Turn Site Into App: A Step-by-step Guide (2025)

Introduction

With mobile phone usage at an all-time high, simply having a website for your business no longer meets the growing demands of today’s mobile-driven consumers. In fact, according to Emarketer, mobile phone users spend around 88% of their time inside apps. This change in consumer behavior emphasizes how crucial it is to maximize your company’s visibility on mobile platforms, as websites fall short of offering this level of interaction and features.  If you already have a well-established website, you should turn site into app to significantly enhance user experience.

Contrary to popular belief, converting a website to a mobile app has become easier, more cost-effective, and more efficient than ever before. A mobile application offers tailored, faster, and seamless interaction, which leads to increased conversion rates, higher user engagement, and stronger customer loyalty. Furthermore, leveraging mobile app features like push notifications, real-time updates, and personalized content helps foster deeper connections with users and provide a more convenient experience. This strategic shift will not only improve your brand’s overall performance but also give you a competitive advantage in a mobile-driven market, ensuring you remain relevant and responsive to customer needs.

Whether you run an online ecommerce store, a service-based business, or a content-driven platform, transitioning to a mobile app can unlock a world of untapped opportunities. 

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty and find out How to turn any website into an App in 2025.

Why Do You Need a Mobile App?

With around 70% of the world’s population using smartphones, mobile apps have revolutionized the way businesses interact with customers. Studies show that a staggering 85% of consumers prefer mobile applications over mobile websites due to their ease of use and personalized user experience. 

Let us dive into the benefits of transitioning from a website to a mobile app.

Build a Stronger Brand

Smartphones offer unmatched convenience and flexibility over computers and laptops, allowing users to interact with apps from anywhere, at any time. Unlike websites, apps maintain a constant presence on mobile home screens, resulting in boosted brand visibility and engagement.

Connect with Customers Better

Having a mobile app allows you to communicate directly with customers through various features like push notifications, in-app messages, and chat support. These features enable real-time interaction with customers, sharing customized offers and resolving their queries instantly. This ability to reach your customers at the right time not only fosters engagement but also builds trust.

Provide Value to Customers

In today’s highly competitive world, customers demand more than just services, or products-they want value. Whether it’s providing special discounts, personalized content, or offline access, a mobile app can help you elevate user experience by offering exclusive benefits that are not available on your website. These additional benefits can provide significant value for your users and turn casual visitors into loyal customers.

Improve Customer Engagement

One of the major advantages of a mobile app is its ability to provide highly personalized marketing. By tracking user behavior, preferences, and location, you can customize content, offers, and product recommendations to individual users. This level of personalization not only enhances the user experience but also helps you increase the effectiveness of your marketing endeavors, leading to higher conversion rates and customer satisfaction.

Personalize a Marketing Channel

Apps collect valuable user data, such as preferences, behaviors, and purchase journeys. By analyzing this data, you can deliver highly personalized content, product recommendations, or promotions directly to customers, increasing the impact of your marketing efforts while improving customer experience.

Improve Customer Interactions

A mobile app allows for smoother and more efficient interactions with your customers. With personalized features, push notifications, and tailored recommendations, a mobile app enables you to create a customized experience that resonates with your users on a deeper level. The convenience and simplicity of a mobile app lead to more positive customer experiences, which in turn fosters higher retention rates.

Capitalize on a Niche

If you’re targeting a specific audience or niche market, a mobile app provides an excellent way to deliver tailored experiences. Whether you’re offering specialized content, services, or products, an app enables you to cater to the different needs and requirements of your target audience. This level of customization will help you stand out in front of competitors and attract loyal customers.

Utilize Social Media Channels

Social media is an integral part of modern marketing, and mobile apps can help you leverage this powerful tool. By integrating social sharing features within your app, users can easily share products, content, or promotions with their networks, increasing your brand’s reach. The social proof generated through user-generated content also helps build trust and drive new customer acquisition.

Improve Customer Loyalty

There is no doubt a mobile app can be a game changer for boosting customer loyalty. Through integrated loyalty programs, exclusive offers, and personalized experiences, you can encourage repeat purchases and build stronger, long-term relationships with your customers. By making it easier for customers to earn rewards and access personalized deals, you’ll enhance their overall satisfaction and encourage them to return time and again.

