You've built a successful ecommerce brand on Shopware, a platform known for its flexibility and robust capabilities.
Now, you're looking to take the next step and launch a mobile app. That's a smart move.
A mobile app is a powerful tool for driving customer loyalty, increasing retention, and boosting sales. Data shows that mobile apps convert 3-7 times higher, drive 10 to 50% higher AOV, and contribute up to 15x higher revenue per user compared to mobile websites.
But as a Shopware user, you've likely discovered that building a mobile app isn't as straightforward as you might have hoped.
In this guide, we'll explore the challenges of building a mobile app for your Shopware store and introduce a solution that makes it not only possible, but also simple and cost-effective.
The Challenge: Why is Building a Mobile App for Shopware So Difficult?
Shopware is a powerful and flexible ecommerce platform. But the very features that make it so appealing to ambitious brands can also create significant hurdles when it comes to mobile app development.
Here’s a breakdown of the challenges you’re likely to face:
The Double-Edged Sword of Flexibility
Shopware is an open-source platform, which means you have complete control over your store's code and data.
This is a huge advantage for creating a unique and customized ecommerce experience. However, this same flexibility means there's no one-size-fits-all solution for building a mobile app.
Unlike closed-source platforms like Shopify, which have a more standardized ecosystem of app builders, Shopware's open nature means that any app you build will need to be tailored to your specific implementation.
The High Cost and Complexity of Custom App Development
For a Shopware store, the most direct path to a mobile app has traditionally been custom development.
This involves hiring a team of developers to build a native app from scratch for both iOS and Android. This approach offers the most control and customization, but it comes with a hefty price tag.
Custom app development can easily cost anywhere from $50,000 to $500,000 or more, and that's just for the initial build. You'll also need to factor in ongoing costs for maintenance, updates, and bug fixes.
For many mid-market brands that are the core of Shopware's user base, this level of investment is simply not feasible.
These are often businesses that are growing rapidly and need to be smart about how they allocate their resources. Tying up a significant portion of their budget in a custom app project can be a risky and resource-intensive proposition.
The Problem with Headless and Custom Setups
Many Shopware users have invested in headless commerce setups or have highly customized storefronts.
This is a great way to create a unique customer experience, but it further complicates the app development process.
Most off-the-shelf app builders are designed to work with standard, out-of-the-box implementations of popular platforms. They simply can't handle the complexity of a headless or heavily customized Shopware site.
This leaves you with a difficult choice: either compromise on the features and functionality of your app, or invest even more time and money in a custom solution that can replicate the unique experience of your website.
The Burden of Ongoing Maintenance
Even if you manage to build a custom app, the work doesn't stop there.
You'll need to maintain two separate codebases — one for your website and one for your app.
Every time you want to add a new feature, run a promotion, or make a change to your store, you'll need to update both your website and your app.
This creates a significant amount of extra work and can slow down your ability to innovate and respond to market changes.
So, while a mobile app can be a game-changer for your business, the traditional path to building one for your Shopware store is fraught with challenges.
It's expensive, time-consuming, and creates a significant amount of ongoing work. But what if there was a better way?
The Solution: Introducing MobiLoud
What if you could have a high-performing, native mobile app for your Shopware store without the cost, complexity, and ongoing maintenance of custom development?
That's what MobiLoud does.
MobiLoud is a fully managed, done-for-you service that turns your existing Shopware site into a powerful mobile app for iOS and Android.
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It's not a DIY app builder that forces you to work with templates, nor is it a traditional development agency that will charge you a fortune to build an app from scratch.
Instead, MobiLoud offers a unique hybrid approach that combines the best of both worlds.
How MobiLoud Works: The Best of Both Worlds
MobiLoud's innovative approach leverages the power of your existing Shopware site to create a true native app experience. Here's how it works:
Your Website Powers the App
MobiLoud uses your existing website as the foundation for your app. This means that all of your products, content, and features are automatically synced in real-time. There's no need to rebuild anything or maintain a separate app.
Native UI Enhancements
MobiLoud adds a layer of native UI elements to your app, including a native tab bar, navigation, and splash screen. This gives your app the look and feel of a true native app, while still being powered by your website.
Full Feature Parity
Because your app is powered by your website, all of your existing features and integrations will work seamlessly. This includes any custom features, plugins, or third-party integrations you're using on your Shopware site.
Push Notifications
MobiLoud integrates with powerful push notification services like OneSignal, allowing you to send targeted messages to your customers and drive engagement.
Learn more about how MobiLoud lets you unlock your next best retention channel, with push notifications.
Why MobiLoud is the Perfect Fit for Brands on Shopware
MobiLoud is the ideal solution for Shopware users because it's designed to work with the very things that make Shopware so powerful: its flexibility and open-source nature.
Here's why MobiLoud is the perfect fit for your Shopware store:
It’s Platform Agnostic
Unlike most app builders, which are designed to work only with specific platforms like Shopify, MobiLoud is platform agnostic. It works with any website, including any Shopware implementation, no matter how custom or complex.
MobiLoud Handles Custom and Headless Setups
If you've invested in a headless commerce setup or have a highly customized Shopware site, MobiLoud can handle it.
Because MobiLoud uses your existing website as the foundation for your app, all of your custom features and functionality will be preserved.
No Compromises
With MobiLoud, you don't have to compromise on the features or functionality of your app. You get all the benefits of a native app, without having to sacrifice the unique experience of your Shopware site.
A Fully Managed Service
MobiLoud is not just a software tool. It's a complete, done-for-you service. The MobiLoud team handles everything from initial setup and configuration to app store submission and ongoing maintenance. This frees you up to focus on what you do best: running your business.
The Process: From Shopware Site to Mobile App in Weeks
With MobiLoud, you can have a high-performing mobile app for your Shopware store in a matter of weeks, not months. Here's what the process looks like:
- Consultation and Demo: The process starts with a consultation to discuss your needs and a demo to show you what's possible.
- Configuration: The MobiLoud team will work with you to configure your app, including your branding, navigation, and other features.
- App Build and Submission: MobiLoud will build your app and submit it to the Apple App Store and Google Play for review.
- Launch and Ongoing Support: Once your app is approved, you can launch it to your customers. MobiLoud will provide ongoing support and maintenance to ensure your app is always up-to-date and running smoothly.
In just a few weeks, you’ll have a mobile app that fully reflects your website, ready for your customers to download.
The best part? There’s very little work required from your team, so you’re not drawing focus or resources away from other areas of your business.
Ready to see what your Shopware mobile app could look like? Get a free preview now.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long does it take to get my app?
A: With MobiLoud, you can have a fully functional app for your Shopware store in as little as two weeks.
Q: Will my app work with all of my existing Shopware plugins and integrations?
A: Yes. Because your app is powered by your website, all of your existing plugins and integrations will work seamlessly.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: MobiLoud offers transparent pricing that is a fraction of the cost of custom app development. There are no hidden fees or revenue sharing.
Q: What about push notifications?
A: MobiLoud integrates with powerful push notification services like OneSignal, allowing you to send targeted messages to your customers and drive engagement.
Get Started Today
If you're ready to take your Shopware store to the next level with a mobile app, MobiLoud is the perfect solution.
With our unique hybrid approach to app development, you can have a high-performing, native app that's always in sync with your website, without the cost and complexity of custom development.
Learn more now: get a free preview of your app, or click here to book a free consultation and discuss your project with our app experts.
