Why Should You Build a Progressive Web App For Your Retail Business?

Progressive web apps (or PWAs, for short) have become a valuable tool for startups and enterprises to attract user attention. Leading companies are working together with Google to leverage the specific advantages PWAs offer with excellent outcomes. This has sparked an exciting trend that has led to an unexpected rise in the PWA market size, which is projected to cross 12 billion USD by 2030.

Progressive web apps have become a very popular alternative to native applications despite being websites because of their similar operation. They are effective at bridging the gap between native apps and websites.

For instance, native apps are great on performance and are designed to implement the features of the targeted device. Websites, on the other hand, are responsive - users can access them through a browser on any device, but they are not as immersive as apps in terms of experience.

What are the Advantages of Building a Progressive Web App?

PWAs offer the specific advantages of the two while improving on their shortcomings. It is no wonder why an increasing number of businesses are building a progressive web app and reaping its benefits.

1. Easier Adoption by Users

The user experience is absolutely engaging when it comes to PWAs. One only has to install them on the home screen, which takes a few seconds at the most. Downloading an app from the app store frankly takes more time in comparison, which is why people generally prefer using PWAs. On top of that, they are just as capable as native apps.

2. Easy to find

Everyone uses web browsers on their desktops and smartphones, which increases the chances of discovering PWAs since they are accessible using links. Search engines also find these easily, and you can link and share them like regular web pages.

3. Less Space

Progressive Web Apps require far less storage compared to native applications. The reason behind this is the use of multiple storage-efficient techniques and web technologies. It is why these web-based solutions are more quick and convenient to install and use.

4. Usable Offline

One of the biggest benefits of using a PWA is that it works without needing an Internet connection. This is due to a feature in it that requests the server and saves everything it needs to run the app. As a result, users can access it even when they are in a low-network area.

5. Excellent Performance

PWAs cache the elements that require loading, which means they load faster and contribute to a smoother experience regardless of the device. This makes them a great solution to address the declining attention spans of today’s users because a PWA can load quickly compared to websites or native apps.

6. Lower Expenses

Building a progressive web application costs less due to multiple reasons. For starters, it does not need a separate codebase for each platform since it runs on a browser. You save on resources in this case, whereas building a website or app for each platform would have cost multifold. This is good news for businesses with restricted budgets because even the cost of hiring a progressive web application development firm for your project (recommended) will not lead to high expenses.

7. Better Conversion Rate

All the benefits mentioned above result in increased user footfall and retention, from improved user experience to offline availability. PWAs are websites within an app shell that have quick load times, which people appreciate. As a result, they will want to stay longer and go through with the activities they were performing on the website, like buying or leaving a review.

8. Effortless Updates

Unlike native apps, PWAs do not need much in the way of releasing their newer versions. Businesses can make improvements to the app without subjecting themselves to time-consuming processes. This results in faster feedback and improvements to match market trends.

Tips to Help You Find the Best Progressive Web Application Development Firm

Simplify the lengthy process of hiring a competent PWA development company by knowing what factors make it one.

1. Relevant Experience

Naturally, established expertise is the first thing to look for in the developers you choose. Seek those who have proven their experience in building high-quality PWAs, which you can find in their portfolios. Explore their past projects to understand how complex and wide the scope of their completed projects has been.

A company that has worked on projects similar to yours can help you understand the complexities and obstacles you might face when developing.

2. Skill set

Ideally, the perfect team for your needs would be one that demonstrates all the required technical skills to build a strong PWA. They must be adept at web technologies like HTML5 and CSS3.

They also must have an in-depth understanding of various PWA concepts like caching mechanisms and service workers. Find out what tools and frameworks their professionals use and if those are beneficial from a long-term perspective. You can also inquire whether the company sticks to the most recent standards in the field.

3. Feedback from Previous Clients

The track record of a company matters, so make sure to perform background checks and do proper research on the PWA development companies you are considering. Client testimonials are easy to find on their websites. Also, look for reviews on B2B sites like Clutch and GoodFirms to know if the customers are satisfied with their work.

If that does not feel enough, you could track down clients the previous mobile application development agency worked for. This information will give the insights you need to make the right decision.

4. Support Capabilities

Once the PWA is complete, it will need consistent maintenance and updates, preferably from the same team that built it. Therefore, ask the company you are interested in about post-launch support. The response should make it clear if there is a dedicated team in place to handle the project in the months and years to come.

A reliable, Progressive Web App development company should have the resources to fix issues that arise after launch. It must also supply the PWA with regular updates and security patches - anything it needs to perform smoothly.

5. Ability to Adapt

The PWA development company you choose must provide custom services that cater to every business’s unique requirements. A good team understands that business objectives differ, as do each client’s target audience and long-term goals. It works on building a solution accordingly.

Therefore, prioritize your search for companies that offer flexible services over those with a one-size-fits-all approach. The former are more likely to understand what you want and work in line with your business objectives.

6. Realistic Goal-Setting

It is essential to know how transparent and dependable the service provider is. Positive customer reviews may not always be sufficient; consult the company and ask them about their methodologies. The objectives you set together must make sense according to the capabilities of the company. The commitments and cost breakdowns they give will show how well they understand what is achievable in a given timeframe.

In short, you need to know if they can set realistic goals, which will form the basis of a strong collaborative relationship between you and the company.

To Conclude

There are several advantages of building a progressive web app that will have a direct effect on your business strategy. Now is an excellent time to cash in and stay updated on the trend of PWA app development if you want your business to succeed among the rising competition.

Author Bio:
Emma Hayes is an experienced Progressive Web App developer at AppsChopper. When she is not busy with a project, you can find her surfing away on the Internet, updating her knowledge, and sharing it through blogs.