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How to Convert Your Website into an Android & iPhone App?

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The digital identity of your brand and business has two critical components – website and mobile app. As your prospects get to know about your business and services, the first thing they do is look for your website to know more about you. Your website acts as the introduction to your business and builds authenticity.

Once the prospects or customers are aware of a business and start trusting them enough to consider a purchase, they will definitely go looking for a mobile app. The popularity of mobile apps is demonstrated by the fact that the global leader in eCommerce, Amazon, attributes 85% of its mobile activity to its app.

However, as a small or even medium-sized business owner, it can be a bit of a challenge to invest resources in creating a mobile app from scratch. Such projects may take months, even years sometimes, and, of course, a good amount of financial investment for successful completion. Appy Pie, in its mission to democratize technology, offers an affordable solution that requires no coding and very little time investment – a website to app converter which lets you convert your website into an Android and iOS app.

The significance of converting websites into mobile applications cannot be overstated, especially considering the critical role of mobile website builders in this process. As of the latest reports, over 90% of internet users access the web through their mobile devices, showcasing a clear shift towards mobile-first digital consumption.

This pivot underscores the necessity for businesses to adapt by transforming their websites into Android and iOS applications to enhance user engagement, improve accessibility, and ultimately, drive growth.

What is Appy Pie Website Converter?

Appy Pie Website Converter stands out as a revolutionary tool designed to simplify the transformation of websites into fully functional mobile applications easing the process of mobile application development.

This platform caters to users with minimal to no coding expertise, enabling them to convert their websites into apps for both Android and iOS devices effortlessly.

The process is meticulously designed to be both streamlined and intuitive, offering a seamless series of steps that enable customization, feature integration, and the incorporation of sophisticated functionalities. This is achieved without necessitating extensive technical expertise.

Appy Pie stands out as a holistic solution to how to make a website an app by elevating user engagement, enhancing accessibility, or broadening its digital presence. It offers a straightforward pathway to transforming a website into a fully functional app, catering to a range of needs from basic enhancements to complex feature integrations.

How to Choose Between an Android or an iOS App?

Deciding whether to develop an Android or iOS app depends on several factors that align with your business objectives, target audience, and budgetary constraints. Here’s how to make an informed decision:

1. Target Audience: Understanding your target audience’s preferences and device usage patterns is crucial and will help convert the website to an app. Android holds a larger global market share, offering wider reach, especially in trending markets. iOS users, on the other hand, are typically found in higher income brackets, particularly in Western countries, and tend to spend more on in-app purchases.
2. Development Cost and Time: iOS apps are generally faster and less costly to develop due to a more standardized device ecosystem. Android app development can be more time-consuming and expensive due to the vast variety of devices and screen sizes.
3. Revenue Model: If your revenue model relies on in-app purchases or subscriptions, iOS may be the preferred platform, as Apple users are more likely to purchase. However, if you plan on generating revenue through ads, Android could provide a broader audience.
4. App Store Approval and Policies: Apple’s App Store has stricter approval guidelines and policies compared to Google Play Store. This can impact your launch timeline and require additional considerations during development.
5. Maintenance and Updates: Android apps may require more frequent updates and maintenance due to the diversity of devices and operating systems. iOS apps, while not entirely free of maintenance needs, typically face fewer compatibility issues.

Why convert your website into an app?

It’s a valid question. Before we address the question – how to turn a website into an app, let’s evaluate why we should do it. Yes, we have talked about the fact that mobile apps are almost a necessity for any modern business, but it is time to get into the details and find the top reasons why you should convert your website into an Android and iOS mobile app.

Meet user expectations

Everyone is always on their mobile phones, and the chances of them going for repeat business is higher for mobile apps than websites. A mobile app encourages a more lasting relationship between the customers and the business by meeting the expectations of a modern-day busy customer.

Enhance user experience

The user experience of a mobile user is enhanced manifold as they can access the mobile app with just a single click. Web pages, on the other hand, come with multiple distractions in the form of additional tabs that the user may have opened.

Gain user loyalty and enhance engagement

As the user experience is so much better, naturally, the engagement levels of the users are greater on an app than on websites. A mobile app makes the entire experience a little more intimate and personal. This is why mobile apps increase brand loyalty and engagement.

Send push notifications

One of the most effective ways to stay in touch with your customers is through push notifications. Mobile apps let you send out timely and targeted push notifications announcing any new deals, discounts, or offers. This is also a great way to bring back inactive users to your business.

