First introduced four years ago, the term ” progressive web applications ” (PWA) is still little known to entrepreneurs. However, many software companies consider it as the future of mobile app development and start to use this technology effectively. Progressive Web Application By offering a unique set of features, new apps can change the way you present your brand, products or services.
Today it is possible to interact with your users or buyers directly through your website. This has become easier than ever since a PWA can be installed instantly on any device that is used. Progressive Web Application It is also capable of sending push notifications, and most importantly, working offline (adding files to the cache).
Progressive Web Application You are probably wondering what is the difference between progressive and native apps . At first glance, you don’t see the distinctions, but there are certain benefits that can change your mind. Let’s see how progressive apps are different from traditional mobile apps and what advantages they can offer to your ecommerce or online marketplace, for example.
Progressive Web Apps vs Native Apps
At first glance, one would think that they are similar. However, the diversity may be noticeable by the following:
Resizable Layouts – It doesn’t matter what screen size the PWA is used on. It can be installed on any device from Google, Opera and Firefox browsers. Layouts automatically adjust to the device screen. Therefore, lite apps are highly responsive.
Easy development – IT experts consider that it is easier to build a progressive app than to create regular websites. Meanwhile, users do not notice any distinction between the apps as both native and progressive apps offer similar features like push notifications, icons and responsive design.
Same code – Unlike traditional apps, progressive apps run the same site code. These applications do not require backwards compatible APIs.
Advantages for your users
A new type of communication through these applications can offer many opportunities to your business by providing end users with the following functions:
1. Direct download from your browser with one click
Progressive Web Application users can switch to progressive apps from social media links, while browsing the web, or directly from search results. It’s much more useful than competing for user reviews with millions of apps available on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Get only what interests you
Progressive Web Application Users are offered to install a progressive app only when it meets certain criteria, and the user has shown interest by visiting the site for the second time.
3. No need to wait for a download
Instant installation is available. All components that take a long time to download have already been installed in the cache when the user visited the website for the first time. You don’t need to go to the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store to find the app you want to download.
4. Avoid large apps
Progressive apps are lightweight and much smaller compared to native iOS or Android apps as they use the capabilities of the browser.
5. Browse offline and receive notifications of the best offers
Push notifications, offline operation and all other features will be available, even if the user has never installed them.
Advantages for your business
So installed or not, progressive apps can work on any device. Here are four main benefits your business can gain from using PWAs:
1. Reduced maintenance and support costs
The maintenance and technical support of classic applications adapted to different platforms costs a lot, while the implementation of PWA can reduce these costs, since this type of software, once developed, can work on any platform.
2. Customers with greater loyalty
Since PWAs work offline, people can browse web pages without internet access. This feature can increase the number of your customers and make many of them loyal.
3. Increased page speed
The loading time of progressive web apps is twice as fast compared to native apps. This helps prevent users from leaving the page due to slow loading
4. High conversion rate
Navigation is seamless with any progressive app. It is very convenient for users to be able to use the device they prefer to find the necessary information or a product online. Also, a PWA increases the conversion rate and the time users spend on the site.
Example of a Progressive Web App: Twitter
To better understand how a PWA works, let’s take a look at the lite version of Twitter for Android. When you visit the Twitter website through a browser for the first time on your Android phone, you will be offered to pin the app icon to your home screen . Once you add it, it will appear on your home screen and as you can see in the image below, the size of the installed app is only 180 kB.
Conclusion
The world of mobile applications is evolving with the appearance of PWA technology. We are not 100% sure if progressive apps will compete even more with native ones, but the truth is that they have changed the situation in the market.
If you are looking for new ways to improve your brand image or increase your sales, you can try this innovative technology for better engagement with your customers. With an instant and light installation, your users will definitely notice the advantages of it.
