How to convert your Bettermode web app into a native app: A guide
Bettermode makes it easy to build customizable, branded web apps for communities, but converting those apps into native iOS and Android apps unlocks far greater potential. With Median.co, you can add native features like push notifications, offline access, and app store distribution — leading to higher engagement, stronger retention, and better business results without needing to code.
Bettermode gives organizations a fast, no-code way to create branded web applications for community engagement.
While these web apps are flexible and customizable, businesses often need to take the next step — converting them into native mobile apps to unlock better performance, higher engagement, and a stronger presence in the app stores.
This guide explains what Bettermode offers, why native apps matter, and how Median.co makes the conversion process simple and cost-effective.
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Key takeaways
Bettermode allows you to build customizable, white-labeled web apps with built-in authentication, roles, and extensibility through APIs.
Web apps created on Bettermode can be converted into native mobile apps to access push notifications, offline use, and other device-specific features.
Median.co’s App Studio makes it easy to convert your Bettermode web app into a native iOS and Android app without coding.
Native apps improve user acquisition, retention, and monetization compared to web apps alone.
What is Bettermode?
Bettermode is a no-code community platform that enables organizations to build customizable, branded web applications for community engagement.
Communities are structured with spaces, collections, and layouts, and can be designed using drag-and-drop blocks to create interactive experiences.
The platform includes authentication, roles, moderation, and analytics, removing the need to manage servers or infrastructure.
Each community is delivered as a hosted web app, fully white-labeled, accessible through a custom domain, and extendable via APIs, webhooks, and apps.
Here’s how it works:
Communities in Bettermode are built with spaces to organize content and blocks to design layouts. Admins can create custom content models such as articles, questions, or events, and manage access with authentication and role-based permissions.
Each community is hosted as a web application on a custom domain, with options for white-label branding.
Developers can extend functionality through GraphQL APIs, webhooks, and custom apps, making the platform adaptable to advanced use cases.
What are the key features of Bettermode?
Here are five core features of Bettermode (from their Feature Index) that directly tie to building a web-app-like experience:
Blocks & layouts: You can visually design pages by arranging drag-and-drop components such as feeds, leaderboards, or navigation, giving your community the structure of a modern web app.
Custom domains & white-labeling: Bettermode lets you run your community on your own domain and remove all platform branding, so it behaves and looks like your own web application.
Authentication & roles: Built-in user login, social login-in, SSO, and role-based permissions mean you don’t need to build authentication or access control from scratch.
APIs & extensibility: Developers can extend communities with GraphQL APIs, webhooks, and custom apps, turning Bettermode from a hosted tool into a fully extensible web app platform.
Instant app store facelift. No designer required.
Unlock Median’s 500+ free Figma app store screenshot templates designed to meet iOS and Android guidelines. Your app will look its best across platforms, resulting in more downloads and a more powerful app store presence.
Why convert your Bettermode web app into a native app?
Converting your Bettermode web app into a native mobile app is the best way to give users a more seamless experience.
With a native app, you can achieve higher engagement rates and better performance than web apps. Some of the benefits of converting to a native app include:
Native app features: With native apps, you can access device-specific features, such as push notifications, GPS, haptic feedback, and camera integration — features that aren’t possible with websites and web apps. These tools can significantly improve how users interact with your app, driving more engagement.
App store presence: Native apps offer the opportunity to publish your app on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, where users can easily discover, download, and engage with your product. A spot in the app store is a major advantage for brand visibility and customer acquisition.
Offline access: One of the most significant benefits of native mobile apps is offline functionality. Unlike web apps, which require a constant internet connection, native apps store data locally and allow users to interact with the app even when offline.
Improved user engagement and retention: Studies show that mobile apps have much higher engagement and retention rates compared to web apps. Apps can offer more personalized experiences with features like user notifications and reminders, all of which are highly effective for driving repeat usage.
How Median.co can help convert your Bettermode web app into a native app
Median.co offers a simple and cost-effective solution to make your Bettermode web app a native iOS and Android app.
Using Median’s App Studio, you can convert any website into a mobile app with native features such as push notifications, haptic feedback, and device-specific functionality like GPS and camera access.
Here are some key benefits of using Median.co:
Extensive native plugin library: Median.co's App Studio includes a wide range of native plugins that allow you to easily add advanced native features to your app, such as push notifications, haptics, Face ID/Biometric login, and more — including SDK integrations for leading mobile vendors.
Real-time app building: The platform lets you see real-time updates of your app as you customize it, ensuring you get the exact look and feel you want.