Presence on the app store

People go looking for services or businesses on the app stores and having your business appear on the search results. This gives you an added channel of exposure to the right kind of audience.

Enhanced SEO

Having a mobile app definitely gives your SEO efforts a big push as it helps your business appear higher on search engine results on search engines like Google. And, we all know how much those rankings on search engines matter.

Native feature integrations

This is one of the most significant advantages you get with a mobile app. A mobile app lets you integrate native mobile app features like camera, GPS, phone contacts, etc., which genuinely enhances the functioning and experience of your mobile app – a feature web browsers do not have.

How to Convert the Website to an Android App?

Converting a website into an Android app allows businesses to reach a broader audience, leverage the capabilities of mobile devices, and improve user engagement. The process involves a series of steps that ensure your web content is optimally displayed and functional on Android devices.

Assess Website Mobile Responsiveness

Before conversion, it’s essential to ensure that your website is mobile-responsive. A mobile-responsive website automatically adjusts its layout, content, and functionalities to fit the screen size of various devices, providing an optimal user experience. In case you want to make a website responsive, you can consider options like an AI responsive website builder or a mobile website builder. Such website design software ensures that your website is mobile-friendly and easy to navigate.

Choose a Website Conversion Tool or a Platform

Several tools and platforms can convert a website into an Android app without requiring extensive coding knowledge. Appy Pie’s Website Converter is a popular choice due to its user-friendly interface and versatile features. Other platforms include WebView in Android Studio, which allows for more customization but requires basic programming skills. Later in this blog, we will learn how to convert a website to an app for free via Appy Pie.

Customize the App Design

Customization is crucial for creating a unique app that reflects your brand identity. This involves setting up navigation menus, choosing color schemes, and adding features like push notifications, location services, or integration with other apps and services. Customization also includes optimizing the app’s performance to ensure fast loading times and smooth operation.

Add Essential Features

-Determine which website features are crucial to include in your app.
-Consider incorporating mobile-specific functionalities like push notifications or integrating GPS into the app.

Test Your App

Testing is an essential step to identify and fix any issues before launching your app. Use Android emulators and real devices to test your app’s functionality, usability, and performance. Pay attention to the app’s responsiveness, loading times, and compatibility with various Android versions and devices.

Publish Your App

Once your app is tested and ready, the final step is to publish it on the Google Play Store. This involves creating a Google developer account, preparing app listings (including descriptions, screenshots, and privacy policies), and setting up monetization options if applicable. Follow Google’s guidelines for app submission to ensure a smooth approval process.

A Detailed Step-By-Step Guide To Convert Website to Mobile App (Android)

With the technology advancing, who could have imagined that it costs nothing more than a website and a few minutes to convert a website into an app. This breakthrough simplifies the digital transformation process, making it accessible to anyone looking to expand their online presence. Whether you’re aiming to create an Android app for your online store or wish to digitalize your digital marketing agency, the process is now as easy as pie. So, let’s get started.

Visit Appy Pie’s landing page for converting a website to an app from this link and enter your website’s URL. Then, select ‘Convert my website’.

Now, choose your favorite color scheme from the options below.

Here, select the device you want to test your app on. Because you are creating an Android app, you are most likely going to test your app on an Android device first.

Sign Up if you are new to Appy Pie, or else log in with your existing account. Then hit ‘Save & Continue’.

Add desired features to your app such as color theme, app layout, app elements, and more. Here you can alter the look and feel of your app by customizing it as per your needs.

Now, test your app on multiple devices to ensure smooth navigation and functionality of your mobile app. Although testing is optional, however, it is recommended by Appy Pie Experts to test the app before publishing to point out any bugs or errors. Upon testing, click on ‘Publish Your App’.

Hurray! You have successfully converted your website into an Android App. Now get ready to launch it on Google Play Store and welcome new customers.

Learn how can I publish my Android app by myself through a simple FAQ guide.

How to Convert the Website to an iOS App?

To convert the website to an iOS app can significantly enhance the user experience for Apple device users, offering them a more integrated and efficient way to access your content or services.

Evaluate Your Website’s Compatibility

Similar to the Android conversion process, start by ensuring your website is optimized for mobile devices. This includes checking for responsive design and ensuring that all web functionalities work seamlessly on iOS devices.

Choose Appropriate Conversion Tools

Platforms such as Appy Pie also support iOS app creation, providing a no-code solution for those without programming skills to convert your website into an app. Choosing the right tool depends on your technical expertise and specific needs.

