How to Build a Mobile App for a Supplement Brand

If you're running a supplement brand, you already know this: the game is won through retention. But email open rates are in decline, SMS is getting more expensive and overused, and paid ads have become a margin killer.

Your most loyal customers want to come back. But right now, you're relying on channels that are either too crowded, too expensive, or both.

That's where a mobile app changes everything.

MobiLoud gives supplement brands a faster, more efficient way to launch a premium mobile app – without rebuilding your site, touching code, or managing a second storefront. It's a fully managed service designed to help you drive more repeat purchases, increase LTV, and finally own a high-performing retention channel.

You'll get:

• A branded mobile app live on iOS and Android in under 30 days
• Seamless integration with your current site, tech stack, and subscriptions
• A direct line to customers with push notifications that actually get seen

In this guide, we’ll show you why mobile apps are essential for supplement brands, how MobiLoud compares to other options, and exactly how the process works.

Why Your Supplement Brand Needs a Mobile App

Retention is the lifeblood of any supplement brand. Whether you're selling daily vitamins, performance boosters, or wellness stacks, your best customers reorder often. 

But most brands don’t make it easy for them – and still rely too heavily on channels that no longer deliver the return they used to.

Mobile apps are the solution. They 10x convenience, and unlock deeper loyalty, higher conversion, and more repeat revenue.

Here’s what the data shows:

• Supplement brands with mobile apps see app users purchase 2–3x more often than web users
• App users convert 3–7x better and drive 10–30% of total revenue even when they make up a small share of total traffic
• Push notifications are one of the most powerful marketing channels, with 80–90% open rates and click-throughs up to 16%
• Abandoned cart push alone can recover thousands in lost sales every month, without ongoing ad spend or discounting

Why it matters for supplements specifically:

• Subscription retention: Let customers easily manage or reorder subscriptions in just a tap
• Loyalty & rewards: Apps are the best home for points, perks, and VIP tiers
• Product launches & promotions: Push lets you promote directly without getting filtered out or paying for reach
• Brand experience: Your most loyal fans want the convenience of a real app; not another browser tab

Put simply: if you're serious about LTV and repeat purchase behavior, a mobile app isn’t optional anymore. It’s the new standard.

Comparing Three Options for Supplement Mobile App Development

When it comes to building a mobile app for your supplement brand, you’ve got three main paths: 

• Custom development
• DIY app builders
• Or a managed website-to-app solution like MobiLoud

Let’s break down each one in depth – because how you build has long-term implications for your team, your customers, and your revenue.

1. Custom Native App Development (Agency or In-House Team)

This route involves hiring a development agency or building an internal team to design and code an app from scratch. It’s the traditional way to create an app. But it’s heavy in time, cost, and ongoing complexity.

You need to scope requirements, hire developers or an agency, and manage a custom build of an iOS and Android app. 

Every screen, feature, and integration must be rebuilt natively. Once launched, you’ll need to maintain this app alongside your website, and maintain a dedicated dev team.

Pros:

• You can build exactly what you want, from scratch
• If your app needs access to hardware features like NFC, Face ID, or advanced offline modes, this is your only option
• Potential for a truly unique experience (if done well)

Cons:

• $250K–$500K+ in initial development costs, plus $100K+ per year in maintenance
• 6–12 month timeline before you can go live (possibly longer for health-regulated categories)
• Separate backend logic: You’ll need to duplicate business rules, checkout logic, integrations, and content that already live on your website
• Ongoing dev burden. Every update, bug fix, or change requires developer time
• Complex QA and release cycles. Every iOS/Android update must be reviewed and re-tested

The reality for supplement brands: Unless you’re a billion-dollar enterprise building a first-party experience with proprietary health data integrations or device syncing, this path is overkill. You’ll be investing 6+ figures and a year of work to recreate what already exists on your mobile site.

2. DIY or Template-Based App Builders

These are drag-and-drop tools (mostly built for Shopify merchants) that let you create apps using pre-built components and basic layouts. 

They offer a more approachable entry point, but the trade-offs are steep once your brand gets past the basics.

You sign up for a SaaS platform, choose a template, and manually build your app interface. It’s separate from your website – so you’ll have to manage some things twice. 

Most of these platforms are tightly coupled with Shopify and have limited compatibility with other platforms or custom code.

