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Almost a decade back, building mobile-friendly websites was the main challenge.
Web developers were tasked with building responsive websites for mobile devices. Google even released an algorithm update to reward mobile-friendly websites.
This trend was premised on the increased usage of smartphone devices. Businesses correctly predicted the explosion of mobile usage across different demographics and verticals.
We’ve now reached a point where mobile-friendly websites are commonplace. If you use WordPress, you will likely get a mobile-friendly website by default.
Creating a mobile-responsive website is no longer an aspiration anymore. You can quickly achieve this objective.
Where do mobile apps fit in?
Where does the rise of mobile apps fit into this narrative?
As mentioned earlier, businesses correctly predicted the explosive rise in mobile usage. An increase in mobile use went on to spur the demand for mobile apps as well.
Compared to mobile websites, apps are faster and instantly accessible. Imagine how much your social media experience would change if you had to use a browser to access Instagram or Twitter.
The current preference for mobile apps is mostly a culmination of the rise in smartphone usage.
Thus, mobile apps are a product of the trend that led to the widespread demand for mobile websites.
How does a mobile app help your WordPress blog?
We now know that mobile websites are not the attractive proposition they once were. Apps, however, remain a hot property partly because not all businesses can get live apps on Google Play and the App Store.
We don’t need proof of app ubiquity. A simple glance at your smartphone would explain the power of mobile apps.
Through apps, businesses can occupy space on your phone and reach you directly. It is the most excellent piece of online real estate a company can ask for.
Here are some reasons why starting a mobile app makes great sense for your WordPress blog.
#1: Breaking the ‘blog bubble
A blog, even if it is highly trafficked, is a blog.
You can reach a clear glass ceiling by remaining in the ‘blog bubble.
This does not mean bloggers do not provide value. You can only go so far as a blogger from a business growth perspective.
Look at some of the significant influencers in the online marketing arena. Moz’s website has some great content on SEO and online marketing. However, Moz influences the space through its SEO tools and metrics.
Even if you have never read a Moz blog post, you must have used domain authority (DA) as a metric to evaluate a website.
A range of SEO tools helps Moz go beyond being a simple blogger.
It is perhaps challenging to replicate Moz’s success with its online tools. You can, however, still break the blog bubble by starting a mobile app.
If you make your own app, you will immediately set yourself apart from other bloggers. You can also start branding yourself as a platform rather than just a blog.
#2: Riding the wave
Every trend in the tech space is like a wave. It rises in popularity and establishes a new normal until a new trend emerges.
Mobile apps are the trend right now. No direct alternative is on the horizon that will replace apps altogether.
As a blogger, you must understand one simple point: this is the time to ride the wave.
Launching an app for your blog allows you to establish an app business. Yes, there is a lot of competition in the app space, and the chances of success are slim. However, the payoff is massive if you succeed and build a community of budding app readers.
#3: Attracting the attention of your users
Much of modern online marketing is an attention game. Countless businesses worldwide are trying to master digital marketing.
Every channel is on the table: search engines, social media, video ads, press releases, and more.
Let’s assume you write an excellent post on your WordPress blog. You want to share it with your regular readers.
You share the post across your social media channels and send an email blast with the link to your new post.
You compete with other brands on each of these channels to attract your audience’s attention.
A regular blog reader may miss out on your social media post in a sea of other content. The same can happen in a crowded inbox as well.
How does a mobile app help?
When you publish a guest post, identify a good time to send push notifications. This will immediately alert your app users and bring people directly to your app.
Many people seem to forget about the advantages of mobile apps. They can directly reach the target audience and cut through the noise on social media channels and email outreach.
#4: Gaining a competitive advantage
How many bloggers do you know with a live mobile app on Google Play and App Store?
Not many. Bloggers rarely leave the blog bubble and prefer to keep pushing posts on their websites.
By starting a blog, you gain a competitive edge over other bloggers. You can showcase your content on an entirely new platform while your competitors remain in the bush league world of websites.
This advantage has a short life, though. With codeless app-making tools available, bloggers could also venture into app development.
Thus, it would be best to get on the mobile app train to outperform your competitors.
Making an app for your blog: Problems and solutions
It is easy to proclaim all the advantages of launching an app. The main challenge is app development.
Custom app development is expensive and time-consuming because it involves a lot of coding. You cannot create a mobile app with the same ease you start a WordPress blog.
This is the main problem with launching an app. The advantages are apparent, but the path is riddled with complications.
However, you can build a mobile app without coding. Codeless app-making tools like AppMySite enable you to use your WordPress website as a foundation to build an app.
These no-code solutions are desirable partly because they reduce the development cost, expedite the process, and make app-making more straightforward.
There are many no-code app-making solutions you can use to launch your app. Make sure that the tool you select matches your development needs.
In conclusion
Is a mobile website enough?
The rampant popularity of mobile apps would suggest otherwise. There are many reasons you should consider app development as a blogger.
This piece breaks down some of those reasons. Ensure you do your due diligence before choosing a path to create your app. Choose an app-building solution that suits your needs best.