagement – Unlike apps, mobile sites lack personalized push notifications, loyalty rewards, and interactive features that keep shoppers hooked. Think of how Starbucks keeps users engaged with their app’s rewards and exclusive offers your store could do the same!
- Poor Retention – Getting a customer is hard but keeping them is even harder. Without an app, shoppers don’t have an easy way to return to your store. Compare this to Amazon’s app, where users instinctively open it when they think of shopping.
- Slow Checkout – Every extra second at checkout increases drop-off rates. While apps allow one-click payments and saved details, mobile sites often require tedious form-filling, leading to frustration and lost sales.
Basically, a mobile app eliminates these roadblocks, offering a seamless, engaging and conversion-driven shopping experience. In 2025, Shopify merchants who rely solely on mobile websites will fall behind.
Ever added items to your cart and then just… left? You’re not alone. Many mobile shopping sites face challenges that drive customers away before they complete a purchase. Optimizing mobile shopping experiences can turn casual visitors into loyal customers. The question is are brands ready to evolve?
Why a Mobile App is a Game-Changer?
Mobile Shopping is Taking Over
- Do you know that 70% of eCommerce traffic now comes from mobile devices? Yes, it’s true, this means most of your customers prefer shopping on their phones rather than desktops.
- Example- Imagine a customer browsing your Shopify store while travelling or moving. If they zoom or scroll image endlessly on a mobile site, they might leave. But with a mobile app, they will get a smooth and optimized experience making it easier to explore and purchase products.
- Plus, studies show that mobile apps have a 3X higher conversion rate than mobile websites. This means customers are three times more likely to buy when using an app compared to a mobile browser.
Faster Checkouts with More Sales
- Example- Think about Amazon’s “Buy Now” button it allows customers to complete a purchase in seconds, right? What if there is no “Buy Now”. You know, one of the biggest reasons shoppers abandon their carts is a complicated checkout process.
- With a mobile app, you can offer one-click payments, where customers can buy instantly without entering details every time.
- Plus, faster load times mean less waiting, fewer abandoned carts, and more completed sales.
Push Notifications = More Engagement
- Unlike emails that often go unread, push notifications have 90% open rate!
- This means you can send instant updates about flash sales, limited time offers, and new arrivals directly to customers’ phones.
- Example- If you are running a 24-hour sale on any kind of product. A customer might miss your email, but a push notification instantly grabs their attention, bringing them back to your store. That will give you more engagement and more sales.
Personalized Shopping = More Happy Customers
- AI-powered apps track customer behaviour and suggest products based on their interests.
- Example: If a customer frequently buys skincare products, the app can recommend new face creams or exclusive discounts on their favourite brands.
- These kinds of personalized recommendations make the shopping easier, more enjoyable and more relevant, increasing customer satisfaction and sales.
Build Customer Loyalty
- A mobile app keeps your brand in front of customers every time they unlock their phones.
- You can offer them an exclusive app only discounts, loyalty rewards and easy reordering to keep customers engaged.
- Example- Think about Starbucks users keep coming back because their app offers rewards for every purchase, birthday discounts and easy mobile friendly payments. Your Shopify app can do the same to encourage and repeat customers.
- Studies show that mobile app users are 3X more likely to return to a store than mobile web users.
If you want to boost sales ? A mobile app is the key!
This makes it easier, faster, and more convenient for customers to shop with you, leading to higher engagement, loyalty, and revenue. If you’re serious about growing your Shopify store, an app is a must-have in 2025!
Create a Shopify Mobile App in 6 Simple Steps
Launching a mobile app for your Shopify store can boost sales, improve customer engagement and increase brand loyalty.
Follow these six simple steps to build an app that stands out!
Step 1- Set Clear Goals
Before jumping into app development, ask yourself-
- What’s the primary goal of your app?
- Do you want to increase conversions, reduce cart abandonment or build brand loyalty?
Example- If you notice that customers browse your products but rarely return, your app could include a loyalty program that rewards repeat purchases. Like- “Buy 3 times, get 10% off your next order!” This will encourage customers to keep coming back.
- What features are essential for your business?
- Push notifications for flash sales?
- AI recommendations for personalized shopping?
Example- If you own a restaurant or a food delivery business, adding a “Reorder Your Favourites” feature can make it easier for customers to place repeat orders with just one tap. This saves time and enhances convenience, encouraging more frequent purchases.
How will your app be different from competitors?
- Can you offer exclusive in-app discounts?
- Do you provide faster delivery for app users?
Example- If other grocery delivery services in your area take one day to deliver, your app can stand out by offering same-day or express delivery for app users. This added convenience can make customers choose your service over competitors
Step 2- Choose the Right App Type
There are three types of mobile apps, and choosing the right one depends on your budget, features, and goals.
Native Apps (Best Performance, High Cost)
Built specifically for iOS or Android that’s offering the best speed, security and user experience.
Example- Netflix’s mobile app is a native app. Since streaming videos require high performance and smooth playback, Netflix built a native app to provide seamless video streaming without buffering issues.
Best for-
- Businesses that need fast performance (e.g. gaming, streaming, e-commerce with high traffic).
- Companies wanting custom features like face recognition login, in-app payments, or GPS tracking.
Why choose a Native App?
