How to convert your Netlify deployed site/web app into a native app
If you're building and deploying your web app or website on Netlify, you're already optimizing for speed, scalability, and developer efficiency.
But if you're not converting that web app/website into a native mobile experience, you're losing on engagement, retention, and monetization that comes along with a native app.
Learn how to turn your Netlify-powered site into a full-featured iOS and Android app using Median.co — without writing a single line of native code.
What is Netlify?
In a nutshell: Netlify is a cloud platform that helps developers build, deploy, and scale modern websites and web applications. Some of its key features and benefits, explained:
Seamless connection to Git repository. It connects directly to your Git repository, automatically building and deploying your site/web app to a global CDN — making your web app or website loads fast, everywhere.
Instant rebuild capabilities. Every time you push new code, Netlify instantly rebuilds and redeploys your site with no manual labor.
Serverless-ness. Netlify also supports serverless functions for dynamic features without managing backend infrastructure.
Adaptive with common developer frameworks. It works seamlessly with popular frameworks like React, Vue, Angular, Next.js, and Astro. You also get access to built-in tools for form handling, authentication, image optimization, and visual editing.
But, at its core, Netlify eliminates infrastructure complexity, letting teams focus on delivering great user experiences.
Key features of Netlify
- Seamless build and deploy: Netlify deploys your site to a global CDN with every code push, supports any JavaScript framework, and offers serverless functions so you can add backend logic without maintaining servers.
- Simplified deployment management: You can preview changes before going live, roll back to previous versions with one click, manage multiple branches simultaneously, and control who can deploy and when.
- Better developer experience: Netlify automates dependency installation, caches intelligently between builds, offers secure build environments, and includes debugging tools like the Netlify Drawer and AI-powered build failure fixes.
- Optimal content management: With a built-in visual editor, real-time content editing, support for SEO metadata, and edge-cached delivery, Netlify enables content teams to publish fast without relying on developers.
- Comprehensive forms and integrations: Built-in form handling, extensive third-party integrations, Netlify Blobs for unstructured data, and automatic image optimization streamline development without slowing down builds.
- Stronger security and monitoring: Netlify includes automatic SSL certificates, advanced security features, real-time analytics, and Lighthouse performance scores to ensure your site is secure, fast, and user-friendly.
Why convert your Netlify powered website or web app into a native app?
Converting your Netlify powered website or web app into a native mobile app can provide a more seamless user experience, higher engagement rates, and better performance than web apps. Four key benefits of converting to a native app include:
- Native app features: With native apps, you can access device-specific features, such as push notifications, GPS, haptic feedback, and camera integration—features that aren’t possible with web apps. These tools can significantly improve how users interact with your app, driving more engagement.
- App store presence: Native apps offer the opportunity to publish your app on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, where users can easily discover, download, and engage with your product. A spot in the app store is a major advantage for brand visibility and customer acquisition.
- Offline access: One of the most significant benefits of native mobile apps is offline functionality. Unlike web apps that require a constant internet connection, native apps store data locally, allowing users to interact with the app even when offline.
- Improved user engagement and retention: Studies show that mobile apps have much higher engagement and retention rates compared to web apps. Apps can offer more personalized experiences with features like user notifications and reminders, all of which are highly effective for driving repeat usage.
How Median.co can help you convert a Netlify-deployed website/web app into a native app
Median.co offers a simple, efficient, and cost-effective solution to convert your Netlify deployed website/web app into a native iOS and Android app.
Using Median’s App Studio, you can convert any website into a mobile app with native features such as push notifications, haptics feedback, and device-specific functionality like GPS and camera access.
Developer opting to use Median.co experience significant benefits, including:
- Extensive native plugin library: Median.co's App Studio includes a wide range of native plugins that allow you to easily add advanced native features to your app, such as push notifications, haptics, Face ID/Biometric login, etc. — including SDK integrations for leading mobile vendors.
- Real-time app building: The platform lets you see real-time updates of your app as you customize it, ensuring you get the exact look and feel you want.
- Easy publishing: With Median.co’s publishing service, our team will submit your app to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store while you focus on bigger business projects.
With Median.co, the conversion process is streamlined, and you don’t need to be a developer to create a fully functional mobile app.
Want to learn more about our plugins?
Launch a full-feature native app without native development!
How to convert your Netlify powered web app or website into a native app using Median.co
Ready to convert your Netlify powered web app/website into a native mobile app? Get started with a step-by-step guide to using Median.co's App Studio.
Step 1: Build your app in the Median.co App Studio
Start by visiting https://median.co/app. Enter your Netlify powered website or web app’s URL as the "Website URL" and update your "App Name" as needed.
