Web app developers must constantly innovate and adopt new web development technologies to keep up with the growing standards set by today’s users. In the last few years, an innovative tool known as Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) has been revolutionizing the web development industry. In this article, we’ll go through the role of PWAs in business so you can determine whether they’re a good fit for your project.

What is progressive web app development?

Alex Russell, Google Chrome’s developer, used the term “progressive web app” for a new breed of web apps that run in the same way as a standard website but utilize the benefits of modern browsers.

Therefore, PWAs combine the advantages of mobile applications and websites into a single handy package. PWAs appear at a time when users want slick mobile experiences but are hesitant to install new applications due to the sheer volume already present on their smartphones.

Numerous industry heavyweights have created PWA-like web apps including native capabilities. They recognize the growing importance of delivering user-friendly and feature-rich web experiences that rival the performance and functionality traditionally associated with native mobile applications. According to Emergen Research, the PWA market is set to grow at an astounding annual rate of 31.9% until 2027.

PWA or mobile application

Most companies come at a crossroads between PWA and mobile app development. You may wonder if the two are even different. They are in many ways. Let’s outline their most visible differences.

Form and content: specialized languages for certain tasks

PWAs are web applications that may be used on any device with an internet connection. PWAs use JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, while mobile apps are built with the specific language for a platform (e.g. Java for Android).

The cost of production: spending less on the PWA

It is more cost-effective to create a progressive web app rather than a native mobile one. To create a mobile app, you’ll need to study the relevant programming language and create separate versions for each supported platform. This requires building separate apps for iOS and Android, as well as the tools to regularly update each of them. This may be quite expensive and time-consuming, given the app’s intended use and complexity.

It takes less time to create and update a progressive web app. One codebase may serve several platforms, not simply the two most popular ones. Configuring your existing website using services like Google Lighthouse may save you time and money compared to building an app from the ground up. 

With a mobile-friendly design, a single app version is sufficient, and it will look the same on every device.

What is important for businesses to know about the PWA?

There are various practical, promotional, and financial benefits to using PWAs. You need to know these benefits before deciding to use PWA development services or not.

• To use a PWA, you only need your browser. You may access a progressive web app from any browser at any time. There is never any need to install additional software. That is its primary advantage. In short, a PWA mimics the behavior of a mobile app and can be used directly from the user’s favorite web browser like Chrome.
• Any device can use PWA. PWAs are convenient since they are always available in your browser. This is a key feature that sets PWAs apart from competing web technologies. Just browse their online app on any of your devices instead of downloading the app.
• The UI and UX of PWAs are like those of native apps. When it comes to UI and UX, there is no doubt about the superiority of native applications. But PWAs still provide a layout similar to that of a native app. Since some native advantages will undoubtedly be lost in the translation, it’s not quite the same, but it comes very close. The fact that it works inside your browser is icing on the cake.
• PWAs are easy to use and fast to load. A PWA never leaves the browser, so it’s always available to everybody who uses it. This implies that great responsiveness and speed will be the norm. Users won’t need to stress about App Store and Play Store availability. Instead, customers may open a website that acts as an app straight from their browser’s home screen.

PWA for e-commerce projects: a trend or a must-have feature?

The potential for expansion in the e-commerce sector has increased with the arrival of PWAs. It is the most powerful setup that delivers an app-like performance on multiple computers, boosts online conversions, and encourages mobile web engagement.

PWA for e-commerce has been used by several well-known corporations or enterprises throughout the globe, with positive results. Here are a few examples:

• Lancome, a beauty brand, saw a 17% increase in website conversions after implementing push notifications in their PWA.
• Trivago, a hotel booking platform, reported a 97% increase in click-outs to their offers and a 150% hike in user engagement after launching its PWA.
• BMW, an auto manufacturer, launched a PWA that not only loaded 4X faster but also brought a 49% boost in website visits. Then, it followed by a 50% jump in the mobile user base.

A popular web-based solution that bridges the gap between native mobile apps and online experiences is the Progressive Web App for e-commerce. This e-commerce program enhances the capabilities of a web browser, allowing users to easily buy things online.

The app’s special features, including push alerts, offline access, and homepage installation, offer a streamlined and quick user experience.

It is not necessary to have a constant internet connection or download a separate app to utilize this e-commerce platform. In addition, it offers a more efficient checkout procedure, which decreases cart abandonment and increases conversion rates.

Online retailers have shown increased interest in this web-based solution since it provides a cheap alternative to creating native mobile applications. However, it eliminates the need to maintain several platforms while providing a uniform user experience across platforms.

