In today’s digital world, businesses are always looking for new ways to stand out and connect with their customers. That’s where Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) come in. These apps are a blend of the best parts of websites and mobile apps, and they’re changing the game for businesses big and small.
In this blog post, we’re going to talk about the top 10 benefits of PWAs and how they can make a big difference for your business. PWAs are not only affordable and easy to create, but they’re also super fast and can even work offline. Whether you’re just starting your business or looking to give your current business a boost, understanding how PWAs work could be a game changer.
So, get ready to learn how Progressive Web Apps can help your business grow and succeed in today’s fast-moving world. Let’s get started!
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1. Short development time
PWAs enable faster development compared to native apps. Developers can leverage existing web code and adapt it to create an engaging PWA. This results in shorter development cycles, quicker time-to-market, and the ability to respond promptly to changing market demands, ensuring your e-commerce store stays competitive.
Unlike native apps, which often require separate development processes for different platforms (iOS, Android, etc.), PWAs enable a “write once, run anywhere” approach. This unified development significantly cuts down on the time and resources needed to launch an app across multiple platforms.
Moreover, the iterative nature of PWA development aligns well with agile development practices. Businesses can quickly roll out a minimum viable product (MVP) and then continuously update and enhance it based on user feedback and changing requirements. This approach not only speeds up the initial development phase but also ensures that the app remains relevant and up-to-date over time.
2. High engagement with push notifications
A standout feature of progressive web apps that significantly boosts user engagement is the use of push notifications. These notifications are a powerful tool for maintaining user interest and encouraging return visits to the app.
In the digital age, where attention is the new currency, the ability of PWAs to send push notifications directly to a user’s device is a game-changer for businesses seeking to enhance engagement and customer loyalty.
Push notifications in PWAs work similarly to those in native apps, but they have the added advantage of reaching users across both desktop and mobile platforms. This cross-platform capability ensures a wider reach, enabling businesses to engage with a broader audience.
Notifications can be customized and timed to deliver relevant, timely content to users, such as special offers, reminders, or updates, thereby increasing the likelihood of user interaction.
3. Low development cost
One of the most compelling advantages of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) is their affordability, especially when compared to traditional mobile applications. A significant draw for businesses, large and small, is the cost-effectiveness of PWA development.
With a development cost that can be as low as $5,000, PWAs present a financially accessible option for many businesses. This affordability stems from several factors inherent in PWA development.
Firstly, PWAs are built using common web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. This means that the skills required to develop a PWA are more widely available and often less expensive than the specialized knowledge needed for native app development.
Furthermore, the unified development approach of PWAs eliminates the need to create separate versions for different operating systems, further reducing costs and development time.
4. Behave like native apps
PWAs are designed to mimic the look and feel of native apps. This includes smooth animations, responsive layouts, and the ability to adapt to different screen sizes and orientations. Users often find this familiarity in design and function conducive to a more comfortable and engaging experience.
They provide a native-like user experience without the need for users to download and install them. PWAs can be added to the home screen, launch without browsers, and operate seamlessly, making them feel like a native app to users.
Additionally, PWAs can access device features like cameras and geolocation, further enhancing their native app-like behavior. This ensures that your e-commerce store can offer immersive and feature-rich experiences to users, all while being accessible directly from their browsers.
5. Surprising speed
A critical benefit of progressive web apps that cannot be overstated is their surprising speed, especially evident in page load times. Speed is not just a technical advantage; it plays a vital role in user satisfaction and engagement. In an era where users expect immediate access to information, the rapid loading times of PWAs offer a significant edge.
The statistics speak for themselves: While the median first page load time among 19 PWA-using retailers was 4.5 seconds, a notable figure in its own right, the median time for subsequent page loads dramatically dropped to just 1.3 seconds. This improvement in speed upon second viewing is a game-changer for user experience.
The reason behind this impressive speed lies in the intelligent use of service workers in PWAs. These service workers operate in the background, caching essential elements of the web app during the first visit. This means that subsequent visits benefit from this preloaded content, resulting in significantly faster page loading times.
6. SEO-friendly
PWAs are inherently SEO-friendly. In the digital landscape, visibility is paramount, and PWAs offer an edge by being more discoverable and indexable by search engines compared to traditional web applications.
Their responsive design, fast loading times, and compatibility with search engine algorithms contribute to higher search rankings and increased organic traffic, ultimately driving more potential customers to your store.
Unlike traditional native apps, PWAs are completely linkable and shareable. Each page has its own URL, making it easier for users to share and link to the content. This increases the potential for backlinking, a critical factor in SEO.
7. Better customer experience
PWAs excel in delivering a superior user experience, combining the best of web and mobile app features to meet and exceed customer expectations.
PWAs offer a smooth, app-like interface that is both intuitive and engaging. The user experience is consistent and fluid, eliminating the clunkiness often associated with traditional web applications. This seamless operation keeps users engaged and reduces frustration, leading to a more positive perception of the brand.
As established, PWAs are exceptionally fast. This speed translates into quicker interactions and reduced waiting times for users. In a world where speed is often equated with efficiency, this aspect of PWAs plays a crucial role in ensuring customer satisfaction.
8. Less disk space
Unlike native apps that consume significant device storage space, PWAs are lightweight and don’t require extensive downloads or installations. This saves users valuable disk space on their devices, making them more likely to engage with your e-commerce store.
Additionally, the reduced disk space requirements contribute to quicker installation. Users can add PWAs to their home screens without worrying about running out of storage or experiencing slow download speeds. This convenience encourages more users to install your PWA and enjoy its benefits without storage-related hassles.
The reduced disk space requirement of PWAs is particularly beneficial in regions with a high prevalence of low-cost, lower-storage mobile devices. Users with limited storage capacity can access a range of applications without worrying about running out of space.
9. Instant updates
One of the most user-friendly features of progressive web apps is their ability to update instantly. This functionality is a major advantage over traditional mobile apps, ensuring that users always have the latest version of the app without the need for manual updates.
Unlike traditional apps that require users to download updates from an app store, updates for PWAs are made directly on the web server. This means that any changes or improvements made by the developers are instantly reflected in the app the next time it’s accessed.
Instant updates also mean that there is minimal disruption to the user experience. Users don’t experience downtime typically associated with traditional app updates. This seamless update process keeps the app functional and accessible at all times, enhancing user satisfaction.
10. Optimized installation process
A standout advantage of progressive web apps is their optimized installation process. This streamlined approach significantly enhances the user experience by making app access simpler and more intuitive, removing many barriers associated with traditional app installation.
Unlike conventional apps that require users to visit an app store, search for the app, and then download it, PWAs can be discovered directly through a web browser. This direct-access approach simplifies the user’s journey to app adoption.
This optimized installation process is a crucial factor in the growing popularity of PWAs. It lowers the barriers to app adoption, making it easier and more convenient for users to access and engage with apps. For businesses, this ease of access translates to broader reach and potentially higher user adoption rates.
11. Work offline
One of the most impactful features of progressive web apps is their ability to work offline or in low network conditions. This functionality is a game-changer, particularly for users in areas with unstable internet connections or limited data plans. It ensures that the app remains accessible and functional, providing continuous value to the user regardless of their connectivity status.
For businesses, the offline capabilities of PWAs mean that their services remain available to users at all times, enhancing customer relations and ensuring business continuity. This is especially crucial for e-commerce platforms, news sites, and information portals where uninterrupted access to content can directly impact user loyalty and revenue.
The ability to work offline opens up the app to a wider audience. Users in regions with limited internet infrastructure or those who are often in areas with spotty connectivity can still benefit from the app, increasing its overall reach and impact.