PWA or Native App? The Publication Dilemma

Welcome back to our newsletter series on building high-performance applications with GoodBarber!

In this edition, we'll explore a crucial decision: should your app be published as a Progressive Web App (PWA) or a native app on Google Play and the App Store?

This decision typically comes at the end of the app creation process when it's time to determine the best platform for your audience. Spoiler Alert: with GoodBarber, you don't have to choose just one—you can easily do both! ??

So, how do you decide where to publish? The best option depends on your app's unique requirements and goals. Let's delve into the benefits of each platform to understand better.

?? Native Apps: The Power of Going Native

GoodBarber enables you to create high-performing native apps using the latest technologies from Apple and Google, ensuring they are secure, fast, smooth, and visually appealing.

?? iOS Apps: Developed in Swift, these apps provide an unmatched user experience and fully integrate with the iOS ecosystem.

?? Android Apps: Crafted in Kotlin, they deliver top-tier performance and seamless support from Google.

Benefits of Native Apps ??

• Speed and Fluidity: Native apps are designed specifically for mobile devices, offering optimized performance and easy navigation.
• Enhanced Security: Native apps are subject to rigorous security checks by the App Store and Google Play, which makes them perceived as more secure.
• Monetization: Native apps significantly boost sales. Research on 200K orders from 200 apps in our database showed that 73% of mobile users prefer to purchase through native apps.
• Customer Loyalty: 65% of orders from loyal customers are made via native apps, thanks to personalized user experiences (e.g., abandoned order, buy again) and convenient features like push notifications and quick access from the home screen.

Native apps also support superior content monetization through recurring subscriptions and exclusive advertising formats, such as App Open Ads and Native Ads.

??? PWAs: Flexibility and Consistency Across Devices

PWAs provide a seamless experience across all devices, ensuring your app looks stunning and functions flawlessly on smartphones, tablets, and desktops.

Benefits of PWAs ??

• Optimized Performance: High speed and perfect compatibility with iOS, Android, and all web browsers.
• Consistent Design: A beautiful, functional interface that adapts to any device.
• SEO Optimization: As browsers index PWAs, the app's visibility on the Web is greatly enhanced.

What to choose? Our advice ??

In summary, whether you opt for a native app or a PWA depends on your app's goals and audience preferences.

Native apps offer unparalleled performance, security, and monetization opportunities, making them the optimal choice for cultivating a loyal user base. Once users download your app from the stores, you can easily incentivize them to return and engage with push notifications.

Publishing your PWA is highly recommended if your brand or activity is relatively new. This provides flexibility, consistent user experience, and significantly enhanced web visibility. Potential users or customers can find you by searching on their browsers, enlarging your user base.

We consider the two options complementary. This is why we chose to provide a solution that allows you to work on a single app project and easily publish it on both the Web and the app stores. If unsure, you can start with a standard subscription plan to publish your PWA and later upgrade to hit the stores. And remember: our support team is always there to advise you on your visibility strategy ??

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Happy app building,

The GoodBarber Team