How do you make a mobile app that acts as a URL shortcut?

Diver Doug · 3rd Dec 2011, 10:18 AM

Hi all,

I know this must be a relatively simple thing to do, but can anyone tell me/show me how would I could make a mobile app that merely acts as a shortcut to a webpage ?

I'm just starting out, but I'm developing a mobile website for a client who owns a restaurant. I thought it would be a great idea if I could develop an app so that repeat customers (and there are a lot of them!) could download the app so that it opens the "menu" page (from the mobile website) on their mobile phones. This way, they'll have access to the most up-to-date menu, including prices and any new specials.

Can anyone help me out with this? I've searched on Youtube, but can't seem to find anything, but if someone has a video of how to do it, it would be much appreciated!

Thanks in anticipation!

Diver Doug

WillR · 4th Dec 2011, 05:58 AM

Originally Posted by Diver Doug

Hi all,

I know this must be a relatively simple thing to do, but can anyone tell me/show me how would I could make a mobile app that merely acts as a shortcut to a webpage ?

I'm just starting out, but I'm developing a mobile website for a client who owns a restaurant. I thought it would be a great idea if I could develop an app so that repeat customers (and there are a lot of them!) could download the app so that it opens the "menu" page (from the mobile website) on their mobile phones. This way, they'll have access to the most up-to-date menu, including prices and any new specials.

Can anyone help me out with this? I've searched on Youtube, but can't seem to find anything, but if someone has a video of how to do it, it would be much appreciated!

Thanks in anticipation!

Diver Doug

Your customers are better off just saving a bookmark icon of your mobile site on their screen - I don't think there is a need for the app.

zuberr · 4th Dec 2011, 10:41 AM

Hi,

I develop apps on the Android platform, and on Android it is as easy as putting a
Webview withing your app, which will basically act as a browser.

If you add a few more features to the app, you can even submit it to the Android
market and that is a great boost for credibility.

Cheers.

JBroyer44 · 6th Dec 2011, 11:41 AM

or you could just add an apple-touch-icon="apple-touch-icon.png" into your <head> then you can direct people to save the website as a bookmark on their home screen and your custom icon will show.

I have read about this somewhere can't find the article, but I will be testing this soon as I have a couple projects I'm on right now where I want this function.

ColoradoCyn · 6th Dec 2011, 11:52 AM

If I were you, I'd code the website itself to recognize when ANY of their customers are using mobile devices and re-route them to the mobile device automatically. Check out our options at bizgen.me. We have a ton of people just like you who choose to have us code up the mobile site as a sub-contractor. With our rates, you can add a markup, get paid for the referral and not have to code!

4webmaster · 6th Dec 2011, 11:58 AM

I've Already post a link to a script where it force people to bookmark: Add to home screen

You can modify script to make like:
When someone scans QR code, it will force to add website icon to iphone.
When someone click link it will force to add website icon to iphone.

These are the simpliest way to do, now if you want a real app that will be approved in app store, well you'll need to hire a coder and submission is fee too, then must be approved by Apple.

Android is more easy, you can hire someone to make the website app on the famous site that provides services for a GIG or $5.00

sipero · 6th Dec 2011, 05:19 PM

Originally Posted by Diver Doug

Hi all,

I know this must be a relatively simple thing to do, but can anyone tell me/show me how would I could make a mobile app that merely acts as a shortcut to a webpage ?

I'm just starting out, but I'm developing a mobile website for a client who owns a restaurant. I thought it would be a great idea if I could develop an app so that repeat customers (and there are a lot of them!) could download the app so that it opens the "menu" page (from the mobile website) on their mobile phones. This way, they'll have access to the most up-to-date menu, including prices and any new specials.

Can anyone help me out with this? I've searched on Youtube, but can't seem to find anything, but if someone has a video of how to do it, it would be much appreciated!

Thanks in anticipation!

Diver Doug

If you can email me or PM with the url I'll try a quick build of an android app and then send it to you if you let me know your email address. Due to limited posts I cannot contact you directly.

Jonathan Hamon

WillR · 6th Dec 2011, 07:10 PM

Originally Posted by Bstenz

Wouldn't the text be larger and navigation be easier for users if an app was created though? I'm just basing this assumption on mobile friendly websites. It seems as if you have to zoom in to click on a navigation tabs and other links, making it more of a hassle to get where you want to be.

I'm very new to mobile app development, and have focused most of my time and energy on SEO/page rank and PPC. I love learning about this stuff and would love to get your input, as I'm sure you are very knowledgable with this stuff. I appreciate the feedback.

Yes, you should have a mobile optimized version of your website. This is the website your visitors can bookmark on their phones. This removes the need for complicated apps.

Mbullard · 6th Dec 2011, 07:56 PM

Yep, QR codes is all you need.

