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• Mobile application or website, what to choose?

Intro

One of the hottest topics to debate: "A website or mobile app? Which is better!"

This question might be really tricky. With businesses and organizations wanting to reach more prospective and existing clients, it is a crucial decision whether to put up a mobile website or to create a mobile app.

But before anything else, it is important to distinguish one from the other.

A mobile website is designed for the small screens of smartphones and tablets. Since websites are viewed in laptops and desktops, opening it in smartphones and tablets with smaller screens will affect the viewing experience of the user.

A mobile website has the same features of the original website, it just happened to be adapted in mobile viewing format. Still, it has the content and functions of the original site. So technically, it needs Intenet connection to be accessed.

Meanwhile, a mobile application or app is a program created for smartphones and tablets. It needs to be downloaded and installed. Unlike mobile websites, a mobile app can be opened offline in just a few taps.

Native mobile apps are built for a specific platform, such as iOS for the Apple iPhone or Android for a Samsung device. They are downloaded and installed via an app store and have access to system resources, such as GPS and the camera function. Mobile apps live and run on the device itself. Snapchat, Instagram, Google Maps, and Facebook Messenger are some examples of popular mobile apps.

The difference between a mobile app and a web app: Pros and cons

Let's summarize and highlight the main differences between web applications, the advantages and disadvantages of each:

Pros of Mobile Websites

• Broad reach and easy shareability. Giving access is as easy as sharing the site URL. You can have the link on blogs, social media, emails, or even text messages.
• Instant accessibility without needing to download or install anything.
• Cross platform, browser, and device accessibility. Some apps may only operate on specific devices or operating systems.
• Mobile websites are ideal for Search Engine Optimization. Online users can find you easily by using the right search query.
• Longevity and flexibility in maintenance. Making changes is something the web design company can do in an instant. For the mobile app, the process is more involving and time-consuming. The user must then run updates to enjoy the changes. A website will also last longer without needing too much work.
• To remain relevant and compete with other companies that are always launching apps, the organization must continue to innovate. Otherwise, the user will delete the app for more interesting, or relevant ones.
• This brings us to the cost factor. With the point above, it is pretty clear that a website is less expensive.

Cons of Mobile Websites

• Do not work offline.
• Slower than mobile apps, and less advanced in terms of features.
• May not be as discoverable as mobile apps as they are not listed in a specific database, such as the app store.
• Quality and security is not always guaranteed—web apps don’t need to be approved by the app store.

Pros of Mobile Apps

• A higher chance to engage with customers. According to Statista, eCommerce platforms like Amazon saw greater traffic from mobile apps than websites. The figures stood at 85% app usage compared to 15% website use. The same applies to other retailers like eBay, Nordstrom, Etsy, Walmart, and Kohls. But Home Depot, Macy’s and Target audiences preferred websites.
• Mobile apps are more interactive and can result in better engagement. The organization has control over how immersive the mobile experience will be taking into consideration the characteristics and functionalities their customers expect.
• Chances for better personalization by taking into account user behavior and interests. It also allows for better tracking of customer engagement using relevant metrics.
• App notifications provide a more convenient, non-obtrusive way to reach customers with the right targeting. It is hard to achieve the same with email communication.
• Ability to integrate the features you find on the mobile device. Such include contact lists, cameras, and GPS.
• Access to content even when offline, for those apps that do not require intenet connectivity.
• Access to content even when offline, for those apps that do not require intenet connectivity.
• Greater flexibility and customization in design features. Some options of such include hold, drag, pinch, swipe, or tap. The users also have a chance to choose their preferences when setting up the app.
• Tons of options for different operating systems. You can check out some useful apps for Android here.

Cons of Mobile Applications

• More expensive to build than web apps.
• Compatibility with different platforms (iOS and Android) usually means designing and building the app from scratch.
• Expensive to maintain and update.
• It may prove difficult to get a native app approved by the app store

What to choose after all?

It depends on your business. For the casual blogger, the mobile website wins. For a company like YouTube, the mobile app wins.

For many businesses, the winner is a combination of both. A two-pronged mobile strategy can leverage both a mobile site and an app for maximum distribution of your content.

One example would be an online store. Why not let visitors purchase through your website, as well as an app? school can use an app to release updated homeworks notes, and recorded audio/video of lessons. Restaurants can offer updated menus, directions, and online ordering. Magazines can send push notifications when new articles are published.

Instead of one or the other, consider incorporating both into your mobile strategy.