Mobile Apps versus Mobile Websites: Which is better for Businesses?

As smart phones continue to dominate the market, it won’t be long until all

mobile users switch to this remarkable device. With high-performing operating

systems, smooth user interfaces, applications, and mobile browsers, who

wouldn’t want to have such phones? This is why many people today surf the

Internet using their smart phones rather than their desktop computers and

laptops.

Reaching a mobile audience has become an important goal for all businesses.

Online marketing isn’t enough if it won’t accommodate mobile users as well.

There are two ways to reach this type of audience: mobile websites and mobile

apps. Both are beneficial, but deciding which to focus on depends on the

business’ needs.

Mobile Apps

Mobile applications are accessible even without an Internet connection. Users

simply need to download a file from their respective app stores (Apple Store for

iOS and Google Play for Android devices) and it’ll be accessible anytime and

anywhere. The device needs to have enough space to accommodate it,

though. Moreover, applications will stay in the user’s device unless they decided

to uninstall it. This makes the user exposed to the business 24/7, without trying to

remember a URL.

Mobile Websites

This is a cost-effective way to give

users a better browsing experience.

By using a responsive design for

existing websites, businesses will be

able to reach mobile audiences

regardless of the device they use. It

adjusts to the screen size, making it easier for viewers to read and browse

through content. Users need to bookmark or memorize the URL to visit a site. This

is why it’s ideal to think of a short domain that users can memorize easily.

Compared to mobile applications, there’s no file to download, as the website

loads upon visit.

Mobile apps and websites both benefit businesses, as it reaches a wider

audience effectively. It’s up to the needs of the business if one or both are

necessary.

Sources:

http://responsivedesign.ca/blog/the-3-major-marketing-benefits-of-a-

responsive-web-design-website

http://blog.infomedia.com/business-strategies/the-advantages-of-mobile-apps/

http://www.conducthq.com/