With the help of automated app development platforms, it is easier than ever to create a mobile app. The application development software market is expected to grow by over $1000 billion by 2027. DIY app-making is thus only expected to grow and become ubiquitous.
Platforms like AppMySite do not require users to have a technical background to build a mobile app.
Even though the DIY app dev space is new, the way these platforms work can vary.
Some platforms enable you to build a new app from scratch. This generally involves creating and designing every app screen. Even though this may seem easy, if you plan to build an app with a ton of new screens, the process can be tedious.
This is where website-based app builders can help.
What are website-based app builders?
Let’s assume you already have a WordPress website that offers learning resources to students. Now you wish to create a learning app for your students.
With a typical app builder, you would need to manually add course content to the new app screens. This can take a lot of time if you have a reasonably high number of courses on your website.
Now let’s say you’re using a website-based mobile app creator, which essentially means you connect your website and app.
Connecting your website and app essentially populates your app with content from your website. Thus you can sync all your course content to the app without needing to create and design each screen from scratch.
AppMySite is a tool that enables you to connect your WordPress site and app. Whether you have a small blog or a WooCommerce store with 1000 products, you can instantly connect your website and app with the platform.
What are the advantages of working with website-based app development platforms? The following sections provide insights into the same.
#1: Expedite app development timeline
As explained earlier, a DIY app builder without website sync essentially forces you to design every screen from scratch.
This process can take a lot of time if you need to add a ton of screens and content to your app.
How does syncing your website content help in this case?
Let’s say you have a WooCommerce store with over a thousand products. With a website-based app builder, you can sync all your store’s products to the app instantly.
The platform will create a native interface for all your products, sync product info like images, descriptions, prices, and more, and automatically create all your app screens.
You essentially are not required to design a screen for every product in your store. Screen creating is done automatically, and you can manage the display of the product screens through a more centralized settings module.
Such a tool can drastically improve your app development timeline if you already have a live website.
#2: Manage your app from your website
Let’s say you have a mobile app. Managing its content, design, and performance from a DIY platform seems like a straightforward option.
If you have a small app with less than 20 unique screens, this is not a big challenge. However, as your number of app screens grows, app management becomes more challenging.
If you’re syncing your website content to the app, there are two advantages.
First, you can manage all major app content updates directly from your website. The best app makers generally have real-time sync which means that any update to the content of the website is synced to the app in real-time.
Second, you don’t need to master a new control panel to maintain and manage your app. If you’re already managing your website, you can use the same interface to more or less maintain your app as well.
#3: Harmonize website and app experience
Most brands make it a point to create some level of similarity between their website and app experience.
The reason is obvious. Someone visiting your website should be able to use your app seamlessly, and vice versa.
Some of the top brands in the world have both websites and apps that are harmonized in terms of design and content.
The easiest way to create such brand consistency is by using an app builder that syncs your website content with the app.
These tools create a high level of synchronicity between your website and app. Besides content consistency, you can also create a common login process for both your website and app.
AppMySite for instance supports the official Users module within WordPress. This means your website users can log in to the app and vice versa.
Just like major social media platforms and brands have a fully synced login system, you can establish one for your business with a website-based app builder.
#4: Easier way to develop mobile apps
If you’re a beginner and don’t have a storied experience in design or development, even a DIY app maker can seem challenging.
Designing every screen one by one sets you up to make mistakes. Furthermore, it can be difficult to figure out how to design an app screen from scratch.
Firstly, you are required to familiarize yourself with the design options available to create each screen. Next, you need to establish a template for all your app screens. Depending on the type of app you’re building, the level of complexity involved in creating an app varies.
Website-based app builders do not require users to build apps from scratch. This makes them ideal for beginners who wish to get started with app development.