An email address is required for ongoing access to your app in the App Studio — you’ll then receive an email with a link to verify your account. To continue, click “Start Building my App!”
Step 2: Preview & test your new app
Median.co offers browser-based simulators to easily preview your app on iOS and Android devices without leaving your web browser.
As a starter, test that the basic functionality within your new app is performing as expected.
Step 3: Customize your app
In the Branding tab, you can upload an app icon and splash screen image or animation, and set theme colors to fully customize your app and align with your brand.
Additionally, you can explore options for Interface Settings, Link Handling, Website Overrides, and Permissions to tailor your app user experience to meet your requirements.
Native Navigation is where you can create a natural native app experience for your users, as well as finding help to meet Google and Apple design requirements.
Finally, you can explore Median’s Native Plugins to add advanced native features and integrations like push notifications, haptics feedback, and analytics to enhance user experience and maximize outcomes for your app.
Step 4: Test your app
Now that your app is customized, it’s crucial to test it on different devices before submitting it to the App Stores. Median.co offers:
- Browser-based simulators to help ensure everything is functioning properly.
- A convenient Public Sharing Link to provide access to stakeholders during testing.
- Functionality to easily test on physical devices (an Apple Developer account is required for iOS).
Step 5: Launch your app
Access the License tab to choose a license and annual plan that suits your needs. Median.co offers various tiers based on the functionality needed for your app.
Additionally, Median offers a service whereby our team will manage the publishing process to ensure your app is approved by the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Why native apps offer better business results
Converting your web app into a native mobile app is not just about better features—it's also about driving tangible business results. Here's how.
- Easier user acquisition: Having your app in the app stores gives your business more credibility. Customers are more likely to download an app that is easily accessible from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Plus, depending on your expected user base, you can serve app install ads to acquire new user app installations, leading to increased downloads and conversions.
- Engagement and retention: Native mobile apps have a higher retention rate than web apps. They provide a more personal and interactive experience through personalized push notifications powered by analytics that can be used to increase user retention. They also offer offline access and native device features, such as your app icon being present on user’s home screens, providing easy access to your app and ensuring users stay engaged longer.
- Better user experience: Native apps offer faster load times and smoother transitions compared to web apps, which can lead to greater customer satisfaction and higher reviews on app stores. They also offer an improved app navigation experience, boosting user satisfaction.
- Revenue generation: With access to in-app purchases, advertisements, and subscriptions, native apps provide more opportunities for monetization compared to traditional web apps.
Case Studies
Discover how Median empowers companies to speed mobile app development, engage users, and reduce expenses.
Conclusion
Simply put: converting your Netlify-powered website or web app into a native mobile app enhances performance, user engagement, and distribution.
With Median.co, you can streamline this process — with no native development required — saving you 3x times the cost.
From seamless integration of native features like push notifications and offline access to app store deployment handled by experts, Median.co ensures your app is production-ready and optimized for user retention.
Ready to convert your Netlify deployed site or web app into a mobile app? Start your journey with Median.co and experience the benefits of native app development today.
Frequently asked questions
What are the different approaches to deploying a site to Netlify?
Netlify offers multiple deployment approaches to suit different workflows: connect a Git repository (GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket) for continuous deployment that automatically updates your site with each push; using the drag-and-drop interface for faster manual deployments; using the Netlify CLI with commands like netlify deploy for terminal-based workflows; start from pre-built Netlify Templates; or use programmatic options like the Deploy to Netlify button, API endpoints, or integrations with services like AWS CloudFormation and Terraform. All the above mentioned methods maintain Netlify's atomic deploy concept, which ensures that your site is never in an inconsistent state during updates. Read more on Netlify’s Support Guide: Deploying a site to Netlify.
Can I add in-app purchases (IAPs) to my native app if my site is hosted on Netlify?
Yes. Median.co supports in-app purchases through its In-App Purchases plugin, allowing you to sell subscriptions, premium content, or one-time features directly within your app. This integration complies with Apple and Google billing guidelines and works independently of your existing web payment flow.
Will my site's dynamic features (like user dashboards or real-time data) work inside the native app?
Median.co mirrors the full functionality of your Netlify-hosted site inside the native app. Features like user authentication, dynamic content rendering, and API-driven components remain fully operational—no additional backend changes required.
How do I ensure my app meets App Store guidelines if it’s just wrapping my existing site?
Median.co includes tools like Native Navigation and Website Overrides to help your app feel and behave like a true native experience. These tools ensure your app aligns with Apple’s and Google’s UI/UX standards, increasing your chances of approval during app review.
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