Wednesday, 20th September, 2023
Should my project use a website or app? The pros and cons of each explained
Backing up nearly every modern digital project, campaign or start-up business there will always be a robust digital system taking the form of a web portal or app.
An app, meaning a program for use on a mobile device available from an app store. The alternative, a web portal. A website that users can access through their browser either on mobile, tablet or a computer, that provides access to your new service.
The decision depends on various factors related to business goals, user experience, and technical considerations.
Why should I have an app over a web portal?
Performance:
Native apps often provide better performance than web applications. Animations are smoother, and overall responsiveness can be better optimized for the specific device, providing a higher quality user experience.
Offline Access:
Native apps can offer functionality when the user is offline, relying on cached data or pre-stored resources, while web applications might require an active internet connection.
Access to Device Features:
Native apps can take full advantage of device capabilities like GPS, camera, push notifications, biometric sensors, accelerometers, and other hardware features which might be limited or not accessible for web applications.
User Experience:
While responsive, websites adjust according to the device’s screen, native apps can provide a more tailored user experience optimized for specific platforms, like iOS or Android.
Engagement:
Using an app allows for push notifications to a user’s device. This frequently leads to higher user engagement. Also, having an app icon on can serve as a constant reminder of the app, leading to more frequent usage.
Monetization:
App stores provide a platform for in-app purchases, subscriptions, and paid apps, which can be an additional revenue channel, leading to improved monetization in a way that is more difficult on a website.
Trust and Security:
For some users, downloading an app from the App Store or Google Play Store feels more secure than using a browser, this may increase the number of people.
App Store Presence:
Being on app stores can lead to discoverability for some brands or services. Users who frequently search app stores might discover your app even if they’ve never visited your website.
There are numerous benefits to using an app launch your new business or expand on current operations. However there are still reasons to consider a web portal.
Why should I have a web portal instead of an app?
Cost:
Developing and maintaining a native app for different platforms such as iOS and Android, can be costly. This relies on specialist skills and can be a longer process than developing a web portal.
Updates:
Updating a native app requires users to download updates from the app store. Whereas a web application can be updated instantly for all users.
Approval Process:
App stores have guidelines, and there’s always a risk that your app might not be approved, or future updates might be delayed due to the approval process. This period of research can extend development.
Discoverability:
While having an app store presence can aid discoverability, it’s also a crowded space. It might be challenging to stand out without a significant marketing effort. An SEO web portal can attract users organically which when coupled with marketing efforts can lead to great success, removing the initial barrier of downloading the app.
Accessibility:
With a web portal users don’t need to download anything to use your service, meaning there’s a reduced barrier to entry that may attract more users over time.
In conclusion, the decision to build a native app or web portal depends on your specific needs, business goals, and target audience. It’s crucial to assess the benefits against the costs and determine the best approach for your situation.
To get help in better applying digital technologies to your business, get in with us touch today.