Should You Have an App or a Website?

There is no question that every business must have some sort of online presence, especially in social media. There is a huge market waiting online for businesses that are willing to adapt and survive the ever-changing technological advances. Having an online presence means you are made visible and available in the ever-growing market of a technologically literate generation that spends so much of their time online than they are availing all their necessities and wants through the internet. Being on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok, and likes increases your chances of being viewed by potential customers and increasing your sales and income flow. Although having a social media page is helpful especially for customer engagement and improving your customers’ loyalty to your brand, it is not enough. To turn these social media impressions into sales you will need another platform to drive your social media traffic to purchases. There are two platforms you can consider to turn views into sales, and likes to purchase. First is a website, a mobile website to be precise, and the second is an application or mobile app.

Difference Between a Mobile Website and Mobile App?

Before starting on any of these, you should know the difference between a mobile website and a mobile app. Both are accessible through the use of mobile phones which is your target since the majority of potential customers already have a smartphone on their hands and it will be easy to lure them into your website or app.

Mobile website

Gone are the days that you need only a website suitable for desktop and laptop. These days it is wiser to have a website that is mobile-friendly or dynamic to attract more customers to visit your website and be encouraged to purchase. Having a website that only works properly or has an intuitive design only for desktop and laptops is not smart. It is because it will be inconvenient for your potential customers to open their laptops or desktops every time they need to purchase.

Also, it is easier to invite them to look at your shop when it is already in their hands, meaning you are always visible, rather than being something that they need to look for specifically. The mobile website allows your business to be accessible anytime they are on their phones. Also, it will be easier to purchase in your shop if your design is mobile friendly as it will remove any frustration from ill-fitting design and interface on their phones. They will only need their mobile browser and your website address to start browsing and shopping in your store. There is no need for downloads and installation because it is open on the internet.

Mobile App

A mobile application is just like any other app like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and other familiar applications that you can download over the app store whether from Google play store or Apple App Store. Mobile apps are dedicated applications that will serve as the online store of your business. This way you are already installed on their phones and will be visible every time they scroll through their phone applications. Another thing to note with mobile apps is your logo will always be visible once installed on their phones. You can utilize the use of app notifications to further increase your visibility on your customer’s phone and encourage them to browse in your shop.

Mobile Website vs. Native Apps

Mobile website

Mobile websites are geared toward marketing and communication with your potential customers. You will have a wider scope or reach because the platform is very practical. There is no need for download or storage space on your phone because you will only need to go to your mobile browser and search for your mobile website. It is also more accessible to more people with the internet and cost-efficient on your side. There are no long development periods and trials where it could vary from the different operating systems on different types of mobile devices.

You are sure that it will work on most devices as long as they have a mobile browser. The only downside to mobile websites is that your customers need to specifically search for your website to shop, this reduces your visibility unless you place strategic ads to drive traffic to your website. Also, your customers need to be constantly connected to the internet to browse and shop. Poor internet connection might derail their shopping experience and reduce the traffic on your mobile website. Depending on where your customers are located and their internet connection this will determine your mobile website’s loading time and it might affect your graphics.

Mobile app

Mobile apps are geared towards exclusivity and target audience. Having a mobile app dedicated to your business is a huge step to gaining a loyal following for your brand or business. It takes time to develop the right application that is suited to your business and be beneficial and useful for your potential customers. Thorough research and designing are needed to be able to release an effective and successful mobile application and to make sure that your investment will turn into a profit. The great thing about mobile apps is once your app is downloaded there is a great chance that the user will keep on visiting your store and make purchases. Visibility is equivalent to profit, and having a mobile app with your logo in it will condition the minds of your potential customers that you are within reach.

Also, mobile apps have a feature where you can place strategic notifications that will remind your customers whenever you have an upcoming sale, discounts, vouchers, promos, and events. In-app promotions will develop brand awareness and loyalty amongst your customers by having exclusive promotions to your mobile app. Another good thing about mobile apps is it takes a shorter time to load since the application is already downloaded on the phone, meaning it could also work even if your customer has a poor internet connection. The only downside with mobile apps is it needs to be downloaded meaning they need storage space, and also it could be costly and takes a long time to develop.