PWA or progressive web application is a hybrid of a website and a mobile app. In this article, you will learn what PWA is and why it is a cool feature for business.
What Is A PWA?
This is a technology that adds the functionality of an application to a website. In the desktop browser, the progressive web app remains a regular site. And when a visitor opens it in a mobile browser, the PWA turns into a website/app hybrid.
PWA does four cool things:
- Can be installed on the device in one click without app stores;
- Loads fast thanks to a pre-built page cache;
- Works offline thanks to the same cache;
- Sends push notifications to users.
Why Should Businesses Use Progressive Web Apps?
PWAs help businesses:
- Sneak into the user’s mobile device, bypassing Google Play and other app stores;
- Make the site available offline. This works even for online stores, but information about completed transactions “arrives” in the store when the user has an Internet connection;
- Increase site loading speed on mobile devices;
- Send notifications to users.
Important: Progressive Web App functionality does not prevent you from using the site in the normal way. Just as important, turning a website into a PWA is faster and cheaper than building a native app.
When is Progressive Web Application technology suitable?
PWA technology should be considered when:
- You need a cross-platform app for mobile devices, but the budget is limited;
- It is necessary to make constant updates, the content changes too often. Especially for ecommerce websites, when new items, announcements often appear on the site, or a chatbot for customers is attached;
- Limited time. Developing a PWA for an already finished website will be much faster than developing a separate native application.
Whether to use PWA or not is the choice of the site owner. Of course, someone will object that ordinary programs are also convenient to use, and they open on smartphones running different operating systems. But PWAs are already beneficial as they are easier to set up and initially provide for multiplatform.
Enhancing Business Growth: The Imperative of Progressive Web Apps in 2024
Consumers expect seamless experiences at their fingertips, businesses are constantly seeking innovative solutions to stay ahead of the curve.
In this pursuit, Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) have emerged as a game-changer, offering a myriad of benefits that cater to the evolving needs of both businesses and consumers alike.
As we delve into the realms of 2024, the necessity for PWAs has become more pronounced than ever before. But what exactly makes PWAs indispensable for businesses in this era of rapid technological advancement? Let’s explore.
1. Accessibility Across Devices and Platforms: In an era where consumers engage with brands across a multitude of devices and platforms, PWAs offer unparalleled accessibility.
Unlike traditional mobile apps that require downloading and installation, PWAs are accessible via web browsers, eliminating the need for cumbersome downloads.
The accessibility ensures a seamless user experience across various devices, be it smartphones, tablets, or desktops, thereby expanding the reach of businesses to a wider audience.
2. Enhanced Performance and Speed: In a world where every second counts, user experience is paramount. PWAs are designed to deliver lightning-fast performance, irrespective of network conditions.
By leveraging advanced caching techniques and streamlined code structures, PWAs ensure swift loading times and smooth navigation, thereby enhancing user satisfaction and retention rates.
3. Offline Functionality: One of the standout features of PWAs is their ability to function seamlessly even in offline mode. Leveraging service workers, PWAs cache essential data and content, allowing users to access key functionalities without an active internet connection.
The offline capability not only ensures uninterrupted user experiences but also enables businesses to engage with consumers in environments with limited connectivity.
4. Cost-Effectiveness and Scalability: Unlike native apps that require separate development efforts for multiple platforms, PWAs are built using web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, making them highly cost-effective and scalable.
The inherent scalability allows businesses to adapt and evolve their digital offerings swiftly, catering to changing market dynamics and consumer preferences without incurring substantial development costs.
5. Improved SEO and Discoverability: Visibility is key. PWAs are inherently web-based, allowing them to be indexed by search engines, thereby improving discoverability and enhancing SEO performance.
This increased visibility translates into higher organic traffic and improved brand exposure, ultimately driving business growth.
6. Enhanced Security and Reliability: Security breaches and data privacy concerns continue to plague the digital realm. PWAs, with their HTTPS-enabled architecture and secure service workers, offer enhanced security measures, safeguarding user data and instilling trust among consumers.
Moreover, PWAs are inherently reliable, ensuring consistent performance and mitigating the risk of crashes or downtime associated with traditional apps.
Progressive Web App Statistics 2024
A survey of eCommerce decision-makers revealed that 9% of eCommerce companies intended to invest in PWAs in 2021. Additionally, 8% of these companies had already implemented PWAs, whereas 28% reported no plans to invest in PWAs that year.
Emergen Research’s recent analysis indicates that the global market for PWAs stood at $1.13 billion and is forecasted to surge to $10.44 billion by 2027, with a notable Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 31.9%.
PWAs have garnered significant attention due to their efficient development process and seamless user experience, leveraging web technologies without the need for separate distribution methods, which appeals to both businesses and users.
Presently, support for PWAs is generally favorable, albeit with some limitations. Major platforms like Android, iOS, Mac, and PC offer varying degrees of support, with Android leading the way. However, iOS and Mac offer more restricted support due to Apple’s tight control over app distribution. This control poses challenges to broader PWA adoption on iOS devices.
Considering these limitations, those contemplating PWA integration should carefully assess the landscape. While the PWA market shows consistent growth and platform support is evolving, early adopters may gain a competitive edge. Nevertheless, pinpointing the precise timeline for widespread adoption remains challenging.
PWA User Statistics
PWA Statistics: Customer Engagement
According to BuiltWith, PWA is used by over 22,000 customers’ websites
According to Smashing Ideas, businesses that transition to PWAs often experience a notable boost in engagement, ranging from a minimum of 20% to as high as 250%. This substantial difference in engagement levels often translates into increased revenue for these businesses.
Several companies have observed improved customer engagement after implementing PWAs, including:
- Lancôme saw a significant increase of 53% in mobile sessions
- MakeMyTrip experienced a remarkable growth of 160% in mobile sessions
- Twitter observed 25% more pages per session
- Trivago had an impressive 150% increase in repeat visits
- OLX witnessed a staggering 250% rise in repeat visits.
These statistics highlight the effectiveness of PWAs in engaging users. Considering the fact that a significant portion of users (65%) do not download any apps on their phones, PWAs provide a smooth and convenient way for users to access their favorite websites.
This enhanced user experience leads to higher engagement levels with PWAs. In the long run, this increased engagement translates into higher revenue for businesses, as PWAs prove to be a valuable tool in driving business success.
Summary
Progressive Web Apps represent a paradigm shift in the way businesses approach digital engagement. By combining the best elements of web and native applications, PWAs offer unparalleled flexibility, performance, and user experience.
As consumer expectations continue to evolve, businesses that embrace PWAs will undoubtedly gain a competitive advantage in the digital landscape, driving growth and fostering lasting customer relationships.
