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, businesses can reach potential customers from anywhere, grow customer relationships, market products and services and improve the buying process.

Today, there are a large variety of tools that can be used to build a fully functioning mobile app. But which is the most effective?

In recent years, WordPress has evolved itself into an excellent tool for app development. This content management system giant has now also released a variety of new plugins and services available 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 to create highly functional and effective mobile apps with WordPress:

1. Create a strong API

For communication between application and websites, an application protocol interface (API) is used. 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 to benefit from the product user base.

2. Use external software

With the right coding and programming, developers can use software and tools to make a more detailed mobile app. There are a variety of extensive tools that offer a lot of options to create a one-of-a-kind app.

3. Make it easy to navigate

It is important to learn about people’s behavior in 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 to use. It is also wise to put labels on necessary buttons to help users understand their purpose.

4. Go for native application

Native applications are specially 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 for users.

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 with efficiency and accuracy. 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 designing of React JS WordPress mobile apps with minimum programming knowledge, fast and efficiently. 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, if a business is looking for the core WordPress benefits while syncing user profiles, it 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, it is advisable to hire an IT consultancy that has experience with React consulting and the React JS WordPress plugin. By 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 businesses tend to make common mobile app development mistakes that can negatively affect their outcomes. Here are a few common mistakes all businesses 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 how 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 important to keep things simple by identifying the main features necessary to keep the essence of the app. A few extra features can be used to make an app stand out, but cluttering should always be avoided.

Not having a logical flow

Not having an organized logical path to follow to get relevant information can confuse users and lead to them abandoning the app. An app should be easy to navigate and have a smooth flow that guides users to their area of interest.

Developing for too many platforms

Many businesses want to go after 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 go for. Each platform, including Android, iOS and Windows, has its own unique pros and cons.

Not regularly testing

Every day, hundreds of apps are released, making the competition increasingly tough. Therefore, it is important to constantly test an app and fix any bugs early on. Releasing and managing an app full of issues can lead to early failure.

Steps to Create a Mobile App Using WordPress

There are a variety of mobile app plugins and tools that can be used to easily convert a WordPress site into a mobile app. The below steps shows how to build a custom hybrid app:

Step 1:

Firstly create a custom hybrid app via technology like the WP-API and Ionic Framework. A hybrid app uses web technology such as JavaScript.

Step 2:

The WP-API makes it simple to get a WordPress site into a mobile app. 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. By using web development techniques, such as AJAX, data is 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

Having a mobile app has become an important factor 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 key factors that can help businesses succeed is to use the right platform. Fortunately, going through WordPress is an easy and very affordable way to build a mobile app that has great UX functionality, is easy to operate and convenient to manage in the long run.