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As more consumers switch to mobile browsing, mobile apps have become one of the most powerful tools for businesses to reach their target audience. With an app, companies can reach potential customers from anywhere, grow customer relationships, market products and services, and improve the buying process.
Today, a large variety of tools can be used to build a fully functioning mobile app. But which is the most effective?
In recent years, WordPress has evolved into an excellent tool for app development. This content management system giant has also released a variety of new plugins and services that make it even easier to create mobile apps.
5 Tips for Successfully Creating a Mobile App Using WordPress
WordPress is an easy and affordable option for app development. The following tips can assist developers in creating highly functional and practical mobile apps with WordPress:
1. Create a strong API
An application protocol interface (API) is used for communication between applications and websites. It allows for the integration of applications with other services. Getting a unique API is not compulsory, but it can make things more convenient. With it, an app can be integrated with other popular products, helping a business benefit from the product’s user base.
2. Use external software
With the proper coding and programming, developers can use software and tools to create a more detailed mobile app. Extensive tools offer many options to create a one-of-a-kind app.
3. Make it easy to navigate
It is important to learn about people’s behavior when using apps to create a mobile app that is easy to navigate. Legible font sizes, navigational tabs, and dropdown menus will make an app easier. It is also wise to label necessary buttons to help users understand their purpose.
4. Go for native application
Native applications are designed for a specific smartphone operating system (OS). These applications are done within a mature environment, where the user experience guidelines are followed strictly for the OS, making navigation easier.
5. Testing before launching
One of the essential steps in creating an app with WordPress is testing. There are many ways to test mobile apps. Professional app testers can be hired to conduct beta-tests, employees can try it out or mobile app testing tools can be used.
How to Use WordPress With React JS to Create a Native App
React JS is an open-source Javascript library for building user interfaces or user interface (UI) components. It contains many developed elements that can be used quickly, saving valuable time and money on design. Using React with WordPress is an effective method for mobile app design.
React JS is based on a graphical user interface (GUI). It is specifically designed to complete UI tasks efficiently and accurately. React JS also allows developers to reuse components that use the same function and that have been created on other platforms. It allows for the design of React JS WordPress mobile apps with minimum programming knowledge and is fast and efficient. But how exactly does it work?
In 2016, WordPress presented the REST API, a software architectural style, to its core and gave solutions to help decoupled backends. This enables existing WordPress websites to produce a native app-like user experience. For example, a business looking for the core WordPress benefits while syncing user profiles can use React with WordPress’ backend. It provides a cross-platform user experience across iOS and Android.
Building an app with React and WordPress can be a complex process if common mistakes have to be avoided. Therefore, hiring an IT consultancy with experience with React consulting and the React JS WordPress plugin is advisable. Using React consulting, a business can avoid making mistakes or leaving out important elements.
Common Mistakes Made in Developing a Mobile App
Building a successful mobile app for a business can be a complex project. Many companies make common mobile app development mistakes that can negatively affect their outcomes. Here are a few common mistakes all companies should try to avoid:
Having poor UX build
Some of the most popular apps feature simple navigation, an easy-to-use search function, and a home menu that can conveniently be accessed from any screen. This is what gives apps a great user experience (UX). Careful attention should be given to how easy and convenient it will be to use an app.
Having too many features
Having too many active features on an app can confuse users and lead to frustration. Therefore, it is essential to keep things simple by identifying the main features necessary to keep the app’s essence. Extra features can make an app stand out, but cluttering should always be avoided.
Not having a logical flow
Not having an organized, logical path to get relevant information can confuse users and lead to their abandonment of the app. An app should be easy to navigate and have a smooth flow guiding users to their interest area.
Developing for too many platforms
Many businesses want to target all the platforms at once to increase their visibility. However, this can be a major mistake, considering the effort and money needed to do this. Additionally, trying to meet all the platforms’ requirements can lead to sub-par developments. A business must identify which platform to choose. Each platform, including Android, iOS, and Windows, has its own unique pros and cons.
Not regularly testing
Hundreds of apps are released every day, making the competition increasingly challenging. Therefore, testing an app and fixing any bugs early on is essential. Releasing and managing an app full of issues can lead to early failure.
Steps to Create a Mobile App Using WordPress
Various mobile app plugins and tools can quickly convert a WordPress site into a mobile app. The below steps show how to build a custom hybrid app:
Step 1:
Firstly, a custom hybrid app can be created using WP-API and Ionic Framework technology. A hybrid app uses web technology such as JavaScript.
Step 2:
The WP-API makes getting a WordPress site into a mobile app simple. Therefore, the WP – -API plugin has to be installed and activated on the WordPress site.
Step 3:
API data can then be viewed by visiting an endpoint such as http://yoursite.com/wp-json/wp/v2/posts. The content can then be pulled into the mobile app. Web development techniques, such as AJAX, allow data to be retrieved from a server asynchronously without interfering with the display of the existing page.
Step 4:
The content can then be pulled into the mobile app.
WordPress for Mobile App Success
A mobile app has become essential for businesses wanting to stand out in an ever-growing and competitive online environment. However, not all mobile apps for businesses are always successful. One of the critical factors that can help companies succeed is the use of the right platform. Fortunately, going through WordPress is an easy and very affordable way to build a mobile app with great UX functionality, it is easy to operate, and convenient to manage in the long run.
