There are many players in the CMS industry, but Squarespace stands out among them. It is one of the most popular platforms that businesses prefer for building their online stores. If you don’t have a website, you can create one with Squarespace.
However, if you already have a website built with Squarespace, the next step is to complement it with an equally stunning app. Continue reading and discover the easiest methods for developing a Squarespace app on a budget.
Squarespace is essentially a SaaS company based out of the United States. The CMS (Content Management System) platform is used by customers across the globe to build and host websites. It enables users to leverage pre-built website templates and drag-and-drop elements to create webpages.
Statistics show that so far more than 6 million websites have been created using Squarespace website builder in some way or the other. More than 4 million such websites are live on the web and the United States alone accounts for around 3 million of them.
Additionally, reports highlight that Squarespace is used by around 3.1 percent of all the websites whose content management system is known. This is 2.1 percent of all websites. It is the 4th most used CMS after WordPress, Shopify, and Wix, and 3rd most popular eCommerce platform after WooCommerce and WooThemes.
These numbers show that Squarespace is a popular choice among businesses of all kinds including e-commerce and store owners. However, increasing mobile web traffic and the growing prominence of smartphones have made it imperative for businesses to turn their Squarespace site into an app and offer easy accessibility to users.
Note: Squarespace has an app for site moderators and administrators that allows them to control and manage their sites using their smartphones. This should not be confused with the app that you need to create for your Squarespace website. The app will allow your end customers to get access to your products and services through their smartphones in a native mobile app interface.
How to create a Squarespace mobile app?
The mobile app development industry is a vast space. There are many platforms, tools, and services that you can use to create all kinds of apps. However, it is important to identify the method that aligns with your expectations and suits your app development goals.
This is why you should start with in-depth research of the mobile app market. It will help you find answers to several questions like –
- What is the app’s core purpose and what problem will it solve?
- Who is the target audience of the app and how will you reach them?
- How much money should you allocate for the development project?
- How long is it going to take to convert your website into an app?
- Which method is fast, reliable, and affordable for your project?
- How will you monetize and promote your mobile app after launch?
Additionally, you can use the firsthand data from your website and analyze it to find facts that can wheel you in the right direction. Once this is sorted, you can create a wireframe or a basic silhouette of your app. Establish the look, feel, and core features and use the layout as a reference to communicate your app idea.
Next, you can find a reliable method or tool to develop your app. You can choose from the following options:
- Create your own app with a no-code app making website.
- Code your app natively with traditional frameworks.
- Hire freelance developers or app development companies.
For the longest time, hiring a team of experts or outsourcing app development to a company was considered the only reliable method of app development. However, it cost a fortune and took ages to build even a simple mobile app.
Even today, traditional methods can be costly and time-consuming. Moreover, not everyone is an IT expert or has the bandwidth to code the app from scratch and manage all aspects of app development. This is where app builders come into the picture. They make app development streamlined, fast, easy, and even affordable.
Notably, there is no official Squarespace app builder for full-scale native app development. However, there are several DIY technologies that can help you create an app without any coding. This is the new-age method of creating and launching apps that saves a lot of time, effort, and resources.
So, why invest time on conventional methods of native app development and build an app from the ground up when you can simply convert your Squarespace website into an app with a tool like AppMySite? Continue reading and find out how you can use your website as a foundation to build your app.
How to convert Squarespace website to app without coding?
AppMySite’s web to app converter is the ultimate tool for turning your Squarespace website into an app without coding. From design to development, deployment, and maintenance, AppMySite makes every step a breeze.
Whether you are a beginner or a professional, an individual, or a full-fledged business owner, you will find AppMySite’s dashboard user-friendly, intuitive, and tailor-made for your app development goals. Here’s how you can build an app in a few steps:
- Sign up for AppMySite and select the Web to App product as it is the best option for most website owners. Fill in the information in the fields and launch your dashboard.
- Start designing your app and create the required assets. You can modify and use your existing brand designs to create app icons, splash screens, and so on. Else, use our easy point-and-click tools to design everything from scratch and customize your app layout and theme. The choice is yours.
- Next, you can connect your website and app. AppMySite’s real-time sync feature lets you auto-populate and mirror your website data on the app with only a few clicks. Every change you make on the website is reflected for your app users in real time.
