The decision of whether to create a mobile website or a mobile app (application) depends on a few factors that business companies have to consider including target audience, budget, intended purpose and required features.
A mobile website and a mobile app might seem very similar but choosing either one mainly depends on the end goals that the companies desire to achieve. Mobile websites as well as mobile apps are accessed on handheld devices. A mobile website is easily and readily available to the broad audience while an application’s demand and lifecycle is more specific and highly depends on its usefulness.
Mobile websites are simplified versions of standard websites. They allow access to the internet from a mobile device, and require internet or Wi-Fi connection. Moreover, mobile websites are easily found, are instantly available, can be reached regardless of ones choice of hardware or operating device, and are free of charge which makes them conveniently accessible for the broad audience. Furthermore, mobile websites are automatically and immediately self-updated. In addition, a mobile website can be easily directed to or shared by publishers and between users via a simple link. Also, mobile websites cannot be deleted and are always available for users to return to them.
A mobile app is a software application that works to fulfil specific performances and needs of users, which is similar to a computer program. They can be simply downloaded and installed on one’s device. When apps are liked they are used frequently, so it makes sense to invest the amount of time required on downloading it, as to avoid future repetitive, time consuming searches on the web. While mobile apps are not available to the broad audience and may not be shared via links like mobile websites do, they perform specific functions that might be of interest to specific target users. Some mobile apps require specific mobile devices and operating systems that are not available to everyone. Also, apps need to be manually downloaded, installed, and upgraded. Furthermore, mobile apps might require submission approval process as well as an associated fee.
Considering the above description of a mobile website and a mobile app, companies must decide on their end-goal and the results they expect to attain. In order to distribute information to a broader audience a mobile website is the most reasonable choice. More specific or program-like functions that engage users with specific transactions and activities should be available as apps.
Mobile websites are very popular and provide a variety of information and are available for everyone so their demand and use is constant. The process of getting apps, on the other hand, is time consuming and at times pricy, so companies must make them unique and worthwhile if they choose to create them.
We, at BusinessMedia provide alternative approach to a mobile website design. As a standard option, we offer a device responsive design (DRD) and coding so mobile friendly version is implemented right from the start of the process. In this case, website adjust itself per each mobile device screen and layout is re-arranged accordingly. Or, if clien needs more customized approach, we offer a customized, stand-alone mobile version of the website site. In this case, site structure can eb a bit different from the main site, while managed through the same back office.