The myth that costs companies thousands
"We need a mobile app."
This is one of the most common sentences during initial meetings with clients.
After a few minutes of conversation, however, it often turns out that the company does not actually need a mobile app. It needs a solution that will be convenient to use on a phone.
That's a huge difference.
For years mobile apps have become a symbol of modernity. Many companies assume that if competitors have an app, they should build one too. Often this decision is based more on belief than on real business needs.
Technology should solve problems. Not create more.
So before we start talking about Android, iOS or React Native, it's worth answering one question: What should the user do?
Because the answer to that question determines the choice of the right solution.
Four ways to reach the same goal
In practice, companies most often choose one of four solutions:
- a responsive website,
- a web application,
- a Progressive Web App (PWA),
- a native mobile app.
Each of them has its strengths. Each also has limitations.
The biggest mistake is assuming that one of them is best for everyone. It isn't.
Responsive website - the simplest solution
This is a classic website that automatically adapts its appearance to the screen size. Today this is standard. The user opens the site in a browser and can comfortably use it both on a computer and on a smartphone.
When is it the best choice?
A responsive site will work best especially when the user:
- is looking for information,
- wants to learn about the offer,
- wants to read an article,
- wants to contact the company,
- wants to send a form,
- wants to order a service or product.
This solution is ideal for:
- company websites,
- blogs,
- news services,
- most online stores,
- landing pages,
- portals.
Advantages
- lowest implementation cost,
- one place to manage content,
- very good SEO in Google,
- no need to install anything,
- easy updates.
Limitations
The browser does not provide full access to all phone features.
Although modern web technologies can do a lot, there are still situations where native solutions have the advantage.
Web application - when a simple website is not enough
A web application also runs in the browser but resembles a classic program.
The user logs into the system and performs specific tasks. They don't browse content - they work.
Typical examples include:
- CRM system,
- ERP,
- B2B platform,
- reservation system,
- client panel,
- learning platform,
- production management system,
- document management application.
When is it worth it?
If the user uses the system daily and performs specific operations.
For example:
- warehouse worker,
- sales department,
- accounting,
- service team,
- business partners.
Here, convenience of work and integration with other systems matter most.
Advantages
- works on any device with a browser,
- one version of the system,
- easier maintenance,
- quick deployment of new features,
- lower cost than maintaining two separate mobile apps.
Progressive Web App (PWA) - a solution in between
PWA combines features of a website and a mobile app.
The user opens a website, but can also install it on the phone's home screen almost like a classic app.
More and more people don't even notice the difference.
What can a PWA do?
Depending on the device and browser it can, among other things:
- run fullscreen,
- send push notifications,
- store some data locally,
- work to a limited extent without internet,
- launch from an icon on the phone screen.
A few years ago PWA capabilities were quite limited.
Today the differences between a well-prepared PWA and a simple mobile app are getting smaller, although they still exist.
When is PWA a great choice?
Among others, for:
- online stores,
- B2B platforms,
- reservation systems,
- client portals,
- internal applications,
- loyalty programs.
If users return to the system regularly but don't need all phone capabilities, PWA often proves to be the best compromise.
Native app - when does it really make sense?
This solution is built separately for Android and iOS or using cross-platform technologies that still leverage the device's native capabilities. The biggest advantage is full integration with the phone.
We can use, among other things:
- camera,
- Bluetooth,
- NFC,
- GPS,
- biometrics,
- device sensors,
- background processing,
- advanced notifications,
- integration with the operating system.
When is a native app the best choice?
For example when creating:
- a banking app,
- a messenger,
- a fitness app,
- a system using real-time GPS,
- a courier app,
- a medical solution that works with devices,
- a system using Bluetooth or NFC,
- advanced offline solutions.
In such cases, native capabilities are difficult or impossible to replace.
Glossary
Responsive Web Design (RWD)
Technique for designing websites so they automatically adapt to the size of the device screen.
Web App
An application running in the web browser that resembles a classic desktop program.
Progressive Web App (PWA)
A modern web application that can be installed on a device and uses some of the operating system's capabilities.
Native App
An application prepared specifically for a given operating system, e.g. Android or iOS.
What is most often chosen?
A few years ago many companies automatically chose a mobile app. Today web applications and PWAs are increasingly chosen. The reason is simple - web technologies have advanced a lot, and for many use cases they offer sufficient functionality at lower implementation and maintenance costs.
That does not mean native apps are becoming obsolete. On the contrary. They are irreplaceable where performance, security or deep device integration matters.
The most common mistakes when choosing technology
The first mistake is choosing the technology before defining the business goal.
The second is copying competitors without analyzing your own needs.
The third is assuming that the more advanced the technology, the better the product.
The fourth is not considering maintenance, development and update costs.
The fifth is ignoring user experience. Even the best-coded app will not be a success if using it turns out to be more complicated than visiting a website.
How to make the right decision?
Before starting a project, it's worth answering a few questions:
- Will the user use the solution daily?
- Is access to phone features needed?
- Does the app need to work offline?
- Will the user want to install it?
- How often will updates appear?
- What is the budget for development and maintenance?
- Will the solution be integrated with other systems?
- Is quick deployment more important or maximum technical capabilities?
The answers to these questions very often indicate the right direction.
How we approach this at Web24
We never start with technology. We start with a conversation about business.
If a responsive website is the best solution, we will propose that. If the project requires a web application with extensive integrations - we will design such a system. If a PWA can achieve the same effect with lower maintenance costs, we'll say so. And if the project truly requires a native mobile app, we will choose technology appropriate to its scale, functionality and growth plans.
Our goal is not to sell a specific technology. Our goal is to propose a solution that best meets the client's needs.
Summary
The question should not be: “Do we need a mobile app?”
It's much better to ask: “Which solution will best help our users and our business?”
Sometimes it will be a responsive website.
Sometimes a web application.
Sometimes a modern PWA.
And sometimes a full-fledged native app.
There is no single correct answer. There is only the right technology for the case.