- Once your website and app are connected, you can define your app’s navigation accordingly. Add screens, buttons, menus, bottom bars, etc., and monitor every change on a live emulator to ensure everything looks exactly as you want.
- Next, you can finetune the app settings and add features of your choice. For example, you can integrate features like Rich Push Notifications, Chat, Monetization, Analytics, and more, to amp up your app’s functionalities.
- Go on to download your Android and iOS app builds and deploy them on the Google Play and Apple App Stores. You can also test your app, push updates and new versions with a click, and make changes as needed.
That is it! A few steps and your journey from Squarespace website to app will be complete. Launch your app on the app stores and optimize your app listing to gain maximum traction and visibility. Do not forget to consistently promote your app on your website and other channels and invite users to drop ratings and reviews.
Why convert a Squarespace site into a mobile app?
Are you still skeptical about developing a Squarespace app for your website? Well, mobile apps have become an indispensable part of our ecosystem, and businesses that understand and embrace it have a higher chance of sustaining and succeeding in the long run.
Websites and even mobile websites work until they don’t. You will ultimately need an app to retain your customers and create a long-lasting relationship with them. Here’s why you should consider building an app for your Squarespace site:
Mobile apps are the internet’s first choice
Whether it is the matter of finding a scholarly article or simply shopping for a new pair of shoes, smartphones have become the default device that users turn to. Mobile devices (excluding tablets) are responsible for approximately half of the global web traffic.
In the year 2023, mobile accounted for 313 percent more visits as compared to desktop. Moreover, mobile users spend 90 percent of their time on mobile apps and just 10 percent of their time on mobile websites. Thus, apps have become imperative for businesses that want to tap into this wide pool of mobile-centric opportunities.
Apps are more user-friendly
We open countless apps on our phones throughout the day. However, not every user out there launches websites as frequently as apps. This is because apps take the portability and agility game to the next level.
From smooth UI/UX to features like rich push notifications and in-app purchases, everything makes mobile the more lucrative ecosystem. This user-friendliness is just unbeatable. Above all, apps also utilize the native features of the users’ devices and further enhance the experience by making it more personalized.
User-loyalty translates into revenue
Websites suffer from the “buy and bye” phenomenon. It is easy for customers to have an encounter with a website and never return to it after leaving once. However, when users have an app installed on their phone, they are likely to turn to it more often.
This instills loyalty in users and motivates them to stay connected with a brand for a longer period. As a result, you can ensure more retention and conversions and grow your revenue manifold. Regular nudges with a few mobile-centric offers and consistent communication can keep you relevant in the eyes of your customers and strengthen your relationship with them.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Squarespace app?
Websites are great for drawing first-time visitors and getting the necessary exposure on the web. However, in the age of smartphones where the attention span and patience of your customers is at an all-time low, you cannot expect them to remain loyal to you. This is where mobile apps can be helpful. In fact, apps have become mandatory for businesses that want to create a dedicated customer base and prevent losing potential buyers to other platforms. Thus, every business needs an app to grow and reap the benefits of growing mobile traffic.
How much does it cost to build a Squarespace app?
The exact cost of creating an app and the timeline of an app development project depends on several factors. This includes the complexity of design and features, method of app development, choice of technology stack, duration of the project, and so on. Essentially, it can cost anywhere between 15,000 US dollars to 200,000 US dollars. However, more affordable alternatives like AppMySite ensure competitive pricing and tailored packages that suit businesses of all kinds. You can choose this option and save a fortune.
How does AppMySite work?
AppMySite has multiple products that suit all kinds of app development goals. You can go with the Web to App solution to convert your website into an app. All you must do is sign up and enter a few details. Design your app in a DIY (Do It Yourself) environment and connect your website to the app with a click. Sync and import all your site’s data to the app and be ready to roll in no time. Besides making your app development journey easy, AppMySite also offers a suite of features that bolster your growth and expansion.
Why create a Squarespace app with AppMySite?
You do not need to create your app from scratch or spend months replicating every Squarespace feature on the app. Instead, use your Squarespace website as a foundation and turn it into an app with AppMySite in minutes. Our free web to app converter can help you launch Android and iOS apps as powerful as your website. Try AppMySite now and offer a true mobile experience to your users.
