2022. October 18.
Progressive Web App is a more and more talked about the concept that is a serious challenger to the traditional native app. In this article, we've collected the most common questions you might have about PWA. Here are the questions and answers!
What is PWA and how does it work?
A PWA (progressive web app) is a mid-stage between a website and a native application. It has the characteristics of each of these forms, with added advantages. At first glance, you might think you're dealing with an app installed on your phone, but it's more like an enhanced website.
It is accessed just like a website. While major browsers such as Google, Safari and Firefox support PWAs, less recent versions might pose risks.
What is the difference between a PWA and a native app?
The basic difference between native apps and PWAs, as described above, is in the principle of operation. Although they serve the same purpose, they reach users in different ways. Essentially, a native app can use the advantages and resources of the phone, such as artificial intelligence, or battery-efficient solutions. Therefore, should it be important for someone to rely on these, a native app would be the best option. PWA can also rely, to some extent, on the characteristics of the hardware, such as a smartphone, to use certain features, for example, access to the camera, GPS, etc.
There is also a fundamental difference in how the app is obtained. Native apps must be downloaded from an app store, but for PWA, a single link is sufficient. This is a significant convenience for brands, not to mention that PWA appears as a more sophisticated website in Google's eyes, therefore it is also possible to optimise the content. This can help the brand to move up the Google search results, increasing the chances of increased traffic.
What are the benefits of PWA?
PWAs feature a lock on the phone's home screen, so they essentially behave like a native app: you just click and the PWA opens. They can also be used offline, which means that PWAs can be used in the event of a poor, unstable internet connection.
The progressive web app, like the native app, can also send push notifications to users. This is a huge marketing opportunity that can be used smartly to increase engagement. The notifications draw the user's attention to news and promotions, helping to build a relationship between the brand and the individual.
PWA helps to ensure that the user is always using the latest version. Improvements and new features help to retain users, but it is more convenient not to have to download them all the time, as the latest version opens automatically.
Is PWA that good?
Sceptics will be thinking "well, well, it doesn't sound bad, but it can't perform a miracle". Indeed, we shouldn't expect PWA to change the world, but from a brand perspective, it can achieve positive results.
Stats and references do not lie. Pwastats.com has collected some of them, and we've taken a selection:
- Thomas Kent: bounce rate down by 57% with PWA, organic traffic revenue up by 79%.
- Starbucks: the number of daily active users doubled and now as many people order on mobile as on PC.
- George: bounce rate improved, page views up by 20% and conversions up by 31% with PWA.
- Trivago: engagement increased, with 150% more people adding PWA to their home screen and 97% more clicks on hotel deals.
- Uber: it takes just 3 seconds for Uber PWA to load, even when only a 2G network is available.
At SynerinSoft, we believe that the app of the future is the progressive web app. Contact us for more.
