Mobile Applications are being seen as an independent entity rather than a key enabler to digital transformation by some industry experts. Mobile apps are being included in the digital transformation strategies that companies are adopting to reinvent the way that they work.
Smartphones have become the go-to device for almost everything. Industries like retail, travel and food have already embraced mobile marketing and engagement. With most industries hurtling towards digital transformation at breakneck speed, it is interesting to note the impact that digital transformation has had on the mobile app industry and the rapidly changing mobile app development trends.
Digital transformation has been one of the main factors why mobile is fundamentally transforming business models and marketplaces, it has already led to the development of native apps and omnichannel customer experiences along with AI, ML, IoT, chatbot, AR and VR enabled mobile apps and instant apps. With PWAs it is now responsible for catapulting mobile apps to a whole different level.
Progressive Mobile Apps
Customers no longer want to wait for an app or a page to load and will abandon their search if a page takes longer than 3 seconds to load. Regardless of your business or industry, you cannot afford to make your customers wait. In an effort to provide a better user experience and remove hurdles to usage companies like Twitter, Starbucks and Forbes have embraced the trend towards progressive web apps in their web strategies. So what is a progressive web app? It’s a responsive web app that looks, feels and functions like a mobile app but does not require downloading as it runs within a browser.
They can be added to a device’s home screen just like a native app but they are not affected by slow networks, lack of connectivity or storage, data usage limitations, security concerns and a general reluctance to download. In order to function they require a secure HTTPS connection, a valid JSON web app manifest which controls the PWA’s appearance, icons, controls interactions and launching. PWA’s use service workers to complete background tasks like caching and push notifications and therefore enable access to cached content while offline.
PWAs are disrupting the mobile app paradigm by bridging the gap between web experience and native app functionality while offering the best of both worlds. Here are some reasons why you should consider a PWA in your enterprise mobile strategy.
Benefits of using PWA’s
Versatility in mobile apps:
They can consistently provide an app-like experience on any device. Depending on browser capabilities they can progressively enhance their built-in features to look and feel like a native app.
Increased Speed and reliability:
PWA’s have the advantage of loading instantly regardless of network conditions even when offline. The offline versions also have full user interface capabilities which can render complete pages without additional loading, respond immediately and scrolling is instant.
Reduced data needs:
First transactions and page loads need fewer amounts of data to be sent. PWA’s also take up less space on devices.
Universal accessibility:
There are no geographic restrictions on reach
No dependence on app stores:
There is no need to build or market separate apps. They do not need to be submitted for review. Users can easily access your PWA via a secure URL that can be easily shared
No download requirements:
Users are less hesitant to try something that they don’t need to download. It also frees the user from paying attention to updates.
Improved searchability in mobile apps:
PWAs are viewed as websites by search engines which means that they are easily indexed, unlike native apps which aren’t searchable.
Improved conversion and reduced bounce rates:
Many companies report better conversion rates and reduced bounce rates from their PWAs
Increased engagement in mobile apps:
PWAs have the advantage of being available offline and provide an immersive app-like user experience. This not only increases engagement but also increased time spent per session, more pages visited per session and an improvement in using push notifications to re-engage users.
Saved costs and efforts on development:
Many websites only need to be upgraded to become PWAs and require only easy fixes and updates.
Speed:
PWAs do not depend on hardware or OS, therefore they are free to deliver consistent performance across devices even with limited compatibility which allows them to load faster.
With the above mentioned impressive benefits of a PWA, it may be worthwhile to revisit your enterprise mobile strategy and consider whether adding a PWA or replacing a native app with a PWA is a good idea. If you are hesitant, consider starting slow and scaling over time. Ultimately PWAs just may be the step from good to great in the digital transformation of your enterprise.
For more information on Progressive Web Apps and how you can integrate them into your online business, get in touch with us today and speak with one of our experts at Kilowott.