Boost Profits

When it comes to driving revenue, mobile apps offer significant advantages over websites. With features like in-app purchases, subscription models, and one-click payments, apps streamline the buying process and reduce friction. In addition, mobile apps allow you to target high-value customers with personalized offers, which increases the likelihood of conversions and drives higher average order values.

Three Ways to Convert Your Website to an App

There are several approaches to turning your website into a fully functional mobile app depending on different business needs, budgets, and timelines. Below are three primary methods to consider when making the transition from website to app:

1. Hire Developers or a Development Agency to Rebuild Your Website as a Native App

One of the most traditional and comprehensive ways to convert your website into a mobile app is by hiring a development team or agency to rebuild your site as a native app. This approach involves custom-building the app to run specifically on either iOS or Android, ensuring high performance and seamless integration with the mobile device’s features. Native apps tend to offer the best user experience, as they are tailored to the platform and can take full advantage of the device’s capabilities, such as camera access, GPS, and push notifications. However, this method can be resource-intensive, requiring significant time, money, and expertise.

2. Use a DIY App Builder or Website-to-App Converter

For businesses looking to save on development costs or seeking a quicker solution, a DIY app builder or website-to-app converter can be an appealing option. These platforms allow you to convert your existing website into a mobile app without the need of extensive coding knowledge. Many of these tools integrate directly with popular website platforms like Shopify, WordPress, or Wix, enabling you to create an app version of your site using pre-designed templates and simple drag-and-drop features. While this method is more affordable and faster, it may come with limitations in terms of customization, functionality, and scalability.

3. Use a Managed Website-to-App Service

Another option is to enlist the help of a managed website-to-app service. These services provide end-to-end solutions, where they handle the entire process of converting your website into a mobile app for you. This typically involves minimal effort on your part, as the service takes care of everything from design and development to deployment and maintenance. This option is best suited for businesses that prefer a hands-off approach but still want a fully functional and polished app. While it may cost more than using a DIY builder, it often provides a better balance of convenience and quality without the need to hire a full development team.

Another approach is to use a managed website-to-app service, where a third-party provider handles the entire process of converting your website into an app. This option is ideal for businesses that want a hands-off approach but still want a quality, fully functional app. Managed services typically take care of everything—from the initial design and development to app store submissions and updates. While it may come at a higher price point than DIY tools, it can save time and ensure the app meets industry standards without requiring you to oversee the technical details.

Also read: The Economics of App Development: A Guide to Mobile App Development Cost Estimates

Benefits of Converting Your Site to Mobile Apps

As businesses aim to stay relevant in the competitive digital landscape, converting a website to a mobile app can offer a wide array of benefits. Mobile apps allow you to reach your audience in a more direct, personalized way, resulting in stronger customer relationships, enhanced brand visibility, and increased conversions. Below are some of the key benefits of shifting your business from a website to a mobile app:

Improved Customer Engagement

Mobile apps empower brands to engage customers through features like push notifications, in-app messaging, and personalized content. This constant, direct communication allows you to keep your audience informed, remind them of special offers, or inform them about new products. The immediate nature of mobile apps keeps your brand in front of users, leading to more frequent interactions and deeper engagement.

Enhanced Brand Loyalty

One of the major benefits of mobile apps is the ability to foster loyalty through features like in-app rewards, exclusive promotions, and membership programs. By offering these personalized experiences and incentives for consistent engagement, apps help you to build long-term relationships with your customers. On top of that, a user-friendly app can make it easier for customers to return to your brand regularly, as apps provide quicker access and better usability than websites.

Increased Accessibility

Mobile apps are always accessible on users’ devices, even when offline. This functionality is especially important for businesses that provide information or services that need to be available at all times, such as banking apps or e-commerce platforms. With apps, customers can access content without waiting for the web page to load or search for a specific web address.

