What are the Steps to build a Custom Shopify App?

Did you know that 60% of customers wish to shop via eCommerce apps on their mobile devices? This explains why businesses having a Shopify store must invest in custom Shopify app development. It can help them tailor user journeys and deliver personalized shopping experiences. However, several apps fail even before they reach the target customers. The reason? Improper planning, not building an MVP for the app, and not following the step-by-step approach. To counter this, it is recommended to follow a structured process of development and get assistance from an experienced Shopify app development company. They will add customizations and bespoke features in the app to align with your specific requirements.

Key Steps of Custom Shopify App Development

1. App Ideation and Planning

Similar to every app/website development process, the custom Shopify app development starts with ideation and planning. This involves determining the problem statement, market and competitor analysis, and then making a plan as to what unique features you will be adding to your app. Once you have an idea in mind, it needs to be documented so that you have a concrete blueprint during project discussions with your internal team as well as the Shopify developers. You will then consult the development team with your idea and requirements and they will provide a solution proposal that best aligns with them.

2. Prototyping

Once the app idea is discussed with the development team, they will start preparing wireframes and prototype designs for the app. This will include the basic design elements and it will be shared with you to give an idea of how it will look and function once the final version is released. This will help you test the concept and give feedback for changes before the design and development phase begins.

3. App Designing

Once the app‘s prototype is tested and finalized, the eCommerce design team will begin the app designing phase. This will involve creating a customized theme while ensuring it aligns with Shopify design standards and your brand image and a tailored user interface along with clear navigation to personalize customer experience and make the app as user-friendly as possible. Remember that small details matter. You can add small buttons and tabs to improve navigation and user experience. The best part of custom development is that the designers will have full control over the layout and, hence, will create a unique design that is not copied or yet available in the market. This way, your app will have an extraordinary look and feel that will help you stand out and also create a unique image in the minds of your customers. For instance, the design and theme of a shopping app are very usual and every other app has the same design. But imagine adding a new look and theme along with unique animations. This will make your app unique and attractive for customers to keep visiting.

Also read: A Comprehensive Guide to Shopify Development Services.

4. MVP Development

Before proceeding with development, the team hired for Shopify development services will create an MVP with a basic design and features to be tested with selected users. This will help you validate your app and test whether the final users will accept the app or it will fail in the market. You will receive feedback from the users, which will be added during the final development phase.

5. Final Development

Once the app’s design and MVP are in place, the developers of the Shopify development company will begin the development phase. During this phase, they will select a programming language like Ruby, Python, or Node.js and initiate custom coding to build the final backend and frontend of the app in alliance with the design. They will then add personalized, custom Shopify features as per your needs, incorporate technologies like AI, AR, and video commerce for advancements, and utilize Shopify APIs to connect the app with your existing store. They will also integrate your app with other systems and third-party software in order to streamline the functionality and complete the development of the app.

6. App Testing and QA

After the final development of the app, the next phase is the app’s testing and QA. During this phase, the app will be put through functional and non-functional testing to check its functionality and performance. Additionally, the QA team will also identify bugs and code errors and direct the development team to fix them before proceeding with the launch. This way, issues will be fixed beforehand, ensuring the later chaos that might arise post-app launch is avoided.

7. App Launch

Now that the app has passed all the tests and the errors are fixed, the app is ready for launch. The team will push the app towards launch and submit it to the app stores along with the documentation that covers app features, benefits, and purpose. Once the app is reviewed it will be launched in the market to be used by general customers. Make sure to include the review feature for customers to add their feedback, which you can utilize for making further iterations.

8. Post-Launch Maintenance

The app is now launched, and the real work will begin to make your app a success in the long run. You will now need to start monitoring the app in accordance with the development team so that performance can be tracked and measured with set standards. Moreover, regular updates and improvements should be made. The firm you hire for Shopify app development services will implement a continuous improvement and delivery pipeline in order to maintain consistency and optimal performance that will boost customer satisfaction.

Conclusion

The rise in demand for shopping via mobile apps has put businesses under obligation to invest in building an app that can extend their existing Shopify store’s functionality. However, building a standard app may not fulfill the unique needs of a business, which is why developing a custom Shopify app is essential. Apart from building the app, you must also follow a structured step-by-step process, which is also explained in the blog above. To put the app development process into action, make sure to get assistance from a professional Shopify development company. They will work closely with you to understand your requirements and will build a bespoke solution that aligns with it.