Smartphones are must-haves to get through the day for obvious reasons – for entertainment, for work, and for communicating in general.  

With the convenience smartphones provide, it’s not surprising that it’s dominating a huge chunk of the internet’s purchases and browses. In fact, studies show that there were about 7.1 billion mobile users in 2021 alone.  

Forecasts suggest a further rise in mobile users in the years to come. This also means that converting your website to a mobile application can be a strategy for reaching more customers.   

You’re probably thinking this right now: But developing a website app requires a lot of work and resources. I don’t have both.  

Well, that’s the reason why we have this article. Here, you’ll find out why you should do it and how to easily do it.  

Why Your Website Needs a Mobile App

1. Mobile apps operate faster

Notice how smoother and faster social media apps are compared to most websites. Even well-optimised websites cannot match the speed of their equivalent mobile app.  

Speed is a huge factor in customer satisfaction. So, businesses should prioritise providing services as quickly as possible. A small delay can result in dissatisfied customers, which in turn causes significant losses.

2. Works online and offline

Mobile apps can work both online and offline. Of course, there are functions that need an internet connection to operate.  Nevertheless, mobile apps can still keep necessary data offline.  

Streaming platforms like YouTube and Spotify for example; their in-app download and play option is a standout against other streaming apps. This feature promotes a smooth user experience that results in valuable customer satisfaction – a huge factor in customer loyalty. 

3. Personalisation and branding

Apps help increase brand recognition in every aspect, from design to communication strategy. It also offers limitless ways to engage with customers such as pop-ups, in-app reminders, and messages, among others.  

In addition, it gives a more personalised experience through real-time recommendations. This helps you lead customers to complete a recommended action like a checking out, or whatever form of conversion you prefer. When done right, website apps can also filter products and services that keep customers curious and interested. All these while still giving users the freedom to set preferences. 

4. More features

Apps ask permission to access device features such as cameras, location services, payment gateways, etc. This helps provide a seamless experience for customers when using your app.  This way, users become familiar with the app and interact more with it, which can later result in higher conversion rates.  

Another notable device feature apps offer is push notifications. Through this, users are easily informed about product deals and updates like upcoming sales and discounts. 

5. Advance Optimisation Potential

When Google’s ranking guidelines are taken into consideration, mobile apps offer a more dynamic and competitive advantage. App Store Optimisation (ASO), like SEO, aims to increase one’s position in relevant search rankings. However, the most significant distinction between SEO and ASO is that ASO primarily occurs in mobile app stores (such as Google Play or Apple App Store), whereas SEO concentrates on web searches.  

Although they are two different things, better ASO scores positively affect your website’s SEO scores. Thus, providing more optimisation potential.  

MSEO product banner

3 WordPress Plugins for Converting Websites to Mobile Apps 

WordPress Plugins to Convert Websites into Apps

 

Yes, creating an app for your website requires app development skills. But there’s good news! Converting WordPress websites into an app is possible through plugins. Here are three of the most effective options.

AndroApp

If you’re looking for a testable app with custom features, AndroApp is for you. It’s a mobile app builder that lets you quickly create an Android app for any WordPress website. 

Notable features:  

  • Offers a large selection of themes 
  • Provides unlimited push notifications, caching support, and brand customisation
  • Simple and easy to use

However, this plugin also comes with a downside. Building an iOS-compatible app is not possible — it’s called AndroApp for a reason. The upside is it’s very affordable. In fact, you can build an app for free, with only an annual maintenance of $66. 

MobiLoud 

With MobiLoud, your WordPress website becomes a native iOS and Android app. It offers a customisable interface that works with your current theme and plugins, like WooCommerce. 

In addition, the team at MobiLoud is available to assist with the distribution and structure procedures through reliable support. 

Notable features: 

  • Suits high-traffic WordPress websites 
  • Publishes your app to both the Apple and Google Play stores  
  • Includes push notifications and offline support 
  • No MobiLoud branding is visible 

In comparison to typical app development companies, MobiLoud builds apps quickly and affordably. Monthly plans for updates and maintenance start at $199, while setup and configuration start at $950. 

WPMobile.App 

WPMobile.App is yet another option for creating mobile apps.  

Transform your WordPress site into an app for Android, iOS, or both with this high-quality app plugin. It’s easy-to-use and offers configuration and customisation options right from your WordPress dashboard. 

Notable features: 

  • Includes push notifications and offline support 
  • Unlimited updates and support 
  • Free app testing 
  • Weglot integration to translate your app without coding 

WPMobile.App is a cost-effective option. It exclusively offers lifetime licenses – meaning, you don’t need to stress over renewal fees. An app for either Android or iOS starts at $82. If you want both, you can build one at $154. 

Convert your Website to an App Today! 

We get it. The thought of creating a mobile app from scratch can be overwhelming. But anything becomes easy with the right tools. What we’ve listed above are our top picks from the many options available online. That being said, you still have the freedom to research and explore what plugin is best for you and your budget.  

Take the first step:  if you haven’t customised your website yet, check out these affordable web design offers today. Â