Offline Capabilities

Unlike websites, mobile apps offer the distinct advantage of working offline. This capability allows users to access specific content, services, or features without needing an active internet connection. Whether it’s viewing previously loaded information or using particular functions, offline access ensures users can stay engaged even when connectivity is limited. This is especially valuable in areas with poor or intermittent internet access, providing a seamless and uninterrupted experience. By enabling offline capabilities, mobile apps offer a more flexible and user-friendly solution, enhancing overall usability and convenience for your customers.

Better User Experience (UX)

A mobile app can be tailored specifically to mobile devices, providing a much smoother and more efficient experience than a website accessed via a browser. With faster load times, offline access, and optimized designs, users will find it easier to navigate and engage with your content. This leads to higher satisfaction and, ultimately, higher conversion rates.

Boosted Sales and Profits

Mobile apps generally lead to higher conversion rates than websites. With faster checkouts, integrated payment systems, and personalized product recommendations, apps streamline the purchasing process, making it easier for users to complete transactions. Additionally, with features like in-app purchases and push notifications for deals, mobile apps can significantly boost your revenue and overall sales.

Other Ways to Make an App Out of a Website

While native apps and PWAs are popular ways to shift a website into a mobile app, there are other alternatives that might be a better fit depending on your business goals and available resources. Here are a few other options you can consider:

• Hybrid Apps:
  Hybrid apps are the perfect combination of web and native apps, offering the best of both worlds. These mobile apps are developed using programming languages such as JavaScript, HTML, as well as CSS, but are packaged into a native app shell for distribution through app stores. With a single codebase, hybrid apps can run on both Android and iOS platforms, making them a cost-effective option for businesses with limited budgets. Even though hybrid apps are cost-effective and versatile, they may not match the performance levels of fully native apps, and complex features may not be as responsive.
  
• App Builders:
  For businesses with minimum technical expertise or budget constraints, app builders are an excellent option. Platforms like HubSpot’s Free Website Builder and AppGyver provide tools that allow you to create basic mobile apps with no coding required. While these platforms make it easy to get started, they may not offer the level of customization or advanced features that native development or PWAs can provide. These tools are suitable for businesses that want to create simple apps with limited functionality quickly and affordably.

Should My Mobile App Be Android or iOS?

Once you’ve decided to convert your website into a mobile app, you need to make an important decision: Should your app be developed for Android, iOS, or both platforms? This decision can significantly impact your app’s reach, cost, and development timeline. Let’s explore the factors that should influence your decision.

Global and Geographic Usage

When deciding between Android and iOS, one of the most important factors to consider is your target audience. Android is the number one mobile operating system used globally, especially in emerging markets. If your business has a broad international reach, you should hire Android app developers to building your app as Android larger user base. iOS, on the other hand, tends to dominate in markets like North America and Europe. iOS users generally have higher disposable incomes, making it a more attractive option for businesses targeting premium markets.

App Store Approval Guidelines

Both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store have their own approval processes for apps. While Google’s approval process is relatively straightforward and less stringent, Apple’s App Store has more strict guidelines. Apple reviews apps for quality, user experience, and content compliance before approving them. This can make the approval process for iOS apps slower and more challenging, though it also ensures a higher quality of apps available on the App Store. You’ll need to factor in the time and effort required to meet both platforms’ guidelines when deciding which route to take.

Having a proper understanding of these key factors will help you make an informed decision about whether to develop for Android, iOS, or both platforms.

Also read: App Development Cost in 2024: A Detailed Guide

Variables to Consider When Transforming Website into App

Transforming website into app involves a careful evaluation of several important variables. These factors will impact the cost, design, and functionality of your app, so it’s important to consider them thoroughly before starting the development process.

Development Cost

App development can be expensive, especially if you are developing a fully native app. Costs can vary widely depending on the complexity of the app, the features required, and whether you develop in-house or hire a third-party developer. On average, native app development can cost between $20,000 to $100,000 or more. It’s essential to establish a clear budget and determine whether your app’s projected ROI justifies the investment.

Screen Size

Mobile apps are designed to be used on smaller screens, so it’s essential to adapt your website’s content and features to ensure a positive user experience. This may involve redesigning the layout, simplifying navigation, and optimizing elements like buttons and text for touch interaction. The design of your app should prioritize mobile usability to ensure users have a seamless experience.

