How to create and publish a Shopify mobile app quickly?

Before you know how to create and publish a Shopify mobile app from your devices and without programming skills, you should know why you should do it in the first place.

Nowadays, people interact with apps in almost any activity they do in their daily lives. For example, if you are on social networks or you go to the bank to check your account balance, you do it through apps. Even if you are going to entertain yourself for a while watching memes, you also use messaging apps. Imagine, then that you can transform your business into an app and reach millions of users with just a couple of clicks.

For example, Kylie Cosmetics experienced a 30% increase in orders days after launching their Shopify mobile app. In fact, they realized that through the app, they could offer early access to new products and personalized recommendations, leading to higher spending per customer.

Maybe at this point, you’re wondering, but is it as simple as it sounds? Well, yes! A Shopify App can help you improve the customer experience in your business and connect better in real-time. So, let’s get straight to the point and see how to create and publish a Shopify mobile app quickly at this Shopify app development guide:

Key Takeaways:

• Enhanced Mobile Experience: Apps provide a more convenient and enjoyable shopping experience for your customers.
• Increased Customer Loyalty: Easy app access and personalized features foster repeat business and higher customer lifetime value.
• Direct Sales Channel: An app allows you to connect directly with customers through push notifications and promotions, independent of external platforms.
• Build an App Without Coding: Shopify app builders use drag-and-drop features to create a custom app that matches your brand.

Steps to create and publish Shopify mobile App

Before diving into the world of Shopify mobile apps, identify features crucial to your store’s success. Mobivogue stands out with its one-time fee of $199, a steal compared to monthly subscriptions that can reach $2400 a year. Plus, it offers extensive customization (18 widgets! ), unlimited segmented push notifications for targeted marketing, a built-in CMS for static content, and future-proof features like multi-currency support (coming soon) and multi-language capabilities. Consider these factors when choosing the perfect e-commerce Shopify app builder that fits your budget and helps your mobile app thrive. So, when you know how to build a mobile app for Shopify, the next thing is to know the exact steps to have a successful app:

1. Mobile-First: Ensure your Shopify store offers a flawless mobile experience before creating an app.

2. Choose Your App Builder: Research and select a reliable Shopify app that converts your store into a mobile app.

3. Customize & Design: Personalize your app’s interface using drag-and-drop features, ensuring it matches your brand.

4. Configure & Test: Connect your app to your store, set up payments, and test everything thoroughly on different devices.

5. Launch & Promote: Publish your app on stores and promote it through various channels to reach your audience.

How to publish your mobile Shopify store app on Google Play Store

Reach Android users! Here’s how to publish your Shopify mobile app on Google Play Store:

1. Create a Google Play Console Account: Sign up, link it to your Google account, pay the $25 fee, and wait for approval (48 hours).
2. Add a Merchant Account (if needed): Only required for paid apps, this lets you manage app sales and payouts.
3. Prepare Essential Resources: Ensure you have an End User License Agreement (EULA), Privacy Policy, and an Android App Bundle (optional).
4. Start the App Registration: Choose your app’s language and name (max 50 characters).
5. Craft Your App Listing: Write a catchy description (3 lines), a detailed explanation (4000 characters), and upload screenshots and icons.
6. Upload Your App (Beta or Alpha): Use the “Application Releases” section to upload your APK or App Bundle file.
7. Set Your Content Rating: Fill out a questionnaire to determine your app’s age-appropriateness.
8. Price & Distribution: Decide if your app is free or paid, select available countries, and choose “Yes” or “No” for kids and ads.
9. Test & Debug: Share your app with testers, use pre-launch reports, and ensure everything is good to go.
10. Publish Your App: Review your app, fix any issues, and finally, select “Confirm rollout” to publish on Google Play!

How to publish mobile app on Shopify store on Apple Store

Let’s face it: Apple’s App Store has stricter rules, but follow these steps to navigate it:

1. Get an Apple Developer Account (Individual: Free, Organization: $99/year)
   • Sign up with your Apple ID and enable two-factor authentication.
   • Organizations need a D-U-N-S Number, legal info, and a website.
2. Start the App Registration:
   • Enroll in the Apple Developer Program (membership fee included in account cost).
   • Set your app’s bundle ID, version number, and build string.
   • Choose your app’s primary category carefully.
3. Ensure Compliance:
   • Make sure your app follows all laws and regulations (GDPR, PCI if collecting payments).
   • Review Apple’s data handling guidelines to avoid issues.
4. Create Your App Listing on App Store Connect:
   • Login, add a new app, and fill in details (platform, language, etc.).
   • Craft a clear description with relevant keywords.
   • Upload a preview video (max 30 seconds) and screenshots.
   • Set a price (free or paid).
   • Include a privacy policy URL and support website link.
5. Upload Your App Using Xcode:
   • Ensure your app is fully functional and bug-free.
   • Package your app as an archive in Xcode.
6. Submit and Wait for Review:
   • Upload your app archive through Xcode.
   • Wait for App Store Connect to process it.
   • Once ready, submit it for review and wait for approval (1-2 days).
7. Track Performance (After Approval):
   • Monitor your app’s performance in the App Store Connect Analytics section.

Benefits of installing a Shopify mobile app for your business

• Enhanced Mobile Shopping: Provide a smoother and more enjoyable shopping experience for your mobile customers. Apps eliminate frustrations often encountered on mobile websites, leading to increased satisfaction and conversions.
• Loyalty & Retention on Autopilot: A dedicated mobile app fosters customer loyalty and repeat business. Easy one-tap access from the home screen and constant brand presence drive higher customer retention and lifetime value.
• Owning Your Sales Channel: Gain independence from external platforms like Google or Facebook. An app allows you to connect directly with your customers via push notifications and re-engagement campaigns, regardless of external platform fluctuations.
• App Store Credibility: A presence on app stores like the Apple App Store or Google Play Store adds social proof and legitimacy to your brand. Customers view app-based businesses as more trustworthy, leading to increased sales.

The bottom line

For all Shopify store owners, a mobile app can be a game-changer! It offers a smoother mobile experience, boosts customer loyalty, and gives you more control over your sales channel. Plus, building an app is easier than you think, thanks to no-code Shopify app builders. So, find your Shopify app development services team to do this.

Feeling frustrated by limited customer engagement on mobile? Push notifications and in-app promotions allow you to reconnect with customers and drive repeat business.

Don’t let your competitors steal the mobile market share! Having a mobile app shows your customers you’re a serious and forward-thinking brand, giving you a competitive edge.

Imagine the possibilities! Apps allow for innovative features like loyalty programs, wishlists, and augmented reality experiences that can set you apart from the competition. Remember that Shopify app builders offer affordable and user-friendly solutions that can have you up and running in no time. Most Shopify app builders integrate seamlessly with your existing store, making app management a breeze.