If your business relies on high performance and security, native apps are the best choice.
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) (Cost-Effective)
✔ A mobile-friendly website that looks and functions like an app no need to download from the app store.
Example- Uber’s PWA allows users to book a ride without downloading the app. This is perfect for travellers or people who don’t want to use storage space on their phones.
Best for-
- Businesses that want an app-like experience but don’t want to invest in expensive development.
- Brands targeting users who prefer quick, one-time access (e.g., online booking, food ordering, or news platforms).
Why choose a PWA?
If you have a limited budget but still want a mobile-friendly experience, a PWA is a great solution.
Shopify App Builders (No Coding Required)
✔ Convert your Shopify store into a mobile app using ready-made tools like Vajro, Tapcart, or Shopney.
Example- A small bakery owner can use Vajro to create an app where customers can browse cakes, place orders and receive delivery updates all without hiring developers.
Best for-
- Shopify store owners who want a quick and affordable way to launch an app.
- Businesses that don’t need complex features and want a simple shopping experience.
Why choose a Shopify App Builder?
- If you run an online store and want an app without coding, Shopify app builders make it easy and budget friendly.
- Don’t want to build it yourself? Many agencies and freelancers offer services to customize and optimize your Shopify mobile app for better performance.
- You can also hire Shopify experts to integrate extra features like loyalty programs, AI-powered recommendations, or multi-language support.
Need an app but don’t have time to build it? You can explore Shopify’s certified service providers to get a professional, hassle-free mobile app solution!
Question- Have you ever left an online store because it was too complicated to use? That’s why a clean, mobile-friendly design is key!
Step 3- Keep the Design Simple
A great mobile app is-
- Easy to navigate – No one likes a cluttered interface.
- Fast – Pages should load in under 3 seconds.
- Hassle-free checkout – The fewer steps, the better!
Design Tips for a Smooth User Experience-
- Use a bottom navigation bar for easy browsing.
- Keep buttons big enough for mobile users to tap easily.
Example- Ever noticed how Apple’s App Store uses minimal text, clear icons, and a simple design? That’s what you should aim for.
Step 4- Add Must-Have Features
A successful Shopify app should enhance customer experience and increase sales. Here are the top must-have features-
- Push Notifications (for sales & updates)
Example: If a customer abandons their cart, send a push notification like “Hurry! Your favourite items are almost sold out!”
- One-Click Checkout (faster conversions)
Example- Amazon’s Buy Now button reduces checkout time, leading to more impulse purchases.
- Wishlist & Favourites (for easy shopping)
Example- Let customers save products and send reminders when items go on sale.
- AI-Powered Recommendations (personalized shopping)
Example- Netflix recommends shows based on viewing history. Your app can suggest products based on customer browsing behaviour.
- Loyalty Programs (boost repeat customers)
Example- Starbucks rewards customers with free drinks when they shop through the app. You can do the same with discounts for frequent buyers.
Step 5- Test Before Launching
Before going live, make sure your app is bug-free and optimized.
How to Test Your App:
- Beta Test with Real Users – Let a small group of customers try your app and give feedback.
- Check for Bugs & Fix Errors – Run tests for checkout issues, slow loading pages, and payment failures.
- Ensure Compatibility with iOS & Android – Your app should work smoothly on both platforms.
Example- Imagine launching an app only to find the checkout button doesn’t work on iPhones! Testing prevents such disasters.
Step 6: Market Your App
Even the best app won’t succeed without marketing!
Here’s how to get downloads–
Promote It on Your Website & Social Media
- Add banners on your Shopify store: “Get 10% off your first order Download our App!”
- Post Instagram stories showing how easy it is to shop through your app.
Offer Exclusive App-Only Discounts
- Example- Uber Eats gives special discounts for app users. You can do the same to encourage downloads.
Optimize Your App Listing (App Store SEO)
- Use keywords like “best shopping app for fashion” to rank higher on app stores.
- Example- Just like optimizing your Shopify store for Google, your app needs a great title, keywords, and a compelling description.
Follow These Steps and Launch Your App Hassle-Free!
With the right strategy, design, and marketing, your Shopify mobile app can skyrocket your sales and customer loyalty.
Let OyeCommerz Build Your Shopify App
Building an app from scratch can be tough, but OyeCommerz makes it simple!
What OyeCommerz Offers:
- Custom Shopify Apps – Designed for your brand.
- Easy Shopify Integration – No complicated setup.
- High-Performance Apps – Fast, smooth, and scalable.
- Ongoing Support – We help keep your app running.
- Quick Launch – Get started without coding knowledge.
Why choose OyeCommerz?
- Saves you time & money.
- No need to hire a tech team.
- Proven success with Shopify merchants.
Want a powerful Shopify app? Check Out Oyecommerz
Ready to Migrate to Shopify ? Let Us Help You Make the Switch!
Conclusion
In 2025, a mobile app isn’t just a luxury it’s a game-changer for Shopify merchants. With over 70% of online sales happening on mobile, an app ensures higher engagement, stronger customer loyalty, and increased conversions. Shoppers expect speed, convenience, and personalization exactly what a mobile app delivers. Don’t let your business fall behind. With OyeCommerz, launching your own app is easier than ever so you can focus on growing sales and building lasting customer relationships.
