Web development has witnessed quite a revolution over the past few years, It was quite different before smartphones were introduced. Now web applications are more responsive, user-friendly, and faster. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) have tremendously transformed the face of web and mobile app features by bridging the gap between websites and native mobile apps.
Progressive Web Apps are positioned as a strong tool to deliver a premium web experience to users. So, in this blog, you will explore the concepts and the basics of PWAs along with their benefits and the characteristics that help them shine.
What are Progressive Web Applications (PWAs)?
Progressive Web Applications or PWAs are websites that are designed using the latest web technologies to function as mobile applications on any device. The motive is to deliver an app-like experience with a seamless performance of a native application feel. We refer to them as “progressive” as it highlights their capability to work for everyone no matter what browser the user chooses.
Benefits of Progressive Web Applications (PWAs):
1. Offline Access
The best part about PWAs is that they are not network-dependent as they are cached by the web browser which implies that they can be used even in offline mode. This works best for product catalogs of retail businesses that allow users to explore your business offerings even without a network connection or unstable network connection. So, even if their internet crashes, their users can get the information they accessed previously, and if it is new information, the users will be redirected to offline mode, resulting in them not abandoning the catalog and boosting customer retention.
2. Push Notification Feature
Similar to the native apps, your Progressive Web Apps also use push notifications. This feature is perfect for your content advertisement and augmenting the opportunities for you to promote your products or services. When these notifications are displayed on users’ screens, they captivate their attention and have a higher probability of making a purchase.
Push notifications can work better for your business as compared to newsletters and blog posts. Even if the users don’t make a purchase, there is a higher chance of gaining brand recognition by frequently dropping notifications on their phones.
3. Native App-Like Functionality
The top-of-the-line advantage of PWAs is that their design is similar to Native apps and gives the same user experiences as the Native apps do. No matter what frameworks and tools are used to create PWAs, every aspect is just the same including their screen, speed, responsiveness, detailed functions, and look and feel.
4. Easy to Install
PWAs are quick and not very complicated to install, which the users love. They do not have to visit the App Store or Google Play Store to download the PWAs, they can download them directly from the website. In this regard, they are not like traditional web apps which makes it a more convenient experience on the users’ end.
The software doesn’t need to be installed and you can access the app using the URL or via a desktop shortcut. Progressive Web Apps for desktop are launched the same way as other applications, usually there’s no visual differences (PWAs run in an independent window, without tabs and address bar) and can be removed in the same way as native desktop apps, eventually, creating a “native look and feel” as if you are using regular apps on your PC.
5. Cost-Friendly Development
PWAs significantly eliminate the development cost as well. One app is suitable for all platforms and devices and caters to the requirements of all endpoints. As a result, the development cost of the PWA decreases and slashes by three to four times of the native mobile app.
6. High Performance
PWAs offer a great running speed as they can enable the background tasks to be correctly handled such as caching and push notifications. All the data these apps need is cached efficiently, allowing the software to get the required data whenever needed. This allows more smooth and quick operations and enhanced performance, significantly impacting the conversion rates and user experience.
Best Examples of Progressive Web Apps
There are a wide variety of real-world examples of PWAs that you may not know. These examples are a testament to their exceptional performance that empowers them to stand out among conventional web apps. So, let’s take a look at them.
1. Instagram
The social media platform Instagram was among the early adopters of the PWA technology. Their Progressive Web App allowed web app users to use functionalities that previously were only available to native app users.
Even though Instagram is still pushing users to install their native app from the App Store or Google Play, if you open Instagram’s website using your mobile browser you’ll be served a PWA version of the service, naturally, with all the great features that make PWAs so attractive!
2. AliExpress
AliExpress is among the many renowned businesses that integrated PWAs in order to showcase their wide-ranging products online including gadgets, pet food, and more. Their website and app had a huge difference in terms of performance and not many users were inclined towards installing their app either; the PWA served as a bridge between the mobile and the desktop users. The PWA resulted in a whopping 82% increase in their conversion rates, 74% higher engagement time and a 2x increase in the page visited.
3. Spotify
Like many other big brands, Spotify also has a PWA version of their app which is immensely faster and has distinctive features and adaptive UI. Hence, the users add the Spotify PWA to their home screen and make it more accessible.
Their PWA gives users an option to install the app which offers users a much better user experience as compared to the browser as it doesn’t require you to have any tabs or the browser open. The PWA is pretty similar to their native app and the PWA allows users to enjoy their favorite tracks.
4. Forbes
Forbes is a giant of business magazines in the world and with the help of their PWA, mobile users receive push notifications, user-friendly functionalities, push notifications, and other factors that contribute to improving the site time on mobile devices.
5. WhatsApp
The web version for WhatsApp, WhatsApp Web can be used as a Progressive Web App (PWA); the PWA allows users to access and use WhatsApp in a separate window as if it were a native app. This means WhatsApp Web can be installed on a device as a shortcut, offering a similar user experience to a dedicated application. Users can chat with their contacts and also receive push notifications to stay updated.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that PWAs enhance the overall performance and web experience for you. These apps are also more reliable, faster, and progressive which has made them the top choice of numerous businesses. The Progressive Web Apps make your business more profitable with guaranteed customer satisfaction.
If you are on the lookout for Progressive Web App developers, Digital Gravity KSA will be happy to assist you. Our mobile app developers in Saudi Arabia have the right expertise and experience to boost your user engagement and enhance the mobile web experience for your users with performance-driven PWA development services.
