Many businesses and entrepreneurs find themselves in a tight spot when they contemplate to launch their business on mobile platform. They get baffled whether to focus on responsive design that is compatible with various small screen devices or to pay heed to mobile app that solely operates on particular smart phone device. It is tricky choice to make between the mobile website and mobile app as both have their own pros and cons, hence you need to mull over the various aspects of each and settle on which suits your business the best. You need to first define the purpose and determine the solution that perfectly suits your present needs and future requirements.
Mobile presence has become an underlying factor for all sizes of business as most of the potential customers are more active on smart phones than desktop. You surely cannot afford to overlook this indispensable aspect. Though it is favorable, if you opt for both mobile platforms but as far as budget is concerned, some businesses might not find it affordable.
Here is brief information about both mobile website and mobile app, based on which you can decide which is apt for your business:
Scrutinize the specifications:
When it comes to settle on any one option, app or mobile website, you need to consider various factors. One of the prime factors to consider is speed and accessibility.
- It may seem that app is speedier than responsive websites but in reality mobile website responds much quicker than app. It gives to faster access to web content than mobile apps
- If you want your website to be universally accessible then responsive website is the only solution as app requires approval from the play store to launch the application
- Depending upon the operating system, mobile app provides users with exceptional functionality and speed which cannot be attained with responsive sites
- If you consider the budget aspect then responsive website is much more affordable than mobile apps. Developing exclusive software for multiple operating systems may prove out to be a costly affair for small and medium scale businesses hence responsive website is a good choice.
Identify your audience:
While you decide between mobile app and mobile website, you need to primarily consider your audience.
- If you have a business where the audience is mostly interested to get information about your company or services then it is better to opt for responsive website
- If your audience is mostly online shoppers and are interested to invest in your products and services or are looking for entertainment then go for mobile app
Data storage and internet connection:
Mobile websites can be accessed through browsing while mobile apps can be accessed only after installing the app. Thus internet connection is a must for accessing mobile websites; on the other hand some elements of the app can still be accessible without internet connection or Wi-Fi connectivity.
The user interface operates independently and data and resources can be stored in your mobile app. Resources and data can also be stored through mobile browser but it will mandatorily require internet.
If you have a good budget then you can certainly go for both mobile website and mobile app or else as mentioned above choose an apt mobile platform, considering the scope of your business. Whether you go for website or app, ultimately strong mobile presence is what is counted.
