The Ultimate Guide to Convert WordPress into PWA

To help users enjoy a fast-loading and responsive web experience, WordPress has also initiated the WordPress PWA movement back in Chrome Dev Summit 2017. It has announced its progress in integrating Progressive Technologies into the functionalities and workflow of WordPress. Since then the scenario has completely changed for the WordPress, compelling every WordPress user to look for WordPress to PWA solutions and services from the PWA developers. So, why wait? Approach your nearest mobile development company or hire PWA developers for their progressive app development services and feel the difference with your WordPress PWA website.

Why Should You Go for Progressive Web App Development Services?

A PWA is a software that employs the latest web programming techniques. A PWA might offer push notifications using JavaScript which keeps it up-to-date without needing any complex installation steps. A PWA runs optimally across all platforms and browsers and is considered as safe as you can deliver enhanced web or mobile experience with secure HTTPS.

Why Convert WordPress to PWA?

Today, many big brands such as Twitter and Spotify are hiring progressive web app developers and investing in progressive web app development services to convert their websites into PWA, ensuring lightning-speed of their websites and deliver outstanding web or mobile experience to the users. So, if you don’t want your users to abandon your website due to slow websites, consider this as an invitation to invest in progressive web app development services to improve your site’s performance, functionality, and user experience.

What Do You Need to Setup a PWA in Your WordPress Website?

• A PWA requires that your WordPress website is secured with HTTPS and not HTTP.
• Your WordPress version should be higher than 3.5.0
• Also, the PHP version should be higher than 5.3

How to Convert WordPress into PWA?

Once you meet the above-mentioned requisites, you can choose to convert your WordPress site into a PWA using any one of the two ways: Manual PWA Development by progressive web app developers or a mobile app development company, or by using Plugins
 

1. Manual PWA Development

Despite being less costly, PWA development requires in-depth coding knowledge and the technical know-how of the prominent JavaScript frameworks and libraries, such as Angular and React. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that website owners with no or less coding knowledge should hire PWA developers or use plugins instead. While converting WordPress to PWA manually, make sure you adhere to Google’s Progressive Web App Checklist and test your website against the Lighthouse tool to ensure the best user experience.

2. Use Plugins

WordPress offers a diverse range of plugins that can do most of the heavy jobs for its users. These plugins are available as Free and Paid.

Some of the Free PWA plugins include Super PWA, PWA, PWA for WP & AMP, Progress WordPress (PWA), etc.

Some of the Paid PWA plugins include WordPress Mobile Pack (WMP), PWA Themes, etc.

How to Install PWA Plugins?

Installing PWA plugins onto your WordPress site is simple and streamlined. For instance, if you’re using Super PWA plugin, you can follow the below-given steps to install the plugin:

WordPress Installation:

• Go to WordPress Admin Panel-> Plugins -> Add New
• Find ‘Super Progressive Web Apps’
• Click “Install Now” and then “Activate” Super Progressive Web Apps

Manual Installation:

• Upload super-progressive-web-apps folder to the /wp-content/plugins/directory available on your server
• Visit WordPress Admin Panel -> Plugins
• Enable Super Progressive Web Apps plugin from the list.

Wrapping Up

With the rising demand for mobile-responsive and fast-loading websites and mobile applications, many website owners and mobile app development companies are focusing more on PWA technology to deliver excellent web and mobile experience to the users. So, if you haven’t yet converted your WordPress website or any other website into a PWA, now is the time to hire PWA developers or invest in progressive web app development services to stay ahead in the curve.

If you’re tech freak and want to do it all by yourself, manual development of PWA could be the best option for you. However, if you’re dipping your toes into the whirls of PWA development, it is always wise to hire mobile app developers, progressive web app developers, or a web and mobile app development company for their progressive web app development services if you want to be on the safe side.