Convert the website into mobile app for Android: 7 steps

Some fifteen years ago many business owners were sceptical about creating websites. They doubted it was beneficial for business development. Today it’s out of the question. Effective website is one of the key factors for business success. Doubts switched to mobile applications. Is website enough or it should be turned into an app? Let’s think about it.

Millions of people around the world find it hard to let go off their smartphones and tablets. About 51% of Internet traffic is already on mobile devices, that is something. Desktop versions of websites keep being important, but they have no online monopoly anymore.

Responsive web design solves the problem for mobile users up to some degree. It is the way of coding and designing a website that makes it resize and rearrange itself to fit different types of devices with various desktops. It does the trick, but is often a solution far from perfect.

Why exactly converting a website into an Android app is a good idea

Responsive websites are user-friendly and convenient, but they are not “native” for portable devices. It means that some possibilities may be limited comparing to applications. Most mobile websites use javascript code that runs slower than frameworks for mobile apps. It makes reaching information on the app much more prompt.

Though responsive websites are cross-platform and have lower cost of development and promotion, there are significant advantages of Android apps that should be considered:

• Native integration with Android platform for better performance.
• Full interaction with users including Push-notifications.
• Offline mode allowing users to stay tuned even with no connection.
• Convenient user interface habitual for users of Android devices.
• Multi-touch feature only available in the native apps.

Of course, it doesn’t mean that each and every website needs to be turned into an Android app. Depends on the goals that are to be achieved. It also makes sense to check web analytics data to see how many users enter the website from mobile devices. But as a general rule, customers go mobile. Market leaders do too.

7 steps to keep in mind while converting a website into an Android app

There are resources that can turn a website into an app automatically, but it doesn’t mean that engaging software developers is unnecessary. Websites and Android apps have different structures, but well as different communication with server and database. To make sure everything works fine, it is essential to rely on someone who knows how it is done.

The whole process of converting a website into an Android app can be divided into 7 steps. Following them the owner can save time and eliminate pitfalls on the way.

1. Set a goal

Analyze the market and define what type of application can benefit business. It may duplicate the website or be an additional tool for business. Be as clear as possible.

2. Determine functionality

Some features of websites are excessive for mobile apps. Make a list of operations that should be available through the application. Note that simplicity is handy and trendy.

3. Provide user story

It is a detailed feature list that can help developers understand how the website works and how customers use it. It helps finding the best way of implementing the desired functionality.

4. Get the cost estimate

The estimate depends on complexity of the project and number of features to be integrated. It may sound obvious, but it is a substantial step, isn’t it?

5. UI/UX design and prototyping

Color scheme may be the same as one of the website, but interface and user experience design need to be planned and prototyped in advance.

6. Let developers work their magic

Whether the software development approach is waterfall or agile, developers need time to play with technology and make it all work. Discuss the time frames and wait.

7. Test and promote

Make sure the mobile app is done as planned and let it be downloaded from Google Play. This step is more of a promotion process beginning. Take time to make it really count.

Of course, there is no unique recipe for making an Android app from an existing website and promoting it. However, these steps can help as general milestones on the way. Keep that in mind to eliminate pitfalls, save time and energy. The result will follow.

Originally published at https://qoderoom.com