Thinking to establish an app for your business, but having a
confusion between the mobile applications which users can download (app) or a
mobile website or may be both.
Mobile application and mobile web looks same both give same
appearance at a first-glance. But, which suits you most depend on following
factors such as target audience, budget, intended purpose and required
features.
What’s
the difference between mobile app and mobile web?
Before
deciding on which way you go, firstly understand the major features of both.
Both mobile web and mobile apps are handled by mobile phones (e.g. iPhone,
Android, Blackberry) and tablets.
The
Mobile web is similar to the website, which contains browser-based HTML pages
that are linked together and can be accessed over the Internet through mobile
phones.
Also check - Native Apps Vs Hybrid Apps
Obviously,
there are some major difference between the mobile website and a standard
website is that it have a smaller display and a different touch-screen
interface. The mobile website works is same as of normal website, it display
test, videos, content and images.
But
they have some Mobile-specific features like click-to-call or location based
mapping.
Mobile
apps, available in Play store only. Have completely different User interface
from the website. The App pull the data and content from the internet, or you
can download data from app which you can accessed without Internet.
Also Check - mobile-apps-development-companies
Which
is Better- Mobile App or web?
Clarify
your requirements first and then choose from between Mobile App or a mobile
website. It totally depends on one end goals.
If
you are thinking to develop an interactive game then mobile app is the best option
for you. But, if you only want to offer a mobile-friendly content to your user
then a mobile web is the perfect option for you.
Sometimes,
you have to make a choice between the mobile app or mobile website, but it`s
also fine to have a mobile website on the place of mobile app.
Frankly
speaking, mobile website always be your first preference, whereas mobile app is
useful when you want show or add some more specific-features that cannot be
shown in web-browser.
Advantages
of Mobile Web over Mobile App?
If you main goal is to do marketing
or public communication then mobile website would always be your first choice.
As mobile website have number of advantages over mobile app. Let`s discuss few
of them!!
1. Immediacy – Mobile Websites Are
Instantly Available
This is the best advantage of having mobile web is that it can be accessed from any mobile (iPhone, Android, Windows etc.)
While, with apps one have to download them first
form the store and then the content of application become available- a notable
obstacle between the initial conversation and action conversion.
2. Compatibility – Mobile Websites are Compatible
across Devices
The mobile website can reach to users by
different types of mobile devices, but in native mobile app one have to develop
an app for separate versions of each mobile device.
In mobile website, the URL`s can easily be
integrated with other mobile technologies like SMS, QR Codes and Near Filed
Communication (NFC).
3. Upgradability – Mobile Websites Can Be Updated
Instantly
The mobile websites can easily be update because
of their dynamic nature, one can change the design or content of mobile website
by simply clicking on edit button and changes were immediately visible. But in
case of mobile app, doing changes will take time, firstly user demand to make a
change in app, which will send to developers, they update the app for each type
of device.
Also check - 2016 Mobile app stats and future trends
4. Findability – Mobile Websites Can be found easily
The mobile websites are easier to find for users
because their pages were displayed on top, and determined in industry-specific
directories, which become easier for qualified visitors to find.
One important thing the users who are regular
visitors of your website can automatically send to your mobile site when they
are on a handheld (by using device-detection technique).
But, in case of Mobile App, searching an app of own
choice will create problem sometime because of same keyword used for many apps.
5. Share ability – Mobile Websites
Can be Shared Easily by Publishers, and Between Users
The link URL`s of mobile website can easily be
shared via text messages, Facebook, Twitter post. Bloggers or publishers
directly post the link website on their blog or website.
But this type of share ability cannot be done in
App.
6. Reach – Mobile Websites Have
Broader Reach
Since, mobile website is an easily accessible
platform among the users, as well as search engines, they have fast and greater
reach capability then a native mobile app.
7. A Mobile Website can be an App!
Like a standard website, a mobile website can
also be developed as database-driven web application which also act like a
native mobile app.
One can also say, that a mobile website
application is just an alternative of native app development.
8. Lifecycle – Mobile Websites
Can’t be deleted
It`s somewhat true, that the lifespan of an app
on the user device is pretty short, less than 30 days according to some
research.
So, it`s all depend on you how can you make an
app to stay in their devices by adding some more functionality and unique
features which are not available in other apps.
Some famous mobile apps will always remain in
user device. Now, it`s in your hand that how long you can keep an app in user`s
device.
9. Time and Cost - Mobile Websites
are Easier and Less Expensive
It`s obvious, that mobile websites are less
expensive and consume less time than mobile app. But normally, mobile app will
take 3 months in developing on different platforms.
10. Support and Sustainability
The mobile web doesn`t demand for regular updates
and testing, but the mobile app doesn’t end with the initial launch regular
updates, testing, compatibility issues are the ongoing process in it, which
also cost you very expensive.
Also check - Why need mobile apps for Ecommerce companies in 2016
When Mobile App also start making a sense:
So, we have discussed many
benefits of mobile web, but still apps hold their special place. Some of the
benefits of using an app which make sense are:
Interactivity/Gaming – Choosing an app for interactive games like
Candy Crush will always be your first choice.
Regular Usage/Personalization – If you want that user
will use your app on a daily basis and personalized fashion than think about
Evernote, it is a great wat to do that.
No connection required – if the user wants to access some content or
wants to perform function without having internet connection than App makes a
Sense.
Conclusion:
As long as mobile devices remain in market the
choice between the mobile app and mobile web will also remain. It totally
depends on you, if you’re website in only for generating awareness in people
then mobile web would be a perfect choice. Looking to engage customers marvelously in your app, choose some creative and unique features,
then you should Hire mobile app developers India.
4 comments
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ReplyThanks for sharing... Keep posting.
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