Search Presence

One key difference between websites and mobile apps is that mobile apps generally don’t have the same SEO advantages. Websites can rank well on Google, driving organic traffic. However, apps are mostly discovered through app store searches, which requires app store optimization (ASO) to increase visibility. Keep in mind that while SEO can drive users to your website, ASO will be critical for increasing app downloads.

Also read: 25 Best Mobile App Development Tools & Software for 2024

Turn Site Into App: The Complete Process

Once you’ve determined that turning your site into app is the right move for your business, you’ll need to go through a systematic process to ensure successful development and deployment. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the app conversion process.

1. Determine if you Need a Mobile App

Before you dive into app development, assess whether your business actually requires a mobile app. If your website is already mobile-optimized and doesn’t require advanced features or regular interactions, a mobile app may not be necessary. However, developing an app can be a game changer for companies looking to provide highly customized user experiences, boost engagement, and provide app-specific features like offline access, push notifications, or real-time updates.

2. Create a list of Required Features for your App

Once you have decided to create a mobile app, the next step is defining the crucial features and functionality. Start by outlining the features that provide the most value to your users, such as push notifications, offline access, user logins, and more. This will help you during the development and ensure that your app meets the needs of your target audience.

3. Select a Development Approach

One of the most important steps is to determine whether you want to build the app in-house with your team or outsource the development to a mobile app development firm. There are three main approaches you can take: In-house development, outsourcing development, or using an app development platform: 

• In-house development
  If you have a talented development team, building an app in-house gives you greater control over the development process. This approach enables you to control all the phases of mobile app development from concept to launch, ensuring it meets the company’s goals and objectives. However, in-house development requires a significant amount of time, resources, and expertise.

• App Development Platform 
  Using an app development platform is the best option for companies lacking the resources or the budget for outsourcing an in-house staff development team. Tools like Median and Appy Pie allow you to easily create mobile apps without the need for extensive coding experience.  These platforms provide pre-built templates, drag-and-drop interfaces, and modules that can help you streamline the development process. Although these platforms are quick and cost-effective, the apps can be less flexible and only offer limited features and customization options.
  
• Outsourced App Development
  Hiring an external app development firm or agency is another great option, especially for businesses looking to build a high-quality app without investing in an internal app development team. This allows you to collaborate with seasoned professionals, resulting in faster and more efficient development. Outsourcing can be more expensive than using a platform, but it offers the advantage of a fully customized app tailored to your company’s specific needs and target audience.  

Every approach has its pros and cons, so choose the one that best suits your needs, budget, and technical requirements. 

4. Estimate App Development Costs

To estimate the cost of app development, first, you need to understand the development cost based on the app’s complexity, platform needs, and features. This will help you plan your budget and align your development goals with your company’s objectives. 

The cost of turning site into app can vary significantly depending on several factors such as complexity, platform, features, and whether you choose in-house development or outsource the project. On average:

• Simple Apps: Basic apps with minimal features can cost between $20,000 and $50,000. These may include basic navigation, limited functionality, and design elements.
• Mid-Range Apps: More complex apps that include user authentication, push notifications, in-app purchases, and third-party integrations may cost between $50,000 and $100,000.
• Enterprise-Grade Apps: Large-scale apps with custom features, complex functionality, and extensive backend infrastructure can exceed $100,000.

Remember, development costs are not the only factor to consider. You’ll also need to account for ongoing maintenance, updates, and potential marketing costs for app store visibility. Having a clear budget will help you make informed decisions throughout the development process.

5. Create a User-Friendly UX Design

Designing a smooth, intuitive user interface is crucial for the success of your app. A well-designed UX can ensure that users enjoy a seamless experience from the first interaction to the final purchase.

Start by focusing on mobile-first design—your app’s design should be optimized for smaller screens, with clear and concise content that is easy to interact with. Consider elements such as:

• Navigation: Simplify the navigation process with clearly labeled buttons and menus.
• Speed: Users expect fast load times, so optimize images, content, and app elements for quick access.
• Consistency: Maintain consistent colors, fonts, and design elements across all pages to create a cohesive user experience.
• Touch Interaction: Design for touch with appropriately sized buttons, swipe gestures and interactive elements.

