How to create an app without a website? Guide for 2025

Websites and apps are two independent entities. You can have a website, or only an app, or both website and app at the same time. However, many people have this notion that they must first create a website to lay a foundation for the app.

This becomes true if you are using a no-code web to application converter to create a mobile app. There are many no-code app builders that only allow you to turn an existing site into an app. However, this is not applicable to all.

No-code app builders like AppMySite enable you to create your own standalone app from scratch as well. Stay tuned and learn to build an app without a website. Create and launch your bespoke app and earn the undivided attention of your loyal users. 

In this blog

1. Apps vs websites: Statistical overview
2. Steps to build an app without a website

• Step 2. Finalize a development method
• Step 3. Create frameworks for your app
• Step 4. Design and develop the app
• Step 5. Test and launch your app

3. Frequently asked questions

Apps vs websites: Statistical overview

Source

Currently, there are more than a billion websites in the world and they are undeniably a significant asset for any business. There was also a time when it was the only major tool for a business to ensure an online presence, rank in search results, and get exposure.

However, times have now changed and there are more channels for businesses to explore and grow their funnel. Traditional SEO and Google search rankings arguably still matter, but the existence of an online business or an organization does not completely rely on these factors.

Google allows you to submit a listing request for a business without a website, top mobile app stores allow you to list your apps and also run ads for better visibility, and social networking sites have added special features and functionalities to allow businesses to sell via their platforms.

These are only a few of the many options that a business has today. This gives rise to the question – Are websites still essential for an online business? Well, while websites may not be essential, they are still pretty trending. According to Forbes, around 2,52,000 websites are created daily, and 10,500 websites are created every hour. 

These stats just go on to show that websites are not and cannot become obsolete, at least not in the visible future. However, statistics do show that mobile apps have started overpowering websites in terms of popularity and growth potential.

The mobile traffic is increasing every day, and it is now somewhere around 55 percent. Users are spending 90 percent of their time on mobile apps and just 10 percent of their time on mobile websites. Moreover, mobile apps have a 157 percent better conversion rate than mobile websites.

These numbers go on to show that apps are ruling out there. Thus, investing in mobile apps, irrespective of whether you have a website or not, can be a viable decision. Continue reading and learn how you can create and launch an app without a website.

Steps to build an app without a website

Having a website makes it easy to develop apps. For instance, content and databases are already available and one does not need to start everything from the ground up. Website to app converters also enable you to use your website data to populate your app.

However, this does not mean that building your app from scratch is impossible. In fact, websites and apps are exclusive and independent assets and you can choose to invest in standalone apps. So, let us cut to the chase and learn how you can build an app from scratch:

Step 1. Start with in-depth research

Research is the first step in any project and the same goes for mobile app development. Conduct in-depth mobile app market research and analyze the market, audience, competitors, and popular trends of your industry.

You can conduct surveys and studies or use existing reports to source reliable information and statistics. Your research should help you in clearly outlining the purpose and key features of your app besides demarcating your potential market and user-base.

Is my app idea relevant and profitable? How will my app idea stand out amongst the competition? How much will the app cost? What type of app and app development method should I opt for? How will I monetize my app?

Find answers to these questions to create a robust app development plan. Validate your app idea and chalk out a roadmap and budget. This will help you get a solid head start, optimize resource utilization, and move ahead in the right direction.

Step 2. Finalize a development method

Once you have studied your market, customers, and competitors, you can go on to find a reliable mobile app development partner. Remember, this is one of the most critical decisions you are going to make in your app development journey and the expenditure, process, and outcome will depend on your choice.

There are many app development options available out there. For example, you can explore the following:

• Create your app with an app making website like AppMySite in a DIY and no-code environment.
• Put your coding knowledge or IT workforce to use and code your own app with frameworks.
• Outsource development to a team of freelancers or an app development company.

These are some of the most suitable options that you opt for. The following steps will depend on your choice of platform or method and your approach towards development. Therefore, make an informed choice and ensure that it aligns with your budget and goals.

For instance, custom and outsourced app development can cost you a lot and take months to deliver a minimum viable product. Finding reliable in-house talent can also be cumbersome and time-consuming. Therefore, it is best to go with no-code app builders if you want to save time and money.

Step 3. Create frameworks for your app

It is best to create outlines of your app and establish a visual and documented concept of the application. This enables you to clearly communicate your ideas with your team and stakeholders and bring them on the same page.

