Building A Website For Your App
When we talk about web and mobile apps, you’ll immediately think of the big, popular apps like Netflix, Spotify, TikTok and Instagram. But many of the apps you use on a daily basis were created by South Africans. Examples include Snapscan, Showmax, Checkers Sixty60, SweepSouth and Luno.
If you’ve created an app, one of the first steps you’ll need to do to market it is to create a website. In this article, our friends at xneelo outline the steps for creating a website for your app and how these types of websites differ from standard website builds.
What is an app?
An app, short for "application," refers to a software program designed to perform specific functions or tasks on a computer, smartphone, or other device, such as providing a service (online shopping or booking service), offering entertainment (gaming or streaming), enhancing productivity (workforce management), or facilitating chat (social media).
The development process for apps typically involves designing and coding the user interface, implementing the desired functionality, testing for bugs, and deploying the app to an app store or platform. This happens separately to your website build. Often entrepreneurs will outsource the development of their apps to appropriately skilled developers.
What is the difference between a website for an app and a business website?
A website for an app differs from a normal website in several ways. The first difference is its purpose. A website for an app primarily serves to promote and provide information about the app itself. Its main goal is to generate interest, attract potential users, and encourage them to download or purchase the app. A normal website, on the other hand, can have various purposes, such as providing information about your business, selling products or services, or sharing content.
Most importantly, you need a link to where your app can be downloaded. These can be direct download links (Takealot includes “Download Our Apps" links on their website) or a link to the app store where your app is available.
What does a website for an app need to include?
Your website needs to be designed to provide information about your app and to encourage customers to use it.
We recommend including the following elements:
Relevant content
The content and images you choose need to highlight the key features and benefits of your app. Include specific content that is directly related to the app, such as in-app screenshots, videos, feature descriptions, pricing, user testimonials, and download links. These will help potential customers understand what the app offers and why they should use it.
Consistent branding
Create a visual design that aligns with your app's branding. Consider the layout, colour scheme, typography, and overall aesthetics.
A call-to-action
The primary call-to-action on a website for an app is typically centred around app-related actions, such as downloading the app, signing up, or making a purchase within the app. Examples include: View pricing, download now, and sign up
Company details
You want your customers to trust you and believe in what you do and why you do it, so include relevant information about your business including team bios, your location, vision, track record and awards.
How do I build the actual website?
There are multiple approaches to website development, depending on your technical expertise and requirements.
You can hire a web developer or use your own programming skills to build the website from scratch using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript or you can use a Content Management System (CMS) like WordPress, which is a lot simpler and allows you to use free themes and plugins. It's important to test, test, test to ensure everything functions properly.
xneelo’s Managed WordPress Hosting combines trusted web hosting with key WordPress features, to allow your business website to get up and running quickly – without costly development help. The product includes a variety of free Starter Sites, that like Themes, are fully designed templates that include all your website pages. Starter Sites are fully compatible with most WordPress plugins and integrations, allowing you to easily create a website for your app. Managed WordPress Hosting also includes a free staging environment for you to test that all download links and plugins work as they should.
Creating a website for your app is easier than it sounds. With the right tools and content, you’re on your way to being the next South African success story.
Start your online journey with a hosting partner that understands your business. Try Managed WordPress Hosting with our no-obligation 30-day free trial and see how it can help your business grow.
This advice was compiled by our friends at web hosting provider xneelo.