Progressive web apps (PWAs) can be an excellent marketing strategy, especially if your traditional app is struggling to gain user downloads. With the overwhelming number of apps available on the App Store and Google Play (over 2 billion), it can be challenging for users to discover and engage with new apps. PWAs offer a solution by providing web-based apps that are accessible across all platforms, faster to use, and require less investment compared to traditional apps. Instagram and Facebook are notable examples of successful PWAs, showcasing the potential of this approach in the web app industry. Here’s why PWAs can be beneficial:
Cross-Platform Functionality:
PWAs eliminate the need for developing separate apps for different operating systems. They can be accessed on various platforms, including Android, iOS, Blackberry, and Windows, making it easier to reach a broader audience without incurring additional costs.
Independent Connectivity:
Unlike traditional apps, PWAs can still be accessed even if they are uninstalled. They offer features like push notifications, making re-engagement with the app seamless. PWAs also work in both online and offline modes, allowing users to access content even in low network areas. For instance, a news site could auto-download and save the latest news content for offline reading.
Fast and Responsive:
PWAs render information from the web directly on the mobile screen, eliminating the need for daily app updates. Users don’t have to download and register for the app, saving valuable device memory (RAM). PWAs provide a ready-to-use experience in seconds with the first visit to a browser tab, offering fast and responsive app performance.
Security and Identity:
PWAs prioritize user privacy by limiting access to sensitive data and phone functionalities. They maintain web security using complex code and adhere to a content security policy, which controls the properties a page can load and where they are loaded from. This ensures a secure user experience.
Easy Maintenance:
Managing and monitoring apps on traditional app stores can be costly and time-consuming. App updates require re-submissions and approval, resulting in delays in app launches. In contrast, PWAs enable changes without the need for re-downloading the app, making maintenance a smooth and cost-effective process. Launching a PWA involves limited approval formalities, and users can easily access the app by adding it to their home screens.
Increased User Engagement:
PWAs can be discovered directly from a brand’s URL, allowing users to seamlessly engage with their preferred brands. Twitter is an example of a social media platform that has embraced PWAs, switching from Twitter.com to mobile.twitter.com for quicker loading and responsiveness. By designing your own progressive web app, you can provide your users with a seamless experience, easy connectivity, real-time updates, and improved engagement.