For instance, let’s say that you want to generate funds for app development and wish to pitch the app idea to investors. In this case, you can use app frameworks to portray your app idea and help your investors understand the core purpose and features of your app.

Additionally, it can also help your development team understand what you want from your app. Thus, you can create wireframes, mockups, or prototypes of your app based on your requirements and the level of accuracy required in your frameworks.

Create a basic layout of your app with lines and shapes or give a full visual idea of the look and feel of the app, the choice is yours. You can also create interactive prototypes and highlight the user-navigational journey, UI/UX, and the overall layout of the mobile app.

Step 4. Design and develop the app

Once your app is clearly outlined, you can proceed to mobile app design and development. This is where you will design the actual screens, icons, buttons, and other elements of your app.

With a tool like AppMySite, this step becomes a breeze as the app builder allows you to design your app like a professional with easy point-and-click tools. Focus on aesthetics and usability and design a stunning app that portrays your brand’s true imagery and identity.

Go on to design the user experience and develop the features, functionalities, and other assets of the app. If you have opted for traditional methods, you will need Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), Software Development Kits (SDKs), and libraries alongside server-side components.

Build the backend and frontend of the app focusing on responsiveness and performance. Again, if all of this sounds too overwhelming, you can simply build your app with AppMySite in an effortless DIY environment.

All it takes is a few toggle buttons and clicks to design and create your app from scratch. It comes with a built-in Content Management System (CMS) that makes it easy to create all kinds of apps in an easy manner. Build and develop your app the way you want and add the features and functionalities of your choice.

Step 5. Test and launch your app

Once your app is fully built, you must test it thoroughly. You can refer to detailed mobile app testing guides or hire professionals and experts who can test and analyze your entire app including design, features, functionalities, performance, responsiveness, user-friendliness, and so on.  

From visual elements and buttons to device compatibility, check every aspect with utmost attention. Fix any bugs and flaws and test again for potential vulnerabilities, threats, and issues.

Additionally, you can also get beta testers to use and test your app and provide feedback through defined channels. Collect the feedback and suggestions and implement changes where required. This will allow you to prepare your app for real-world users.

Once you feel that your app is perfect and ready for use, you can go ahead and submit it on the app stores. Publish your app on the Google Play or Apple App Stores or distribute it via the web if it is a Progressive Web App. Optimize your app listings and aim for maximum traction and visibility amongst your targeted audience.

Read in detail: How to create an app? Make an app in ten simple steps.

How to promote your app-only business?

It is easier for website owners to promote an app as they often already have a customer or subscriber base to market to. However, if you are starting from scratch, you will need to put in extra effort.

Therefore, once your app is launched, you can go on to create a detailed promotional and marketing campaign for your app. Here are some techniques that you can follow to market your mobile app:

App Store Optimization (ASO)

More than 63 percent of app users discover new apps by generally browsing and searching the app stores. Thus, optimizing your app listing for the top app marketplaces can get your app the desired exposure and engagement.

You can implement App Store Optimization techniques and optimize your app’s metadata and description to make it more suitable for visibility and ranks. Incentivize your users to rate and review your app on the app stores to gain the trust of new and potential users. You can also run app store ads for initial publicity. 

Social media marketing

Social media has emerged as one of the most powerful tools available online. From marketing to engagement, it is helping individuals and businesses become popular and build a loyal follower-base.

You can create a business profile with download links to your apps. Additionally, you can also run social media ads and venture into influencer marketing and brand collaboration campaigns. Explore multiple platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp, and so on.

Content and email marketing

Content continues to rule in the marketing realm in different formats. You can do guest blogging to promote your app and business on various websites. Also, explore audio and video content marketing formats like podcasts and webinars.

Additionally, you can leverage the power of evergreen email marketing. Send promotional and transactional emails to users to make their journey easy. Build your subscriber list and communicate with them regularly. From newsletters to discount campaign promotions, you can send all kinds of emails to keep your users engaged.

PR & engagement activities

Other than traditional methods, you can also try out retention marketing, moment marketing, affiliate marketing, and so on. You can also invest in PR (Public Relations) activities and publish promotional articles in newspapers and magazines.

Moreover, you can also collaborate with other brands and join forum discussions and communities. Attend corporate events to ensure brand exposure and networking. The idea here is to make sure that more people know about your app and what it does. Create powerful pitches and endorse your app on multiple platforms.

Read in detail: Popular mobile app marketing techniques – The complete guide to success

Frequently asked questions