How to Convert Website to Android App?
Taking your business online starts with building a website. But you know it clearly that a site is just not enough in this age where smartphones rule. There are tons of reason why people go for an app even if they had a Website that serves the same purpose.
A successful business is defined with customer engagement followed by sales it generates. And a website cannot yield full customer engagement.
A study conducted by Sweor states that 39% of users stop engaging when a website takes too long to load. Surprisingly, too long is not really that long.
Whereas, an app has better solutions for engaging a user with the app. Apps reside in users mobile devices including tablets and mobile phones, which makes it easier for users to access your online service. Moreover, you can send push notifications to re-engage your users back with the app.
Building an app for your website
You can convert your website into an app using different ways.
#1 Convert to native apps
Pros of a native app
The native app has a lot of advantages. Like, it can utilize the features of the local device. And you can build an app for both iOS and Android Devices.
Moreover, native apps are reliable and can be integrated well with hardware in which they run on.
And here are some online native app builder which you could rely on
Appmaker: Appmaker lets you build native apps for your WordPress & WooCommerce website. They offer full feature customization and a Dashboard for managing the app.
TMStore: TmStore offers native apps for eCommerce websites build on WooCommerce.
MobiLoud: Mobiloud lets you convert your WordPress website into native mobile apps. Just like the other app builders mentioned above, MobiLoud allows you to send push notifications and can integrate the app with Google Analytics.
Challenges in building a native App
Well, Creating a native app can cost you an amount ranging from $1000-$ 50,000. And finally, when you are done with developing the app, proper marketing needs to be done so that people download your app from AppStore/ PlayStore.
#2 Convert to Web view apps
The WebView component in Android helps you build web-based apps for your website. These apps display your site just like a native app.
The background process here is, WebView apps display the website in the Chrome Window which is made possible with the support of JavaScipt.
If you are not willing to spend so much money building a native app, web view apps are one best solution.
Here are some online tools with which you can convert your website into Web view Android apps.
Appmaker: This tool lets you convert your website into Apk’s with zero codings. The features provided by this WebView app builder includes push notifications, Admob Integration, and app analytics.
Creating a web view app with appmaker takes only three steps.
- Upload an icon and name
2. Enter the Website URL
3. Set a Splash Screen
If you have a progressive web app, you can convert it to an Android app using PWA2APK and upload it to PlayStore. The tool lets you customize your app by adding a splash screen and an app icon and name.
Here is a Sample Android app of a PWA build using PWA2APK
AppGyser: Appgyser is a free online tool to create web view Apps. You can choose the option ‘website’ as the template and enter your sites URL. You can give an app name and select an app icon for your app. After that, you will be directed to Appgyser’s dashboard where you can download the APK.
APKBuilder: Just as the other web view app builders mentioned above APKbuilder lets you convert a website into Android app and upload it to PlayStore.
AppYet: AppYet lets you convert your website into webView apps in minutes. All you have to do is create an account, give a name for the app, enter the URL and upload an icon for your App. It’s done.
You can download your APK from the link which they send you through the Mail.
AppsEazy: AppsEazy is an online app builder, with which you can convert your website into web view apps. The tool is code free. They offer both paid and free web app. You can download the app from the link they send you to your registered mobile number.
Final Words
An app is always the best option if you want more conversions and user engagement. You can go for native apps if quality matters. Because native apps are known for their performance. They work well on all devices and are secured.
If the app building cost is bothersome, and you don’t mind the quality of the app, WebApps are recommended.
Webview apps need no maintenance; A WebView app needn’t be updated from the user’s device because the pages of the app reside at your server. With such a feature you can update your app, fix bugs and add new features without interrupting your users. And at the same time, whatever changes that you make into your website is reflected in the Apk. And it comes with all the features just as such a desktop browser. Like, you can manage the history, cookies and yes HTML5 is supported.
