An app builder is a platform that allows businesses to create mobile apps with no coding experience. Similar to the way web services such as Wix, Squarespace and Shopify allow users to create web sites, app builders create mobile apps for iPhone and Android. App builders can include some or all of the following features:
- Push notification and in-app messaging
- Loyalty programs
- Integration with website data; such as the ability to grab posts and pages from WordPress websites
- Online shopping capabilities
- Built-in Content Manage System to create articles and content right in the app and manage the content once the app is distributed on the app stores
- Contact forms
- Analytics
- Membership functionality
- Videos, audio and multimedia features – pull videos right from services such as YouTube and Vimeo
- Extensive menu and user interface and design options
- Integration with web-based data sources
- Mapping and location finders
- RSS, JSON and XML readers
NATIVE APPS VS WEB APPS
Most app builders require no coding and allow users to create apps in days versus months. Some app builders create native apps which are favored by Apple and Google and produce apps specifically for each platform. Not only are they fast and efficient, they conform to the latest app standards and use all features offered by the platform and device hardware such as GPS, camera control, compass, accelerometer and push notifications. Many app builders produce Web Apps, which look a lot like native apps, but are produced using web-based technologies such as JavaScript, CSS, and HTML5. These apps are not usually installed in the app stores and can’t control all device hardware.
The APP Company Platform
The App Company Platform produces native apps for iPhone and Android and costs just $149/month. It offers a myriad of features and 1000’s of design possibilities. It’s a great option for both small and enterprise-level clients and apps produced by the platform are used by millions of people daily. Learn more about our app builder platform.