Getting Started with PressNative: A Complete Setup Guide

This guide walks you through every step of setting up PressNative, from installing the plugin to customizing your app and going live.

Prerequisites

• A self-hosted WordPress site (WordPress.com Business plan or higher for plugin support)
• Admin access to your WordPress dashboard
• Published content: at least 5–10 posts with featured images

Step 1: Install the Plugin

Download the PressNative plugin ZIP file from your account dashboard. In WordPress, go to Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin, and upload the ZIP. Activate the plugin.

You’ll see a new “PressNative” menu item in your admin sidebar.

Step 2: Connect to the Registry

Navigate to PressNative → Dashboard. Enter your Registry URL and API key (provided when you create your PressNative account). Click “Verify Site” to confirm ownership.

The verification process sends a nonce to the Registry, which calls back to your site to confirm you have admin access. This happens automatically — just click the button and wait for the green checkmark.

Step 3: Configure Branding

Go to PressNative → App Settings. Here you’ll set:

1. App name: What appears under the app icon on users’ home screens
2. Theme: Choose a preset or go custom
3. Colors and typography: Match your website’s brand identity
4. Logo: Upload a square logo (recommended: 512×512px)

Use the live preview panel to see how your choices look on iOS and Android.

Step 4: Configure Layout

Go to PressNative → Layout Settings. Arrange your home screen components:

1. Hero Carousel: Select a featured category and set the maximum number of items
2. Post Grid: Choose column count and posts per page
3. Category List: Select which categories to show
4. Page List: Automatically shows your published pages
5. Ad Placement: Optional — add your AdMob banner unit ID

Drag components to reorder them. The live preview updates as you make changes.

Step 5: Prepare Your Content

For the best app experience:

• Add featured images to all posts (the hero carousel and post grid use these)
• Write clear excerpts (shown in post grid cards)
• Organize posts into categories (these drive the category list and hero carousel)
• Create a “Featured” category for your hero carousel’s best content

Step 6: Go Live

Once you’re happy with the preview, your app is built and submitted to the App Store and Google Play through the PressNative Registry. Approval typically takes 1–3 days for Google Play and 1–7 days for the App Store.

After approval, share your app links everywhere: blog posts, email signatures, social media bios, and QR codes using the