It is very obvious that millions worldwide have started migrating to smartphones and there is seen a rapid growth in the number of app downloads and browsing. This is because of the responsive design that draws all content from a single source rather than building designs for multiple devices or versions.
Initially, iPhones and App Stores were the future and the answer for an impressive growth to reach targeted customers. But, this did not last long; the rise of Android has made smartphone markets fragmented when it comes to choosing which platform to target.
It is very important to understand the fundamental aspects of a mobile app and a website’s functionality powered by responsive design
App
Website
What is it?
An “app” is a software application that is written in a native language of a particular platform.
A “Website” is specially optimized for mobile browsing. It could be reached through a phone’s web browser directly.
Benefits
- Results in higher performance
- Apps distributed through native app stores enhances distribution
- Can utilize native functionality such as camera and gyroscope
- A single mobile site can work on any mobile platform
- No outside authority is required for distribution
- Less expensive than an app
- Ready to go the moment the user accesses it
- Can be found and accessed through search engines
- Content is managed from the existing content management system
Disadvantages
- Expensive to develop and maintain
- Manual updation is required
- Must be developed from native platforms
- Requires being downloaded from platform specific app store before accessing
- Requires approval of platform before distribution
- Very expensive for publishing, certifying and updating
- These are useless for desktop and notebook browsers
- Native functionalities such as camera and gyroscope cannot be accessed
- They aren’t written in native language, so performance can be an issue
- It is hard to charge for access or usage
- It requires few steps for a customer to bookmark the mobile site
Responsive design or App or both, what to choose?
Mobile websites enjoy greater reach when compared to apps that translates into substantially higher numbers of unique visitors. Consumers on the other hand, prefer mobile web services for searching, shopping and much more.
Apps still tend to be an ideal solution for organizations that require specific content delivery needs, like the ability to stream HD quality video.
Few more reasons for putting mobile website before Apps are -
- Increasing performance
- Discoverability
- Cost
- App option
- Future safety
Mobile websites utilize responsive design where accessibility is the key element to reach the overall strategic goal for success.