Pros:

• Lower cost (typically $200–$500/month + setup fees)
• Quick to get started if you stick to defaults
• No developers needed to build something basic
• App store submission help usually included

Cons:

• With template limitations, your app will likely look and feel like hundreds of others
• Custom subscription flows, loyalty logic, or anything non-standard is often unsupported or buggy
• Works only with Shopify; if you're on WooCommerce, BigCommerce, or a custom stack, you're out of luck
• You’ll need to update both your site and your app separately for banners, collections, or product changes
• Post-launch support is minimal. You’re largely on your own once the app is live

These tools can work if you’re very early-stage, have fewer than ~50 SKUs, and don’t rely on custom flows or a complex tech stack. 

But as your business grows – or if you already rely on tools like Klaviyo, Recharge, loyalty engines, or headless commerce – you’ll hit a wall quickly.

3. MobiLoud: Fully-Managed, Website-to-App Platform

MobiLoud sits between agency and SaaS, delivering the flexibility and control of a custom solution, with the speed and simplicity of a managed service. It’s a perfect fit for supplement brands focused on retention, repeat purchase behavior, and scalability.

How it works is, we take your existing website – your design, custom features, and tech stack – and convert it into native iOS and Android apps. 

The app stays fully synced with your site in real-time. Our team handles the build, testing, launch, store approvals, and ongoing support. You keep full control without taking on extra dev work.

Pros:

• Launch in 4–6 weeks (vs. 6–12 months with custom development)
• No rebuild required: Your website powers the app. No duplicated logic, no separate CMS
• Keep your full tech stack: Recharge, Klaviyo, reviews, loyalty programs, custom checkout flows—all work seamlessly
• Full service, from onboarding to store submission, push setup, and post-launch support. Our team handles it all
• Unlimited push notifications: Automated flows like cart abandonment and back-in-stock alerts drive high-margin repeat sales
• No code required. Great for ecommerce teams with limited technical resources
• No revenue share. Transparent pricing based on usage—not a percentage of your sales

If you’re selling replenishable products, working with subscriptions or loyalty programs, and care about customer retention, this is the fastest, most cost-effective way to build an app that works. 

No compromises, or rebuilding what already works. Just a powerful app that takes little to no work to maintain.

Want to see what's possible with MobiLoud? Get a free preview of your app now.

Why MobiLoud is the Best for Supplement App Development

Supplement brands don’t just need an app for show. They need apps that drive real business outcomes.

Retention. Reorders. Loyalty.

MobiLoud is uniquely positioned to deliver on that because we go far beyond “building apps.” We offer a fully-managed service built around your website, your customers, and your growth goals.

Here’s why it’s the best way for a supplement brand to launch a mobile app.

1. No Rebuilding, No Replatforming

Your website already does the hard work – subscription management, loyalty rewards, product education, conversion optimization. Why rebuild all of this from scratch? 

With MobiLoud, your app is a live reflection of your site. Every product, every update, every page loads instantly in the app. No double management required.

The result: You maintain one platform (your website), and your app stays perfectly in sync without lifting a finger.

2. Built for Speed

Most supplement brands we work with go live within 30 days. Our expert team handles setup, configuration, and app store submission. 

You don’t need developers, technical oversight, or additional design work. We take what you’ve already built and make it shine on mobile.

The result: You get from “we should build an app” to “our app is live” in weeks, not months, with zero bottlenecks.

3. Fully Managed = True Partnership

This isn’t a software subscription. It’s a service. We don’t just build your app. We guide you through launch, promotion, and ongoing engagement.

• You’ll have a dedicated app strategist and onboarding team
• We help configure push notifications and re-engagement campaigns
• You get launch playbooks, app store assets, smart banners, and more
• Quarterly reviews, growth support, and Slack access on premium plans

The result: You’re never left on your own to “figure it out”. We stay involved long after launch to ensure your app performs.

4. Proven ROI

Brands using MobiLoud regularly see app users convert 3–7x better than mobile web, with app revenue making up 20–60% of total revenue, despite a smaller share of total users.

Push notifications alone deliver dramatic results:

• Up to $360K recovered monthly from abandoned cart campaigns
• 80–90% open rates
• 3x higher repeat visits and 7x higher LTV from app users

The result: Your best customers order more often, with less effort—and you don’t need to pay to reach them.

5. Platform Agnostic. Future-Proof. Custom-Stack Friendly.

MobiLoud works with Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, headless builds, and custom platforms. 

Whether you use Recharge for subscriptions, Klaviyo for flows, or third-party wellness integrations. MobiLoud supports it all.

The result: No need to fit your business into a rigid template. The app adapts to your business, not the other way around.

Bottom Line: MobiLoud gives supplement brands a high-performance mobile app with none of the usual tradeoffs. It’s fast, seamless, and fully managed, turning your best customers into your most loyal buyers.

