PWA is not the technology, but a moment that has transformed the face of hundreds of businesses. It is a giant wave that has revolutionized the tech world. Because of its low-cost development and better user experience, this technology is adopting by new tech giants and businesses. Some influential PWA brands are Twitter Lite, Spotify, Pinterest, Adidas, etc. Now, progressive web apps are the first choice for companies to build a firm foundation. On the other side, WordPress is the most popular blogging platform that has also become part of the PWA integration movement.
If you are not familiar with the term – Progressive web apps, don’t worry! We are here to explain progressive web applications and how to build WordPress PWA sites.
Table of Contents
What is PWA?
Essentially, Progressive web apps are websites. They are designed to deliver a mobile app-like experience to the customers. Progressive applications are built using standard web technologies, such as HTML, CSS, and JS.
PWA framework delivers a web application that runs on any browser. They deliver native apps like features and website capabilities to cater to mobile web users.
- Fast: It loads with a speed of 0.2 seconds. Speedy performance makes it more responsive and faster than native apps.
- Engaging: Use extensive features such as push notifications and Add to Homescreen icon, which helps the web app create more user engagements.
- Reliable: Offline functionality makes progressive apps more responsive. They can also work on a 2G network, supporting poor network conditions.
- Easy to Install: Unlike native apps, you can download apps and add them to the home screen in the form of icons to the devices for easy access.
- SEO-friendly: Compared to Native mobile apps, web apps are easy to find on browsers. Search engines can easily crawl them as they are indexed with URLs.
- Highly Secure: PWA apps use HTTPS secure protocols to prevent the risk and threats of cyberattacks.
Why should you integrate WordPress into PWA?
I guess you may get the idea why PWA is named a high-performing technology. Using progressive apps can bring tremendous success to your business. Hundreds of PWA examples help you evaluate and understand why it is a better choice. Integrating PWA into your WordPress site would be beneficial for your business in many ways.
- Increase website performance with a fast, responsive, and lightweight theme.
- Improve customer engagement using push notifications.
- A great UX experience will improve the conversion rate of your WordPress site.
- Users can access your WordPress site offline and allow them to browse freely.
- A single codebase to customize and maintain. PWA can run on different devices with the same code.
- No need to update or deploy on the app stores.
- It saves time and money in getting your app approved.
- Cheap to develop and manage as they use standard web technologies.
Prerequisites Needed to Set up a WordPress into PWA?
Check out the prerequisites to convert your WordPress site into a progressive web app quickly:
- Your Website should have an HTTPS connection and secured web pages.
- Your website is built on WordPress Version higher than 3.5.0.
- Use the PHP version higher than 5.3.
3 Ways to Convert your WordPress Site into a PWA
If your site has met all the above prerequisites, you are ready to turn a WordPress site into a PWA. PWA incorporates so well that you don’t have to re-code the entire website. There are three different ways to implement PWA into a WordPress:
-
Manually WordPress PWA Integrations:
Do you know how to code? Are you well-versed in JavaScript libraries, such as React, Ionic, Angular, etc? Then, you can go to develop your own WordPress PWA site. Experienced developers can choose any framework to build a PWA manually.
Most developers use the combination of Angular and Ionic frameworks to create a responsive PWA WordPress site. In the end, you can test your PWA with the help of the Lighthouse tool to improve the user experience.
-
Use Plugins
Are you not tech-savvy? WordPress comes with a wide range of free and paid plugins you can choose to convert a website to PWA. Some of the best PWA plugins WordPress:
- SuperPWA: This Progressive web app plugin will instantly convert your WordPress website into PWA. Also, it will add the website to your device’s home screen to browse offline.
- Progressive WordPress (PWA): This is the first PWA plugin for WordPress that allows to pre-cache the resources and support accelerated mobile web pages.
- PWA for WP & AMP: This PWA plugin supports AMP and multi-site features. It is easy to install and gives an app-like appearance to your WordPress site.
- WebSuite PWA: This PWA WordPress plugin configures your application with integrated AMP support. It improves the front with attractive themes which fit on all screen sizes.
-
Hire an Expert
PWA development is not a simple task to do. It still requires a deep knowledge of technical coding. Only a certified PWA developer can handle the development process.
For non-tech site owners, I highly recommend hiring professional WordPress developers to develop the PWA WordPress site without a plugin. Also, an experienced WordPress developer can manage ins and outs of PWA apps.
They can also ensure that your PWA application achieves a maximum score on Google’s Lighthouse tool.
The Bottom Line
Integrating PWA into WordPress will enhance your conversion rates and bring more sales. Converting your WordPress into PWA gives a competitive edge in the tech market. PWA is the future of web development. If you need any help, reach out to us.
