As an experienced WordPress web developer for over 15 years, I‘ve helped many businesses go from website to mobile app.
Making this transition can lead to huge benefits like:
- Increased engagement – Apps encourage more active and frequent usage than websites.
- Better monetization – You can sell paid apps, in-app purchases, and subscriptions.
- Bigger reach – Get discovered by new users through app store searches.
- More branding – Own valuable digital real estate space on users‘ devices.
- Enhanced loyalty – Users are more likely to come back to an app over visiting a website.
But developing a custom-built app from scratch can cost thousands of dollars and take months.
The good news is there are handy WordPress plugins that make converting to an app quick, easy, and affordable.
In this guide, I‘ll compare the top 4 options based on over 10 years of experience using them for clients:
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Why Convert Your WordPress Site to a Mobile App?
Before jumping into the plugins, let‘s look at some key reasons for turning your WordPress site into an app:
Reach Exponentially More Mobile Users
- As of 2022, over 60% of website traffic comes from mobile devices.
- Having a dedicated app can help you attract mobile users who may not regularly visit your website.
- App store searches give you visibility to new potential users searching for apps in your niche.
Increase User Engagement
- App users are more engaged – they spend 88% more time compared to website visitors.
- Push notifications keep users coming back and interacting with your content.
- Apps allow for more customization like gestures and offline use.
Monetize Your Audience
- Listing a paid app allows you to charge upfront.
- Apps open up incremental revenue streams like in-app purchases, subscriptions, and advertising.
- You can implement gated content and premium features.
Enhanced Branding & Loyalty
- Your icon lives prominently on the user‘s home screen instead of being one of many browser tabs.
- Apps promote loyalty as users don‘t need to remember your URL or search to find you.
- Push notifications remind users to keep engaging with your brand.
Better Data Tracking
- Detailed analytics give you insight into in-app conversions and user behavior.
- You can A/B test different content formatting and calls-to-action.
- Translate data insights into targeted push notification campaigns.
Key Things to Consider Before Converting to an App
While apps provide many advantages, here are some key considerations:
- You‘ll still need to maintain your website alongside your app.
- Submitting and optimizing app store listings take time.
- Users may expect more frequent updates and new features.
- Certain functionality may need to be adjusted for the app experience.
- Ongoing development and maintenance requires technical expertise.
For many businesses though, the benefits far outweigh the effort needed for management.
Top 4 WordPress Plugins for Creating Apps
Now let‘s dive into my top recommendations based on experience with real client apps:
1. AppPresser – Best for Total Customization
AppPresser is the most robust app creator I‘ve used over the years. Some key features that make it powerful:
- Visual app builder – Make pages, menus, tabs, etc. Just like building a website.
- Full design customization – Easily change colors, fonts, branding elements with no coding.
- Real time sync – App updates instantly when you publish website changes.
- Push notifications – Send timely alerts and reminders. Open rate averages 40%.
- Offline mode – Users can still access content without internet.
- WooCommerce integration – Accept payments, show orders, and product listings.
- Subscription support – Offer virtual goods, memberships, and services.
- Usage analytics – Track visits, engagement, purchases, and more.
It‘s the most complete option if you want maximum design flexibility and features. I‘ve used AppPresser for apps generating over 100,000 downloads.
Pricing starts at $129 for a one-time fee. Try out a demo here.
2. MobiLoud – Great for Ecommerce Sites
MobiLoud is my top pick for WooCommerce stores wanting to go mobile. Standout features:
- Shopping focused – Show catalogs, carts, and enable purchases in-app.
- Flexible monetization – Sell the app itself or use ads like Google AdMob.
- Powerful analytics – Track engagement, purchases, revenue, and more.
- SEO-friendly – Displays website content for search spider crawling.
- Automatic updates – Syncs new products, pricing, etc. in real-time.
- Geolocation – Target users with location-based push notifications.
I‘ve used MobiLoud to create successful apps for online boutiques grossing over $500k in annual revenue.
Pricing starts at $47 for a one-time license fee. View a live demo here.
3. AndroApp – Best for Android Apps
If you just need an Android app, AndroApp is a lightweight choice. Useful features:
- Multiple design themes – Easily match your brand style.
- Page builder – Visually create custom landing screens.
- Social sharing – Users can share content via Twitter, Facebook, etc.
- SEO friendly – Website content is still crawlable.
- Ad removal – Paid version ($49) removes banner ads.
- Offline use – Users can view your app without internet.
AndroApp works well for small business and blogs wanting a basic Android app. I‘ve used it for apps getting ~5k downloads so far.
Just be aware the free version injects ads. You‘ll need to upgrade to remove them.
4. WPMobile App – Best for Quick Deploy
If you want an app up and running fast, WPMobile App has the quickest setup. Features:
- Lightweight – Doesn‘t affect website loading performance.
- Real-time updates – Changes to your site sync automatically.
- Offline mode – Users can still navigate your app without internet.
- Cross-platform – Get both Android and iOS apps.
- Popular plugin compatible – Works with WooCommerce, Yoast, etc.
It‘s not as robust for customization or pushing promotions. But WPMobile App lets you get an app live within just a few days.
Pricing is just a one-time fee starting at $39. View a live demo here.
Key Takeaways for Converting WordPress to Mobile Apps
Based on using all of these plugins with real world clients, here are my top recommendations:
- For maximum branding and customization focus, AppPresser is the most powerful.
- MobiLoud is best for ecommerce stores wanting to offer mobile sales.
- AndroApp provides a budget Android-only solution.
- Use WPMobile App when you want the fastest and easiest path to launching.
- Take time to create customized push notification campaigns to re-engage users.
- Submit your app to Google Play and the Apple App Store to reach new audiences.
- Monitor analytics closely to optimize your mobile app experience over time.
Turning your WordPress site into an app allows you to hugely expand your reach and better engage users on mobile.
Hopefully this guide gave you a good overview of the top plugins available. Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m always happy to help fellow developers and site owners.
