As consumers continue to rely on mobile devices to connect with businesses, mobile app development has become a crucial investment for businesses of all sizes. While native apps have been the go-to solution for businesses for years, progressive web apps (PWAs) are quickly gaining popularity due to their ability to provide almost all the same benefits as a native app, but at a fraction of the cost. As an app development consultant, it is important to help small businesses understand the benefits of PWAs and why they should consider investing in them.
Advantages of PWAs
One of the biggest advantages of PWAs is their ability to be developed as write-once, run-everywhere applications. This means that a single codebase can be used to develop an app that can run on multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, and the web. This not only saves time and money in the development process, but also makes it easier to maintain and update the app across all platforms.
Another key benefit of PWAs is their ability to function without an internet connection. PWAs use a technology called service workers to cache app data and content, which means that users can still access the app even when they are offline. This is particularly useful for businesses that rely on their app for critical functions, such as e-commerce transactions or customer service.
No App Store? May Be a Good Thing
One of the biggest concerns that businesses may have when considering PWAs is whether they will lose out on the benefits of being listed in the Apple App Store. While it is true that PWAs cannot be listed in the App Store, this is not necessarily a drawback. In fact, PWAs have several advantages over native apps when it comes to discoverability and accessibility. Because PWAs are web-based, they can be easily shared and discovered through social media and search engines. This means that businesses can potentially reach a much wider audience than they would through the App Store alone.
Another advantage of PWAs is that they are not subject to the 30% App Store tax for every digital transaction. This can make a significant difference for businesses that rely on their app for e-commerce or other transactions. With a PWA, businesses can avoid paying these fees, which can help to improve their bottom line.
Lack of Features?
One of the key arguments against PWAs is the lack of native integration into the device itself like with certain features, such as the camera or microphone, which could be a drawback for businesses that rely on these features for their app. However, these limitations are no longer present with modern mobile browsers and PWA standards
In addition, recent updates to iOS have made it possible for PWAs to offer push notifications, which was previously a feature that was only available to native apps. This means that PWAs can now provide the same level of engagement and interaction with users as native apps, making them a viable alternative for businesses that are looking to develop a mobile app.
Consulting Help in Your App Journey
As an app development consultant, it is important to help small businesses understand the benefits and limitations of PWAs, and to help them make an informed decision about whether they are the right choice for their needs. This involves taking the time to understand the business’s goals and requirements, as well as the preferences and behavior of their target audience. It also involves staying up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies in mobile app development, and being able to provide informed recommendations and advice.
Overall, PWAs offer a compelling alternative to native apps for small businesses that are looking to develop a mobile app. They offer many of the same benefits as native apps, including offline functionality and push notifications, while also providing cost savings and improved discoverability. By helping businesses to understand the benefits of PWAs and how they can be effectively implemented, app development consultants can help to drive success and growth for their clients in the increasingly digital world.