A user-friendly design leads to higher engagement, lower abandonment rates, and, ultimately, greater user satisfaction.

6. Test your App

Testing is an essential step in ensuring your app works as expected across different devices, platforms, and use cases. Quality assurance (QA) and testing should be performed at various stages of development to catch bugs, glitches, or usability issues before the app goes live. There are two key testing stages:

• Functional Testing: This ensures that all the features and functionalities of your app work correctly. Functional testing checks for issues such as broken links, login errors, or malfunctions in key features.
• User Acceptance Testing (UAT): This type of testing is done with real users to evaluate the app’s performance in real-world scenarios. UAT helps identify usability issues, ensuring that your app meets the expectations of your target audience.

Rigorous testing will ensure that your app is ready for launch and that your users have a smooth, trouble-free experience.

7. Implement Security Measures

Security is paramount, especially if your app handles sensitive customer data. Implementing robust security measures will not only protect your users but also help build trust in your app. Key security measures include:

• Encryption: Use encryption protocols like SSL/TLS to protect data transmitted between the app and servers.
• Secure Authentication: Implement strong authentication methods such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) to prevent unauthorized access.
• Data Privacy: Adhere to data protection laws like the GDPR or CCPA to ensure that your app handles personal data responsibly.

Security should be an ongoing focus, and you should regularly monitor and update your app to protect against emerging threats.

8. Submit your App to App Stores

When your app passes the testing phase and is ready for release, you can submit it to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for approval. Both platforms have strict guidelines that apps must adhere to, so make sure your app complies with their rules to avoid rejection.

• Apple App Store: Apple’s approval process tends to be more stringent, with a focus on user experience, design quality, and performance.
• Google Play Store: While slightly less rigorous, the Google Play Store also has guidelines concerning app functionality, content, and security.

You will need to prepare assets such as screenshots, descriptions, and keywords for your app listing. Once approved, your app will be available for download by users worldwide.

9. Perform Ongoing Updates as Needed

Once your app is live, continue to update it based on user feedback and market demands. Regular updates improve functionality and user satisfaction.

To keep your users engaged, you’ll need to update your app regularly. Updates can include:

• Bug Fixes: Addressing any bugs or issues reported by users.
• Feature Enhancements: Adding new features or improving existing ones based on user feedback.
• Performance Improvements: Optimizing your app to run smoothly across different devices and operating systems.

Continuous updates not only improve user satisfaction but also show that you are committed to providing a high-quality and reliable experience.

10. Analyze App Performance and User Engagement

Once your app is live, it’s important to track its performance and user engagement to identify areas for improvement. Use analytics tools to monitor metrics such as:

• Active Users: Track how many users are actively engaging with your app on a daily or monthly basis.
• Retention Rates: Measure how many users continue to use your app after their initial download.
• User Behavior: Understand how users interact with your app, which features they use most, and where they drop off.
• Conversion Rates: For e-commerce apps, track how many users complete purchases or sign up for services.

Analyzing this data will help you make data-driven decisions about future updates, app marketing strategies, as well as user experience improvements.

Also read: 15 Steps You Must Take Before Starting Mobile App Development

Examples of Apps Converted From Websites

Here are some of the best examples of websites that transitioned to mobile apps:

• Google Maps: First started as a web-based map service, Google Maps shifted to a fully functional mobile application, providing real-time traffic updates, navigation, and features to download offline maps.
  
• Facebook: Initially launched as a website, Facebook’s mobile app revolutionized social networking by effortlessly integrating messaging, photo sharing, and real-time notifications in a single platform.
  
• Amazon: The biggest e-commerce platform in the world changed its website to a mobile app to streamline the customer shopping experience with advanced features such as customized offers, one-click purchasing, and push notifications.
  
• Twitter: Twitter’s app redefined the way users interact with the platform. The app provides an intuitive interface for users to read and post tweets, along with real-time updates and on-the-go interaction. 

