Our mobile screens are littered with apps. There is an app for everything but these apps can be hard to design or maintain across different platforms.For product teams, it is cumbersome to recreate the app twice for different platforms.
A more progressive approach would be to use progressive web applications (PWA’s) that offer a diverse range of benefits.
Building an app is an expensive affair but thankfully with advancing technology, businesses can now combine the capabilities of an app with their website and improve speed and agility.
When it comes to establishing the success of a startup, the priority is often to build and buttress client relationships, boost productivity, and increase profitability. This is exactly why by implementing PWA development strategies, startups are in a position to optimize their engineering efforts.
The need for more sound software solutions to combine web and mobile applications has resulted in the increase in demand for Progressive Web App Development.
What are Progressive Web Apps?
Progressive Webs Apps have been rising in popularity due to the promise of a smooth interface and heightened speed of development, experienced by both users and developers alike.
One way to look at PWA’s is that they are primarily websites that share the same functionality as an app. This app development method enables companies to increase their potential ROI as they need only invest in developing one platform that serves multiple purposes. This is far better than having to divert significant resources in developing a completely separate app for every platform.
You can build a PWA using web technologies like HTML, CSS, or JavaScript which developers are already familiar with. They give you the same capabilities as in any Native app such as offline functionality and push notifications. These common abilities are further enhanced with help from modern APIs that give you the full advantage of a functioning web ecosystem by integrating with other systems and apps.
You can assess the true potential of a PWA keeping in mind these three pillars;
- Integration Capability: With the help of APIs, users should be able to connect their device’s IoT features to a PWA like GPS, accelerometer, push notifications, and smartphone cameras.
- Reliable Software: Your PWA should be easy to depend on and fast to use irrespective of the limitations of the network broadband in the area. Competent offline support can match up to improve the experience.
- Faster Installation: Progressive Web Applications can run on 3rd party browsers as well can be downloaded to your smartphone home screen similar to a native app.
Progressive Vs Native
Native apps have been around for a longer period of time and have provided us with a traditionally reliable experience. Most native apps can also function offline on all types of devices.
In specific instances, a Native app would also write and read files from its home file system, interact with IoT devices and also access your personal data like contacts and images.
After the necessary permissions have been released, the app can also make changes to basic device functions. However, you would need to download the app onto your device for the standalone experience.
PWA’s on the other hand fulfill the same functions like a native app with the simple difference being it can run on any modern browser no matter the device. Since these are not native apps, it eliminates the need for a specific operating system or platform. They function just the same as Web apps given their progressive enhancement. They can also be downloaded and installed on your mobile devices to function on their standalone browsers.
Benefits startups get by adopting PWAs
As mentioned earlier, the most important priority of any start up in the beginning stages of their development is to establish a brand reputation which involves reaching out to as large an audience as possible.
One great way to achieve this initiative would be by developing Progressive Web Applications. This allows startups to develop and release apps faster while optimizing their development effort. This helps them to be more agile and responsive to the needs of their customers.
Here’ show your startup could get the most out of developing apps with Progressive Web Apps;
- Increased Reach: PWAs are the clear winner in helping startups spread their reach better and faster. Since PWA’s are compatible with any system such as iOS or Android, the move also presents customers with a more easy-to-use interface. Hence, the app can achieve greater spread with improved usability.
- Increased Rate of Conversion: Live industry case studies indicate that businesses can expect an immediate boost in their conversion rates after launching a PWA. It also helps businesses retain repeat customers. Features like browser accessibility, push notifications and add-to-home screen options can be implemented through a PWA which gives users the same experience as any app.
- Greater Engagement: Proving more occasions where the customer is tempted to interact with a business’s PWA, encourages them to make decisions based on immediate impulses. Facilities like auto sign-up make the whole experience even more seamless while push notifications ensure that the app is always within the user’s notice.
- Convenience in Testing: Developing a PWA can be done at a much lower cost. These apps also open up more options for app testing without affecting the user’s experience with the app in any way. This is perfect for startups that have just launched their PWA and wish to use that as the basis for scaling.
- Ideal for eCommerce Setups: PWA offers a more sustainable and ‘interlinkable’ web architecture for eCommerce store owners. eCommerce startups are successfully transforming their setups to suit more PWA-friendly interfaces as they seek speed and rapid evolution to keep pace with rapidly shifting customer demands.
Summing Up
In the long run, Progressive Web Apps are set to disrupt the app market. The technology is on the verge of constant change even though it still shares most of the basic features of a native app, like its offline capabilities, device-neutral interface, and discoverability. Even then, the ease of development in PWAs makes the strategy even more desirable for startups on the growth path. For more information on how to develop a PWA for your platform book a consultation with us.
