We all know that our mobile devices and desktops are ruled by various websites and apps and every day there are new things coming up that offers the users a wonderful and even better experience. Every business needs a means to connect with its customers and keep them engaged on a regular basis. While some develop websites that use the features of the browser to their advantage like giving plugins or access to the community and mobile apps use the resources of the mobile to their advantage, wouldn’t it be best if you could use the best features from both the methods?
What is a Progressive Web App?
PWAs, a fairly new term describes mobile apps that can use the features of modern browsers to their advantage while enjoying the benefits of getting upgraded to their OS. They provide a hybrid experience between the usability of the site and at the same time offers an easy access to the app. Instead of being downloaded through an app store that often takes time, PWAs can easily be saved to a home screen directly from the browser. It is only with one tap that you can reach the site that allows an easy access to some or all the features offline and at the same time offers a seamless user experience.
How Progressing Web Application Development can help the Browsing Experience?
Offers Better User Experience:
PWAs are great because they help in improving the user experience and the users visiting the sites using browsers can now have an app like experience. When the user comes back again, it loads faster even on slow networks. Those who are frequent users they are recommended to install the app and upgrade to its full version.
Increased Customer Engagement:
While accessing websites with PWA features, you must have noticed that it prompts the users to “Allow” sending the notifications. This is very powerful for social networking websites. As the user taps the “Allow”, the website notifies the users of any message or update even when he is not visiting the page.
Fast and Streamlined Website:
Progressive web apps are based on the technology known as service workers. These are event driven scripts having access to the domain wide events. They sit between the user’s tab and the wider internet and they intercept and also rewrite network requests in order to allow offline support and granular caching.
Offline Access:
It is because of service workers that offline access to the previously accessed website is possible. Service workers are the backbone of PWA as they offer push notifications, background updates, content caching and offline functionality. The offline access is made possible because service workers are essentially Javascripts that work independently of the app and also responds to the connectivity change, push notifications, network requests and etc. It helps to offer better customer engagement.
Does it Make Sense to Invest in a Progressive App?
According to a report, an average user spends about 80% of the total time on only the most useful apps while other apps just consume a portion of the memory. Developing an app is costlier than creating a website and the cost gets even higher if you develop separate codes for different platforms like iOS, Android and the web.
The advantage of investing in progressing web apps is that the users can start using it instantly unlike other native apps and have the advantage of push notifications that have helped to achieve up to three times more retention. Progressive apps also inculcate the best features of a responsive website like access via any browser, security and latest updates. Thus, with the best of both the web and the mobile app, progressive apps are a win-win for both the business owners and the customers.
