Course sites and member communities share one problem: people visit them on their phones, often in short bursts, and a mobile browser tab is easy to forget. A native app with push notifications brings learners and members back. Here is how we build LearnDash and BuddyPress apps with AppPresser on top of an existing WordPress site.
Why an app instead of a responsive site
A responsive site is the foundation, and every site we build works well on small screens. An app adds what the browser cannot: a home screen icon, push notifications, staying logged in and a presence in the App Store and Google Play. For a training program, a push reminder about an unfinished lesson can matter more than any redesign. For a community, a notification that someone replied is what brings members back.
How AppPresser connects to WordPress
AppPresser, the mobile app platform Brian owns, builds native iOS and Android apps that use your WordPress site as the back end. There is no second content system to maintain. Courses, posts, members and orders stay in WordPress, and the app reads and writes the same data. There are more than 1,000 apps built on the AppPresser platform.
The AppPresser App Page Builder lets us combine features on one screen, such as a LearnDash course list, a BuddyPress activity feed, recent posts and a login form, so the app feels purpose built rather than a copy of the website. We explain the builder in the AppPresser App Page Builder.
LearnDash in the app
AppPresser integrates directly with LearnDash, so learners can log in, see their courses, work through lessons and quizzes and track progress in the app. Progress syncs with the website, so a lesson started on a laptop can be finished on a phone.
Real examples on the AppPresser platform include ConnectedPE, which delivers physical education lessons, educator chat and course progress to teachers, and AppPresser's own Learn AppPresser app, which runs its LearnDash training on mobile.
BuddyPress in the app
The AppPresser BuddyPress integration brings profiles, the activity stream, groups and private messages into a native app. Bundy Club, a Married... with Children fan club with David Faustino where Brian is a partner, runs its BuddyPress community, events and content through an AppPresser app on the same WordPress site. See the Bundy Club case study.
Selling access with WooCommerce
When courses or memberships are paid, WooCommerce and membership plugins on the WordPress site control access, and the app respects those same rules. We cover the details in WooCommerce membership content in mobile apps, including what to plan for under app store rules on digital purchases.
Push notifications with a purpose
Notifications are powerful and easy to overuse. We plan them around real moments: a new lesson released, a course deadline, a reply in a group, a live event starting. Segmenting by course or group keeps messages relevant. Read more in push notifications from WordPress apps.
Launching in the stores
App Store and Google Play reviews have rules about login, content and payments that catch teams by surprise. We prepare listings, test accounts and review notes up front, which we cover in app store submission for WordPress apps.
Getting the WordPress side ready
An app is only as good as the site behind it. Before building, we review hosting for logged in traffic, object caching, plugin conflicts and API performance, because every app screen is a request to WordPress.
Frequently asked questions
Do we need to rebuild our site to get an app?
No. AppPresser uses your existing WordPress site, plugins and content.
Will course progress sync between app and website?
Yes. LearnDash progress is stored in WordPress, so it is the same everywhere.
Can the app be in our own name in the stores?
Yes. Apps are published under your brand and developer accounts.
Ready to take your courses or community mobile? See our AppPresser work or talk with us.
