The rapid development of mobile technology has brought in several changes to traditional website design. With mobile applications, users benefit from experiencing a more immersive design while also making use of updates. With the numerous advantages that mobile apps offer, users are misled often into declaring it as a clear winner. This discussion proves otherwise.
Many studies have indicated the wide adoption of mobile devices. Users spend a large portion of their time engaged with mobile applications. However, sidelining websites and mobile websites is not recommended. These platforms have their potential strengths, and you would be well updated as we move on.
There are many terms that we will introduce as we proceed, and you would benefit if you attempt to remember them. In the current trend where mobile applications and websites play significant roles in day to day lives, it becomes a necessity to be informed. This blog is an attempt to reveal and spark your thinking to enquire about the fast-changing innovations.
An introduction to mobile apps and mobile websites
The advancement in mobile technology brought the widespread usage of devices with various form-factors. Sites are no longer the only way to reach out to a global audience. Mobile devices come in many shapes and sizes, which present a challenge for effective website design.
To address the need for supporting websites on mobile devices having different resolutions responsive mobile websites evolved. Such websites adapt themselves and pose no difficulty, for instance, on either a mobile or a tablet. Enterprises can choose to deploy their mobile applications or consider a mobile website.
As we move on, you would begin to appreciate that mobile applications and mobile websites are equally important. You will potentially be at a loss if you consider dropping either of them. We will analyze the essential pros and cons of the two offerings to give you an insight into understanding what sets each of them apart.
Mobile applications discussed at length
The immediate productivity gain offered by mobile apps is their ability to leverage device capabilities. The mobile device would have resources like GPS, camera, and other supplements that can be used by mobile apps to the fullest. Mobile websites can also make use of such device features but not to the extent of applications.
Mobile applications scale over their website counterparts in their ability to offer more user engagement. Rather than a landing page with input elements, visually striking controls are designed into applications. Such an interface has the power to hold the user’s attention longer while also encouraging them to make transactions.
The presence of mobile applications builds the reputation of an organization. A company keen to improve its brand authority often resorts to develop mobile apps. Such an endeavor is a crucial aspect of digital marketing, whereby the enterprise can reach out and convert more visitors to customers.
While the numerous advantages of mobile applications far outweigh its disadvantages, it is worth knowing the shortcomings. The immediate letdown of a mobile app is the capital required to design and develop them. Since mobile applications are slightly more complicated than websites, building and deploying them becomes costlier.
Another noticeable letdown of mobile applications is their lack of outreach. Mobile apps need to be searched in their respective app stores and installed. This requirement tends to weaken its visibility when compared to websites. When a vast majority of users opt to search online, losing out in visual aspects tends to create a problem.
Mobile websites discussed at length
Mobile sites are rendered intelligent by making them responsive. Such is the power of mobile sites that websites rank better if they optimize for mobile platforms. With mobile devices slowly becoming accessible to the masses, it makes much sense to support mobile sites.
Mobile sites enjoy greater visibility than apps since there is no effort to search and install. By being widely available, a higher number of people tend to hit the website. Significantly higher traffic often leads to a better conversion rate and even recommendations by existing customers.
Upcoming trends in mobile apps and sites
We want to summarize by informing that for a successful business, mobile apps and websites are equally important. There are forthcoming trends in these areas that are set to disrupt standards. An active awareness of such innovations would help you optimize your design.
Blockchain is one such novelty that is set to change mobile apps. The decentralized technology has many applications ranging from cryptocurrencies to logistics. With the many large scale infrastructures like industries and airports, the blockchain is being actively researched to lend its strength to existing systems.
Another upcoming field worth a mention is artificial intelligence (AI). AI introduces learning into the software. Users are not restricted to experience static software interface; rather, the software can deliver dynamic content. The immediate advantage of having machine learning is the ability to build mathematical models, which can be beneficial in some ways. The insurance industry, for instance, can use such models to minimize transaction costs or prevent fraudulent activities.
While these are only some of the innovations, catching up fast are developments in website design. Grid-based web design are evolving to natural or organic standards, which emphasize visual appeal. Micro-interactions are getting more recognition since they can hold the user attention for a more extended period.
There is no clear winner when we broadly compare mobile apps and sites. We can consider each of them as being two different digital marketing strategies. Such an exercise is a must for any industry looking forward to boosting its revenues. If you are on the lookout to venture into an app or website development, it is recommended to make an initial market analysis and seek professional services.
Another recommendation is that mobile websites often occupy a higher priority than mobile apps. This idea is generally suggested noting the lower development and deployment costs. Mobile applications could be planned for implementation once a business has a solid foundation. With both the offerings firmly in place, any business is sure to succeed.Share on Facebook