How to Build App from Website: A Step-by-Step Guide

The mobile revolution demands that businesses adapt by transitioning from desktop-focused websites to apps, enhancing user engagement and loyalty while increasing brand visibility. 

We at ProCoders know everything about how to build app from website, as many of our partners stay tuned to the trends and work on the mobile responsiveness of their online presence.

Here, we’ll talk about the need to transit and how to do it.

Assessing the Need to Build Mobile App from Website

Before embarking on the development of an app, it’s crucial to assess whether your business truly needs one. This decision should be informed by a variety of factors, including your target audience’s preferences, your industry’s competitive landscape, and your long-term business objectives. Here are key considerations to guide this assessment:

Understanding Your Audience

Determine the primary devices used by your target audience. If analytics indicate that a significant portion of your website traffic comes from mobile users, this suggests a demand for a more optimized, app-based way to interact with your brand.

Competitive Advantage

Examine your competitors. If they have mobile apps that are enhancing their customer engagement and loyalty, not having an application could put you at a disadvantage. An application can provide a direct channel to your customers and a personalized experience that a website alone might not offer.

Enhancing User Experience

A mobile app can significantly improve the user experience (UX) by offering faster load times, offline access, and device-specific functionality (like push notifications, camera integration, and GPS). If these features can provide value to your users, developing an application could be a beneficial move.

Business Goals

Consider your long-term business goals. If expanding your market reach, increasing engagement, and boosting sales are priorities, a mobile app can be a powerful tool to achieve these objectives.

Obstacles on the Way

“There are certain complexities in mobile app development due to the stringent payment restrictions on Google and Apple’s app stores. As is well known, both platforms require that all transactions go through them, taking a percentage of the revenue. Therefore, one of the key aspects of mobile app development is the legal aspect, which may or may not allow the realization of the project idea.”

Svitlana Shevchenko

ProCoders Front-end Developer

Benefits of Having a Mobile App from Website

• Improved Accessibility: Apps offer users the convenience of accessing your services with just a tap on their smartphone.
• Enhanced Customer Engagement: Mobile apps allow for more interactive and engaging user experiences.
• Increased Visibility: Being present on app stores improves brand visibility and can attract new customers.
• Direct Marketing Channel: Apps serve as a direct marketing channel, allowing for targeted promotions and notifications.
• Data Collection and Personalization: Apps can collect valuable user data (with consent), enabling personalized experiences and insights into user behavior.
• Native Function Integration: Apps can Integration with a phone’s native functions, such as the camera, GPS, accelerometer, use of FaceID, and so on.
• Push Notifications: Apps can send instant updates and alerts directly to a user’s device, enhancing engagement and interaction, capabilities not available through web versions.
• Integration with Other Apps: Apps can seamlessly connect and share data with other applications on the device, enabling a more cohesive and efficient user experience across services.

Choosing the Right Platform to Build an App from a Website

Selecting the right platform for development is a critical step in the process. The choice between native, hybrid, and web apps, as well as the decision to use no-code platforms, depends on various factors, including budget, time constraints, and specific application requirements.

Native Apps

Native apps are developed specifically for one platform (iOS or Android) using platform-specific programming languages. They offer the best performance and user experience but require more time and resources to develop.

Hybrid Apps

Hybrid apps are developed using web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, then wrapped in a native container to run on multiple platforms. They offer a balance between cost and functionality, making them suitable for projects with moderate performance requirements and tighter budgets.

“Here, it’s worth mentioning that this approach primarily provides a more unified solution, allowing for the use of identical functional components between the mobile and web versions. This, in turn, offers the opportunity to save on development costs, reduce the amount of code, and swiftly release updates and functional enhancements.”
Svitlana Shevchenko, ProCoders Front-end Developer

Web Apps

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are web applications that use modern web capabilities to provide a user experience similar to that of mobile apps. They are accessible through browsers and can be a cost-effective solution for businesses looking to improve their mobile presence without a full solution.

No-Code Building Platforms

No-code platforms allow for development without traditional coding, making them accessible to non-technical users. While they offer speed and simplicity, they may lack the customization and performance capabilities of custom-developed apps.

How ProCoders Can Assist

At ProCoders, we understand that choosing the right development path is pivotal. Our approach involves:

• Consultation and Analysis: We start by understanding your business needs, target audience, and desired application functionalities.
• Expert Recommendation: Leveraging our extensive experience, we recommend the most suitable platform based on your specific requirements, budget, and timeline.
• Customized Development: Whether it’s a native, hybrid, or web app, or even leveraging a no-code platform, ProCoders tailors the development process to meet your objectives, ensuring a product that not only aligns with your vision but also stands out in the market.

Choosing the right platform to create mobile app from website is not just about the technology; it’s about aligning with your business strategy to maximize the return on your investment. ProCoders is here to guide you through this decision-making process, ensuring that your journey from website to mobile app is both strategic and seamless.

Step-by-Step Process to Create a Mobile App from Website

Transforming your website into a mobile solution involves a clear, structured process. Here’s a step-by-step guide that outlines the seven critical stages of converting your website into a mobile app, highlighting the simplicity and effectiveness of each step.

