Mobile Site vs. Mobile App: What comes first?
My film production company specializes in short films and music videos. The majority of consumers access music and watch videos through their mobile phone and tablets now. I think a mobile app is better suited for the industry I'm in. However, most mobile apps start off with a mobile website. Does the website need to come first?
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Mar 2, 2021
When it comes to deciding whether to build a native app or a mobile website, the most appropriate choice really depends on your end goals. If you are developing an interactive game an app is probably going to be your best option. But if your goal is to offer mobile-friendly content to the widest possible audience then a mobile website is probably the way to go. In some cases you may decide you need both a mobile website and a mobile app, but it’s pretty safe to say that it rarely makes sense to build an app without already having a mobile website in place.
Generally speaking, a mobile website should be considered your first step in developing a mobile web presence, whereas an app is useful for developing an application for a very specific purpose that cannot be effectively accomplished via a web browser.
Advantages of a Mobile Website vs. Native Apps
If your goals are primarily related to marketing or public communications, a mobile/responsive website is almost always going to make sense as a practical first step in your mobile outreach strategy. This is because a mobile website has a number of inherent advantages over apps, including broader accessibility, compatibility and cost-effectiveness.
CheckImmediacy – Mobile Websites Are Instantly Available
A mobile website is instantly accessible to users via a browser across a range of devices (iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, etc). Apps on the other hand require the user to first download and install the app from an app marketplace before the content or application can be viewed - a significant barrier between initial engagement and action/conversion.
If you're planning to establish a mobile presence for your business or organization one of the first considerations that will likely come to mind is whether you want to create a mobile application for users to download (app) or a mobile website, or perhaps both. Mobile websites and apps can look very similar at first-glance, and determining which is most suited to your needs will depend upon a number of factors, including target audiences, available budget, intended purpose and required features.
What’s the Difference Between a Mobile Website and an App (Application)?
Before you can evaluate the benefits of a mobile website vs. an app it’s important to understand the key differences between the two. Both apps and mobile websites are accessed on a handheld devices such as smartphones (e.g. iPhone, Android and Blackberry) and tablets.
A mobile website is similar to any other website in that it consists of browser-based HTML pages that are linked together and accessed over the Internet (for mobile typically WiFi or 3G or 4G networks). The obvious characteristic that distinguishes a mobile website from a standard website is the fact that it is designed for the smaller handheld display and touch-screen interface. Increasingly, responsive web design is becoming the new standard for websites that are not only mobile-friendly, but that can scale to any sized device - from desktop down to tablet and handheld smartphones.
Like any website, mobile websites/responsive sites can display text content, data, images and video. They can also access mobile-specific features such as click-to-call (to dial a phone number) or location-based mapping.
Apps are actual applications that are downloaded and installed on your mobile device, rather than being rendered within a browser. Users visit device-specific portals such as Apple’s App Store, Android Market, or Blackberry App World in order to find and download apps for a given operating system. The app may pull content 2021 and data from the Internet, in similar fashion to a website, or it may download the content so that it can be accessed without an Internet connection.
Jan 29, 2021
I think they started at the same time. Just like the chicken and the egg story. ToqueParacelular.com is a mobile ringtone that you can search for for your device, try using the internet to do it.
Jan 11, 2021
Well Zack, as per the current scenario there is required both website with responsive to work in mobile browsers and also required mobile application of the business. Because if any business owner wants to target or expand their users then its required mobile site as well as a mobile app.
Only launching of the mobile site then there is a chance to loss mobile users because using your mobile site it’s not easy to send push notifications and other functionalities easily. And if you launch your business with mobile app only then you can lose those users who used desktop or macOS. So, it’s better to develop both website and mobile application. At last, it depends on your business model or business portal. If it’s based on for the delivery purpose of any products and services then that’s fine to go with a mobile app. But it’s based on eCommerce portal or any grocery or food delivery business then there is mandatory to have a website and mobile app both to include whole the targeted users to facilitate them to place their order from any devices, any time and anywhere. While as a business owner you can beat the competitors’ easily and make your users habitual with your portal which one is not only increased revenue but its boost with a good hike.
Here, I prefer to go with Moon Technolabs as they provide all in one solution under one roof. Even after launching a mobile site and mobile app you can expand your marketing platform by doing SEO as well ASO. So, both way you can increase new with returning users.
Dec 29, 2020
Due to the sudden digital shift, businesses are now revolutionizing their mobile strategies. As a business owner, you must have thought about how to engage your targeted audience and what mobile strategy to apply: whether to build a mobile website or application .
According to the recent report, in the first quarter of 2020, mobile phones generated 51.92 percent of global website traffic.
