What is a progressive web app and how do they work?
A progressive web app (PWA) is categorised as application software accessed through the web, that can be viewed on the web or installed on mobile devices. PWAs are built using common web technologies, such as HTML, CSS and Javascript and are compatible with many different platforms, such as Windows and iOS.1
What are the key principles of a progressive web app compared to a native web app?2
What are the advantages of having a progressive web app that make them so popular?
PWas are great for creating an immersive user experience and thus increasing traffic to the website. By creating the same ease-of-use as a native app, and by being accessible through a browser, App Institute has findings that PWAs increase mobile traffic by 68%. By creating a great user experience, people come back to the website, and SEO pushes the website closer to the top of search results. App Institute also has findings to suggest that page views increased by 133.67%.3 This is all great news for your business, as more people viewing the website might mean increase sales…!
Are PWAs better than Native Apps?
Well, PWAs are great for increasing website traffic more affordably, and can be easier and more affordable to create, but in terms of user experience, a native web app is made specifically for different platforms and may integrate better user experience overall. Native web apps can also be monetised using app store’s in-built payment system, whereas PWAs require a custom payment processing solution.2
In terms of similarities, both have home screen access, and both are linked to your business. The main advantage of PWAs might just be for people who don’t want to download an app to buy something- but by creating both you can enhance customer experience to reach a wider audience!
References:
1 Saurabh Singh. (2021). Everything About the PWAs , and why should you care?. Available: https://medium.com/@sausi/everything-about-the-pwas-and-why-should-you-care-9044aba17090 . Last accessed 27th Sep 2021.
2 Ahmad Bilal Khan. (2021). Difference between PWA and Native Apps. Available: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/difference-between-pwa-native-apps-ahmad-bilal-khan#:~:text=%20Difference%20between%20PWA%20and%20Native%20Apps%20,applications%20are%20built%20to%20run%20on…%20More%2 . Last accessed 27th Sep 2021.
3 Jamie Fuller. (2017). Infographic: Progressive Web Apps. The Future of Mobile. Available: https://appinstitute.com/progressive-web-apps-infographic/ . Last accessed 27th Sep 2021.
