Heavyweight Matchup: Apps Vs. Websites

Heavyweight Matchup: Apps Vs. Websites

Let’s kick off this discussion with an important statistic: there are currently 3.5 billion smartphone users in the world.

3.5 billion is almost too large for our minds to properly compartmentalize. Nonetheless, it’s a number you—and your business—should be concerned with. 3.5 billion potential customers carry a direct portal to your business in their pockets, purses, and jackets.

If your business doesn’t have an app yet, it’s not that you have suddenly lost access to 3.5 billion people, but you are probably not fully capitalizing on your entire potential customer base. Yes, a website can be accessed through smartphones. Yes, a website provides mobile access. But if your business does not yet have a presence in the smartphone application market, it’s like saying you don’t need a car because you have a bike. It’s not as fast, efficient, or noticeable.

Why not both?

Let’s start with one of the most apparent features of apps: notifications. If you have an app for your business, you have a direct, consistent communication channel with your consumers via notifications. Be it reminders about checking out, reading the latest article, or receiving new messages, notifications keep your customers engaged with your business much more frequently.

Secondly, the accessibility of an app is far superior to websites—even when placed in the context of smartphones. Web browsers on smartphones can take you to any website you might search on your laptop or desktop. Still, it’s not as simple as pressing one icon conveniently located on the home screen of a smartphone.

Now, what if your website adapts well to mobile devices? As a matter of fact, you built your website to be a mobile website. That is a great first step. 79% of people say they’re more likely to revisit a mobile site if it is easy to use. But a more staggering statistic is that 90% of time spent on a smartphone is in an app. So go to where the people are.

Perhaps the most significant benefit of an app is the personalization features allotted to the consumer. A good app will require the user to make an account, not for pesky newsletters and spam messages but for the freedom to set preferences and make buying decisions all in one, streamlined process.

Are you selling clothes? An app allows consumers to show garments available only in specific sizes—and it stays that way every time they peruse your digital shelves, making life much easier.

Are you offering personal services such as physical therapy, landscaping, or catering? An app allows your consumers to request services or set appointments quickly, and if you’ve built your app correctly, they will have personalized information in their account, which helps you plan the best course of action for your customer.

If you’re not convinced yet— that’s okay. Building an app requires time, money, and intensive strategizing. The best way to start is by contacting one of our team members who can help you with the process.