Mobile App or Mobile-Responsive Site - Which one is better?

by JONATHAN PAUL Jonathan Paul working at PHPProgrammers, a leading

This article is going to highlight how mobile apps are different from mobile-responsive websites. Read on this comparative study and decide which one is better for your business.

Mobile apps and mobile-responsive websites are not the same things!

Maybe at first glance, you won’t be able to find much difference. Many businesses get confused about these two things. Some business owners think that “we already have a great website for our business, why we need a mobile app”! But in reality, these two do not serve the same purpose even if they seem like much similar to each other.

In this article, we are going to highlight those differences and let you know how both are important for running a successful business.

Mobile responsive websites - Why do you need it

In 2019, worldwide, the number of mobile phone users is going to reach almost 5.07 billion as stated by one of the recent market research reports. When people look for information, they don’t go to the app stores at once. It is more likely that they will start with web browsers. Hence, this is especially crucial if you are looking for new customers.

Besides, Google favours mobile-friendly websites and gives them better SERP ranking as a reward which is beneficial for businesses having an impressive digital presence.

Striking features of mobile-responsive websites

The website is easy for updating, bug fixing, and supporting
A mobile website is available for all users
Less expensive

So, it is easily understandable that such responsive sites work well if you are looking for new clients. Generally, it represents your business on the web.

Mobile apps

Now, if you are thinking that such responsive websites are the ultimate solution to all your issues, then it is not!

To put it simply, while the business website is aimed at attracting occasional or new clients, your mobile app works with regular clients. Mobile apps do not run on all devices. Also, they need to be installed separately. However, what they offer is a unique user experience.

A well-designed mobile app must give your customers all opportunities to perform a particular task just in few taps or scrolls. Also, there is a benefit of push notifications!

One gentle reminder!

Do not make your app into the clone of the website. Rather than that, you should pick up functions and features, which not only reflect your business's the main idea but also develop them, make the usage as straightforward and simple as possible along with bringing that all to the customers.

Let’s sum up the special features and characteristics of mobile apps.

When it comes to design displaying, mobile apps tend to be more resistant to the variety of screen sizes that might appear on various phones and tablets
Apps can guarantee bigger safety than browsers
The mobile app works better with hardware sensors like camera, microphone, GPS, etc.
Apps can work offline as well

So, if it is about a particular service, using mobile apps is a more convenient option.

Now, to chose one of these two options, you have to understand the purpose of the product - who is going to use it and how often they are going to use it.

Be it mobile apps or mobile-responsive sites or both, the main thing is to think about your customers or clients as mobile device users and make their life as comfortable as possible.

Jonathan Paul is a skilled and experienced mobile app developer, who is currently working with Visions & Solutions and leading a team of best app developers in Sydney that has been taking care of any requirements related to Android, and iPad and iPhone app development in Australia for years.