Progressive Web Apps are the newest mobile technology. But, what are they?
Think through this scenario: You are out running errands. You need a specific product, but it isn’t available at the brick-and-mortar store. You’re in a hurry and the mobile site for the product is loading slowly. The store has a mobile app, but you really don’t want to download another app – your phone is almost out of space and plus creating a new account is such a headache!
But, wait, what’s this? The store’s mobile app is different! No account needed and it takes up almost no space on your phone? It’s easy to access again and again? Perfect. Download immediately, order needed product and have the ability to do so again in the future.
You’ve just experienced a Progressive Web App (PWA), the newest technology that combines the best of a mobile website and a dedicated, native app into one.
A hybrid of sorts, PWAs are a Google-backed mobile web format that look and function like a native, dedicated app, but load at super-fast speeds.
PWAs can be added to a smartphone or tablet homescreen like a native app, but will work offline and allow businesses to send push notifications.
What are Progressive Web Apps?
In essence, a PWA is a mobile website that looks, acts and feels like a native app on a user’s smartphone.
PWAs are web applications that have been designed so they are capable, reliable and installable.
As more and more users come to a company’s website via mobile (think well over 70-percent of users for the majority of businesses) it’s become more important to move away from a “mobile-first” website design and into a “mobile-only” mind-set.
What does this mean for your company? It means setting aside your desktop website and worrying less about optimizing it for mobile, and instead making your mobile website its own, stand-alone product.
That’s where PWAs come in – they are the solution to the increasing mobile world.
What are the Benefits to Your Company?
In a simple statement: more conversions.
PWAs allow users to experience fast website speeds, even on spotty service or offline, resulting in fewer bounces and more conversions for your products or services. In turn, users will spend more time on your site or service.
And for your business, PWAs mean happier, more engaged customers, loyalty and increased sales.
What’s Next?
While PWAs are relatively new and few companies are utilizing this technology, expect to see PWAs more and more.
Think through how your business and customers could benefit from a PWA. Start by pulling website analytics and focusing on your website’s speed, bounce rate and mobile-user numbers. These will tell the story of your customers’ mobile experience and help guide your next step.
Need help? Our expert development team at The Partnership is here for you. Contact us today and let us help your business craft the perfect solution for your mobile website.
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