Why you should or should not have an APP made for your website

Many companies and organizations are faced with the choice: should we develop an app to make our website more accessible, or will a mobile website suffice? In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of both options, provide clear examples, and help you decide what best suits your goals, budget, and target audience.

1. What is the difference?

A website is accessible via a browser on a desktop, tablet, or smartphone. You can download an app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) and install it on your device. Apps can offer additional functionality such as push notifications, offline access, and better speed.

2. Advantages of a mobile website

2.1 One source, one maintenance

You have one codebase (usually HTML, CSS, and JavaScript) that works on all devices. You don't have to develop separately for iOS and Android.

2.2 Update directly

Changes on your website are immediately visible to all users. Your users don't have to download updates.

2.3 Lower development costs

A mobile responsive website is often cheaper and faster to realize than two native apps.

2.4 SEO and findability

Your website can be found via search engines, local SEO and meta information also help you rank higher in Google. Apps have separate findability in app stores, but less in search engines.

3. Disadvantages of a mobile website

3.1 Less deep integration

A website cannot always take advantage of all the capabilities of a device, such as camera integration, Bluetooth or advanced offline functionality.

3.2 No push notifications

While Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) can send limited push notifications, native apps are more powerful in this regard.

4. Advantages of a native app

4.1 Better user experience

Native apps are optimized for the operating system. They feel more responsive and support animations, swipe gestures, and other platform-specific elements.

4.2 Full access to device features

Take full advantage of camera, GPS, Bluetooth, fingerprint sensors, and more for innovative features.

4.3 Offline functionality

Apps can store data locally so users can browse content or fill out forms offline.

4.4 Push notifications

Push notifications let you reach users directly, effective for repeat visits and engagement.

5. Disadvantages of a native app

5.1 Higher development costs

You either have to build native apps for both iOS and Android (incompatible codebases), or use a cross-platform framework (React Native, Flutter) with a learning curve and additional maintenance.

5.2 App store approval

Every update must be approved by Apple and/or Google, which can lead to delays.

5.3 Installation threshold

Users must actively download and install an app. If you don't request this, a large part will drop out.

6. Progressive Web App (PWA): an interim solution?

PWAs are websites with app-like properties: they are installable, work offline and can send push notifications. They combine the benefits of websites and apps, but have more limited access to some device functions.

Suitable for: organizations that want to experiment with app features without a full native investment.

7. When to choose an app?

• Complex functionality: you need deep integration with hardware (camera, GPS, sensors).
• High engagement: you send regular push notifications to keep users engaged.
• Offline use: your users must be able to work without internet.
• Premium experience: an app often radiates more professionalism.

8. When is a mobile website or PWA sufficient?

• Informative sites: blogs, news, landing pages.
• Basic forms: contact, reservations, orders without offline requirements.
• Limited budget: you want to go live quickly and your focus is on content.
• SEO priority: findability in search engines is paramount.

9. Cost picture and timelines

A simple responsive website can be ready within a few weeks, often with lower costs (€2,000–€10,000). A native app has trajectories of several months or longer and costs ranging from €10,000 to €100,000+, depending on functionality and platforms.

10. Sample projects

Example A: Local restaurant guide

A mobile website is sufficient: visitors search for restaurants, read menus and make reservations via a form. A PWA with offline maps is a nice upgrade.

Example B: Cycling route app

Are you an organization that offers cycling routes, with GPS navigation and offline maps? Then a native app or PWA with advanced caching and GPS access is required.

Example C: E-learning platform

Do you want to make videos available offline, track progress and send push reminders? Choose a native or hybrid app here.

11. Tips for the decision

1. Analyze user needs: what do they really want to be able to do?
2. Create proof-of-concept: start with a PWA or minimal app (MVP).
3. Measure and learn: use analytics to track behavior and decide on data.
4. Plan for the future: take into account updates, maintenance and push strategy.

12. Maintenance and updates

An app requires regular updates to remain compatible with new OS versions and features. Websites and PWAs must be secured and adapted to new browsers. Keep both options in mind when making your choice.

Conclusion

The choice between an app, PWA or mobile website depends on your goals, budget and target group. Do you need complex, app-specific functionality? Then choose a native app. Do you want to be fast, affordable and search engine friendly online? Then a mobile website or PWA is often sufficient. By mapping out your needs well and starting small, you can easily scale up later. This way you always take the step towards a solution that suits your users and your organization.

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