PWA - The future of the Web

You’ve probably noticed that the mobile industry is going full force towards Progressive Web Apps and may have gotten the feeling that native technology is being left behind. 

Progressive Web Apps are ultra-optimized web applications that offer user experience previously unknown to the web world and especially in mobile web. They provide access to features previously only available to native apps such as offline operation or push notifications. They work through internet browsers and can be used on any mobile device, tablet or desktop. They are accessible via a simple URL, and can be installed on the home screen of any device just like native Apps.

Functionality on iOS

Do PWA’s work on iOS? Yes, they do. Apple's recent shift to supporting Service Workers in Safari is a great improvement that’s opened the doors to lots of previously lacking functionality, such as the ability to work offline. It’s also possible to install a PWA on the home screen of an iOS device.

Functionality on Android

The integration with Android is just as good on PWA as it is on native. Besides the push notification aspect, there are some other advantages. Android couldn’t have made the home screen installation process easier in PWA’s—meaning that as soon as the user visits the PWA in their Android’s browser, they are immediately prompted to install it on their home screen (in the form of a pop-up) for quick access later on. Lastly, Service Workers work in all browsers running on an Android.

Discoverability

If your project or business isn’t super well-known yet, SEO will serve as an extremely valuable tool that will allow users and potential customers to find out about you. SEO can only be taken advantage of when it comes to PWAs, since they are found from search engine queries. ASO (App Store Optimization) exists as well for native apps, but it’s not quite as powerful as classic web SEO, which can bring valuable traffic to your PWA from long tail search engine queries.

Effort and resources required to access

An important point to consider when first launching an app for your project is 1) how on board with you you believe your users/potential users are, and 2) what the proportion of need for your content is to time and effort users are willing to put forth to get to it.

For example, if you have a media app and the main purpose of your app is to play media content, do you believe your potential customers’ course of action to view your content is to go to an app store, search for your App (where there is a risk for them to be exposed to potential competitors that will appear under the same App store search) and download something onto their devices? Chances are, they’re much more likely to do a quick search engine query or simply click on a URL you have provided them, to avoid wasting time, data costs and storage space. In the case of returning customers who have a frequent need to visit your app, a PWA can always be added to their device’s home screen for instant access.

If you’re trying to get a gage on your audience’s behavioural patterns, a PWA is a good way to test the waters before diving in and missing out on potential visitors.

Device discrimination

Going native limits your audience for the simple reason that they must be using one of two standard types of mobile devices. Although the population is shrinking, Windows and Blackberry users are forgone, and more importantly, desktop users (a population that is here to stay) and bigger screens (such as Smart TVs and STBs) are also ignored. As PWA’s are running in a browser, they ensure that 100% of individuals who have access to this universal tool, have the opportunity to reach your content.

Bureaucracy

Last but not least. Publishing a native app means agreeing to undergo and comply with third party regulations, reviews, and fees. Initially publishing your app will require you to pass the “standards” set by the app stores in terms of design quality, code, and most importantly, content (if any content in your app isn’t in line with the store’s image/culture, they can refuse to publish your app). This is also true for your app’s future as well, meaning that if you try to make an update to your app that somebody doesn’t agree with, you’re subject to being booted from that marketplace at any time.  

Additionally, there are fees associated with being present in stores that don’t exist when publishing on the web (such as developer accounts and review fees). The clear winner in terms of cost and hassle here is the PWA, with its instant, virtually cost and scrutiny free publishing process.

Should the PWA replace my website?

This is a good question, and for us the answer is yes without hesitation.

Today the web is 80% visited via mobile browsers, so it is imperative to offer a perfect user experience.

It's thanks to their speed, reliability and fluidity that native apps have managed to capture 92% of the mobile audience. With Progressive Web Apps, the user experience on the web rises to the level of native UX.

It is no longer a question here of building a website which will then be adapted on mobile. Everything is created so that the experience is as perfect on mobile as on desktop. PWAs combine the visibility offered by a website since they are referenced on the search engines, and user commitment because they have the advantage of being installable on the home screen of users' devices. Resolutely, PWAs are the future of the web.

MakeApp (www.makeapp.today) allows you to launch your own branded Progressive Web App which can serve both as an App and a Web Site. The App can be launched within minutes (from any web browser) and without any investment or commitment on your side. It is offered on an "App as a Service" basis and includes the ability to add a Native App which is fully controlled and managed by the same Back-End. With the MakeApp platform you don't need to rely on developers or designers. You can apply the full App design and update its content by simply accessing its friendly web based back-end system that includes a full DIY (Do It Yourself) App Creator and CMS (Content Management System). That results in Zero time to market and Zero investment. You'll only pay for the cloud resources and features that you'll actually require and on a periodic service basis (Monthly, quarterly or yearly service) without commitment. You'll be able to make immediate earnings by using Ads (from External Ad services or by utilising the internal ad server) and App payments. Instead of "burning" money and time on a tailored app development, you'll be able to reach your audience immediately and start building your users base while earning money and establishing your presence before your competitors.

Sign-up to a FREE demo and we'll Make your App Today: https://www.makeapp.today/makeapp