As an added bonus, Progressive Web Application Development for online retail facilitates increased online visibility and consumer acquisition through organic search.

How to increase the audience of the website using a progressive web app?

Businesses may improve website speed, keep visitors interested even when they’re not online, and boost retention rates with custom features like push notifications by using PWAs. Here is how:

• Shorter wait times and better usability of websites. PWAs are created with speed and performance in mind, which is why they help websites load faster. PWAs provide rapid app access even on poor connections by using caching methods and preloading key components. Visitors are more likely to stick around and use the app if they don’t have to wait for pages to load, so this feature has a positive effect on user experience.

Also, PWAs provide a streamlined and app-like experience for their users. They use adaptable design concepts to adjust to various screen sizes and orientations, guaranteeing a constant user experience regardless of the device used. PWAs offer a compelling experience that motivates users to spend more time using the app with its fluid animations and simple navigation.

• Solid user engagement with offline capabilities. PWAs shine when it comes to offline support, giving users access to the app and its data even when they don’t have an active data or Wi-Fi connection. By caching and storing critical assets and data, PWAs promote a smooth app experience for consumers. Businesses in sectors where a connection is poor or nonexistent, such as tourism, isolated places, and subterranean operations, can benefit from this offline capacity.

PWAs may still provide some functionality and show cached material to users who are temporarily disconnected from the internet. Minimizing the hassles that come with having limited or unpredictable connections, keeps users engaged and improves user happiness. Businesses may boost user engagement and retention by consistently satisfying their needs.

• Diverse features to boost retention. PWAs provide extra functions to keep users engaged. They may, for instance, provide tailored relevant experiences via tracking and offline data storage. These improvements provide users with a feeling of control and streamline their experience with the app, which increases their loyalty to it.

How to optimize the budget when using the PWA?

It’s common knowledge that developing a sophisticated progressive app will need more money. However, you may save money without sacrificing functionality or quality by taking a few strategic measures. Use these guidelines to reduce the PWA development cost:

Sort out your features

Determine which features your PWA must have. To avoid adding unnecessary time and money to development, resist the urge to incorporate every available feature. Focus on features that will help you achieve your company objectives and satisfy your customers. Simplifying your app down to its vital features will help you release a fully working PWA faster while keeping costs down.

Architectural scalability

Keep scalability in mind. Pick a framework that can have features added and upgrades made without requiring a complete redesign. With a modular or component-based structure, you can save money on future development by ensuring that new features and fixes work together without any hiccups.

Optimizing initial performance

Optimizing performance should be a primary goal right from the start of PWA mobile development. Images, code, and stylesheets should all be optimized to reduce page load times. Use caching techniques to make repeat visits go more quickly. Early focus on performance improves user experience and reduces the amount of effort and money needed for fixes later on.

Hire a progressive web app development company

Work with a custom progressive web app development company. By using this knowledge, you may have your PWA created quickly and with little waste. Working with professionals allows your in-house team to concentrate on what they do best while streamlining the app creation process and avoiding the pitfalls of progressive web app development, monitoring, and management.

Risks for business after the launch of progressive web app

When launching a PWA, there may be some potential pitfalls along the way. You need to be careful and prepared. Progressive web applications may not be able to leverage the full complement of hardware capabilities, such as the camera and push alerts.

However, PWAs are not generally accessible on major app stores like Google Play and the Apple App Store, limiting their discoverability. Potentially harmful cyberattacks mean that PWAs may need extra protections for users’ private information. Plus, social networking and user-generated content are two examples of high-engagement native app features that may be lacking in progressive web applications.

Why should you invest in the PWA for your project?

By boosting mobile traffic and the average session time, PWAs have proved to provide instant value to organizations. Since this causes more people to interact with the site, more pages are seen, and conversion rates rise dramatically! When compared to other forms of digital marketing, PWAs provide the highest ROI.

Of course, to capture the bigger slice of the market, you need to work with a progressive web app development company that has the infrastructure, expertise, and connections to give you the advantage you need.

Conclusion

So, as you can see, there’s a lot to gain by using PWAs. You have a lot of options to choose from depending on things like product specifications, company goals, and target market. PWAs are ideal if a company wishes to save money on PWA development while still reaching a large audience.

While some companies use an in-house approach, most choose a third-party company to handle PWA development while they only focus on the core business: Bringing more money. At TRIARE, we have done this for numerous clients and can do it for you too. Just get in touch and let’s get started.