If you open any random website on the internet, you will find that more often than not, it will be built with WordPress.
In the world of websites, WordPress is ubiquitous, and for good reason. It is the only CMS that can cater to practically every industry use-case under the sun.
From ecommerce stores to LMS platforms and simple blogs to community forums, WordPress is built for everyone.
If you can build any kind of website with WordPress, what about mobile apps? Is there a way to create any kind of app just as WordPress facilitates a large array of industry use cases?
It turns out that you can convert website to app too. You can use a wide range of plugins to build a mobile app using an existing WordPress site. This article covers five such plugins.
#1: AppMySite
AppMySite’s iOS & Android mobile app builder enables you to create native apps by using your existing WordPress site as a foundation.
While using the platform, you’re required to install the AppMySite plugin on your WordPress site. Once this is done, your website’s data like posts and pages would be synced to the app.
If you’re using WooCommerce, your products, categories, and other data would also be synced to the app.
Keep in mind that the data is synced to a native app interface for both Android and iOS. Having a native app interface increases the possibility of your app getting approved for publication on the app stores.
Within the platform, you can configure various settings and take control over how your app looks and works. There’s a Preview section within your AppMySite account that allows you to see how your app looks on Android & iOS device emulators.
Since it’s a no-code platform, you’re not required to know how to create an app from scratch. In fact, you can make free apps with a free plan and upgrade to a paid subscription later when you’re ready to publish your app.
#2: Goodbarber
Goodbarber is a WordPress plugin that enables you to connect your WordPress website with the app. The plugin essentially acts as an interface between your website and Goodbarber.
Once the plugin is installed, you’re required to retrieve your GoodBarber API from your WordPress site. You can use the API key to connect your WordPress blog to GoodBarber.
Keep in mind that GoodBarber only shows your blog posts in the app. You’re required to create a WordPress section in your AppMySite account which will in turn display all your website’s posts.
#3: AppMaker
AppMaker is also a WordPress-integrated solution that allows users to build mobile apps using their website as a base. The tool offers solutions for WordPress, WooCommerce, and even Shopify websites.
Once the plugin is installed on your store, you can follow AppMaker’s guidance and learn how to populate your app with your website data. You would be able to sign up with a free account and learn the ropes before subscribing to a paid plan when you’re ready to publish.
The app you create is further powered by powerful features that make the overall app experience seamless.
#4: AppPresser
Like the other plugins on the list, AppPresser’s WordPress plugin also facilitates a connection between your website and the app. AppPresser is a well-known solution in the WordPress space that allows website owners to build native apps closely integrated with WordPress.
Once you complete the connectivity process, you can customize your app within your AppPresser account.
AppPresser also supports WooCommerce, and provides support for unique features like in-app purchases and auto-publishing new builds of the app to the app stores.
#5: Mobiloud
Mobiloud is a popular app development solution that enables WordPress users to build apps without coding. Its WordPress plugin allows users to connect their site to Mobiloud.
Once the connection is established, your app will be populated with content from your website. You can configure other settings and publish your Android or iOS app to the app stores when you’re ready.
Mobiloud serves many industry use cases. From simple blogs and news websites to eCommerce stores and community forums, Mobiloud enables you to create a wide range of apps.
DIY Vs. Custom Development: Which Option Is Better For Creating Apps?
The plugins covered here enable you to build an app without any form of coding. This is meant to simplify the process of app development which is otherwise complicated and time-consuming.
Between these DIY tools and custom development, which option is better suited for your business?
Custom development means uninhibited customizability. Since developers code an app from scratch, every element can be built based on the requirements of your business.
This is why many businesses go with custom development for their app projects.
The problem? Custom development takes time. A lot of time. It’s not as easy as starting a WordPress blog. Depending on the type of app you wish to build, it can take anywhere from many months to a couple of years to get the app you want.
This timeline, and the associated cost, makes the entire process of app development unsustainable.
This is where DIY tools come in. The platforms discussed earlier are designed to integrate WordPress-based functionalities and data with the app. Over the years, DIY tools have become malleable enough to allow users to build all kinds of apps.
While there are a few trade-offs, DIY tools are much more viable for businesses across the board. It is easier and more financially viable to build a mobile app with a DIY tool that’s both powerful and inexpensive.
In Conclusion
WordPress offers endless solutions when it comes to website development. Whether it comes to themes that make your website look good, or plugins that add functionality, WordPress has all the tools you need.
App development falls under the same category. The plugins covered in this article are designed to connect your website to an app interface.
Using WordPress to create an app helps you centralize app management and update via your site backend.
