Salla gives thousands of merchants across Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC an easy way to launch and manage online stores.
But today’s shoppers overwhelmingly prefer mobile apps over mobile websites. 88% of mobile time is spent in apps, not browsers. If you want to build strong customer loyalty and increase repeat sales, having a branded mobile app is no longer optional.
The good news: you don’t need to rebuild your store from scratch or manage separate platforms, to have your own app.
With the right approach, you can convert your existing Salla website into a fully functional iOS and Android app in just a few weeks. You can do this while keeping all the features from your website intact, with little to no ongoing work required.
Keep reading to learn how.
Why Your Salla Site Needs a Mobile App
Shoppers are spending more time and money on mobile than ever before, and mobile apps dominate that experience.
88% of mobile time is spent in apps rather than browsers. And ecommerce apps typically see 3x higher retention rates and 30% larger average order values compared to mobile web stores.
These numbers are worldwide. In the MENA region, consumers are even more app-first.
For Salla merchants, this means a mobile app isn’t just a “nice to have”. It’s a crucial growth channel that can boost customer lifetime value and repeat purchase rates.
Apps allow you to stay directly on your customers’ home screens, send timely push notifications for promotions or abandoned carts, and deliver a faster, smoother shopping experience than a mobile website can provide.
If your goal is to grow loyalty and increase repeat sales in a competitive market, moving beyond mobile web and into the app stores gives you an edge that pays for itself quickly.
Can You Make a Salla Site an App?
Yes, it’s entirely possible to turn your Salla website into a fully functional mobile app.
There are a few ways to do it. And if you want the best result, and the best return on your investment, it’s crucial you choose the right one.
You can:
- Build a native app from scratch using developers and custom code.
- Use Salla’s built-in app builder for a quick, templated solution.
- Use MobiLoud to instantly convert your live store into a native app while adding all the features you need for growth.
Each approach has pros and cons, from cost and complexity to flexibility and long-term scalability.
In the next section, we’ll break down these three options so you can see which one best fits your business.
Three Salla Mobile App Development Methods
1. Native Build from Scratch
Hiring a development team to build a mobile app from scratch gives you complete design freedom and access to every device feature.
But it comes with a high price tag (often $250,000 or more) and months of development.
You’ll also need ongoing maintenance and updates, creating a second, separate roadmap for your business.
Summary: Alright for enterprises with huge budgets and unique needs, but excessive for most Salla merchants.
2. Salla’s Built‑In App Builder
Salla includes its own template-based app creator, letting you quickly publish basic iOS and Android apps without writing code.
This might seem like the most logical choice – just build your mobile app within Salla’s ecosystem.
However, it’s limited in design flexibility, feature options, and customization. You’ll likely need to rebuild certain elements from scratch and maintain your website and app separately, which means extra work for minimal long-term benefit.
We’ve worked with Salla merchants who have struggled to launch the ideal app with Salla’s app builder. And for something as important as your mobile app, you should not settle for a sub-par product.
Summary: Fast to launch but restrictive, and often too limited for serious, growth-focused ecommerce brands.
3. MobiLoud’s Website to App Service
MobiLoud converts your live Salla website directly into a native app, preserving all your existing features, integrations, and branding.
MobiLoud has worked with more than 2,000 customers, has 200+ reviews (averaging 4.8/5), and supports big-name global brands like Bestseller, Vero Moda, Jack & Jones, John Varvatos and Estee Lauder.
We turn your website into a mobile app, with native navigation, push notifications, deep links – all handled for you in as little as 30 days.
The app is fully synced with your website. You keep managing everything in Salla, and your app stays up to date, automatically.
Summary: The fastest, easiest, and most scalable way to launch a high-quality app without rebuilding or doubling your workload.
Why MobiLoud Is the Best for Salla App Development
MobiLoud is designed for merchants who already have a great online store but don’t want the cost, complexity, and delays of building a mobile app from scratch.
Instead of reconstructing your site from the ground up, or forcing you into a rigid template, we take your existing Salla store and turn it into fully native iOS and Android apps.
With MobiLoud, every element of your site – products, checkout, user accounts, integrations, and custom code – works seamlessly in your app. You don’t need to manage two platforms or duplicate content; update your Salla store once and your app instantly reflects those changes.
There are three key reasons Salla merchants choose MobiLoud:
- Speed to Market: Your app is ready to launch in as little as 30 days, compared to months of custom development.
