You don’t need to hire expensive developers or spend tens of thousands to get a native app. In most cases you can convert a WordPress/MemberPress membership site into branded iOS and Android apps in a few hours and for a fraction of the usual cost. Apps reduce friction by keeping members logged in on their home screens, speeding content delivery, and using push notifications to boost engagement.
Quick solution
Use MemberPress AppKit to convert a MemberPress-powered WordPress site into mobile apps without coding. It syncs content, members, and payments, and supports push notifications and in-app billing.
Why build an app?
– Apps live on members’ home screens, cutting steps to access content.
– Members stay logged in, improving retention and reducing churn.
– Native apps load courses and videos faster than browsers on phones.
– Push notifications re-engage members at the right moment.
– Courses, community, and videos feel more focused and app-native.
Costs and typical approaches
– Hire 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; example total yearly cost around $1,746.50 (hosting, MemberPress, and AppKit in that example), making it faster and more affordable for many creators.
Checklist: what you need before starting
– Fast, reliable WordPress hosting (example: Rapyd Cloud or similar).
– Active 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 frequently use mobile, you offer video or course content, you want higher retention, or members request an app. If your site is brand new or has only a handful of members, you may choose to wait until you have a larger audience.
Step-by-step setup (no-code, about 2–3 hours plus store review time)
Step 1: Install and activate AppKit
– Purchase AppKit, download the plugin, install and activate it on WordPress, and connect with the license key in 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 these keys as sensitive.
Step 3: Configure Android settings (Google Developer)
– Create a Google Developer account and an app in Google Play Console.
– In MP AppKit » Configure » Android Settings, upload the Service Account key from Google Cloud.
– Set Application ID in reverse-domain format (e.g., com.yoursite.app) and generate or import a KeyStore certificate for signing releases.
Step 4: Configure Firebase for push notifications
– Create a Firebase project and optionally enable Google Analytics.
– Generate a Firebase Service Account JSON key and upload it to MP AppKit » Configure » Google Firebase.
– Register four apps in Firebase: main and test versions for iOS and Android. Bundle IDs and Application IDs must match across Apple, Google, Firebase, and MP AppKit.
– For iOS, upload your APN auth key in Firebase, then download the .plist and .json config files and upload them into MP AppKit.
Step 5: Enable key app features in MP AppKit
– Enable push notifications and configure automated notification types.
– Allow in-app registration if desired and set delete-account email handling.
– Enable user feedback, bug reporting, sharing, related posts, smart banner prompts, and customize default restricted-content messages.
Step 6: Configure branding
– Upload logos, app icons, splash screens, and other images in MP AppKit » Branding » Images.
– Set colors and typography (Google Fonts or custom) and configure tab bar and menu icons to match your site branding.
Step 7: Build the app homepage and pages
– Create App Pages with Gutenberg blocks and AppKit blocks (Quick Links, Courses, etc.) to direct members to key areas after login.
– Publish pages and add them to navigation so members land where you want them.
Step 8: Build and test
– Use MP AppKit » Build » Request Build to generate Test App and Release App builds for iOS and Android.
– Install test builds (QR for Android; TestFlight for iOS) and verify login/registration, content loading, push notifications, membership gating, payments behavior, and branding.
– Test critical flows thoroughly before requesting a release build.
Step 9: Submit to app stores
– From the Build page, use Release Apps to upload to Google Play Console and App Store Connect.
– Prepare store metadata: description, screenshots, keywords, privacy policy, and other required assets.
– Submit for review. Apple reviews often take longer; rejections are usually fixable with minor metadata or policy adjustments.
Post-launch and updates
– Content updates (posts, courses) sync automatically with the app.
– Major changes, API updates, or branding changes require a new build and resubmission to the stores.
– Use Firebase push notifications to re-engage users without additional cost.
Common questions
– Do I need to code? No. MemberPress AppKit handles app creation and syncing.
– Do members need new accounts? No. Existing MemberPress accounts work in the app.
– Can I use Stripe or PayPal in the app? App stores require native in-app purchases for digital goods; Apple and Google take a percentage of in-app transactions.
– What if the app is rejected? Rejections are common and generally involve fixable metadata or policy issues. Address feedback and resubmit.
– Will content update automatically? Yes; new posts, courses, and membership content sync in real time.
– Are push notifications free? Yes; Firebase provides push notifications at no extra cost.
Tips and warnings
– Start Apple and Google developer account setup early because approvals can take time.
– Secure API keys, service account files, and KeyStore files like passwords.
– Match Bundle IDs/Application IDs exactly across Apple, Google, Firebase, and MP AppKit to avoid build errors.
– Test thoroughly, especially login/registration, access control, payments, and push notifications, before public launch.
Follow these steps and you can turn a MemberPress membership site into a polished iOS and Android app without hiring developers. The result reduces friction, increases engagement, and delivers a native experience for courses, videos, and community features.