Easy publishing: With Median.co’s publishing service, our team will submit your app to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store while you focus on bigger business projects.
With Median.co, the conversion process is streamlined, and you don’t need to be a developer to create a fully functional mobile app.
Want to know how it all works?
Get hands-on with Median’s comprehensive documentation, and build your app with ease.
How to convert your Bettermode web app into a native app using Median.co
Ready to convert your Bettermode web app into a native app? Get started with a step-by-step guide to using Median.co's App Studio.
Step 1: Build your app in the Median.co App Studio
Start by visiting https://median.co/app. Enter your Bettermode URL as the "Website URL" and update your "App Name" as needed.
An email address is required for ongoing access to your app in the App Studio — you’ll then receive an email with a link to verify your account. To continue, click “Start Building my App!”
Step 2: Preview & test your new app
Median.co offers browser-based simulators to easily preview your app on iOS and Android devices without leaving your web browser.
As a starter, test that the basic functionality within your new app is performing as expected.
Step 3: Customize your app
In the Branding tab, you can upload an app icon and splash screen image or animation, and set theme colors to fully customize your app and align with your brand.
Additionally, you can explore options for Interface Settings, Link Handling, Website Overrides, and Permissions to tailor your app user experience to meet your requirements.
Native Navigation is where you can create a natural native app experience for your users, as well as finding help to meet Google and Apple design requirements.
Finally, you can explore Median’s Native Plugins to add advanced native features and integrations like push notifications, haptic feedback, and analytics to enhance user experience and maximize outcomes for your app.
Want to learn more about our plugins?
Launch a full-feature native app without native development!
Step 4: Test your app
Now that your app is customized, it’s crucial to test it on different devices before submitting it to the App Stores. Median.co offers:
Browser-based simulators to help ensure everything is functioning properly.
A convenient Public Sharing Link to provide access to stakeholders during testing.
Functionality to easily test on physical devices (an Apple Developer account is required for iOS).
Step 5: Launch your app
Access the License tab to choose a license and annual plan that suits your needs. Median.co offers various tiers based on the functionality needed for your app.
Additionally, Median offers a service whereby our team will manage the publishing process to ensure your app is approved by the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Enter your Bettermode URL to build a free native app
Why native apps offer better business results
Making your Bettermode web app into a native mobile app is not just about better features — it's also about driving tangible business results. Here's how.
Easier user acquisition: Having your app in the app stores gives your business more credibility. Customers are more likely to download an app that is easily accessible from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Plus, depending on your expected user base, you can serve app install ads to acquire new user app installations, leading to increased downloads and conversions.
Engagement and retention: Native mobile apps have a higher retention rate than web apps. They provide a more personal and interactive experience through personalized push notifications powered by analytics that can be used to increase user retention. They also offer offline access and native device features, such as your app icon being present on user’s home screens, providing easy access to your app and ensuring users stay engaged longer.
Better user experience: Native apps offer faster load times and smoother transitions compared to web apps, which can lead to greater customer satisfaction and higher reviews on app stores. They also offer an improved app navigation experience, boosting user satisfaction.
Revenue generation: With access to in-app purchases, advertisements, and subscriptions, native apps provide more opportunities for monetization compared to traditional web apps.
Case Studies
Discover how Median empowers companies to speed mobile app development, engage users, and reduce expenses.
Summary
Bettermode is a powerful platform for creating branded community web apps, but the best results come from extending those experiences to native mobile apps.
With Median.co, businesses can convert their Bettermode web apps into fully functional iOS and Android apps that support push notifications, offline access, and advanced native features.
By doing so, you gain the advantages of app store distribution, stronger engagement, and greater business impact — all without needing a development team.
Ready to get started? Take the first steps with Median.co and find out firsthand what benefits you can enjoy with a native app today.
Frequently asked questions
Can I convert my Bettermode community into a native mobile app?
Yes. Using Median.co’s App Studio, you can quickly turn your Bettermode web app into native iOS and Android apps with features like push notifications, GPS, and haptic feedback.
What are the benefits of converting my Bettermode web app to a native app?
Native apps provide offline access, higher engagement, app store visibility, and device-specific features that aren’t available in web apps. This leads to stronger user retention and better overall business outcomes.
How do I get my iPhone UDID without iTunes for app testing?
When preparing to test your new native app, you’ll often need your device’s UDID. If you don’t use iTunes, you can get your iPhone UDID by visiting a UDID registration service in Safari on your device, which installs a temporary profile and displays your UDID instantly.
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