It’s a common misconception you need to hire a developer or spend $10,000+ to build an app. You can turn your membership website into a branded iOS and Android app in a few hours and on a much smaller budget. Forcing members to repeatedly log in through a phone browser drives churn; an app removes that friction by keeping users logged in on their home screens.
Quick answer: Use MemberPress AppKit to convert a WordPress/MemberPress site into mobile apps without code. It syncs content, members, and payments, and supports push notifications and in-app billing.
Why an app?
– Apps live on members’ home screens, reducing friction.
– Members stay logged in, boosting retention.
– Content and videos open faster than in a browser.
– Push notifications bring members back at the right time.
– Courses, videos, and community areas feel more focused.
Costs and options
Typical approaches:
– Hiring developers: $10,000–$50,000+.
– App agencies: $5,000–$20,000+.
– Generic app builders: $50–$300/month.
– MemberPress AppKit: integrates with your existing MemberPress site and runs about ~$1,746.50/year (including hosting, membership plugin, and AppKit in the example breakdown), making it faster and more affordable for most sites.
What you need (checklist)
– Reliable WordPress hosting (fast, stable). Example: Rapyd Cloud.
– MemberPress plugin to manage memberships.
– MemberPress AppKit subscription.
– Apple Developer account ($99/year) to publish iOS apps.
– Google Play Developer account ($25 one-time) to publish Android apps.
Is an app right for you?
An app makes sense if members regularly access content on mobile, you offer courses or videos, you want higher retention, or members ask for an app. If your site is brand new or has very few members, you may wait.
Step-by-step setup (no-code, ~2–3 hours plus store review time)
Step 1: Install and activate MemberPress AppKit
– Purchase AppKit, download the plugin, install and activate it on WordPress.
– Connect using the license key from your MemberPress account (MP AppKit » Connect).
Step 2: Configure iOS settings (Apple Developer)
– Enroll in the Apple Developer Program.
– In MP AppKit » Configure » iOS Settings, paste Key ID and Issuer ID and upload the API key from App Store Connect.
– Set Bundle IDs, signing certificates, provisioning profiles, App ID, and app-specific shared secret (for in-app purchases). Treat API keys as highly sensitive.
Step 3: Configure Android settings (Google Developer)
– Create a Google Developer account and app in Google Play Console.
– In MP AppKit » Configure » Android Settings, upload the Service Account key from Google Cloud.
– Set Application ID (reverse-domain format, e.g., com.yoursite.app) and generate/import a KeyStore certificate (used to sign releases).
Step 4: Configure Firebase for push notifications
– Create a Firebase project in console.firebase.google.com and (optionally) enable Google Analytics.
– Generate a Firebase Service Account (Admin SDK) JSON key and upload it in MP AppKit » Configure » Google Firebase.
– Register four apps in Firebase: main and test versions for iOS and Android. Ensure Bundle IDs and Application IDs exactly match those in your developer accounts and MP AppKit.
– For iOS, upload your APN auth key from Apple in Firebase. Download the .plist and .json configuration files and upload them into MP AppKit.
Step 5: Enable key app features in MP AppKit
– Push Notifications: Activate the component and configure automated notification types (MP AppKit » Components » Push Notifications; MP AppKit » Settings » Push Notifications).
– User Registration: Allow in-app registration in MP AppKit » Settings » General.
– Delete Account: Configure email where deletion requests are sent (MP AppKit » Settings » Feedback).
– Report a Bug & Send Feedback: Enable these features and add submission emails so members can send device info and screenshots for troubleshooting.
– Sharing & Related Posts: Enable sharing and related posts under MP AppKit » Settings » Blog Posts.
– Smart Banner: Enable on MP AppKit » Settings » Smart Banner to prompt mobile visitors to open or install the app.
– Default Restricted Message: Customize the message and CTA shown when users hit restricted content (MP AppKit » Settings » Access Controls).
Step 6: Configure app branding
– Upload logos, app icons, splash screens, and images (MP AppKit » Branding » Images). Use consistent branding with your website.
– Set colors and typography (Google Fonts or custom) under the Colors and Typography tabs.
– Configure Tab Bar icons and More Screen menu icons (MP AppKit » Menu » Tab Bar). Choose visibility rules for the Tab Bar.
Step 7: Build the app homepage and pages
– Create app pages (MP AppKit » App Pages) using Gutenberg blocks.
– Use Quick Links, Courses block, and other app blocks to guide members to key areas right after login.
– Publish pages and add them to the app navigation.
Step 8: Build and test your app
– MP AppKit » Build » Request Build. Choose platforms and build types (Test App and Release App) to generate test and release builds for iOS and Android.
– Test App: install test builds (QR for Android; TestFlight for iOS) to verify login/registration, menus, content, push notifications, branding, and navigation.
– Check critical flows: account login/registration, content loading, push notifications, membership access control, payments behavior.
Step 9: Submit to app stores
– From the Build page, use Release Apps to upload builds to Google Play Console and App Store Connect.
– Prepare store assets: app description, screenshots, keywords, privacy policy, and other required metadata.
– Submit for review. Apple’s review often takes longer; rejections are usually fixable (metadata, screenshots, minor policy issues).
Post-launch and updates
– Content updates (posts, courses) sync automatically.
– Major changes, API updates, or branding changes require a new build and resubmission to app stores.
– Use Firebase push notifications to re-engage users without extra cost.
Common questions
– Do I need to code? No. MemberPress AppKit handles app creation and syncing with your WordPress site.
– Do members need new accounts? No. Existing MemberPress accounts work in the app.
– Can I use Stripe or PayPal inside the app? App stores require native In-App Purchase for digital goods sold inside the app; Apple and Google take a percentage of in-app sales.
– What if the app is rejected? Rejections are common and typically involve metadata or policy fixes. Resubmit after addressing feedback.
– Will content update automatically? Yes—new posts, courses, and membership content sync in real time.
– Are push notifications free? Yes—Firebase allows sending push notifications at no extra cost.
Tips and warnings
– Start your developer accounts early (Apple can take a day or two to approve).
– Keep API keys, Service Account files, and Keystore files secure—treat them like passwords.
– Match Bundle IDs/Application IDs exactly across Apple, Google, Firebase, and MP AppKit to avoid errors.
– Test thoroughly before public launch and wait for both stores to approve before announcing a hard launch date.
By following these steps you can turn a MemberPress membership site into a polished iOS and Android app without hiring developers. This reduces friction for members, increases engagement, and delivers a more app-native experience for your courses, videos, and community features.
