We live in an era where slowly but surely, smartphones and tablets are starting to take the place of PC and laptop computers. They might never replace them, but still- we use them more and more. So, if you want to take your business to the next level, you need to consider building a personal mobile website or a mobile app. In this article, we will help you in the decision process, by giving you the pros and cons of both of them.
What are the similarities between mobile apps and mobile websites?
In general, there is only one similarity between both of them and that is – you can access them from your smartphone or tablet. One click and BOOM- you’re at the final destination! If we talk specifics, yes- there can be more than one similarity between both, but on that- later.
Mobile apps pros and cons
Let us explain the difference between a native mobile app and a downloaded mobile app:
*Native mobile apps are mobile apps developed specifically for the kind of smartphone you have. They are installed on the phone and when you buy them, they are already there, waiting for you to use the service they provide.
*Downloaded mobile apps are all the mobile apps you install after buying and turning on the smartphone or tablet. They can be games, bank account apps, IT apps… they also provide you with services but aren’t specifically developed for your device.
Pros of mobile apps
Mobile apps have different kinds of benefits for you and your business and of course- for your clients.
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Mobile apps are generally faster.
All you need to do is download the mobile app on your phone and you’re ready to go. Downloading can take some time depending on the app, but it wouldn’t take long. After downloading the mobile app you can run it whenever you want and use it as you wish.
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Mobile apps can be used whenever, wherever!
That’s the best part about mobile apps- you can use them both on and offline and the app will still function properly. But be careful! Some apps require constant internet connection, some require internet for particular processes and others don’t require net at all. But you’ll figure that out as soon as you turn on the app.
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Mobile apps can connect with other apps on your phone!
Downloaded mobile apps can connect to native and other downloaded mobile apps on your device. That means you can improve the performance of your phone or sync different apps together which will make your job a whole lot easier.
An example: remember the math homework problems you used to have when you were a kid? Now there’s an app that once downloaded will connect to your camera and solve the problem for you.
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Mobile apps allow your client personalization.
This is another great thing about apps that I absolutely love- you can personalize them. Usually, you can pick out colors or different themes, but in certain apps, you can even pick out the language which is totally awesome. Some apps can also allow you to rename different headings and similar stuff like that. The more personalization the better for the client because changing even small details can make a huge difference, all because of the client’s style and preferences.
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Your brand will be visible on the users’ phone whenever they open it!
Now, this is more of a psychological thing and it happens in the subconscious- the part of our brain that we are not quite aware of, but it affects us in every way possible the point is- when your clients opens the phone, your brand name and logo will appear in front of them and that will make them open the app and use the service it provides.
Cons of mobile apps
Now, we will present a few flaws that the mobile app can have:
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It may not be suitable for every device out there.
There are certain apps that are only android accessible which is a boomer! But, recently, app developers have been adapting apps so that they can be accessed from different smartphones and tablets.
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It may not have all the functions you need.
This is bad for the client, so it’s bad for you and your business as well. That’s why you’ll need to really hear out the feedback on the app and make it better so that clients will be satisfied with its functions and properties.
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It may become outdated.
Apps are a thing that can easily become old-like. That’s why you’ll need to consider working long term with your mobile app developer, because of all people he will be the only one with the power to make your app up to date and modern, but most important of all- functional over the course of time.
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Mobile apps can be made of poor quality.
Yes, that can also be a thing especially if you have hired a mobile app developer with little to no experience or a one with poor skills. Choose wisely because mobile app development can be quite costly. You wouldn’t want to waste your money on anything.
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They can’t be accessed by everyone.
Sad but true. To access a mobile app and the things it provides you need to download it first. But after that- it’s all a piece of cake!
Mobile websites
To answer the question in your head- yes, there is such a thing as a mobile website. Simplified, every app that can be adjusted and resized to fit a mobile phone screen and function properly on phone devices is a mobile website.
Pros of mobile websites
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Lots of people can see you.
This sure is the biggest perk of having a mobile website- being visible to everyone that will browse the net for the services your company provides. But to be clear- there are a few more things that will need to be achieved before becoming famous and we will have another article for that soon enough.
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They know to be budget-friendly!
NOT ALWAYS! But in general, if we compare the cost of mobile app development, mobile website development will be a lot cheaper. Sure, if you want specific functions, links, and other stuff, that may bring the price about the same as the price of mobile apps, if not higher. But at least you will have the exact website you’ve imagined.
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They don’t need updates unless you want them to.
Generally speaking, websites don’t always need updates. Yes, they can become outdated in terms of design and quality with that, but they will still function and do their job. Plus, then again, the update will be cheaper than updating the mobile app.
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You can rank top on Google and other browsers by displaying quality content.
Yes, you can even get on the first page of Google but there are few criteria u need to please before doing so. But eventually, with hard work and smart moves, you might even become Google’s #1!
Cons of mobile websites
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Websites can’t be accessed offline.
The thing with mobile websites is that, like all websites, they cannot be displayed offline and they won’t function no matter how hard you try. But once you get the connection you need, the page will run smoothly.
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They are harder to personalize.
This is true. Mobile websites can be adjusted to the customers’ preferences only a tiny bit, but nothing more. For example, you can change the theme of the website, but that would be it. The problem is that sometimes, people can be bothered by this only by their personal preferences.
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People have to look for you or your posts to find you.
Yes, as we said, over time, you might reach the #1 Google spot, but in the beginning, you’ll need to push your way through all until you become well-known. That’s why you need to use social media, make accounts, be constantly active, etc.
Summary
Mobile apps and mobile websites are your tickets to success no matter which one you’ll prefer. Our company WonderIT will willingly help you achieve both of them if you’d like, so check us out and contact us. We are available and we have a highly specialized team that will build you the app you need or the mobile website you desire to have. We hope that by posting this article we’ve helped your decision- making process. While you’re at it, check out our other post on mobile apps- Mobile App Company Detected!