{"id":74498,"date":"2023-07-24T11:30:00","date_gmt":"2023-07-24T08:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/themeisle.com\/blog\/?p=74498"},"modified":"2023-07-23T03:16:07","modified_gmt":"2023-07-23T00:16:07","slug":"wordpress-pwa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/themeisle.com\/blog\/wordpress-pwa\/","title":{"rendered":"A Beginner\u2019s Guide to WordPress PWA (Progressive Web Apps)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There are tons of advantages to converting your site into a WordPress PWA. However, if you’re not a seasoned web developer, you might not know how to get started. \ud83c\udfc1<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The good news is that even if you’re a beginner, you can easily transform your site into a progressive web app with a few WordPress plugins. Using PWAs can improve the user experience (UX) with faster loading times and enable you to boost engagement with push notifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In this post, we’ll briefly introduce you to progressive web apps<\/a>. Then, we’ll discuss the benefits of using a WordPress PWA<\/a> and what to consider before making one. Finally, we’ll share three PWA plugins<\/a> to help you get the job done. Let’s dive right in! \ud83e\udd3f<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\n\t\t \t\tA beginner\u2019s guide \ud83d\udcda to #WordPress #PWA \ud83d\udc68\u200d\ud83c\udf93<\/a>\n\t\t \t<\/div>\n\t\t \t
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What is a progressive web app (PWA)?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First, let’s go over what exactly a progressive web app (PWA) is. In a nutshell, it’s application software built through the web, that can function in any compatible browser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udc49 PWAs typically use some of the most common programming languages, like HTML and JavaScript, and they can run on both desktop and mobile devices. As an example, Uber uses a PWA:<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Uber<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Additionally, when compatible, PWAs can be published on application distribution systems like the Apple App Store and Google Play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This way, users have the option to install them directly on their mobile devices or operating systems. Essentially, PWAs function like native mobile apps, but you don’t have to install them if you don’t want to.<\/p>\n\n\n

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What are the benefits of using a WordPress PWA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are a lot of benefits to using a PWA. They basically come with all the same advantages of mobile apps. \ud83d\udcf1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most importantly, they can provide improved loading times<\/a>. That’s because a PWA will perform regardless of the strength of the network connection. Some can even work entirely offline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What’s more, you don’t need to sacrifice functionality when you switch to a PWA. Modern APIs are highly capable<\/a>, and are able to equip you with the tools you need to create a PWA that can do everything a traditional website can (and more).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plus, at least for standard mobile applications, the evidence shows that people prefer accessing content using apps [1]<\/sup>, mostly for the convenience and improved UX<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once users download your app, you can send them push notifications, which have an impressive 90 percent open rate [2]<\/sup>. This can help you connect with your users more easily, thereby boosting conversions and sales.<\/p>\n\n\n

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What to consider before converting your site into a WordPress PWA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, transforming your WordPress site into a fully functioning PWA can be simple thanks to WordPress plugins<\/a>. However, there are a few important factors you might want to consider before moving forward with the change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Firstly, if you haven’t built your site yet or you want to be extra sure your PWA will run smoothly and look great, it’s good to consider selecting a fast WordPress theme<\/a> that is light-weight and compatible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, a sleek, one-page theme like Hestia<\/a> is a great choice, since it doesn’t overcomplicate things:<\/p>\n\n\n\"Hestia\n\n\n\n

If you’re on a budget, there’s also a free version<\/a> available. \ud83d\udcb8<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, you’ll want to carefully consider which features you’d like your PWA to have. As an example, you may want it to be able to function offline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alternatively, you might need “add to home screen” function. For many, enabling WordPress push notifications<\/a> will be a priority. If that’s the case, it’s a good idea to employ a separate plugin for that purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you don’t think you have the technical chops to convert your website into a PWA using multiple plugins, you may want to hire a developer<\/a> to do the job.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Best WordPress PWA plugins to transform your site in 2023<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now that you’re familiar with the basics, we’re going to share three plugins that can help you transform your site into a PWA:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Super Progressive Web Apps<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. PWA for WP and AMP<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. PWA<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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    1. Super Progressive Web Apps<\/h3>\n\n\n
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