Web Development STILL Matters. Here’s Why…
4 Benefits of Choosing Web Development over App Development
Which should come first, a mobile app or a web app? Well, the increase of user presence on apps would indicate that apps are set to lead customer's interaction with businesses. In fact, in July 2017, there were an average of 5092 new apps released every day in the iOS app store, and this number continues to grow, but is this evidence enough to suggest websites have reached their alleged 'expiry date'?
This could well be the case for some users who prefer to utilise an app over a website, but what about the limited storage that many users have on their mobile devices? Such limitation on how many apps can be stored on one device at one time, often leads to users having only their preferred apps consuming that space. So, for a new app to be installed, it really needs to offer a worthwhile user experience to warrant the data and storage it takes up.
In addition, just because an app is installed on a user's smartphone or mobile device, doesn't mean it will stay there; it can be removed just as quickly, particularly if something better comes along. Similar to a 'spring clean', there are 'app cleans' taking place on user's mobiles daily!
And this is where websites come into play. Unlike an app, they do not require installation, just a visit to a URL, plus they don't hog storage space on your mobile device, nor do they require anywhere near as much data. So, for those of you who were allowing your site to become out-dated or dreary, it might be time for a refresh, as professional web development STILL matters. Here's why…
1. A Legitimate Company Should Own a Website
For new visitors who haven't met you or heard of your business, a strong web presence counts for a lot. Your website gives them a chance to become familiar with your brand as well as your products and/or services. Your website can act as a beacon of confidence and credibility whilst providing a clear first impression to new customers. To not possess such a credible asset could mean costing your business substantially, and potentially leaving your business at stake.
2. You Can Gain Domain Equity and Targeted Traffic
This will take some time, but building a website for your brand and then letting it grow for a while, will bring you exponential growth in traffic, something that an app cannot create. After all, ASO (App Store Optimisation) works well, but is less effective than web-based SEO (Search Engine Optimisation). And if you're unsure of how to optimise your website for search engines to get more hits, you'll find many web design and development service providers that can help. We have a few preferred service providers in this regard.
3. A Website Provides Clarity and Trust for the Visitor
App users still frequent websites to buy things, take Amazon for example, it's not just the app that takes orders - a significant number of sales are processed directly through the Amazon website. Websites serve as the direct communication with your clients and no other platform, not even an app, can serve this same level of clarity. As long as it's user-friendly and easy to navigate, your website can instantly provide crucial product and service information to your visitors, making it a worthwhile marketing tool and vital investment.
4. You Can Build a Better Mobile Strategy with Responsiveness
The foundation of a fruitful mobile strategy is to make it exceptionally straightforward for today's millennials. There are ways to achieve this, for instance:
Responsiveness of your mobile website means mobile users should be able to operate your site with ease, so your website needs to be comfortably visible for the smaller screen.
Navigation of your mobile website must be seamless, and interaction of your mobile device is all about touch (as opposed to mouse clicks). With that in mind, your aim for your mobile users to use just one touch as opposed to three mouse clicks.
Research other websites, such as competitor sites and decide which features you think will benefit your customers. Ask friends, family and colleagues too, particularly those that fall into the millennials bracket, it may be that their input can help you in creating a more user-friendly and responsive website.
Ultimately, deciding upon your major user interactions and working on your site to make it responsive comes down to a professional web design approach that aims to serve your user an optimal user experience with easy navigation, easy reading and minimal panning and scrolling.
Websites Vs Apps; Which One Will You Choose?
Consider this: a mobile website is available for all users, it doesn’t require installation, and it’s free. On the other hand, looking into the future of mobile technologies and their development is crucial for your business to stay ahead, and for many, that means having a mobile app.
A mobile website is less expensive and universal, unlike an app which requires different versions for each type of mobile device, and yet while your website is great for attracting new customers, a mobile app is the ideal tool for regular clients. So, which will you choose?
Might we suggest that you choose both, but firstly invest in web development before you let app development take control of your budget? There’s no reason why you can’t benefit from both web and app development, but a website should always come first.
Bitcube are digital experts you can trust, specialising in fullstack web development. To find out how we can boost your business with the help of web development, contact us today.