Step-by-Step Supplement App Development Process

Launching a mobile app with MobiLoud is straightforward, fast, and completely managed by our team. Whether you're a solo operator or leading a multi-brand DTC team, we meet you where you are and handle the technical heavy lifting.

Here’s exactly how the process works:

1. Kickoff & Setup

It starts with a kickoff meeting, where we make sure an app is a good fit for your brand, and that we can deliver the best result possible.

As soon as you come onboard, we collect a few bits of information:

• Your website URL
• Branding assets (logos, icons, colors)
• Developer account details (for App Store/Google Play access)
• Preferred tools or special requirements

With that, we’ll have everything ready to start putting your app together.

2. App Configuration

Our team begins building your app, which will fully reflect your website’s navigation, design, and functionality. Whether you use custom PDP layouts, Recharge subscriptions, loyalty rewards, or content blocks for education, we ensure it all works smoothly in-app.

We also layer in native features like:

• Tab bar navigation
• Launch screen
• App settings and preferences
• Native screens for cart and checkout (where applicable)

It’s not just an “app in a box”. It’s a fully native experience.

3. Testing & QA

You’ll receive a fully functional preview of your app to test on both iOS and Android devices.

• We guide you through testing key flows: product discovery, subscriptions, cart, checkout, rewards
• You provide feedback – what feels good, what needs adjustment
• We iterate based on your input

This is your chance to fine-tune the customer experience before going live.

While you test, our QA team stress-tests the app across multiple devices and operating systems.

• We check edge cases, deep linking, responsiveness, and platform-specific quirks
• Any bugs or issues are resolved immediately
• We verify that all third-party scripts, custom logic, and integrations function correctly

You can be confident your app is battle-tested before submission.

4. App Store Submission

We handle the entire submission process for both iOS and Android:

• Create polished screenshots and assets
• Write keyword-optimized app descriptions
• Deal with Apple and Google’s review teams (including any back-and-forth)

With MobiLoud, you're in expert hands.

While your app is under review, we finalize everything based on the app stores’ feedback and final input from your team. Our goal isn't just to pass review, but to launch an app your customers will love.

5. Launch & Growth

Once approved, we’ll help coordinate your launch across platforms and support your go-to-market push.

• App banners and QR codes for your website
• Launch announcement templates (email/SMS)
• Push notification setup and best practices
• App store promotion strategies

We can also help with done-for-you push notification campaigns, growth check-ins, and direct support through Slack.

Start the ball rolling. Get a free preview now to see what your supplement brand's website will look like as an app.

Essential Mobile App Features for Supplement Brands

Not all mobile apps are the same. You need an app that’s built for a supplement brand, not a catch-all.

The right features aren’t about novelty. They’re about driving repeat purchases, retention, and long-term customer value. 

That’s exactly what MobiLoud delivers by combining your website’s full functionality with native mobile enhancements and strategic engagement tools.

Here are the most essential features, and the business impact behind each one:

1. Push Notifications

Email and SMS are saturated. Push notifications cut through the noise.

• 80–90% open rates, 10–16% CTR
• Free to send. No rising SMS fees or inbox filters
• Perfect for abandoned cart reminders, product launches, refill nudges, and app-exclusive offers

Business impact: Brands using MobiLoud’s push flows have recovered up to $360K/month from abandoned carts alone.

2. One-Tap Reordering

Supplement customers often buy the same products on a schedule. With a mobile app, reordering is instant.

• Customers can repeat past purchases in seconds
• Streamlines the path to purchase, reducing friction
• Great for subscriptions and replenishment models

Business impact: Fewer skipped orders. Less churn. Higher lifetime value.

3. App-Exclusive Content & Offers

Use the app as a premium space for your best customers.

• Show special bundles, limited-time drops, loyalty perks
• Create app-only discounts or gated experiences
• Easily configure visibility from your site. No dev work required

Business impact: Increases app installs and usage while reinforcing brand loyalty.

4. Loyalty & Rewards Integration

Your app becomes the central hub for your retention engine.

• Show rewards points, tiers, and perks right inside the app
• Let users track and redeem rewards on mobile
• Works with platforms like Smile.io, Yotpo, LoyaltyLion, and custom engines

Business impact: Keeps customers engaged and buying more frequently.

5. Native Tab Bar Navigation

Give users the app experience they expect, with zero extra work for you.

• Persistent bottom nav bar for faster product discovery and navigation
• Mirrors your site’s structure while optimizing for touch UX
• Includes home, shop, cart, account, and custom screens

Business impact: Improves time on app, reduces bounce, increases conversions.

