Which is Better-an App or a Mobile Website?

Whether to go for a mobile app or a website- this is one of the most popular debates so far as the world of cellular marketing is concerned. Strikingly, there are a number of companies which would prefer to go for an integrated approach, thereby opting for both a website as well as an app. However, this may not always be a favorable option, especially for small businesses, which tend to have budget constraints. Remember that at the first glance, mobile sites and apps may look similar, and you have to find out the one which is most suitable for your requirements, based upon a plethora of factors such as available budget, target audiences, necessary features as well as desired purpose.

Before we understand which one is better, it's worth taking a look at the differences that exist between a site and an app so far as the cellular world is concerned.

In what aspects does a mobile website or an app differ?

Both an app and a site can be accessed from hand-held devices such as tablets or smartphones. Like any other website, a mobile site comprises browser-based HTML pages which are connected together and can be accessed across the internet. The particular characteristic that differentiates a mobile site from a regular one is that the former is designed for the smaller touch-screen interface or hand-held display. Images, data, video or text content can be displayed in the usual manner. Mobile- specific features like location-based mapping or click-to-call can also be accessed.

Talking about apps, they are actual applications which are downloaded as well as installed on the cell phones, instead of being provided within a browser. For finding or downloading apps pertaining to a given operating system, users need to visit device-related portals like Blackberry App, Android Market or Apple’s App Store. Content and data might be pulled from the Internet, as a website does, or the content may even be downloaded so that it becomes accessible in the absence of Internet connection.

Let us now look from both the perspectives, i.e. have a look at the respective advantages that a website and an app offer.

Benefits of a mobile site

• Creation of a mobile website is 85% cheaper as compared to app development.

• A site developed for cellphones can be accessed instantaneously through a browser, without requiring to go for any installation or download on the part of the users for accessing the content.

• Apart from being cost-effective, they also involve lesser time to market.

• One mobile website is capable of reaching users across a number of various categories of cellular devices. On the other hand, native apps call for a distinct version to be designed for every kind of device. Moreover, URLs of mobile sites can be conveniently integrated across various mobile technologies such as near field communication, SMS, and so on.

• The design and content of websites designed for cellular phones are capable of being conveniently updated.

• Cellphone users can easily find a site with the help of search engine results.

Benefits of a mobile app

• Apps make room for easy navigation as well as interaction.

• Applications have the potential to perform calculations at a great speed by gathering data from users and then manipulating the same.

• They allow marketers to get access to a wide range of data regarding cellphone users including geo-location, psychographics as well as demographics.

• Apps are a great option in case your target users are looking for personalization or regular usage.

So, we can see that both apps and websites have their own respective benefits. However, it depends upon the organization's strategy and potential to choose on whether to go for an app or a website or to go for an integrated approach. You can hire developers from top mobile app development companies in India who can help you build mobile apps within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide iPhone app development services. If you would like to speak to one of our expert mobile app developers, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.