Web or mobile app: Which one to develop first for your customers

It is software that runs on a web browser and provides specific functions or services to users through a web interface. They can be accessed from various devices with internet connectivity without the need for a download or installation. Some examples of web apps are email services such as Gmail, social media platforms like Facebook, and productivity tools like Google Docs, which are all cloud-based.

Software applications that are specifically created for mobile devices are known as mobile apps. These apps are usually downloaded and installed from iOS or Android device app stores. They are designed to be used on small screens and touch interfaces and can offer a range of functionalities, including social networking, gaming, productivity tools, and e-commerce platforms. Some popular examples of mobile apps include WhatsApp, Google Maps, and Instagram. Learn how we can help you develop an innovative mobile app. 

Before you decide whether to develop a web or mobile app, understand your customer's needs and expectations. It can be done by conducting market research, identifying your target audience, and gathering user feedback.

• You should validate your product idea by analyzing the market trends, demand, and competition. 
• You should also discover your product's unique selling points and how it solves a problem or benefits your customer.
• You should know your potential users' preferences and behaviours. 
• You should consider age, gender, location, income, education, occupation, etc. 
• You should also know where they spend most of their time online, what devices they use, and what features they expect from your product.
• You should collect user feedback from various sources such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, reviews, etc. 
• You should ask your users about their pain points, needs, wants, and suggestions. 
• You should also test your prototype or MVP (minimum viable product) with real users and measure their satisfaction and engagement.

It's important to note that the choice between web apps and mobile apps is associated with various factors, including your project goals, target audience, budget, and the specific features your customers require. Consider your unique project requirements and concerns when making a decision on which option to choose, as each option has its own advantages.

A web app is software that operates via any browser on PC and mobile devices. In contrast, a mobile app is specifically designed for smartphones, tablets, or wearables and must be installed on the device. Here are some advantages to consider:

⇒ Advantages of web apps

• Broader reach: Web apps can reach a larger audience across different devices and browsers. Users need not download or update anything to access your web apps; instead, they can visit your web app's URL by using any browser with internet connection.
• Faster development: Web apps are generally more straightforward and quicker to develop than mobile apps. You do not need to create separate versions for different platforms or devices. You can use common web technologies, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, etc., to develop your web app.
• Easier maintenance: Web apps are more accessible for updating and improving than mobile apps. You do not need to submit your updates to any app store or wait for user approval. You can simply make changes on the server side, which will be reflected immediately on the client side.
• No app store hassle: Web apps do not need to go through any app store approval or distribution process. You do not need to pay any fees or follow any guidelines or policies the app store imposes. You have full control over your web app's content and functionality.

⇒ Advantages of mobile apps

• Better user experience: It can provide a better user experience using the device's hardware and software capabilities to deliver a smooth, fast, responsive performance. They can also follow the device's design guidelines and standards to create a consistent and intuitive interface.
• More functionality: Mobile apps can access native device features such as camera, GPS, push notifications, etc., adding value and functionality to your product. They can also work offline or with limited internet connectivity by storing data locally on the device.
• Higher visibility: Mobile apps can benefit from the app store visibility and monetization opportunities. Users can easily find and download your mobile app from the app store by googling for keywords, categories, ratings, reviews, etc. You can also use various app store optimization (ASO) techniques to increase your app's ranking and exposure.
• Higher retention: Mobile apps can increase user retention and loyalty by creating a habit and a connection with your product. Users can access your mobile app anytime and anywhere with a single tap on their home screen. You can also use push notifications, badges, rewards, etc., to motivate your users.

Before making the final decision, you should ask yourself some questions:

• What is the main problem that your product solves, and how does it benefit your customer? 
• Who are your potential users, and what are their preferences and behaviours? 
• How much money and time do you have to develop your product? 
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors' products, and how do they compare to yours? 

Depending on these questions, you might choose to develop a web app first for your customers when:

• You want to reach a broader audience across different devices and browsers.
• Your audience is more present on desktops than on mobile devices.
• You plan to update and improve your product often.
• You care about the speed of development and launch.
• You want to avoid the hassle of app store approval and distribution.

On the other hand, you might choose to develop a mobile app first for your customers when:

• You want to provide a better user experience on mobile devices.
• Your audience is more engaged on mobile devices than on desktops.
• You must access native device features such as camera, GPS, push notifications, etc.
• You want to increase customer loyalty and retention.
• You want to leverage the app store's visibility and monetization.

The choice between developing a web app or a mobile app first should be a well-informed decision based on your understanding of your customer's needs and business goals. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this debate on web or mobile apps, as the right choice depends on various factors. Whether you choose web or mobile, always prioritize delivering a high-quality user experience and staying attuned to your customers' evolving preferences and needs.

So, when choosing the right option for your customers, you must consider your target audience, the content you offer, and your budget and resources. It may be the best option if your target audience is primarily mobile users and you can invest in a mobile app. However, a web app may be the way to go if you are on a limited budget and need to reach a wider audience. In the end, what matters most is ensuring that your customers have a positive and valuable experience.

Empower your customer's business with the right app choice. Connect with us now.