Step 1: Define Your App’s Purpose and Goals

Start by identifying the core functionalities and features of your website that you want to include in your product. Consider what additional features can enhance the mobile experience, such as push notifications or offline access. Defining clear objectives for your application will guide the development process.

Step 2: Analyze Your Target Audience

Understand the preferences and behaviors of your target audience. This analysis will help you decide on the design and features of your app, ensuring it meets user expectations and enhances their experience.

Step 3: Choose the Development Approach

Decide whether you’ll go for a native, hybrid, or web app based on your budget, timeline, and the complexity of the features you need. Each approach has its advantages and is suitable for different types of projects.

Step 4: Design the App

This step involves creating the app’s user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design. The design should be intuitive and engaging, with a focus on ease of use. Consider the navigation, color scheme, and how you’ll adapt your website content for the mobile screens.

Step 5: Develop the App

With the design in place, move on to the development. This phase involves writing the code and integrating the necessary APIs and services. Whether you’re building the solution in-house or outsourcing, ensure that the development process aligns with your defined goals.

Step 6: Test the App

Testing is crucial to ensure the application works flawlessly across different devices and operating systems. Conduct thorough testing, including functional testing, usability testing, and performance testing to identify and fix any issues.

Step 7: Launch and Market Your App

Once your application passes the testing phase, it’s time to launch it on the app stores. Prepare an effective marketing strategy to promote your application and attract users.

App Store Optimization (ASO) and Submission Guidelines

After you create app from mobile website, successfully launching it on the Apple App Store and Google Play requires careful adherence to their unique rules and submission guidelines. App Store Optimization (ASO) plays a crucial role in ensuring your application stands out in a crowded marketplace. Here’s an overview:

Apple App Store Guidelines

• Design Quality: Apple places a high emphasis on the design and user experience of apps. Your application must be intuitive, provide valuable content, and have a polished look.
• Privacy: Apps must comply with strict privacy guidelines, including transparent data usage policies and obtaining user consent for data collection.
• Functionality: Apps should be fully functional, bug-free, and offer genuine utility to users.

Google Play Guidelines

• Content Policy: Apps must adhere to Google’s content policies, avoiding inappropriate content and ensuring they’re suitable for the intended audience.
• Security: Google requires apps to follow best practices for data security and privacy.
• Performance: Apps should be stable, perform well, and provide a consistent user experience across different devices.

ASO Strategies

• Keywords: Research and use relevant keywords in your app’s title and description to improve its discoverability.
• Visuals: High-quality screenshots and a compelling icon can significantly impact download rates.
• Ratings and Reviews: Encourage positive reviews and ratings, as these affect your app’s visibility and appeal to potential users.

ProCoders’ Assistance

ProCoders offers expert assistance in navigating the complexities of ASO and the app submission process. Our team can help:

• Optimize your app’s metadata (title, description, and keywords) for better visibility.
• Ensure your application complies with the specific requirements of each platform, reducing the risk of rejection.
• Provide guidance on effective strategies to collect user feedback and manage ratings and reviews.

Pros and Cons of Converting a Website into an App

Transforming a website into a mobile app offers numerous advantages but also presents certain challenges. ProCoders is dedicated to helping businesses navigate these aspects effectively.

Advantages

• Enhanced User Experience: Mobile apps often provide a more engaging and user-friendly experience compared to websites, particularly on mobile devices.
• Improved Performance: Apps typically load faster and can offer offline access to content, making them more convenient for users on the go.
• Direct Communication Channel: Push notifications allow for direct communication with users, enhancing engagement and retention.
• Brand Presence: Having an application can increase your brand’s presence and visibility, potentially opening up new marketing channels.

Potential Drawbacks

• Development Cost: Developing an appication can be more costly than maintaining a website, especially if you aim for a presence on multiple platforms.
• Ongoing Maintenance: Apps require regular updates and maintenance to fix bugs, update content, and comply with the latest operating system standards.
• Market Saturation: Standing out in a crowded app marketplace can be challenging and may require significant marketing efforts.

ProCoders’ Expertise and Support

At ProCoders, we understand the intricacies of converting websites into mobile apps. Our expertise ensures that businesses can leverage the benefits while mitigating the drawbacks. We offer:

• Strategic planning to align app development with business goals and user needs.
• Cost-effective development solutions, including choosing the right platform and development approach to fit your budget.
• Ongoing support for maintenance, updates, and optimization to ensure your application remains competitive and compliant with platform standards.

With ProCoders, you have a partner committed to transforming your website into a mobile app that not only meets but exceeds your expectations, ensuring a smooth transition and a successful mobile presence.

Conclusion

Transforming your website into a mobile solution presents a tremendous opportunity to elevate your digital presence and connect with your audience on a deeper level. ProCoders, with its decade of experience and a track record of success, is the ideal partner to guide you through this journey. Our team of experts is dedicated to delivering customized solutions that not only meet but exceed your expectations, ensuring your application is a powerful tool for growth in today’s mobile-centric world.

Embrace the future of digital interaction and opt to build app from website. With ProCoders, you’re not just adapting to the digital age—you’re setting the pace for it. Let’s embark on this transformative journey together, creating mobile solutions that drive success and innovation.