Do you own a business and want to create its online presence to reach out to more audience and generate traffic? Nowadays, companies are becoming more aware of the fact that creating a website, or getting an app can be your best shot. But there’s a fact that you just can’t ignore and it’s that maximum people opt for using mobile applications as well. However, not every business can launch an app as many people are still not comfortable sharing their personal information or downloading an application on their phone for every little thing
On first glance, they both may look similar but you will have to determine which one suits the requirements. It depends on various factors including budget, audience, intent, purpose and features. To begin understanding whether a mobile website or a mobile application is best suitable for your business, let’s first understand the difference between both.
What is the difference between mobile applications vs mobile websites?
In order to know which one will benefit your business more, it is important to understand the difference between the two. Both the things can be used on mobile and serve different purposes. Here’s the difference between the two-
Mobile application – The applications are platform specific- Android and iOS. Users will have to download the application on their phone and enter the required information. Mobile applications are more responsive and offer solutions than the websites. Mobile companies install their own default application on the device to help users download various services they offer over a period of time. Mobile applications can be used without the internet if they are designed that way.
Mobile website – Consisting browser-based HTML, a mobile website can only be reached via 3G, Wi-Fi, 4G or 5G network. It is designed to fit the mobile screen of different sizes. As per the trend, the websites are designed to fit even desktops and not only mobiles. Websites are designed to be highly responsive and they contain text, video, image and more. You can also do location based mapping and click-to-call if linked.
What are the features of mobile application vs. mobile website?
Today the world is running on websites and applications. To understand which ones meet your business needs best, you need to understand each and every aspect of both to make a decision. Here are the features of mobile app vs website:
Accessibility
While users may need to download the application and check whether it is accessible on their platform, websites are easily accessible on every device. Whether the user’s phone is android or iOS, they can smoothly enter the URL and use the services offered just by having a mobile internet plan or Wi-Fi.
Compatibility
As mentioned above, mobile websites can reach a broad audience whereas some apps are only compatible with a certain version of the device. Also, you can easily integrate your website URL with other mobile services such as QR code scanning, SMS, and such.
Upgrade
As a developer, you can easily update your website over time and offer more services and offers to your audience whereas for mobile apps, users will have to update the application to avail those benefits. Updates on websites are visible immediately whereas you may need to notify users and push them to update the app which may or may not annoy the users, leading them to uninstall the application altogether.
Findability
When it comes to being available among users, you need a medium which your users can find easily. Websites are one way that your users can easily connect with you. The pages are visible in the search and history bar. For mobile applications, you might get restricted to certain application stores where you can put it for users to download it.
When to use an application?
Mobile applications are trendy and getting more popular with time. However, when deciding it for your business, you will have to weigh the pros and cons and then reach a conclusion. Here are some factors which make application a suitable choice for offering your services-
If you are launching a clothing/gaming or similar service
For launching a game such as word game, puzzle, painting, or such, an app makes more sense than the website. An application will make user-experience smoother.
If the user is going to be active for a longer period of time
Take social media platforms for example, users spend more than an hour or two on these mobile applications, and if your business idea is based on the same, then an application will be the best option.
If your business does not need the internet to thrive
If the services you are offering can perform without having an internet connection, then you can opt for a mobile application and store the data locally and then procure it once the internet connection is provided.
So which one is the correct choice?
If your main aim is to do the marketing and to deliver the content and establish your presence among the audience, and be found easily then a website is the suitable choice for your business. However if you are aiming to offer an amazing user interface and a personalized experience and your services will have to access the user’s storage data such as contacts, location and such, then an application should be your preferable choice.
However, you can have both as well. There are various organizations having both an application and a website and allow users the freedom to choose from the two. You can opt the same for your business, as having the right tool to reach your goal is more important
As a business owner, you will have to ensure the safety of consumers data and use each platform accordingly.
Mobile websites and applications, both have their own profits and losses. There are various factors apart from those mentioned that you will have to ponder to reach a conclusion. While deciding on which route to go, also consider whether you will receive profitable returns on the money you are going to invest or not. As a business owner, you will have to ensure the safety of consumers data as well and use the platform accordingly.
About Us: Algoworks is a B2B IT firm providing end-to-end product development services. Operating chiefly from its California office, Algoworks is reputed for its partnership with Fortune 500 companies such as Amazon, Dell, Salesforce, and Microsoft. The company’s key IT service offerings include Mobility, Salesforce consulting and development, UI UX Design Consultation, DevOps, and Enterprise Application Integration. For more information, contact us here.
Rachit Agarwal