Consider an App for Your Website

In today’s fierce competition, turning your site into app can offer countless opportunities to boost user engagement, enhance customer loyalty, and increase conversions. Whether providing personalized experiences, real-time communication, or streamlined features, mobile apps can transform how you interact with your users. By exploring the different conversion methods, understanding the key benefits, and considering the right approach for your company, you’ll be well on your way to building a successful app.

Why Hiring APPWRK is the Best Way to Turn Your Site into App

Turning your site into app is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re improving user engagement, creating a more personalized experience, or simply keeping pace with competitors, now is the time to make the move.

Looking for an expert partner to guide you through the process? Contact APPWRK today and transform your digital presence into a mobile powerhouse.

FAQs

1. What are the traditional methods of building a mobile app?

Traditionally, building a mobile app involves creating a native app tailored to each platform (iOS or Android) separately, using programming languages like Swift for iOS or Java/Kotlin for Android. This ensures optimal performance and access to native features like cameras or GPS. However, it requires more time, resources, and development expertise, as developers need to build and maintain separate versions of the app for each platform.

2. Will development costs be reduced by creating a hybrid native mobile app?

Hybrid native apps combine the benefits of both native and web apps, allowing developers to build one app that runs on both Android and iOS platforms. This significantly reduces development costs, as you don’t need to build two separate apps for each platform. Tools like React Native or Flutter make it easier to write a single codebase that works across multiple platforms, cutting down on development time and resources while still delivering a high-quality user experience.

3. How to start turning my site into app?

To start the process of turning your site into app, you should first assess whether an app aligns with your business goals. Once you’ve determined the need, plan out the essential features for the app, choose a development approach (in-house, outsourced, or a platform), and estimate the costs. From there, focus on designing a user-friendly interface, testing the app, implementing security measures, and submitting it to the app store.

4. Is building a mobile app more realistic and affordable now than it’s ever been?

With advancements in app development platforms and tools, creating a mobile app is more affordable and accessible than before. Tools like Appy Pie or Flutter allow businesses to build apps without significant coding experience. Additionally, the availability of outsourced app development services means you don’t have to invest in an in-house team, further reducing costs. As technology continues to evolve, building an app has become a more realistic option for businesses of all sizes.

5. Why should I turn my website into an Android app?

Turning your site into an Android app offers several benefits, including enhanced user engagement, faster load times, and the ability to access offline features. An app can also leverage Android’s native capabilities, like push notifications, which can improve customer interaction and retention. Furthermore, an Android app helps you target a large audience given the platform’s global reach.

6. How to turn a WordPress site into app?

To turn a WordPress site into app, you can use plugins like WPMobile.App or services such as AppPresser help generate a mobile version of your website with minimal coding. These tools offer customization options and streamline the process, making it easy to turn your site into an app without extensive development work.

7. Can a website work as an app?

A website itself cannot function as a fully-fledged app, but it can offer app-like functionality through responsive design and features such as push notifications (using a web app or PWA). However, a native mobile app offers more seamless integration, offline access, and a personalized user experience.

8. What are the ways to turn site into app for free?

There are platforms like Appy Pie, Thunkable, or Adalo that allow you to create simple mobile apps for free. While these options are limited in customization, they provide a basic framework for converting a website into a mobile app without any cost. Keep in mind, that free options may come with branding restrictions or feature limitations.

9. How to convert html website into a mobile app?

You can use frameworks like Cordova or PhoneGap to convert an HTML website into a mobile app. These tools allow you to wrap your HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code into a native mobile app, making it compatible with iOS and Android. This approach saves time and resources compared to developing an entirely new app.

10. How to convert the Prestashop website into a mobile app​?

To convert a PrestaShop website into a mobile app, you can use platforms like MobiCommerce or PrestaShop Mobile App Builder. These platforms are designed specifically to integrate with PrestaShop and provide pre-built templates for converting your store into a mobile app with ease. You can easily manage the app and its features directly from your PrestaShop dashboard.

11. How to turn a site to an iOS app for free?

If you want to turn site into app, specifically for iOS, you can take advantage of no-code platforms like Appy Pie or Swiftic. These platforms offer templates that allow you to create an iOS app without the need for coding skills. They typically offer limited features in their free plans, and you may need to upgrade for more advanced functionalities.