Mobile App or Mobile Website: Which is Better?

Did you know that more than half of global web traffic originates from mobile devices? The research asserts that mobile phones created almost 52% of the website traffic in 2020. This fact, together with the pervasive digitalization, the implementation of 5G, and growing IoT, are likely to raise this number exponentially in the future.

To satisfy the boosting audience of smartphone users, companies need quality mobile apps and quick mobile websites. Developing two solutions simultaneously can become challenging. Therefore, organizations often have to choose between an app and a mobile website. 

Let’s explore the benefits of each option.

Pros of Mobile Apps

A mobile application is a kind of software designed to operate on a specific mobile platform such as iOS or Android. The apps are usually downloaded from the platform-related stores directly to a mobile device. 

Statistics confidently demonstrate the rising levels of smartphone use. For instance, throughout the 1st and the 2nd quarters of 2020, the time spent by users on their mobile phones elevated by 10%-40%.

A competent mobile strategy can engage customers and increase conversion rates. How? Let’s consider the specific benefits.

Broader opportunities

With the rapid advancement of the IT industry, mobile applications can offer the desired functionality to add convenience and excitement. Thus, developers can employ specific smartphone features, such as an accelerometer.

Customization

Mobile apps grant multiple options for customization for both businesses and customers. Customers can adjust an app according to their preferences and needs, while companies can develop tailored communication with their clients. Dynamic notifications based on user behavior, location, and interests have proven to enhance engagement, open rates, and conversion rates. 

Offline accessibility

A convincing strength of mobile apps is their ability to work without an internet connection. However, companies should carefully consider which functionality of their apps would be available to consumers in the offline mode and develop their solutions correspondingly.

Opportunities to promote your brand

Another significant upside of mobile apps is the diversity of options to advertise your brand. Through mobile apps, you can deliver notifications and information about special offers. There can also be more creative options to communicate with users, such as AR-based applications.

Pros of Mobile Websites

A mobile website is generally a normal website that contains a set of pages accessible via browser. The main specialty, however, is its ability to adjust to various screen sizes or even change the design patterns according to the device it is opened from.

Universality in use

Mobile websites are equally easy to access from whatever device with whatever operating system. On the contrary, mobile apps usually operate only within a single platform. Therefore, mobile websites offer a broader audience reach. What’s more, to enjoy the website’s functionality, customers don’t need to download anything like in the case with mobile apps. 

No need for updates by users

The process of implementing updates is somewhat complicated and takes time with mobile applications. Conversely, a mobile website is available to customers as soon as the updates are implemented by a website developer.

Cost efficiency

A website can typically boast higher cost-efficiency than a mobile app. Generally, the expenses depend on complexity; however, if you wish a universal app running on iOS and Android platforms, you may need to hire additional development teams. Still, there is an opportunity to optimize your costs by creating a cross-platform mobile app performed by a team of experienced engineers.

Search engine optimization

Properly optimized websites are placed higher in the search results, which makes them easily found by potential customers. SEO is an excellent tool to bring organic traffic to your website. Promoting a mobile app is a bit harder, as its rankings depend on user ratings.

Which Option is Better?

The impressive penetration of mobile phones and the growing tendency of their everyday use speak in favor of mobile apps. However, you should primarily base your choice on your business goals, audience, and resources. If you wish your mobile app building process to run efficiently and hassle-free, contact a professional custom mobile app development company. In this case, you will cut the expenses and amplify your gains.

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