- Zero Re‑Platforming: Keep the exact design and features you already have, including payment gateways, loyalty programs, and third-party plugins.
- White‑Glove Service: We handle the entire process – setup, design tweaks, testing, App Store & Google Play submission, and long-term support – so you can focus on business, not tech.
We add native features your mobile website doesn’t have, like push notifications for instant customer engagement, native tab navigation for a smooth app experience, and deep linking from marketing campaigns.
The result is a polished, professional app that delights customers, drives repeat sales, and positions your brand alongside leading ecommerce retailers. All without extra workload or technical headaches.
Converting Salla to Mobile App: How the Process Works
Launching your Salla store as a mobile app with MobiLoud is simple and fully managed by our team.
There’s no complex development, no duplication of effort, and no steep learning curve. We handle everything from start to finish, so you can keep focusing on growing your business.
Here’s how it works:
- Kickoff & Setup – We start with a quick onboarding call to understand your goals, brand requirements, and key features.
- App Configuration – Our team sets up your app’s navigation, native features like push notifications, and branding to match your store.
- Live Testing – You review your app on your own devices to confirm everything looks and works exactly as expected.
- QA & App Store Submission – We run quality assurance checks, fix any issues, and handle all the steps to get your apps approved in the App Store and Google Play.
- Launch & Growth Support – Once live, we continue to support you with updates, push notification strategies, and ongoing app performance guidance.
In just a few weeks, your Salla site will be live as a fully functional native app, ready to engage customers and boost sales from day one.
Ready to see what your site will look like as an app? Get a free preview now.
Salla Mobile App Features & Capabilities
When your Salla store is converted into a mobile app with MobiLoud, you keep everything that already works on your website, and gain additional native app features to enhance the user experience and drive engagement.
Key features include:
- Push Notifications: Send personalized offers, order updates, and abandoned cart reminders directly to customers’ phones, boosting repeat purchases and retention.
- Native Navigation & Tab Bar: A fast, smooth browsing experience with app-specific navigation, making it easier for users to shop and explore.
- One‑Tap Payments: Support for mobile-friendly checkout experiences, including Apple Pay, Mada, STC Pay, and other local gateways.
- User Accounts & Loyalty Programs: Customers can log in, view orders, and access loyalty points just as they do on your website.
- App Store & Google Play Compliance: We handle all technical requirements to ensure your apps meet Apple and Google’s approval guidelines.
- Instant Sync With Your Salla Site: Any updates to products, content, or design on your website are instantly reflected in the app—no double management.
- Deep Linking & Smart Banners: Drive app downloads from your website and marketing campaigns, and seamlessly direct users into specific app screens.
You also benefit from performance enhancements like caching, smooth animations, and native gestures, giving your customers a true app experience without sacrificing the flexibility of your existing Salla website.
Salla Mobile App FAQs
Launching and maintaining a Salla app with MobiLoud is quick, seamless, and cost‑effective. while giving you all the benefits of a true native mobile experience.
How long does it take to launch my app?
With MobiLoud, you can go live in as little as 30 days. Our process is fully managed, so you don’t need to spend months planning or coding.
Will all my Salla store features work in the app?
Yes. Everything from your product catalog and checkout to payment gateways and third‑party integrations works exactly as it does on your website.
Do I need to maintain the app separately?
No. You’ll continue managing everything in Salla, and any changes you make to your website will automatically sync with the app.
Can I send push notifications?
Absolutely. Push notifications are built in and unlimited, allowing you to engage customers with promotions, order updates, and cart reminders.
What about App Store and Google Play submission?
We handle the entire submission process for you, ensuring compliance with Apple and Google guidelines and making sure your app is approved quickly.
How much does it cost?
Pricing is transparent and flat, with no revenue share. Plans typically start at $549, plus a one-time setup fee of $1,500. You get a premium, fully managed app service for a predictable monthly cost.
Get Your Free Salla App Preview
See exactly how your Salla store will look and function as a mobile app, before you commit.
With MobiLoud, you can get an interactive preview of your iOS and Android apps, to help you understand what’s possible.
Your customers are already browsing and shopping on their phones. Make it easy for them to come back, buy more often, and stay connected to your brand with a native app built directly from your Salla store.
Request your free preview today and see how quickly you can launch your own mobile app.
