Mobile Web vs Mobile Apps: Where Should You Invest

Mobile Web vs Mobile Apps

In the midst of the raging debate between superiority and effectiveness of mobile web and mobile apps, it may sometimes be challenging for organizations to be able to decide on what’s best. This is certainly one of the most tricky, as businesses will have to decide if they would like to go with the former, the latter or a combination of both. While it is not a case of comparing apples with oranges, it certainly is not a case of comparing apples with apples either. To get a better focus on which could be the most effective strategy, here is a quick peek into the world of both to understand which would work best.

Mobile responsive sites offer similar experience and feel of a website

Mobile web or responsive sites basically offer users access to websites via browsers similar to access gained through computers. Slight variations in terms of size, image rendering, or navigation may be experienced, but the overall feel, content and experience is common to both.  Most organizations have responsive sites and have progressed from instances of some businesses rolling out separate versions.

Mobile apps permit quick execution of functions with lesser latency

Mobile apps, on the other hand, offer users an application that resides in the device, which executes functions or displays information at a single tap or a couple of taps. This gives the user, lower latency in performing functions through the app.  The app requires being stored on the device and unlike the mobile web is platform dependent, with each mobile OS having its own version.

What’s different between the two?

As stated above, the functions are different, yet are intended to offer sometimes overlapping uses. Mobile web has a larger reach and does not require any form of updates or installations. The user clicks on the site as and when required. Traffic can be boosted to sites with optimized content that work in tandem with search engines to bring more visitors to the site. Content delivery is simple and does not require any additional actions. Mobile apps exercise greater control over the user. A set of functions and options channelize the user’s actions. Apps have a more personal touch with greater potential for engagement since innovation will be delivered seamlessly without the user having to look for it through a browser. And certain functions of apps can be performed offline, without the user having to remain connected.

A simple tip that helps to settle the argument

Regardless of what scores better, it is a fact that organizations need a digital/online presence. This means that a website is a necessity. When a need exists to create a website, making it mobile responsive should not be an uphill or daunting task. Therefore, rolling out a mobile responsive site is a good and relatively simple option, without too many additional requirements. Without a website, traffic cannot be directed or attracted, and therefore, websites are mandatory. After this step has been completed, depending on the nature of user interaction on the website, a decision on developing an app can be taken. An app demands additional funds and design to develop and make it available. It needs to be maintained and users need to be engaged constantly, with updates and patches to keep them running smoothly. As stated earlier, while the both do not actually compare to each other fully, while overlapping, each has its own set of uses. However, what is important to note here is that websites are mandatory, and this works in favor of responsive sites. However, this will, in no way replace some of the unique functions of apps.

Author Bio: Hello, my name is Nick Cotton and I am the content editor at Websites that Sell, a marketing strategy firm located in Brisbane Australia. I have been in content writing industry for 6+ years and specializes in Digital Marketing.