To date, it is impossible to imagine the activities of any large company without its interaction with its customers through its own Internet platform. For this reason, almost every entrepreneur has thought about opening a website for his business. Since at the moment many people use mobile applications, the question arises: which is more profitable – a regular website or an application for mobile phones? To understand this issue, it is necessary to take into account the features of both platforms.
What is a Mobile App and a Mobile Website?
A mobile website is a specialized website adapted for viewing and functioning on a mobile device. The site can include interactive components using JavaScript, HTML5, new browser APIs. In this case, such an implementation is called a web application. Are you looking for developers of a unique website? Then our team will help you with this.
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A mobile application is a specially developed application for a specific mobile platform (iOS, Android, Windows Phone). Typically, an application is developed in a high-level language and compiled into native OS code for maximum performance.
Mobile Website or Mobile App: What is the Difference?
First, let’s highlight the similarities between a mobile site and a mobile application:
➢ Designed for access from a mobile device (such as smartphone or pad);
➢ Include mobile-only features like click-through CTAs and geolocation;
➢ Can be structured around e-Commerce;
➢ The design elements are scaled to look good and work correctly on small mobile screens;
➢ Social sharing with friends and subscribers;
➢ Facilitates a number of mobile marketing functions.
The Main Differences Between the Platforms
Unlike a mobile website, a mobile application has:
Convenient user interface. It has the interface that is closest to the OS and familiar to users;
Performance. A website, and especially an interactive one, is significantly inferior to an application in terms of operating speed. Mobile device browsers can not yet please with their high performance.
Integration with the platform. In this area, applications are far ahead of the site. The application has significantly more options for accessing the device. It interacts with the functions of the mobile device such as a camera, contact list, calendar, etc.
An ability to work offline. Unlike a website, mobile applications can work without an Internet connection.
Easy to use. It is quite simple and easy for users to understand the operation of the application than the operation of the site, especially with a complex structure. After all, each platform has its own standard actions (for example, moving between the application screens, calling the menu, etc.).
More complete adjustment to the user. Mobile apps allow users to customize their preferences immediately after downloading and customize them according to their needs. The apps also allow companies to send messages to users tailored to their interests, location, behavior, etc.
Constant communication with users. You can send push notifications. And also remind both about the application itself, in case the user has not entered the application for a long time, and about some important event. This function is not available on the site.
The disadvantage of the mobile application is that the user himself must install the application on a mobile device. That is, it is necessary that the application has a maximum of useful and necessary functions for the client. In addition, the development of a mobile application takes a lot of time and is quite an expensive service.
What are the Advantages of a Mobile Website?
Availability. Unlike a mobile application that needs to be downloaded and installed on a mobile device, any client can access your mobile website at any time from any device that they are currently using.
Convenience. The mobile site is compatible on all devices (you only need one version). After creating a mobile website, your customers can access it, regardless of whether they use an iOS or Android device. For mobile applications, you need to decide which operating system you will use, or develop two versions: one for iOS and one for Android. Thus, mobile sites are much easier and cheaper to develop and maintain.
Quick update. When updating the application, it will take time to check, it is much easier with the site, since all changes will immediately occur at the user.
When choosing a mobile site or application, of course, you need to take into account the specifics of the business you are engaged in, user behavior and the budget that is permissible for the company. If your goal is to offer mobile-friendly content to a wide range of people, then a mobile website is probably the best choice. However, if you want to better interact with your customers, communicate with them to increase loyalty, then choose a mobile application.
