Since the boom of the digital revolution, we have seen an overwhelming number of websites, apps, and software being created (and doomed) every day. They have become tools for businesses to grow in the online world.
However, the dilemma for business owners with limited budgets wanting to maximize their returns is which one to focus on first – app or website? First of all, each has its highs and lows which make the answer more circumstantial.
In other words, there is no definitive answer to it. But here we, at Insiderbits, will talk about an app’s superiority over a website and why it can be costly to overlook its powers. Here are 8 reasons why apps are better than websites.
8 Reasons Why Apps Are Better Than Websites
1. Seamless and intuitive interface
When was the last time you saw swipe functionality on a website? Just like that app offers you many ways to make your user interface more intuitive. The thing is that websites are still dependent a lot on browsers for even many basic functions like back or refresh.
You may also experience a website performing differently on different browsers. But that’s not the case for apps. They are independent. Thus, you have more freedom while designing an app.
2. Faster loading times
It is a proven fact that apps can be faster than websites (not always but usually). Why? Because a website has to load almost everything from its server which takes time. On the other side, an app is downloaded on your phone and stores much of the data internally.
The other reason why this happens is more technical. Websites may use Javascript to perform many functions. The framework that apps use can be as much as 5 times faster than Javascript.
So, think how much this alone will improve the user experience and retention.
3. Offline accessibility
No website can be accessed offline unlike many apps. There are a lot of apps and games that don’t have the prerequisite of an internet connection once they are downloaded. This greatly increases your user base and their convenience.
Today, even sophisticated apps offer a partial offline functionality. For example, Google Maps. You can download a map of a region to access it anytime without the internet.
4. Personalized content
This is probably the biggest upside of apps over websites. Apps offer you more tools to personalize the user experience which in turn increases app time and improves conversion.
Here you can ask for their preference directly or track their behavior to serve them with content that is most likely to appeal to them. For example, Opera News. It asks you the categories of news you would like to consume and gives you stories based on your interests.
5. Push notifications
If you visit a new website, you are unlikely to recall it after some days if you don’t subscribe to it. Thus, the chances of returning visitors plummet to a great extent.
However, once the user permits you to send notifications, you can keep the conversion going by sending personalized offers, content recommendations, or even reminders.
Money managing apps use this well to remind users about noting down daily expenses.
6. User-specific features
Apart from content personalization, apps offer many other user-specific features that further enhance the user experience. Adjusting preferences and saving favorite items are only some of the common features.
To give you a real-life scenario, language learning apps like Duolingo adjust the difficulty of lessons based on a user’s performance and progress. Also, many retail store apps give discounts as per the user’s location.
7. Device-specific features
Can you use a website to scan a QR code? To play a motion-sensing car game? No. These functionalities are better suited for apps as they have access to a phone’s built-in gadgets, sensors, and information.
Some of these resources are camera, contact list, GPS, accelerometer, compass, gyroscope, and IR blaster. This makes apps more versatile than websites.
8. Marketplace popularity
A website is launched in the vast darkness of the internet which makes it hard to come to the limelight of people’s attention. But all genuine apps are launched within a marketplace like Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
The benefit here for app developers is that these marketplaces are already flooded with people. These platforms help them to choose apps with reviews, ratings, categories, and trending lists. Thus, growing an app’s presence is much easier.
Related: How to Find Download Trends in Google Play Store
Conclusion
Developing a website is quite easy these days as compared to a mobile app. But, once developed, an app offers you many more widespread functionalities with a touch of personalization.
Thus, it is hard to ignore if you are serious about growing your business quickly. See what your target audience prefers more and you will have a definitive answer on which one to focus on first.
