How to Convert Your Blog into a Mobile App: Cost and Platform Options

In today's digital age, converting your blog into a mobile app can significantly enhance user engagement and reach. With various app-building platforms available, creating a mobile app is now more accessible than ever. This guide provides an overview of the cost and top platforms for transforming your blog into a mobile app.

Introduction to Converting Blogs into Apps

It is now easier to convert your blog or website into a mobile app without needing to be a programmer. Platforms like Thunkable and App Gear have made the process straightforward, allowing you to create apps in minutes. Previously, developing an app could take weeks, months, or even years, but now, with the availability of numerous app-building platforms, you can create your app with minimal effort.

Top Platforms for App Development

1. AppMakr

AppMakr is a cloud-based app maker that enables you to create iOS, HTML5, and Android apps with no limitations on the number of apps or updates. It features a high-resolution photo gallery, push notifications, live updates, music and video streaming, chat rooms, Google map integration, shared events calendars, in-app shopping, and more. You can monitor your apps on a dashboard and adjust the appearance and functions of your app using tabs.

The platform is free for starters but requires a one-time payment of $99 when you publish. It offers a wide range of features, including analytics, push notifications, and in-app shopping.

2. GameSalad

GameSalad is specialized in building and publishing games for Android, iOS, HTML5, and macOS. This platform does not require prior programming knowledge and utilizes a drag-and-drop interface. You can edit characters in a scene, design their features, and alternate between them. It includes drag-and-drop components such as in-app shopping and GameCircle APIs. GameSalad also features a forum where users can ask for advice and collaborate, enhancing the app-building process.

GameSalad is free for starters but requires a yearly payment of $299. The platform is particularly useful for users who want to create game apps.

3. Appy Pie

Appy Pie is a cloud-based platform without coding requirements that can be used to build Windows, iOS, and Android apps. This tool can publish apps to Google Play or iTunes, making it a versatile choice for multiple platforms. It uses drag-and-drop components and does not require any downloads or installations.

The app created on Appy Pie is a hybrid HTML5 app that works on all platforms, including BlackBerry. Appy Pie offers advanced features such as push notifications, real-time analytics, monetization with ads, GPS tracking, and linking to websites, blogs, audio, radio, media feeds, and more.

The platform has a monthly charge ranging from free to a platinum fee of $33 per month. Appy Pie also offers appointment scheduling and QR code custom code and iFrames embedding features, which can be particularly useful for businesses.

4. Appery

Appery is another easy-to-use platform that allows you to build Android, Windows phone, and iOS apps using a drag-and-drop interface. It is cloud-based and requires no coding or downloading/Installing. Appery includes the Apache built-in component and has a plugin catalogue that allows you to add functions to your app.

You can share your project in real-time with business users, customers, or developers. The price range for Appery is free to about $180 per month, making it a flexible choice for users with varying needs.

5. Swiftic (formerly Como)

Swiftic (formerly Como) is an instant app builder that simplifies the app development process. It is easy to use, with just three simple steps, and offers dozens of categories and themes. Users can choose an app category, select a theme, and publish their app.

Swiftic’s advanced analytics track app performance, and it includes features like drag-and-drop interfaces, mobile commerce, user reviews, loyalty programs, RSS and social feeds customization, monetization features, and push notifications. The price plan is flexible, ranging from $29 per month to $39 per month depending on the payment plan.

Conclusion

All the mentioned platforms are cloud-based, allowing real-time revisions and publishing. They all offer a free trial but eventually require payments. However, the free period is long enough to get familiar with the tools. Among these platforms, Swiftic (formerly Como) is considered the best due to its advanced features and user-friendly interface.

By choosing the right app-building platform, you can transform your blog or website into a mobile app quickly and efficiently, enhancing your online presence and engaging your audience.