Customize App for iOS Users

Customizing your app for iOS involves adapting the design to match iOS interface guidelines, implementing features like Apple Pay or Siri shortcuts, and optimizing the app’s performance on iOS devices. This step is crucial to create an app that feels native to the iOS ecosystem.

Test the App

Testing on iOS devices and simulators is essential to ensure the app functions correctly across different device models and iOS versions. Focus on testing user interactions, payment gateways, and app stability to address any issues before release.

To publish your app on the App Store, you need to enroll in the Apple Developer Program. Prepare your app for submission by gathering the necessary metadata, creating an App Store listing, and adhering to Apple’s review guidelines. Once submitted, your app will go through Apple’s review process before it becomes available on the App Store.

Here’s a simplified guide to making an Apple Developer Account.

Step-By-Step Guide to Convert Website to iOS App

Extending your online presence to mobile apps is not just an option but a necessity for growth and enhanced user engagement. With the right tools and approach, converting your website into an iOS app is straightforward, offering a seamless transition for your users from web to mobile. Without further ado, let’s begin!

Go to Appy Pie’s ‘Convert Your Website Into an App’ page and enter your website’s URL. Upon filling in the URL, hit ‘Convert my website.

Choose your desired color scheme from the given options. You may also select between ‘Light or Dark’ mode of your choice.

Select iOS as the app testing device as we are heading to create an iOS app.

Click on ‘Tap to Launch’

Here, you can see that a ‘Website Feature’ has been added to your app. Now, click ‘Save & Continue’.

Select ‘Manage App’ where you’ll land on the main dashboard of your App.

Then, choose ‘Edit’ to add essential features to your app. You will see in the following images about what features could be added and how easy it is to alter the app elements, app layout, etc.

Once, you’ve added the desired features, click on the ‘App Dashboard’ button present at the top right.

Now that you are done with adding the necessary features, test your app thoroughly to look out for sneaky bugs or errors. Testing will give you a real-time preview of your app and allow you to make the required changes.

As a final step to making an iOS app, click on ‘Publish Your App’ and watch it go live for your favorite and new customers.

After you’ve published your app, you’ll be able to publish your iOS on the App Store, a platform offered by Apple to publish apps.

FAQs

Q1: Do I need coding skills to convert my website into an app?

No, coding skills are not necessary if you use no-code platforms like Appy Pie. However, for more customized solutions, basic programming knowledge might be beneficial.

Q2: How long does it take to convert a website into an app?

The time required varies based on the complexity of your website and the level of customization you desire. Using no-code platforms can take a few minutes to a few hours, while custom development might take weeks or months.

Q3: Will my app automatically update with changes made to my website?

Yes, if your app is essentially a wrapper for your website, it will reflect changes made to your website in real-time. For apps built with more complex functionalities, manual updates may be required to sync new content or features.

Q4: How does the website-to-app conversion process work?

The conversion process involves a few simple steps:

• Enter your website URL.
• Choose a color scheme that matches your brand.
• Select a test device.
• Add your desired features.
• Customize the look and feel of your app.
• Test your app on real devices.
• Launch your app on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Q5: What are the key features to include when converting a website into an app?

Key features to consider include:

• Website to App Convertor for easy conversion.
• Form Builder for creating appointment and inquiry forms.
• Contact features for easy communication.
• Push Notifications for sending alerts and information.
• App Analytics for analyzing user behavior and app performance.
• Chat support for providing instant help to users.

Q6: What are the benefits of converting my website into an app?

Converting your website into an app offers several benefits, including:

• Improved visibility and brand perception.
• Constant connectivity with customers.
• Faster operation than traditional websites.
• Enhanced user engagement and conversion rates.
• Ability to utilize native device features.
• New branding opportunities through mobile presence.

Q7: Why should I choose Appy Pie’s website to app converter?

Appy Pie is chosen by over 10 million businesses worldwide for its simplicity, range of features, and affordability. It requires no coding, saves time and money compared to traditional app development, offers high-level security, and world-class support, and enables offline capabilities in apps.

Q8: Can I convert my website into an app for free?

Yes, Appy Pie offers a free trial that allows you to start the conversion process. For full capabilities and publishing your app on app stores, you would need to select one of their subscription plans.

Q9: How do I ensure my app stays updated with my website content?

Appy Pie’s platform automatically syncs your website content with your app, ensuring real-time updates and a seamless user experience without the need for manual intervention.

Q10: What kind of support can I expect from Appy Pie?

Appy Pie provides 24/7 support with a team of highly skilled professionals dedicated to delivering quality assistance and ensuring your app development process is smooth and efficient.