So, you’re thinking about launching a Shopify mobile app, but you’re not sure how to get your customers using it.

Marketing your app might even seem like a daunting task - but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, driving customers to your mobile app is fairly straightforward.

85% of customers prefer shopping on mobile apps to mobile websites, so your audience already want to download your app.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• 6 ways to market your Shopify mobile app
• The best way to build a Shopify mobile app
• FAQs about how to drive more downloads to your Shopify mobile app

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6 Ways to Market Your Shopify Mobile App

1. Reach out to your existing customers

Shopify mobile apps are quick and easy to build and use, and thankfully, promoting your app can be equally simple.

While you fine-tune the specifics and ensure everything’s perfect before launch, start folding news of the app launch into your existing marketing channels.

Your customers already know your brand and will most likely be the first ones to hit the download button. Use e-mails and SMS to let users know your app is coming as well as about any app-exclusive products or discounts they can expect.

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2. Use social media to your advantage

E-commerce and social media are an unbreakable pair, and you can use your online presence to generate curiosity about your new Shopify mobile app.

Try running a countdown or using short videos to showcase your app’s features. You can also start casually mentioning your app in your normal content - the more people hear about it, the more they’ll start to remember it.

It’s particularly important to post about any app exclusives, such as discounts and promotions, so customers can see what they’ll miss out on if they don’t download it.

Once your app’s launched, make sure to put a link to it in your bio to give customers a more direct route to download.

If you need help building your social following, check out our handy guide.

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3. Collaborate with influencers

Influencers can help you reach a whole new audience similar to your own.

Find influencers who are relevant to your niche and reach out to them about featuring your app on their blog or social media channels.

The key is to find influencers who would naturally be in your target audience. Authenticity is key, with 91% of consumers want brands they follow and buy from to be authentic.

You don’t want to use influencers who promote your products one day and your competitors the next.

Check your social following to see if you have any influencers already engaging with you. Influencers don’t need to have millions of followers, and in most cases, it’s better if they don’t. Micro-influencers (accounts with around 10k followers) can be really helpful, often happy to promote your brand in exchange for free products as opposed to a large payment.

That’s why it’s so important to find influencers in your target market. They’re a lot easier to convince as they’ll be naturally interested in what you do, and will often help at a much lower cost.

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4. Add banners and pop-ups to your website

One of the best and easiest ways to inform users about your app is to add a mobile banner to your website.

Mobile app banners appear on your mobile website, directing customers to use your mobile app instead.

Why would you want your customers to use a mobile app instead of a mobile website?

• More sales
• Higher average order value
• Better retention

And so much more.

Pop-ups also work for this, but they’re more aggressive and can be annoying to some customers.

Again, be sure to use an incentive like an exclusive product or a discount code as an added motivation to download.

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5. Create a dedicated landing page

Landing pages create a dedicated space for you to solely promote your Shopify mobile app, helping you to drive more downloads and get people excited about your app launch.

Make sure to include any information about your mobile app and links to where they can download it.

You can also create a pre-launch landing page with a contact form. That way, people can sign up to receive a notification or email when your app launches.

You can incentivise people to sign up by offering a discount for the first set of users. For example, the first 100 people to purchase your app get 50% off their basket. Not only does this create excitement and get people using your app straight away, but it also helps drive more sales.

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6. Offer exclusive discounts

Offer customers something on your app they can’t get anywhere else - not even your website.

That could be a discount, product set, early access to new releases, or anything else exciting enough to drive downloads.

FOMO marketing is here to stay; it’s been well-proven as an excellent method of inciting action.

• FOMO marketing can boost email open rates by 22%
• FOMO messaging in ads can increase click-through rates by 14%
• And 30% of millennials are willing to go into debt to keep up with friends

If you send an e-mail to your database and post social content letting users know that you’re dropping an exclusive product to the app, the resulting buzz should dramatically increase your downloads.

And don’t stop after launch. Make sure to run campaigns like this regularly so users know the value of staying an app subscriber.

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The best way to build a mobile app for your Shopify store

We recommend you get a Shopify mobile app not matter what.

79% of traffic to Shopify stores comes from a mobile device, and mobile apps convert 3x better than mobile websites. That means you could be making 3x more sales from 4/5 visitors to your store.

If you want to grow your Shopify store through a mobile app, then StoreLab can help.

Each of our mobile app plans includes using our Shopify mobile app builder to create a fully designed, personalised, and customisable iOS & Android mobile app for your store, helping you boost sales, increase AOV, and drive customer loyalty.

To find out which plan is right for you, book a call with one of our Shopify growth experts.

Where we do excel is with our customer service, as referenced in our reviews:

“The service these guys provide is absolutely brilliant.” - Bodhi Village

“When I say this company has dedicated customer support - I mean it” - Sexy Emporium

“So pleased I took the plunge and put my trust in StoreLab. Campbell has been totally transparent and honest which means so much. Andrew designed the app and from start to end he's been fab, easy to talk too, listens to my needs really well and all together on the ball and professional. Thank you the whole team!” - Earth and Elements Jewellery

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Shopify mobile app FAQ

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Does Shopify work on mobile?

Yes, Shopify will allow you to build a mobile website for your Shopify store, but mobile websites convert 3x less than mobile apps.

When you factor in that 79% of traffic to Shopify stores comes from a mobile device, that’s a lot of missed sales.

Check out our guide on why Shopify mobile apps are so effective.

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How do I get a mobile app for my Shopify store?

If you want to build a mobile app for your Shopify store, our team at StoreLab can help.

By using our no-code Shopify mobile app builder, you can give your store the same power as some of the biggest brands.

Easily promote new products, re-engage abandoned carts, and direct customers back to your brand with push notifications direct to your customer’s phone screen. No confusing algorithms. Completely free to send.

Learn more about our mobile app plans here, or feel free to chat to one of our experts.