How to Easily Convert WordPress Sites into Mobile Apps

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Whether you are an advanced or novice WordPress user, for many companies and organizations, having an mobile app for your website can be a huge asset for improving overall reach. Unfortunately mobile development typically is a labor intensive field which can cost thousands for even the simplest projects. Fortunately thanks to WordPress’ extensibility, there are mobile development companies which can create an app from your WordPress site by using an API provided by a standard plugin.

AppPresser

AppPresser

If you’re looking for a seamless way to create an app with ease, AppPresser is one of the fastest solutions on the market which allows you to get your site running on HTML5, iOS, and Android in under 30 minutes by using Phonegap. Unlike many other platforms which limit you to simply creating a front-end for your mobile site, AppPresser allows you to access the WordPress management panel and plugins from within your application.

Unlike many conversion services on the market, AppPresser breaks their pricing down into bundles based on user needs. Whether you’re looking for a simple site, a mobile eCommerce site, an app for social networking (using BuddyPress) or something more complex, AppPresser offers solutions to fit virtually any need.

AppPresser has no monthly fees, however you have to host your application yourself. Although hosting the app can be a burden for some, the benefit of this is that you maintain ownership of your code. Pricing for AppPress starts at $199.00 and covers up to five apps while the agency bundle includes 25 apps at $499.00. An annual renewal fee is required however, if you need to keep your application code updated.

Mobiloud

Mobiloud

Mobiloud is a service which allows you to create Android and iOS applications with ease, complete with native code built to standards. As with many other solutions mentioned in this article, customizing your app can be done within WordPress.

Key features of Mobiloud include: support for WordPress user accounts; WordPress, Facebook and Disqus comments; category preferences for push notifications; and offline access to your content. The ability to integrate custom JavaScript and HTML5 in your posts also is a helpful feature especially if you’re embedding video and other multimedia content into your posts.

Mobiloud is slightly expensive starting at $149/month however if desired, you can purchase a lifetime license starting at $699.00 for either an Android or iOS app, or $1,299 for both. In the lifetime license however, white-labling your app is $399.00 and support for membership sites (protected content) costs $299.00. Depending on your needs these costs can add up, however compared to custom development, the cost is still fairly low.

Wiziapp

Wiziapp

If you’re looking for a somewhat free solution to test the waters for your site, Wiziapp is a service offering both free and paid plans. Using the service is as simple as adding a plugin to WordPress and then using the provided prompts to customize the look and feel of your mobile application. To enhance your application, you can also easily insert ad banners and enable push notifications.

After deciding on the look and feel of your mobile application, you can create a HTML5 app for free, with native Android and iOS apps costing $149/year and $299/year respectively. By using the free plan, you can create a mobile site for potential customers to visit, however if you already have a responsive website design, this feature likely won’t matter to you.

In addition to the app development services, Wiziapp also offers a collection of mobile friendly WordPress themes for $69/year. For web design/development agencies this might be a worthwhile expense, however if you’re just looking to build a single site and want a uniform look on mobile and desktop devices, you’re probably better off choosing a responsive theme from another vendor.

Minor Limitations

Although the previously mentioned solutions can be used to roll out a mobile app with ease, one of the biggest limitations is that they simply port your existing layout to a mobile environment. This is why before using any of these services, you should ensure that you know how to choose a great WordPress design.

Putting that limitation aside, considering that many custom application development projects can cost $5,000 upwards on the low end, and upwards of $20,000 per platform as the average, the solutions mentioned in this article provide a welcome middle ground for the customer who has simple needs.

Also keep in mind that while some services will provide submission to the app store on your behalf, the Google Play and Apple App Store fees are not included. At the time of writing, Google charges $25 while Apple charges $99/year.

Frequently Asked Questions about Converting WordPress Sites into Mobile Apps

What are the benefits of converting my WordPress site into a mobile app?

Converting your WordPress site into a mobile app can provide several benefits. Firstly, it can enhance user experience. Mobile apps are typically faster and easier to navigate than websites, providing a more enjoyable experience for users. Secondly, it can increase engagement. Mobile apps can send push notifications to users, reminding them to engage with your content. Lastly, it can improve your brand’s visibility. Having a mobile app can make your brand more visible in app stores, potentially attracting new users.

Can I convert my WordPress site into a mobile app without coding knowledge?

Yes, you can convert your WordPress site into a mobile app without any coding knowledge. There are several plugins and tools available that can help you with this process. These tools provide a user-friendly interface and step-by-step instructions, making it easy for anyone to create a mobile app.

How much does it cost to convert a WordPress site into a mobile app?

The cost of converting a WordPress site into a mobile app can vary greatly depending on the complexity of your site and the tool you choose to use. Some tools offer free versions, but these often come with limitations. Premium versions can range from $20 to $100 per month. It’s important to research and compare different tools to find one that fits your budget and needs.

How long does it take to convert a WordPress site into a mobile app?

The time it takes to convert a WordPress site into a mobile app can depend on several factors, including the complexity of your site and the tool you use. However, with most tools, you can expect the process to take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

Will my mobile app automatically update when I update my WordPress site?

Yes, most tools that convert WordPress sites into mobile apps have a feature that automatically updates the app when you update your site. This ensures that your app always displays the most current content.

Can I customize the design of my mobile app?

Yes, most tools that convert WordPress sites into mobile apps allow you to customize the design of your app. You can choose colors, fonts, layouts, and more to match your brand’s style.

Can I add features to my mobile app that aren’t on my WordPress site?

Yes, many tools that convert WordPress sites into mobile apps allow you to add additional features to your app, such as push notifications, social media integration, and more.

Can I monetize my mobile app?

Yes, you can monetize your mobile app in several ways. You can charge for the app, offer in-app purchases, display ads, or use a combination of these methods.

Do I need to submit my mobile app to app stores?

Yes, if you want your mobile app to be available for download in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, you will need to submit it for approval. This process can take a few days to a few weeks.

Can I convert a WordPress eCommerce site into a mobile app?

Yes, you can convert a WordPress eCommerce site into a mobile app. Most tools that convert WordPress sites into mobile apps support WooCommerce, the most popular eCommerce plugin for WordPress. This allows you to create a mobile app where users can browse and purchase your products.

Charles CostaCharles Costa
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Charles Costa is a content strategist and product marketer based out of Silicon Valley. Feel free to learn more at CharlesCosta.net.

AppPresserChrisBMobile appsMobiloudPhonegapWiziappWordPress
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