WillR · 6th Dec 2011, 11:44 PM

This is a free service I played around with that lets you turn any mobile website into an Android app: Create Android App | Make Your Own Android Apps | Android App Maker | AppsGeyser

It's free for I believe the first 50 downloads or so and then you have to pay a little. But if you are getting more than 50 downloads then it's probably worth the cost. It took me about 10 minutes to get the app built and on my phone and it worked great. I then tested updating my mobile site and the app updated automatically as well.

Worth a look.

ElenaEn · 7th Dec 2011, 11:38 PM

WillR:

Your customers are better off just saving a bookmark icon of your mobile site on their screen - I don't think there is a need for the app.

Include the "download to your phone" instructions on the mobile site, and save the visitors from the hassle of logging in to the app stores.

3rd Dec 2011, 10:18 AM	#1
Diver Doug HyperActive Warrior Join Date: 2009 Location: Capalaba, Australia Posts: 100 Thanks: 13 Thanked 22 Times in 20 Posts	How do you make a mobile app that acts as a URL shortcut? Share on: Hi all, I know this must be a relatively simple thing to do, but can anyone tell me/show me how would I could make a mobile app that merely acts as a shortcut to a webpage ? I'm just starting out, but I'm developing a mobile website for a client who owns a restaurant. I thought it would be a great idea if I could develop an app so that repeat customers (and there are a lot of them!) could download the app so that it opens the "menu" page (from the mobile website) on their mobile phones. This way, they'll have access to the most up-to-date menu, including prices and any new specials. Can anyone help me out with this? I've searched on Youtube, but can't seem to find anything, but if someone has a video of how to do it, it would be much appreciated! Thanks in anticipation! Diver Doug

4th Dec 2011, 10:41 AM	#3
zuberr HyperActive Warrior War Room Member Join Date: 2006 Location: Paradise Island Posts: 408 Thanks: 48 Thanked 328 Times in 54 Posts Blog Entries: 2	Re: How do you make a mobile app that acts as a URL shortcut? Share on: Hi, I develop apps on the Android platform, and on Android it is as easy as putting a Webview withing your app, which will basically act as a browser. If you add a few more features to the app, you can even submit it to the Android market and that is a great boost for credibility. Cheers.
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6th Dec 2011, 11:41 AM	#4
JBroyer44 HyperActive Warrior War Room Member Join Date: 2010 Location: NH Posts: 227 Thanks: 26 Thanked 29 Times in 17 Posts	Re: How do you make a mobile app that acts as a URL shortcut? Share on: or you could just add an apple-touch-icon="apple-touch-icon.png" into your <head> then you can direct people to save the website as a bookmark on their home screen and your custom icon will show. I have read about this somewhere can't find the article, but I will be testing this soon as I have a couple projects I'm on right now where I want this function.
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6th Dec 2011, 11:52 AM	#5
ColoradoCyn Warrior Member Join Date: 2011 Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: How do you make a mobile app that acts as a URL shortcut? Share on: If I were you, I'd code the website itself to recognize when ANY of their customers are using mobile devices and re-route them to the mobile device automatically. Check out our options at bizgen.me. We have a ton of people just like you who choose to have us code up the mobile site as a sub-contractor. With our rates, you can add a markup, get paid for the referral and not have to code!

6th Dec 2011, 11:58 AM	#6
4webmaster Advanced Warrior Join Date: 2006 Location: , , . Posts: 736 Thanks: 33 Thanked 144 Times in 119 Posts	Re: How do you make a mobile app that acts as a URL shortcut? Share on: I've Already post a link to a script where it force people to bookmark: Add to home screen You can modify script to make like: When someone scans QR code, it will force to add website icon to iphone. When someone click link it will force to add website icon to iphone. These are the simpliest way to do, now if you want a real app that will be approved in app store, well you'll need to hire a coder and submission is fee too, then must be approved by Apple. Android is more easy, you can hire someone to make the website app on the famous site that provides services for a GIG or $5.00
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6th Dec 2011, 07:56 PM	#9
Mbullard Marc, Web Video Dude War Room Member Join Date: 2010 Posts: 226 Thanks: 3 Thanked 35 Times in 32 Posts	Re: How do you make a mobile app that acts as a URL shortcut? Share on: Yep, QR codes is all you need.
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6th Dec 2011, 11:44 PM	#10
WillR Digital Marketer War Room Member Join Date: 2010 Location: Australia Posts: 12,475 Thanks: 1,984 Thanked 8,187 Times in 4,079 Posts	Re: How do you make a mobile app that acts as a URL shortcut? Share on: This is a free service I played around with that lets you turn any mobile website into an Android app: Create Android App \| Make Your Own Android Apps \| Android App Maker \| AppsGeyser It's free for I believe the first 50 downloads or so and then you have to pay a little. But if you are getting more than 50 downloads then it's probably worth the cost. It took me about 10 minutes to get the app built and on my phone and it worked great. I then tested updating my mobile site and the app updated automatically as well. Worth a look.
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