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How to Convert Your Website Into Mobile App?

How to turn a Website into App?

Estimated read time: 10 minutes
Aran Davies

Aran Davies

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Wondering how to turn a website into an app? This is a great question which we will answer.

In this article, we will look at different approaches to converting a website into an app. But first, why should you go through this process?

Why turn your website into an app?

An illustration of a computer, smartphone, and a tablet on a red background

There are multiple reasons to turn your website into an app, as follows:

  • Native apps offer better personalization. A native app allows mobile app users to set up their preferences at the start, thereby enhancing the user experience.
  • Sending unlimited push notifications as well as in-app notifications is easier with a website app.
  • Features of mobile devices like GPS, contact list, etc. can be used better with an app.
  • Native mobile apps typically can still offer limited functionalities when there is no internet connection, which is an advantage.
  • Mobile navigation designs can be very attractive hence, this is another advantage of a mobile app.
  • Mobile device users spend 90% of their mobile time on apps. You can tap into this advantage with a mobile app.
  • Provided it‘s well designed, a web application will work faster than a website on mobile.

Read more about these reasons in this Quora Q&A thread.

Let‘s analyze a few approaches that help turn a website into an app.

Approach #1: website into a mobile app conversion using the Appy Pie converter

Appy Pie provides a website-to-app converter. If you don‘t have access to a development team and want to quickly convert your website into a mobile app, this could be a good option for you. You will be able to launch your mobile app quickly.

You can access the website-to-app converter here. You can convert a website to an Android app, additionally, you can convert it into an iPhone app too.

You can take advantage of an increased reach, furthermore, you can send push notifications. There are other features, e.g., integration with payment gateways. You can monetize your app, additionally, social media integration, and customization are possible.

Sign-up for an Appy Pie account here. There are easy and intuitive steps to convert the website into an app. You need to enter the URL of the website you want to convert. Provide a name for the app. Go through the build process and publish it in the app stores.

For publishing the app, check out the Google Play app “Launch checklist”, and the Apple “App Store Review Guidelines”.

Check the Appy Pie pricing page for their detailed pricing plans. Higher-priced plans allow you to convert your website to both Android and iOS apps. Appy Pie includes cloud hosting. You don‘t need to hire developers in this approach. However, only their Platinum plan allows you to include your own branding.

Approach #2: Turn a website into an app using the AppsEazy converter

For start-ups without a skilled mobile app development team, this is another option to easily convert a website into an app. No coding is required because AppsEazy has a website-to-app converter. Both Android and iOS conversions are supported.

AppsEazy is a suite of app-building software. The website-to-app converter is easy-to-use, intuitive software. You can use your own branding. There is no charge for converting websites to an app, however, you need to pay for publishing in ’Google Play’ and ’Apple App Store’.

You will need to buy a ’Mobile Backend as a Service‘ account from providers like Google Firebase, Kinvey, or AWS Mobile. Check our comparison guide “How to choose the best mobile backend as a service (MBaaS)?” for more details.

Approach #3: Convert a website into a mobile app using the iBuildApp converter

This is yet another option for entrepreneurs without a skilled mobile app development team. The company iBuildApp offers a website-to-mobile-app converter. Access the converter here.

In a series of step-by-step instructions, you can convert your existing website into an Android or iOS app. It‘s a drag-and-drop app converter that requires no coding skill.

You can choose a layout for your app besides, you can add widgets like location, ’contact us‘, video, audio, pictures, social media integration, etc. Installing these widgets in your app is just a matter of a few mouse clicks.

You can use your own branding. You can also choose from several designs for mobile navigation they offer. iBuildApp pricing plans include cloud hosting, hence, you don‘t need to get a separate MBaaS account for your mobile app. Visit their pricing page to get more details.

To publish your app in ’Google Play Store‘ or ’Apple App Store‘, check the guidelines I mentioned earlier.

Approach #4: Convert a website into an app using the GoNative platform

While GoNative provides a platform to convert a website into a mobile app, in this approach you need to separately procure an MBaaS account. You still don‘t need to hire mobile app developers hence, you can save the development effort.

The platform supports both iOS and Android apps, besides the conversion is an automated process. You can add several native mobile features like configure push notifications. You can also download the entire source code for any future use.

Any update to your site will flow into the mobile app. Deep links and several other native features are supported. You can use your branding content, furthermore, the platform has enterprise-level ’service level agreements’ (SLAs).

This platform also allows you to download their iOS and Android code. If you have a development team then they can use it and get your app deployed in a relatively quick time. Check their Android and iOS code here, and here, respectively.

The company also provides excellent documentation. It includes guidelines about styling, navigation, push notifications, deep linking, and much more. Access their documentation here.

GoNative has basic product pricing, besides, they have their add-on modules. They charge separately for those. Visit their pricing page for more details.

Approach #5: conversion using the ’Website 2 APK‘ builder

Another option where you don‘t need a development team, ’Website 2 APK‘ offers a converter for Android only. You can get the following features:

  1. The app will be automatically synchronized with your website content.
  2. You can include your own branding.
  3. The app can have push notifications.
  4. You can monetize your app with AdMob.
  5. Your own digital keystore for your apps removes dependence on the provider.
  6. You will build a ’Google Play‘ compatible app, without a need to code.
  7. A good suite of tools allows you to customize your app easily.

