5 Advantages That Mobile Apps Have Over Websites

With online marketing and branding having become essential for businesses, it is hard to imagine operating without a company website. It is often the initial point of interaction with customers, because almost every buyer prefers checking a provider’s website first. However, mobile apps are now as ubiquitous as websites for businesses.

Statistics show that smartphones are the main devices for retail traffic and shopping. Also, retail m-commerce sales value reached a whopping $431 billion in 2023.

While a responsive website is a great investment, it is only the tip of the iceberg. A mobile app is key for staying relevant in a competitive landscape. With nearly 48% of small businesses already having one in their portfolio, the opportunity is not worth missing out on.

It also doesn’t have to be as huge of an undertaking as you might think, both in terms of time and money. While building an app from scratch in-house is one option, there are also affordable agencies and freelancers who can take on the project for you. And if you have a mobile-friendly web presence already in place that is serving your business well, you can convert your website into an app for a frictionless transition, importing all the content and interface elements using dedicated mobile app building platforms.

That said, before joining the bandwagon, it’s surely a good idea to make sure you understand the challenges and opportunities associated with offering an app.

In this article, we will highlight both for businesses looking to invest in a mobile app.

Factors That Dissuade Businesses from Building a Mobile App

Businesses of all sizes and verticals are keen to invest in mobile apps, but it is easier said than done. Venturing into the landscape entails several challenges that may dissuade you from investing in an app.

Development Costs

According to a recent Forbes article, app development costs are significant enough to burden small businesses. Primarily, the average annual wages of a developer in the US are nearly $100,000. The cost of research, design, and additional features can increase upfront costs, even when businesses outsource development services. As mentioned above, the best way to circumvent this challenge may be to use an app builder or converter platform.

Resource Intensiveness

Developing and maintaining a mobile app requires dedicated resources for the long haul, another factor going against app investment. As a business owner running with shoestring resources, it’s not always easy to divert time and personnel from key projects or daily operations. Again, third-party solutions are often the way to go here, until you’re able to handle these aspects in-house.

Ongoing Maintenance and Updates

You cannot take a set-and-forget approach to mobile apps. They require ongoing maintenance, updates, and bug fixes to ensure security and functionality. Additionally, you may need to integrate new features into it to keep pace with trends and user expectations.

Compatibility Across Platforms

A consistent user experience across various devices and operating systems is hard to achieve. At the same time, you need to target audiences across all platforms. The need for compatibility testing and adapting to these platforms may deter businesses from investing in an app.

User Adoption Concerns

With hundreds of apps available in almost all leading categories, users are spoiled for choice. Convincing users to download and regularly use your app can be challenging. Keeping them on board is even harder. Many businesses prefer to stick with a website-only approach to avoid jumping these hoops.

5 Reasons to Build a Mobile App Despite These Challenges

While these challenges may have you thinking twice about the benefits of investing in a mobile app, they surely offer more than you can imagine. We will explain a few advantages of mobile apps over websites, making them a worthwhile investment.

Personalized User Experience

Gen-Z consumers prefer to patronize brands that offer personalized experiences. That’s exactly what you can achieve with a mobile app. Apps can access device data, such as user location and usage patterns, to personalize content and features. With personalization, your business can enhance user engagement and foster a deeper connection with users.

Many recommend converting your website into an app sooner rather than later. You can create a consistent experience across web and mobile platforms by seeking inspiration from the website while personalizing app UX.

Improved Performance and Speed

Mobile apps offer speed and performance beyond website capabilities. If you set things up right, once the user installs an app, its content is stored locally.

This model reduces loading times and provides a smoother user experience. Loading speed is critical to user experience, because every extra second to load any branded digital presence can increase bounce rates and lower conversion rates. Better performance and speed contribute to user retention in the long run.

Targeted Marketing Opportunities

Another reason to invest in mobile apps is that they empower marketers with targeted marketing strategies. They can leverage user data and in-app analytics to gain valuable insights into user behavior.

This enables them to fine-tune their marketing efforts with personalized recommendations, push notifications, and exclusive promotions.

Additional Revenue Streams

The business landscape is unpredictable, and every dollar earned makes a difference. Mobile apps yield additional revenue streams for businesses through in-app purchases, mobile advertising, and subscription models.

Moreover, existing buyers are keen to shop on the go instead of using websites. The convenience of one-click payments as native, in-app purchases, often leads to a revenue boom for sellers.

Offline Availability

Unlike websites, many mobile apps offer offline functionality. It enables users to access content or features without an active internet connection.

This feature keeps them connected even in areas with unreliable or limited connectivity.

Get Started Developing Your App

Mobile apps make a wise investment for business owners looking to overcome the limitations of websites. While some businesses may have reservations about investing in them, the potential benefits in terms of user engagement, revenue generation, and brand loyalty make them a valuable asset in a mobile-driven landscape.