Both mobile apps and mobile websites are accessed via a mobile device such as a phone or tablet. A mobile website is exactly as it sounds. It’s a website that consists of browser-based HTML pages that are linked together
Like any other website, a mobile website is a website consisting of browser-based HTML pages that are linked together and accessed over the Internet. On the other hand, mobile applications are downloaded and installed on your mobile device, rather than being rendered within a browser.
Here is the difference between the two:
No need to Update
With mobile websites, mobile users won’t have to spend time installing and downloading app versions and updates. Mobile websites are easy to update, fix bugs, and support. Users don’t even notice the update process of a mobile website.
Cost-Effective
Cost is an essential factor to consider during the mobile app/website development process. Cost-effectiveness is considered more beneficial than an impact on user experience. However, depending on the complexity, a responsive mobile site can be more cost-effective than mobile app development.
Available on all platforms
Unlike mobile apps that function only on (iOS or Android) platforms, a responsive website can be accessed from any mobile device regardless of the operating system.
The network access, quality, and speed are all factors that will impact the mobile web experience. Responsive websites also don’t need to be downloaded or installed and are completely free, unlike some apps available in app stores.
Engaging Interface
Mobile apps usually offer users a more interactive user interface. This unique interface environment enables users to become more immersed in the mobile experience. Developing an app for particular platforms offers users the functionality and features they expect. Responsive websites don’t always guarantee functionalities or features users prefer.
Ability To Work Offline
Mobile apps can run without an internet connection. Although many apps require internet connectivity to perform most of their operations, they can still offer content and functionality to users while in offline mode. Users can now access information anytime, anywhere.
More engaging and Interactive
Mobile apps offer your users great value through a new channel for engagement. Instead of looking at the same text and images as a website, apps can integrate features that allow users to interact with the app’s specific components. For example, Instagram users can view images on the website, but can’t upload them without the app.
Oct 8, 2020
If I talk about which should we go first for a mobile site or a mobile app - I would suggest mobile website should be considered your first step in developing a mobile web presence, whereas an app is useful for developing an application for a very specific purpose that cannot be effectively accomplished via a web browser.
Oct 8, 2020
Mobile responsive website is indeed good start for most business. App is something used when you want to send users push notifications and their usages is quite frequent with more intense requirements.
You also have to keep in mind even though you make app you need mobile responsive website for people to see on various devices including PC. Now cost of maintaining minimum two version android & IOS is daunting specially if you are not going to have revenue from it (directly or indirectly)
Once you have understood use case & users habit of interactions this decision can be made if your business really need mobile application.
If you seek any consultation, please feel free to reach out to me.
Sep 17, 2020
Like traditional websites, mobile websites can display text content, data, images, and video. They can also access mobile-specific features such as click-to-call or location-based mapping.
Mobile apps, on the other hand, are applications that are downloaded and installed on a user’s mobile device.
When it comes to deciding whether to build a mobile app or a mobile website, the right choice simply depends on your business objectives. If your goal is to offer mobile-friendly content to a wide range of people, then a mobile website is probably the way to go. However, if you want to better engage, interact with, and communicate with your customers to drive customer loyalty, a mobile app is an excellent choice.
Sep 17, 2020
I think you should focus on developing your website first, laying the foundation for future app development
Aug 14, 2020
Ultimately, what every business needs is different, because no two companies are the same. What works for one may not work at all for the other. Before investing in a mobile website or mobile app for your business, carefully consider your goals, the needs of your customers, and what you want to accomplish with these new features. If you don’t think your customers need it, can’t justify the expense, or you’re worried it’s just not the right time, don’t do it! As you’ve hopefully learned, the average company doesn’t need an app, so don’t worry if it’s not a good fit for you.
Aug 13, 2020
Hello Zack
Many businesses we work with asked that same question and we almost always point them to a mobile website first. More specifically a responsive website that will work on desktop, tablets, mobile phone, all of them.
First get traction, sales, and revenue then after your website is successful and getting traffic you could consider a live web app if your a specific type of business that would benefit. Usually this is B2C type company. Most businesses are not gonna use your app unless it’s helps make some part of doing business with you more convenient.
A good example of a live web app is Starbucks. You start on their website but you can actually access it off-line and it’s valuable because Starbucks has so many people doing transactions on a regular basis.
https://app.starbucks.com/
It is a very simple / clean app and allows you to order exactly what you want.
In addition a good website can cost you 2 to 5k with all the bells and whistle’s. Where as a web app could be double or triple that.
Hope this helps!
Aug 3, 2020
Mobile Site (first)
Get known a bit, generate traffic over time.
Later Mobile App.
Not many people are going to install your app without you building an online identity of yourself. ( unless you are already famous)
Business.com has a good article on this topic on making your website mobile-friendly .. check it out.