You need to follow the publishing guidelines for ’Google Play‘ I had earlier mentioned. Also, you need to get an MBaaS account. Check their FAQ section for common questions about website-to-app conversion. Check out their pricing here.

Approach #6: website into an app conversion using the Zeroqode platform

You can convert your website to an iOS app, or turn it into an Android app using the Zeroqode platform. No coding is needed hence, you don’t need a development team. You don’t need to get a separate MBaaS account since the platform includes cloud hosting.

Like most other app converter options, the Zeroqode converter is also easy-to-use. You need to follow their instructions and download the source code. Then you need to edit configuration files to set up all you need.

You can avail many popular native add-on features like push notification, AdMob monetizing options, etc. Scroll down the Zeroqode converter webpage, and you can find the price for their webview app converter pricing.

You can also locate the instructions for converting your website to either iOS or Android, on the same web page. Check their FAQ section for important tips.

The Zeroqode product uses the technology developed by Bubble. Zeroqode and Bubble are different companies. If you convert your website to an app using their platform, you need to buy a paid plan from Bubble to get the typical MBaaS services like cloud hosting, analytics, disk space, bandwidth, etc.

Check the pricing page of Bubble for more details.

Approach #7: custom coding

This approach requires custom development hence, you need to hire a development team. I recommend that you use an MBaaS provider so that you can save the backend development and management effort. Check our MBaaS comparison guide for more details.

When you built your website, you had likely used application programming interfaces (APIs) for several functions, e.g., social media integration, payment gateway integration, etc. You should be able to use the same APIs in the new mobile app because MBaaS providers make it easy for you to consume APIs.

To make development a bit easier, consider using platform-specific ’integrated development environments’ (IDEs). For e.g., you can use Android Studio for Android app development.

You need to onboard a team with business analysis, UI/UX designers, Android developers, iOS developers, testers, and a project manager.

Mobile menu design is important to attract and retain customers hence, the UI designers should know about mobile navigation menu examples.

You need to onboard a competent PM. Check our guide “Project management: 10 best practices”.

Project management approach

A schema depicting a scrum project management approach

A mobile app is for engaging your customers hence, it‘s a ’System of Engagement‘ (SoE). SoEs undergo frequent changes. ’Agile‘ project management methodology is highly suited for these hence, I recommend this methodology.

Check our guide “How to build an Agile development team?” for more details.

There are several popular techniques within the larger body of Agile, however, Scrum is a matured technique. In this technique, you build a ’product backlog’ with the required features. The project team is a cross-functional one, i.e., developers, testers, designers, etc. work together in a closely-knit team.

The team estimates effort for features, whereas the Scrum master, i.e., the PM, in this case, plans the iterations. Iterations are called ’Sprints’, whereas this process is called ‘Sprint planning’.

During the project execution, the Scrum Master holds a daily stand-up meeting to get the project status and resolve issues. The Sprint ends with the features completed and approved by project stakeholders in a Sprint review meeting. There is a lessons-learned exercise after the Sprint, which is called a Sprint retrospective meeting.

Learn more about it in our guide “How to build a Scrum development team?”.

The project team should use modern tools for effective project execution, tracking, and control. For e.g., consider Selenium for test management, and Jenkins for automated deployment management. Also, invest in good project management and collaboration tools like JIRA or Wrike.

All MBaaS providers and API providers typically show their prices clearly on their websites. You can also easily find the price for Wrike or similar PM tools.

Check our guide “The 10 best agile project management tools” for more examples.

Planning of website to app conversion through custom coding?

According to Allied Market Research, “The global app analytics market size was valued at $920 million back in 2017 and is projected to reach $3,798 million by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 19.5%”.

Given the lucrative market opportunities, it is obvious that you, as a business CEO or CTO, are planning to tap into mobile app development for your business website.

If you really wish to create customized app features to provide a personalized app experience to your users, custom coding is the best way forward.

However, the complexity of your website and the required features in the app will determine the development effort.

Furthermore, your geography and the demand-supply equations in your local labor market will determine your manpower cost. Some skills may be constrained hence, you might need more time to hire. The local labor market might treat some skills as a premium, therefore, the hourly rate will be higher.

With this approach being a full-fledged development project, you might need to get professional help. Check our guide “How to find the best software development company?” to know what capabilities a development partner should have.

DevTeam.Space provides professional hybrid software development services to its clients through its field-expert software developer community vetted for expertise in all the latest technologies. You can easily partner with these competent app developers by sending us your app development requirements via this form.

One of our account managers will get back to you to discuss further details on team building, project planning, execution, management, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert my website to a mobile app?

You can either choose to use a free app builder such as Appy Pie for simple essential features, which is limited, or onboard developers from a development company such as DevTeam.Space and create your own app with advanced features. Make sure your developer has experience in creating native and hybrid apps as well as in converting apps. 

Can I make a mobile website?

Creating a website is possible using WordPress and its templates. However, creating a good website requires specific skills including an understanding of JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and React Native, to name but a few. It also requires experience in order to make it stand out and function properly. You should consider onboarding a developer to help you. 

How do you make a website an app?

You will need to hire a developer to help you with the conversion. The process is relatively straightforward but more complex web apps will require specific expertise.


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