6. Seamless Checkout Flow

Your current checkout, no matter the platform or level of customization, works inside the app just like it does on your website.

• No duplicating logic or rebuilding forms
• Apple Pay and Google Pay ready
• Fully optimized for mobile usability

Business impact: Removes friction at the most critical step; resulting in higher AOV and lower cart abandonment.

7. Works With Your Full Tech Stack

From subscription logic to reviews to analytics, your app includes:

• Integration with all your tools – Klaviyo, Recharge, Smile, Judge.me, GA4, OneSignal, and more
• Full compatibility with custom scripts and CRO tools
• No limitations or rewrites. Your app works because your site already does

Business impact: Launch fast and grow without compromise.

Supplement Mobile App Development FAQs

If you’re considering launching a mobile app for your supplement brand, you likely have a lot of questions. Here are the most common ones we hear, from technical concerns to ROI expectations, and how MobiLoud addresses them.

Do I need to rebuild my website for the app?

No. Your existing website powers the app directly. Everything from product pages, subscription flows and loyalty programs, works exactly as it does now. We don’t touch your codebase, and you never manage two separate platforms.

Will my subscription platform (like Recharge) work in the app?

Yes. MobiLoud apps support Recharge, Bold, and other popular subscription tools. Users can manage, pause, or update their subscriptions directly in-app, just like on your site.

We already have a mobile-optimized site. Why do we need an app?

A mobile site is useful for first-time visitors. But your loyal customers want a better way to come back. Apps offer:

• One-tap access from the home screen
• Faster loading, better performance
• Push notifications that actually get seen
• 3–7x better conversion rates compared to mobile web

Apps don’t replace your site. They unlock deeper behavior from your best customers.

How long does it take to launch?

Most MobiLoud customers launch their apps within 4–6 weeks. This includes app setup, configuration, testing, store approvals, and go-live coordination. We do all the heavy lifting. You just provide assets and feedback.

How much ongoing work is required on our end?

Very little. Once live, your app stays in sync with your website in real time. You won’t manage a second store or duplicate content. We handle maintenance, app store updates, and push infrastructure. You stay focused on growing your business.

How do push notifications compare to SMS or email?

Push notifications consistently outperform both. They average 80-90% open rates (much higher than email), with engagement rates in line with SMS. They’re much cheaper and more flexible than SMS as well.

Push is particularly powerful for cart recovery, new launches, reorder reminders, and loyalty updates. The ROI is exceptional for supplement brands focused on reorders and retention.

Can we customize the design and branding?

Yes. Your app will look and feel exactly like your brand. There are no rigid templates. We replicate your site’s design, UX patterns, and custom features inside the app. Anything you want to build, you just build for the web and it will translate to your app. You also get native enhancements like launch screens, tab navigation, and branded icons.

What if we're not on Shopify?

No problem. MobiLoud works with any tech stack – Shopify, Magento, BigCommerce, headless builds, and custom platforms. Most app builders are Shopify-only. We’re platform-agnostic and flexible by design.

How much does it cost?

We charge a flat monthly or annual fee based on your app’s usage, with no revenue share. Pricing includes:

• Full setup and app build
• Unlimited push notifications
• Store submission and approvals
• Ongoing updates and maintenance
• Strategic support post-launch

You get predictable costs, and a clear pathway to ROI.

Will our customers use the app?

They will – especially your most loyal ones. Supplement brands see high adoption because the value is immediate: faster reorders, better UX, and app-only perks. And we find that, even when a minority of your customers use the app, the revenue contribution from these customers is more than enough to provide a positive ROI on their own.

Still have questions? Book a free consultation now.

Conclusion: A Better Way to Drive Repeat Revenue

For supplement brands, mobile apps are no longer optional. They're the highest-performing retention channel available, delivering faster reorders, higher lifetime value, and a direct connection to your most valuable customers.

But building an app doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch, hiring developers, or managing yet another platform.

With MobiLoud, you get:

• A fully branded mobile app in 30 days or less
• Seamless integration with your current website, subscriptions, and tools
• Push notifications that recover revenue automatically and outperform email/SMS
• A fully-managed process from kickoff through launch and beyond—no technical work required
• A strategic partner focused on ROI, retention, and long-term growth

If your customers are asking for an app – or if your repeat revenue isn't where it should be – this is your signal to act.

Get in touch with us and get a free preview of your mobile app today.

No cost. No commitment. Just a personalized walkthrough of what your app could look like, and how it can drive results fast.