Apr 2, 2020
Unlike mobile apps which only function on specific platforms (iOS or Android), a responsive website can be accessed from any mobile device regardless of the operating system, as long as an internet connection is available. However, it is essential to remember that network access, quality, and speed are all factors that will impact the mobile web experience. Responsive websites also don’t need to be downloaded or installed and are entirely free unlike some apps available in app stores.
Apr 1, 2020
Hello Zack!
I agree with Bhavik Patel, as I believe that Progressive Web Apps can really benefit your product.
There are several reasons why you should consider the approach.
The advantages for business are as follows:
1. Businessmen have to spend lower development costs compared to native apps.
2. With smooth installation, users need less time that leads to user experience and conversions.
3. Push notifications help business owners reach the target audience thus increasing conversions.
The advantages for users are as follows:
1. Seamless performance on unstable networks helps users to reach all the information needed seamlessly.
2. Progressive Web Apps are easily installed and light-weighted.
3. PWAs send customers push notification, thus your users always stay up-to-date. Isn't it great?
4. Progressive Web Apps give the feeling of a native app to users, with familiar navigation and interactions.
If you want to know learn more about the approach, I recommend the following article: https://www.codica.com/blog/what-are-pwas-and-their-benefits/
If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Oct 30, 2019
IMO everything comes down to your personal preference but I would say that website is a little bit more important if you are just starting out and since user experience plays quite a big role you have to make sure everything is done right. For example, we contacted website developers at https://bostonunisoft.com/web-development.html and the result was very pleasing. You can also try that method and everything should be just fine.
Mar 29, 2019
Explore tech stack called PWA (Progressive Web Apps). As you mentioned in your question, the majority of your content is multimedia and online. You can leverage the flexibility of web and user experience of native apps in apps build on PWA. No need for market place submissions just have your client put an icon in their mobile and let them interact it with the app just like any other application.
Mar 29, 2019
As I've dug my teeth deeper into software development, I've realized that the answer to most questions is: it depends.
You really have to understand your end users and the format in which they consume content, and in this case short films and music videos. You should be able to get data on say, youtube consumption on mobile browsers versus mobile apps. While several years ago, I'm almost certain it was mobile browser dominant, that may have flipped. The user experience is just so much better native, why would anyone elect to view it on their browser if they're on their phones?
There is a 3rd option now of creating a progressive web app, which allows developers to create a fast, reliable browser app with some native app capabilities. The problem with that is that iOS has been much slower to adopt this standard than Android (for more info: https://topflightapps.com/ideas/native-or-progressive-still-the-big-question-in-2019/).
To conclude: There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Look at the market leaders and try to find out what they're doing. And think about whether native functionalities like push notifications on iOS are a dealbreaker for you. Then make your decision. Best of luck comrade!
Mar 27, 2019
Of course, the mobile site when we only have a desktop available.
Later on, we have a smartphone which notes a booming era of the mobile app.
Aug 23, 2018
I believe that the first (most likely) thing to do is to make a mobile website. Causes:
1) Now there are technologies, such as SPA (Single Page Application), which allow you to make a site that does not yield to the application speed, and in principle, for the average user, it will not be much different from it.
2) The site that will replace your mobile application, besides it will also be for large screen sizes, that is it will be equally good, look at computers, and on tablets and smartphones, you kill more than two birds with one shot.
3) Also, the site can be promoted in SEO, which is a great advantage. You can do it yourself and for free, it will certainly be difficult and as a rule, nobody does it themselves, but the fact remains that with a mobile application without advertising you will not advance.
4) Time. Make a website that adapts to different screen sizes is much easier and faster than a mobile application with the same task. If the mobile application can take 3-4 months, then the site - 1 month.
5) Price - the main argument, the development of a mobile application can cost you $ 20,000 - $ 50,000, while the site will cost you $ 10,000 - $ 15,000 maximum, and probably even less.
As for me, the choice is clear.
Also, I advise you to visit this site: https://niklex.net/services.html
Here you will be prompted which is better and visually show all the pros and cons.
Feb 2, 2018
Mobile websites and apps can look very similar at first-glance, and determining which is most suited to your needs will depend upon a number of factors, including target audiences, available budget, intended purpose and required features.
Like any website, mobile websites/responsive sites can display text content, data, images and video. They can also access mobile-specific features such as click-to-call (to dial a phone number) or location-based mapping.
Apps are actual applications that are downloaded and installed on your mobile device, rather than being rendered within a browser. Users visit device-specific portals such as Apple’s App Store, Android Market, or Blackberry App World in order to find and download apps for a given operating system. The app may pull content and data from the Internet, in similar fashion to a website, or it may download the content so that it can be accessed without an Internet connection.
May 11, 2016
First should be your website. Make it responsive. This will not only be great for desktops, tablets, and phones, but it will also be good for your SEO.
A Mobile App should be an extension of your business that offers a reason, and something unique for new and existing clients to want to utilize it.