When businesses heard the news that internet users spend more time on mobile devices than traditional computers, many fell in line with a mobile-first strategy for new application development. However, the approach of only focusing on responsive websites or native apps may result from an oversimplified analysis of digital consumption.
Why the Common Mobile-First Mantra is an Oversimplification
For instance, mobile still doesn't typically convert as well for retail purchases as laptop and desktop traffic. Raw data about time spent on various devices will not account for the reasons the same person might choose one device over another.
The same consumers may spend a lot of time on their mobile phones searching for products or services, viewing videos, or checking texts and emails. When it comes to performing in-depth research or actually making purchases, these same people often wait until they can use the larger screen of their traditional computer.
Rather than developing websites and apps for every possible device that a customer might choose, many businesses have enjoyed the benefits of making progressive web apps (PWAs) part of their multichannel strategy.
Why Progressive Web Apps Will Dominate the Future of Web Development
Businesses have tended to implement their mobile-first strategy with mobile sites or native mobile apps. It's important to consider the drawbacks of either solution:
- Mobile websites don't tend to offer the same rich user experience as full websites or mobile apps. That's why users may still wait to return to a desktop or laptop when they are ready to buy or make important decisions, and they may prefer mobile apps for engagement.
- Native mobile apps require downloads, take storage space, and consume a lot of memory and data. Businesses also don't get many SEO benefits from having these apps listed in app stores. Companies also need to target various devices with different versions of apps.
To decide if you should develop PWAs for your business, consider some of the reasons that an increasing number of businesses have turned to this alternative application:
- User convenience: Users don't have to download an app from a web store. They can simply access a PWA from an internet browser with a typical website URL. Even though a PWA won't require a download, a user can have an icon to the PWA that works just like icons that start traditional apps. Individuals have the freedom to use browsers on all sorts of devices to access the app, so you won't force them to choose from their phone, laptop, or tablet.
- Great performance: Not only do PWAs use less device data and memory than native mobile apps, they typically also run much faster. The browser handles formatting and style, so the application doesn't require as many resources. In addition, a PWA will offer users features of both traditional websites and mobile apps, so they can deliver a great experience and higher conversions.
- Enhanced SEO: Some positive SEO benefits of PWAs include fast loading times and rapid indexing by major search engines. Search engines can access the web addresses for these kinds of apps just like they would access a website. Instead of providing links to an app store, which benefits the store's SEO, your business website and other platforms can link directly to the progressive web app.
- Rapid, affordable development cycle: Typical PWAs cost less and are faster to develop than native apps. In addition, they can reduce the need to develop different versions of apps and websites for multiple devices.
Are Progressive Web Apps in Your Future?
Are you ready to broaden your reach with multichannel apps, save money, and offer your customers the best experience possible? If so, contact Caxy Interactive about pwa development today.
