Mobile applications VS websites, which is more useful for my business?

Lately, there is no doubt that mobile-users numbers are greater than pc-users. Studies show that users prefer using apps rather than mobile websites. But as an owner of business, whether a mobile app or a responsive mobile website will serve you better? 
Mobile websites and apps can look very similar, but you decide to have one of them or both depending on your target audience, budget, service and your required features.
But the value fact, it’s rarely possible that you develop an app without already having a website as a first step to collect the database through back-end development.

Advantages of mobile responsive website:

Responsive websites customized to fit the requirements of widest mobile-friendly users to make public communications as the first step of your outreach, here are the advantages of developing a mobile website:

• Availability
  You don’t need to waste time in downloading or installing the app, and no time wasted in signing up. Also websites are accessible from any platform,(no difference between IOS or androids), and the entry is so easy across URL links over any device.
  Websites can’t be deleted, that you can return to them anytime, unlike apps you may delete one if it doesn’t meet your need, and hardly you may reinstall in case you need it again.
• Shareability
  It is so easy to copy the URL link of the website and paste it in a text message to share the website to others. It plays a role in your marketing, as it makes your website easily findable and reach in search engines subsequently.
  On the other hand, you can’t share your application in this simple way.
• You don’t have to update
  There is no new versions of the website that require updates like apps annoyingly,
  The websites update themselves easily without your notice, it just needs a strong network connection.
• Cost effective
  Mobile websites are less expensive than apps, it saves your time and your money. The apps cost especially if you develop on different platforms, and the maintenance in applications are more expensive than websites.

Advantages of mobile applications:

Mobile apps provide a wide variety of benefits that ease the engagement and features, for a very specific purpose that cannot be effectively accomplished via a web browser. For example, Instagram users can view images on the website, but can’t upload them without the app.

There are various other reasons that make mobile app very useful:

• Performance
  Apps perform actions much better than websites, It is about how fast or slows your app loads when it reaches a peak in user activity. That’s why it said that apps save time and more effort for users.
• Working offline
  Although apps require internet connection, most apps offer you the offline mode which allows you to store your data and access information anytime you need.
• User-friendly
  Mobile apps are too easy to complete tasks, they offer users doing lots of orders as a piece of cake.Unlike websites, No refresh button, back button or address bar. Apps are designed with advanced options like swipe, hold, drag and more.
• Built-in device features
  Apps offer specific mobile functions such as tap to call, SMS, the camera, GPS and your location. You may allow connecting your location automatically with the application in order to gain some benefits like tracking your workout, alerting you about breaking news in your area, receiving ads that fit you and more.

Which is better, website or mobile app?

Recent reports showed that in the first half of 2020 because of covid19, the consumption demand of installing apps for the first time grew significantly about 26% over the year and is expected to rise.

However, it totally depends on your business, if your goal is providing engagement, easy-communications and personalizations then mobile apps are the best for you. But if your business requires easily maintained and shared between users that can be found through search engines fluently, then you may choose a responsive website.

You may need both in your business in order to build valuable retention and efficiency as complementary tools.

Our team can help you in making a choice which is more suitable for your business, Contact us.