This question comes up quite a bit and depends entirely on your answers to a few additional questions.
Creating a mobile device application just because you think it is the new business trend is not a good idea. Not only can mobile apps get expensive, they often just make the process difficult for your customers.
A modo de ejemplo, es posible que un restaurante ya tenga una página de cupones y un link de reserva en su sitio Web dispositivo móvil. Entonces, ¿cuál sería el punto de obligar a los clientes a descargar una aplicación que hace lo mismo?
Entonces, ¿debería crear una aplicación para complementar su negocio de WordPress? Vamos a ver.
You should already have a responsive WordPress website
If you're not currently working with a mobile responsive WordPress site, now is the time to get one. This basically means that your website snaps into place and makes buttons, images, and font sizes easier to use when viewed on a tablet or smartphone.
If you are not sure if your website is responsive, go to Google Mobile Optimization Test, pega tu Url y presiona el Run test button. Google le informa si su sitio es compatible con dispositivos móviles.
If not, I recommend looking for a new WordPress theme (we certainly recommend the Total WordPress theme debido a que es solo eso: el paquete completo que incluye receptivo, listo para RTL y compatible con SEO). De lo contrario, los resultados de la búsqueda se verán afectados.
The next step is to view your responsive WordPress site on a phone and tablet. Take a look at the interface and see if it has all the features you want from a mobile device app.
Sometimes it is not necessary to pay extra money for a mobile device application, especially since it requires customers to go the extra step to download an application.
Is there a feature I need that can be done better with a mobile device app?
Hay muchas funciones de apps móviles que simplemente no puede duplicar con un sitio web con capacidad de respuesta dispositivo móvil. A modo de ejemplo, una de las características más comunes que ve es un programa de recompensas. Algunas compañías vinculan las recompensas a las tarjetas de crédito, mientras que otras crean códigos de client únicos que se pueden escanear en cualquier momento en la caja registradora.
Otra característica que he visto en las apps móviles es un sistema de reserva. La mayoría de las veces, en sitios web receptivos, el proceso de reserva se convierte en algo mucho más complicado de lo que debería ser. A modo de ejemplo, Chipotle creó una aplicación que posibilita a las persons hacer sus pedidos a través de de la aplicación, posteriormente pueden saltarse la línea cuando llegan. No puedo imaginar un sitio web receptivo que ofrezca las mismas funciones.
The great mobile app feature that you can't duplicate with a responsive WordPress site is push notification. Not only that, but push notification is generally one of the biggest revenue streams when it comes to mobile apps.
Would a mobile device application benefit your customers?
Okay, so you've decided that a desired function can only be done with a mobile device app.
Now the question is: Will that feature really help your customers?
With push notifications, are you going to send out valuable coupons or a bunch of ads that customers don't care about?
Is the rewards program convenient and valuable enough for customers to consider downloading the mobile device app and using it consistently?
Do you have the means to market the application?
If you can't get users to download your mobile device app, there's no reason to have one in the first place. I've seen several small retail companies create awesome apps. I had a golf course customer who created an app and posted a poster with the benefits of downloading to the pro store.
The guy even had a QR code to scan and download quickly. The only problem was that some pro shop workers never mentioned the sign.
However, one worker explained the benefits of the app to all golfers. The interesting thing was that we were able to cross-reference between when people downloaded the app and when this particular employee was working. The 90% of the downloads come from when that person ran the professional store.
Finally, you should be prepared with a plan to market your application.
A veces, un sitio de WordPress está diseñado para un Blog o servicio en línea que tiene usuarios de todo el mundo. En ese caso, tendrá un esfuerzo de marketing más centrado en lo digital.
This can include:
- Junk mail
- Google Ads
- Publicaciones de Facebook
- Blogging
However, local companies with mobile apps don't want users from all over the world. You are just trying to convince your current and new customers to download the app.
Esto significa que la mayor parte del marketing de apps se basa en usted y sus empleados. El marketing por correo electrónico, las redes sociales y los anuncios orientados a la ubicación local serán útiles, pero las siguientes áreas de marketing harán que la cantidad de personas que descarguen su aplicación be mayor o menor:
- Trained employees showing people how to download the app.
- Some kind of sign-up bonus like a BOGO
- A sign at the registry with a QR code and a mention of your website (since many people do not know how to use QR codes)
- Un plan de digital marketing bien pensado
How to turn your WordPress website into an app
With a complement, of course! Two popular ways to convert current WordPress sites to mobile apps are MobiLoud and AppPresser.
The only problem I have with these WordPress to app converters is that the results are not much different from a responsive website version. The converters seem to generate buttons and tabs that are mobile friendly, but if you already have this on a responsive website, you are basically making it more difficult for users as they have to download the app from an app store later.
Sin embargo, esa es la funcionalidad básica de estos complementos de conversion.
MobiLoud, by way of example, gives you things like push notifications and additional app features, starting at $ 69 per month. The big question is whether the price is worth noting or not, so it is important that you review what features you are getting and consider if you are going to make any money from the app.
As an example, the premium version of MobiLoud might end up being a better option than one of the more advanced dedicated app builders below.
Why?
- The starter pack costs $ 120 per month. That sounds expensive for a small company or a new company.
- But most of the advanced app builders below aren't going to save you a lot of money.
- And MobiLoud guarantees that it will maintain the current branding of your WordPress site.
- Then, with the payment of $ 120 per month, you receive automatic notifications.
Some testing will be needed, but the following hot dog stand scenario is not uncommon:
- His hot dog stand sells around 100 dogs during the lunch rush hour.
- Each hot dog earns you $ 3.
- That means you only need to get 40 more clients per month to justify the $ 120 per month.
- Since push notifications can be sent based on location for a certain amount of time, 40 customers per month seems entirely feasible (especially since you could create limited-time offers during off-peak hours).
In this way, you need to understand what the app will do for you and whether those push notifications provide value to you and your customers.
Those $ 120 per month may not be reasonable for a blog that only sells a handful of e-books per month, so it is entirely up to your business and the work you put into marketing.
More advanced app creators with amazing tools
These options do not convert your WordPress site. Instead, you start with templates and get a lot more features like iBuildApp or BuildFire. And of course there are hundreds of trained developers at sites like Toptal and Upwork ready to help for an hourly fee.
Should you build an app to complement your WordPress business?
Review the list of questions to select whether an application is correct or not:
- Does your responsive site already meet your mobile needs?
- Is there a feature that can be improved with a mobile device app?
- Would the app make you money?
- Would it benefit your customers?
After that, you should have your decision. Please let us know if you are planning to build an app for your WordPress business. And for more tips, check out our guide on how to turn your WordPress website into an app.
