Are you worried about what to choose mobile apps or responsive website? It can be hard to decide which path you take. Having strong online presence is very essential for businesses in today’s digital space. Mobile apps and responsive websites are interconnected and equally important yet entirely different. Both options have their own benefits.
In this blog, you will find out the difference between mobile apps vs. responsive website and how to choose the right option for your business.
What is Mobile Apps?
Native apps are software programs which is specially designed for mobile phones and tablets. Native apps are created in the programming language for the operating system. The most popular operating systems are iOS and Android for mobile devices.
Native mobile apps are run only on smartphones and have defined set of users. Most of the users using smartphones so it is easy to engage with audience on mobile apps. For example: you exercise daily at home, so you need mobile app that helps you to suggest workouts and measure how many calories you burn in one hour.
Mobile apps have unique user experience comparision that helps to ensure the effectiveness of mobile application.
Types of Mobile Apps:
There are three main types of mobile apps which are as follows:
- Native apps: Native apps are specifically designed for iOS and Android operating system.
- Hybrid apps: These apps are mix of native and web technologies.
- Web apps: They were basically website but in usage look like mobile apps.
Why should you boost your business by creating a mobile app?
Most of the users are spending their time on mobile apps rather than using websites. Here is a reason you will expand your business with higher number of potential customers through mobile apps.
Key Features of Mobile Apps:
Let’s understand the features of mobile applications.
Working in offline: Mobile apps can be work in anytime and anywhere even app become offline.
Specific features and functionality: Mobile apps are based on specific features and functionality. Some features are available for only mobile like access to the gallery, background operating mode, and camera of the user device. Native apps have some specific features which is not implemented in web browser.
Require Installation: Mobile apps need to first search on app stores to download the application in smartphones. Then install the application and confirm the ability to access the personal information.
Only for mobile platforms: For mobile software these products are developed only for mobile operating systems according to the principles of Material Design and Flat Design.
Flexible customization options: Mobile applications have some flexible customization options like pop up notifications appears when app is closed. This features helps business in marketing strategy to engage with audience.
What is Responsive Website?
A responsive website is a ordinary website which is designed to fit on the mobile screens. Responsive websites means content of the website designed according to mobile first design which fits on any size of screen.
According to Google algorithms responsive websites rank well on the search browsers. Anything we want to search online we run for google search browser. To place first on google then responsive website is required to design with SEO practices.
In some cases both mobile apps and responsive website is required for business according to business need and target audience.
Why should you boost your business by creating a responsive website?
Most of the organic search traffic comes from google search browser. So there is high chance to appears on customers search if you have website.
Key Features of Responsive Website:
Here are some features of responsive website which are as follows:
- Easy to support and update: It is very easy to update any changes in website. Owner can make changes from their own end without in the knowledge of customers. It takes less efforts and time to make changes in websites other than mobile apps.
- Less costly: Responsive websites are less costly as compared to mobile app. Cost will increase if you create separate versions for ios or Android.
- Available for all users: Website run on search browser, they do not need operating system. It only needs stable internet connection.
- End to end accessibility: In responsive website there is no need to download. A device with stable internet connection is enough to access the website on your device.
Key Differences: Mobile App vs. Responsive Website
| Differentiate | Mobile App | Responsive Website |
| Define | Mobile apps are software programs which is run on smartphones. | A website which is mobile first design and fits in any screen. |
| Platforms | They are specific to operating systems i.e. iOS and Android. | Responsive website run on web browsers of all devices. |
| Installation | Requires downloading and installation on mobile devices from App Store or Play store. | There is no need of installation, just search on web browsers. |
| User Experience | It may be more immersive. | It provided consistent user experience comparison on all devices. |
| Performance | Usually more fast and responsive. | Performance depends on browser and internet speed. |
| Examples | Mobile apps are like gaming apps, social media apps, and banking apps. | Blogging, E-commerce, News, and informational websites are the examples of responsive websites. |
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Solution
Let us talk about What factors you should consider at the time of choosing right path for your business. Here are some factors:
- Identify Your Business Goals: Firstly you have to decide what you want to achieve. What is your business goals- boast sales, providing customer service, just brand awareness. Deciding your goal plays very important role in choosing the right option between mobile app and responsive website.
- Define Your Target Audience: Think about your audience preferences. Are they likely to use mobile apps or web browser?
- Focus on Budget: Money matters in every situation. If you want to develop app, especially native app and your budget is tight then this is not the right option for you. App development are more pricey as compared to website designing.
- Consider Time: Also watch out how much time you have. If you have less time then website development is better option for you because mobile apps can’t be developed in a day.
- What Feature you need?: If your needs are simple then website option is good for you. But if you need to access customers GPS or camera then you consider mobile app.
Why Choosing the Right Platform is Important?
Most important aspect of promoting and expanding your business is which platform you use whether it is mobile app or mobile website.
- Platform you choose directly impacts on users experience. By choosing right platform leads to higher customer satisfaction and retention rates.
- To target your audience choosing right platform is very essential.
- For long term success choosing right platform within your budget is very crucial.
The Best of Both Worlds: A Hybrid Approach
Who says you can not choose both options? Some business uses both combinations of mobile and mobile website.
For example, news organization might have responsive website for broad access to their content plus mobile app for push notifications and more tailored reading experience.
Conclusion
what’s the verdict? Should you go for a mobile app either responsive website? It all depends on your business needs, goals, and target audience.
The mobile app vs website debate is not about who is winner – it is about finding the right fit for your business. Take the time to assess your needs, talk to your team, and maybe even ask your customers what they prefer.
Take what you have learned here, do a bit more research if you need to, and make a choice that’ll set your business up for digital success. Good luck!
FAQ’s
Q1. Which option is better mobile app or responsive website?
Ans. You can choose between mobile app or responsive website according to your business needs. You can also choose hybrid option for your business.
Q2. Which option is cost effective between mobile app or responsive website?
Ans. Developing mobile app is more costly as compared to website designing. If your needs are simple then opt for website.
Q3. Is it true that mobile apps offer better security than websites?
Ans. The level of security depends more on the implementation than on whether it is app or website.
Q4. How do mobile apps and responsive websites compare in terms of SEO?
Ans. Website has high potential to visible online because search engine indexed website not mobile apps.
