The era of the mobile phone opens the door for businesses to hook up with their users in a dreadful way using apps.
Apps became popular fast because they allow users to interact with corporates from want at any time.
Apps are no longer as intriguing to users as they once were. This has led to significant drops in app retention rates, as well as profit declines for such firms.
That’s why progressive web apps are growing more popular.
What Are Progressive Web Apps?
Regular web pages and programs that have been built to look and work like native mobile applications are called progressive web apps. PWAs provide users with an experience similar to that of native apps on any device by utilizing the functionality of web browsers and cutting-edge enhancement techniques.
In other words, a progressive web app combines the appearance, feel, and use of an app with the simple code of a website.
What are the differences between Native, Hybrid, and Progressive Apps?
Native Apps
- Built with platform-specific coding.
- Demand different codebases and associated overhead.
- Can make full use of a device's natural features and hardware.
Hybrid Apps
- Instead of writing code in the programming language of the platform, use frameworks (such as Ionic, Cordova, React Native, etc.).
- Could in the majority of situations share codebase (at least partially).
- Can make use of the most of a device's natural capabilities and hardware.
Progressive Web Apps
- A combination of web pages and applications.
- With the intention of running a single codebase across all platforms (web, mobile, desktop).
- A device's inherent capabilities are only partially accessible, although this is sufficient for most use situations.
The state of Progressive web apps
According to a Statista analysis, there will probably be 1,033.3 million active users of the app by 2024. PWAs have a clean visual appearance close to mobile apps and a user experience similar to websites.
- Over 75% of shoppers use their mobile phones to compare prices when shopping in stores.
- Gartner predicts that by 2025, 80% of service organizations will abandon their native mobile apps due to failed user adoption.
- By 2025, 44% of all e-commerce sales in the US will come from mobile app shopping.
The state of Progressive web apps
Users enjoy apps because, in general, they provide a better experience than online applications. However, native app development and upkeep require a lot of labor, not to mention the associated costs.
You must code your program for every platform your consumers may be using (Android, iOS, etc.).
However, PWAs don't necessitate coding separately for every platform. "Code once, uses everywhere" was the design guiding principle. Your PWA may be viewed on desktop computers, mobile devices, and in-browser (as a website or web app) once it has been coded.
On the other hand, PWAs don't need platform-specific coding. According to the "code once, use everywhere" principle, they were created. Your PWA may be used in-browser (as a website or web app), on desktops, and on mobile devices once it has been coded.
The state of Progressive web apps
Fast and Responsive
PWAs are designed to be fast and responsive, providing a seamless user experience. They use technologies such as Service Workers, which allow websites to cache content locally, making them faster and more responsive, even on slow or unreliable networks.
Mobile-Friendly
PWAs are designed to work on any device with a web browser, including mobile devices. They use responsive design, which allows them to adjust to the screen size and orientation of the device, providing a consistent user experience across different devices.
Offline Functionality
PWAs can work offline or with a limited internet connection, allowing users to access content and features even when they don't have an internet connection. This feature is particularly useful for websites that require access to critical information or functions, such as e-commerce or banking sites.
Installable
PWAs can be installed on the user's device, providing a more app-like experience. This means that users can access the PWA from their home screen without having to navigate to the website each time they want to use it.
Discoverable
PWAs are discoverable by search engines and can be shared via a URL, making them easy to find and share with others. This feature can help improve a website's search engine rankings and increase its online visibility.
Push Notifications
PWAs can send push notifications to users, even when the website is not open, which can help increase user engagement and drive users back to the website.
When Should You Use a Progressive Web App?
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are web applications that offer a seamless user experience on both desktop and mobile devices. They are fast, reliable, and engaging, with offline functionality and push notifications. PWAs are an excellent option for many businesses, but there are specific situations where they can be particularly useful.
Here are some scenarios where you should consider using Progressive Web Apps:
When you want to improve the user experience?
PWAs can offer a fast, seamless, and engaging user experience, even on slow or unreliable networks. They also have a responsive design, adapting to the screen size of the user's device.
When you need to reduce development costs?
Developing native mobile apps for multiple platforms can be expensive. PWAs can be developed using web technologies and run on any device with a web browser, eliminating the need to develop and maintain separate apps for each platform.
When do you want to improve your website's SEO?
PWAs are discoverable by search engines and can be shared via a URL. This means they can help improve your website's search engine rankings and increase your online visibility.
When you need to provide offline functionality?
PWAs can store data locally, allowing users to access your website's content and functionality, even when they are offline. This is particularly useful for websites that require access to critical information or functions, such as e-commerce or banking sites.
When you want to increase user engagement?
PWAs offer features like push notifications and home screen shortcuts, which can help increase user engagement. By sending timely and relevant notifications, you can keep users engaged and drive them back to your website.
When you need to provide a consistent user experience?
PWAs can offer a consistent user experience across different devices and platforms, without requiring users to download and install a separate app.
Famous Brands that use progressive web apps
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are becoming increasingly popular among businesses looking to offer a fast, seamless, and engaging user experience on both desktop and mobile devices. Here are some examples of well-known companies that have implemented PWAs:
Twitter Lite
Twitter's PWA, Twitter Lite, offers a faster, more responsive, and data-friendly user experience than its native mobile app. Twitter Lite is accessible via a URL and can be used on any device with a web browser, making it accessible to users who have limited data or storage space.
Starbucks
Starbucks' PWA offers a mobile app-like experience, enabling customers to place and pay for orders, find stores, and earn rewards. The PWA also offers offline functionality, allowing users to access previous orders and rewards when they don't have an internet connection.
Uber
Uber's PWA, m.uber.com, offers a mobile app-like experience, enabling users to request and track rides, view ride history, and manage account settings. The PWA offers a fast and seamless user experience, even on slow or unreliable networks.
Pinterest's PWA offers a fast and seamless user experience, enabling users to browse and save pins, create and manage boards, and explore curated content. The PWA offers to push notifications, allowing users to stay up-to-date with new content and features.
Flipkart
Flipkart's PWA offers a mobile app-like experience, enabling users to browse and purchase products, track orders, and manage account settings. The PWA offers offline functionality, allowing users to access previously viewed products and categories even when they don't have an internet connection.
Conclusion
The future of online browsing relies on progressive web applications. More than that, they could shape how customers are treated in the future of e-commerce.
To build one for your company, you must actually invest.!!!
Investing in a progressive web app may be worth it given its multiple benefits, which include simplicity in development, enhanced SEO, and the creation of excellent user experiences.