It’s a misconception you need a developer or $10,000+ to build an app. You can turn your WordPress membership site into a branded iOS and Android app in a few hours and at much lower cost using MemberPress AppKit—no code required.
Quick Answer
Use MemberPress AppKit to convert your existing MemberPress-powered site into mobile apps. It syncs content and members in real time, supports push notifications and in-app purchases, and handles the build and store uploads.
Why an App?
An app reduces friction (no repeated browser logins), keeps members logged in, speeds content access, enables push notifications, and lives on members’ home screens—usually increasing engagement and retention.
Cost Overview
– Hiring developers: $10,000–$50,000+.
– App agencies: $5,000–$20,000+.
– Generic app builders: $50–$300/month.
– MemberPress AppKit: roughly $1,746.50/year including hosting, MemberPress, and AppKit (varies).
Why MemberPress AppKit
– Fully branded iOS & Android apps.
– Real-time syncing of courses, lessons, and membership rules.
– Built-in push notifications.
– In-app payments (IAP) supported.
– No-code setup and cloud build system.
Is an App Right for You?
An app makes sense if members use mobile often, you offer courses/video, want higher retention, or members asked for an app. Wait if your site is brand new, has few active members, or is mostly text-based and mobile web works fine.
What You Need
– Reliable WordPress hosting (fast, stable).
– MemberPress plugin (to manage memberships).
– MemberPress AppKit subscription.
– Apple Developer account ($99/year).
– Google Play Developer account ($25 one-time).
Step-by-Step Setup (Estimated 2–3 hours, plus store reviews)
1. Install & Activate MemberPress AppKit
Purchase AppKit, download the plugin, install on WordPress, and activate using your license key (MP AppKit » Connect). This links your site to the AppKit cloud services.
2. Configure iOS Settings (Apple Developer)
Create an Apple Developer account. In MP AppKit » Configure » iOS Settings, paste Key ID and Issuer ID and upload your App Store Connect API key. Add Bundle IDs, signing certificates, provisioning profiles, App ID and shared secret for in-app purchases. Treat API keys as highly sensitive.
3. Configure Android Settings (Google Developer)
Create a Google Developer account and app in Google Play Console. In MP AppKit » Configure » Android Settings upload your Google Cloud Service Account key, set Application ID (reverse-domain format), and create or upload a KeyStore certificate for signing.
4. Configure Firebase for Push Notifications
Create a Firebase project. Generate and download the Firebase Service Account JSON (Admin key). In WordPress MP AppKit » Configure » Google Firebase upload the Admin key. Register four Firebase apps (iOS and Android, plus test versions). Upload the .plist and .json files to MP AppKit and add APN key for iOS. Ensure Bundle IDs/Application IDs match exactly.
5. Set Up Key App Features
– Push Notifications: Activate via MP AppKit » Components and configure automated notification types in Settings » Push Notifications.
– User Registration: Enable new account registration from the app (MP AppKit » Settings » General).
– Delete Account: Configure email for deletion requests (Settings » Feedback).
– Report a Bug / Send Feedback: Enable and set destination emails (Settings » Feedback).
– Sharing & Related Posts: Enable in Settings » Blog Posts to boost engagement.
– Smart Banner: Enable to prompt mobile visitors to install the app (Settings » Smart Banner).
– Default Restricted Message: Customize messages and CTA for restricted content (Settings » Access Controls).
6. Configure App Branding
In MP AppKit » Branding » Images upload app icons, splash screens, and login/launch images. In Colors and Typography customize palette and fonts. Configure Tab Bar icons and visibility (Menu » Tab Bar). Use consistent branding to make the app recognizable.
7. Configure the App Homepage
Create app pages in MP AppKit » App Pages using Gutenberg blocks. Build a clean Home screen with Quick Links, Courses block (carousel), featured content, and prioritized links so users find key areas quickly. Publish pages when ready.
8. Build and Test Your App
Go to MP AppKit » Build and Request Build. Choose platforms and build types (Test and Release). You’ll get test and release builds for iOS and Android. Install Test App via QR (Android) or TestFlight (iOS). Test critical flows:
– Login and registration
– Content loading and navigation
– Push notifications
– Branding and icons
– No broken links or missing elements
9. Submit to App Stores
From the Build page’s Release Apps tab, select Upload to Google Play Console and Upload to App Store Connect. Prepare store assets (description, screenshots, keywords) and complete store listings. App review times vary—Apple often takes a few days, Google is usually faster. Address review feedback quickly if needed.
Post-Launch Maintenance
Minor content updates sync automatically. Bigger changes (new features, branding updates, API changes) require new builds and resubmits. Keep the app updated and test after each new build.
Common Questions
– Do I need to code? No—MemberPress AppKit is no-code.
– Do members need new accounts? No—they use existing MemberPress credentials.
– Can I use Stripe/PayPal in the app? Mobile platforms require native In-App Purchase for digital goods sold inside the app; Apple and Google take a platform fee.
– What if the app is rejected? Rejections are common and usually fixable—follow store feedback and resubmit.
– Are push notifications free? Yes—Firebase supports unlimited push notifications for free.
Summary
MemberPress AppKit is the fastest, most affordable path to a professional membership app that keeps your members logged in, engaged, and on your brand’s home screen. Follow the steps: connect AppKit, configure Apple/Google/Firebase, set features and branding, build, test, and submit. Once approved, your membership site becomes a native app that improves retention and engagement.
