PWAs–The affordable app solution

A new type of website is gaining popularity. It combines the best elements of traditional websites and mobile apps, but it's also more convenient for users than either option alone. Read on to find out how progressive web apps work and whether your business would benefit from one.

And then there were three

In the past, there were only two options for a company's mobile web needs; either build a mobile site or build an app.

Both options had their pros and cons, and it was up to us to assess your needs and decide which option would be best. Mobile websites offered the most cost-effective option, but they required an internet connection at all times and lacked the rich functionality of apps.

Native apps offer the best experience and offline interactivity, but due to development costs and competitive engagement rates (especially for small business apps), they weren’t always worth the investment. Apps are also subjected to the rules, regulations and temperamental app stores. So what was the best option for you as a business? Spend the money on an app, or go with a mobile site?

Introducing PWAs

“... (PWAs are) just websites that took the right vitamins”

Progressive Web Apps were officially born back in 2015. A term coined by Google’s Senior Staff Software Engineer, Alex Russell (who’s also responsible for the above quote), PWAs can best be described as websites that behave like apps. If you imagine that an app and a website had a child that inherited its parents’ best characteristics (and none of the worst), that would be exactly what a PWA is. From one parent (the website), the PWA inherits its easy discoverability (without having to be downloaded) and low maintenance upkeep; and from the other parent (the app), the PWA inherits its rich functionality, offline user interactivity, and engaging experience. 

Like a website, a PWA is accessed directly from your web browser; and like an app, it can be installed on your mobile device’s home screen and send you notifications. Though PWAs have been around for a few years, they’re really starting to hit their stride now, so there’s no better time than now to discover PWA for yourself.

Understanding how PWAs work

The magic behind PWAs are ‘secret helpers’ known as service workers.

Service workers are JavaScript files that work in the browser’s background, separately from the browser. Service workers follow message commands sent to them by a server to execute tasks like intercepting network requests and enabling API functions such as push notifications, caching, and background syncs. 

Since service workers operate in the browser’s background, they can connect to the internet and automatically update data–as long as the user doesn’t quit the browser. And even if the PWA itself is not open, all loaded content will be updated and then cached automatically for offline access. The end result? An app that is always up-to-date meets a website that works offline–how progressive!

The push for PWAs

PWAs have the support of big-name corporations like Google, Apple, and Microsoft.

Companies that have embraced PWAs are already seeing sizeable increases in engagement and conversions. Here are some examples:

GOOGLE: PWA’S PROUD PARENT

Google loves PWAs. They invented the name, support them on the Chrome browser, and in their own words, love them because they’re “reliable, fast, and engaging.” 

APPLE IS TAKING A BITE

With its iOS 11.3 update, Apple now supports PWAs on Safari. This means you can essentially build apps on iOS without having to go through the App Store.

MICROSOFT’S OPEN WINDOWS

Microsoft included PWAs in its Windows 10 rollout by making them available on the Edge web browser.

PINTEREST PRAISE

Pinterest's users are spending 40% longer on Pinterest’s PWA than they did on Pinterest’s former mobile site.*

The major benefits of PWAs

BETTER ENGAGEMENT 

Visitors spend more time engaging with PWAs because they deliver an immersive experience on par with the best native apps, complete with offline availability.

INCREASED CONVERSIONS AND REVENUE

The longer your prospective customers spend on a site, the more prone they’ll be not only to return but also to fill out forms and engage.

FASTER LOAD TIMES 

You can always count on PWAs for lightning-fast content loading and swift responses to user interaction. 

PWA ASAP

You won’t ever have to go through an app store or download anything to access your PWA. All you’ll have to do is add the PWA’s icon to your home screen and you’re good to go.

A DATA DIET 

PWAs conserve data. PWAs don’t need to be downloaded, and once content is loaded on a PWA, it is accessible for offline use.

BUILT-IN SECURITY

Since an SSL certificate is required for PWAs to work, encryption is a built-in function of PWAs.

All aboard

PWAs are poised to be the future of the mobile web for small businesses because they combine everything you love about mobile websites and apps. 

PWAs are apps that can be accessed by anyone, regardless of whether they have an app store. This is especially beneficial for small businesses. Instead of focusing on creating the right app according to Google or Apple’s guidelines, we can create the right app according to your needs. What are you waiting for?

If you want guidance with getting a Progressive Web App, chat with us.