And let's be realistic, there is no right or wrong solution... but you have to make a choice!
Deciding what type of application you want to develop is a crucial choice and it is useful to think carefully before starting, because creating an application is generally a major project.
Moreover, we hope that at this stage, you also have a good understanding of your market, whether by having done a market study and/or by having interviewed numerous potential users.
You have an idea that seems feasible with a clear target market in mind.
This may seem obvious, but validate the basic assumptions about your project (for example, using the Value Proposition Canvas) is essential. If no one needs your application, no one is going to use it and you won't generate revenue with it!
In addition, it is essential to have a relatively precise idea of your target users. If not, how do you create an application that will appeal to users (and not just you!)? Before starting development, it is necessary to work on the design and user experience, and optimal to test each new feature with real future users in order to ensure the quality of the user experience (UX).
If you need help defining your audience and positioning, our team of marketing experts can help you do that.
Your target market is clear, the hypotheses are more or less validated, the functionalities are defined. Excellent! It is now time to look at the technical aspects, and assess which type of development (web application or mobile application) is the most appropriate.
Web applications: create fast products that are available to everyone
What is a web application?
All web applications are websites, but not all websites are web applications.
Not very clear? Let's go a bit higher.
Essentially, a web application (or web app) is an interactive application, accessible online. It should not be confused with websites, or websites, which are mostly showcase sites (or statics), intended to present information and products (and to sell them, in the case of e-commerce sites).
For example, the website of your local pizzeria will be less interactive than the Facebook web application. Indeed, interactions will certainly be limited to placing an order or sending them a message.
The main difference is that web applications offer a more immersive and interactive experience, thanks to more advanced technologies.
Websites will allow you to navigate or click to consume information, while a web application will optimize user experience (UX).
Why develop a web application (web app)?
Accessibility
As they are accessible via a web browser, The web apps are multiplatform.
Whether you're on an Android phone or an iPhone, a Firefox browser, or an older version of Windows, web apps work 99% of the time. You're not excluding potential users who might be on the “wrong” mobile device.
Development time
Web application development time is generally shorter, even if you use a cross-platform mobile development language (for example: Flutter).
The budget
It is the cheaper option of the two. Web applications are often less expensive and require fewer resources.
The updates
The development team can release an update at any time so that all users have the latest version of your application.
What are the disadvantages of a web application?
Less user interaction
There are generally fewer interactions with web applications than with mobile applications. But web applications are improving day by day.
If you have information to share, on a web application, you cannot simply send a push notification that users can read immediately, as is often the case in a mobile application. A counterexample is the web applications of newspapers, which often offer push notifications on the web browser (but few people really use it).
Of course, it is still possible to contact them by email or SMS, but the effect will not be as instant or interactive.
Browser compatibility
The cross-platform nature of web applications can cause some compatibility issues. Some features may not always work as expected on older browser versions. It's pretty rare, but it can happen.
When should you choose a web application?
You need an MVP (= Minimum Viable Product)
If you want to develop an MVP (i.e. an ultra-functional and basic version of your product), we recommend that you start with a simple web application.
MVPs are perfect for quickly testing an idea and getting feedback from the market (and why not, a certain traction on the market). You can quickly bring the product to market and then, based on the success of this MVP, develop new features.
Unless you are certain that the main use case will necessarily be native on mobile, we strongly recommend that you create a web application for an MVP.
You are not already present on the web
If your project is new and you are not yet present on the internet, it is often best to start with a web application (users will not have to download a new application). You can always develop a mobile application in the future, when you have users.
Your application has a lot of features
Will your application have a lot of different features? Will advanced manipulations be required?
Take the example of the web application Figma, which allows us to create digital interfaces, among other things. Nobody would or could use this application on a phone!
What type of use is expected by your users?
Another factor to take into account is the type of use of the application by your future users.
Are they going to use your application mainly in a professional environment or in front of their laptop?
Let's use Figma as an example. A web application is much more suitable in this case, because users are required to produce interfaces and create content.
Or can your application be used in any type of location and on any type of medium?
In both cases, the web application is the best choice.
Mobile app: focus on loyalty and interactions
Mobile applications offer a choice: using native or hybrid technologies.
Native applications are built specifically for the platforms on which they run: iOS or Android.
Do you want your application to be available on iOS? You'll need developers who are familiar with the Swift programming language. Do you want to create a mobile application on Android? Instead, you'll need Kotlin or Java.
There are also hybrid technologies, such as Flutter, which allow developers to have a single codebase (a single version of the code). Even though these technologies speed up development time, some platform-specific developments are still necessary and hybrid languages don't always make everything easier.
Do not hesitate to read our article” 22 questions to ask yourself before creating a mobile application ” or to discuss your specific needs with our developers if you decide to create a mobile application!
Why develop a mobile application?
Reinforcing the brand image
A mobile application will help you stand out from the competition. And will be referenced on the Apple AppStore and the Google PlayStore!
It's also a small additional marketing bonus: users see your icon all the time on their phone (but be careful, it's also possible to install an icon on your phone with a web application!).
Accessibility
More than half of Internet users are also mobile users. In addition, mobile applications allow better use without a connection (offline).
The customer relationship
Push notifications make mobile applications much more interactive.
You can easily keep your users up to date with any news, updates, and information, which helps optimize your communication.
In addition, by easily reminding users of the existence of the application, you ensure that they come back and improve your retention.
Use mobile device features
A mobile application can use phone features such as the camera, microphone, or GPS.
All of these features are not — easily — accessible with web applications, due to browser limitations, and for security reasons.
Imagine if each website could have full access to our documents or see the other devices on our network... Not great!
More sales
All of these factors increase the potential for retention. And who says more loyalty also often means more paying customers, and therefore more sales. Purchasing in mobile apps is also easier and faster.
In fact, current statistics and trends show rapid and continuous growth in mobile application revenues.
What are the disadvantages of developing a mobile application?
Longer development time and higher budgets
Mobile applications take longer to develop and are therefore often more expensive.
Harder to convince
It is becoming more and more difficult to convince users to download a mobile application. On average, how many new apps do you download every month?
Mobile applications are generally downloaded further along the user journey, for example after the user has already thoroughly explored your website or used your web application. Then offering him a mobile application will allow better interactions and more speed.
Support for old features
Users can ignore updates, requiring the development team to maintain old features, or maintain compatibility with older versions of operating systems (iOS 9 for example).
When should you choose a mobile application?
Your application is meant to consume content
As we mentioned above, mobile applications are quite adapted to the consumption of content. Your favorite social, weather, or news apps are ideal for quickly scrolling through content, for example.
You have an existing customer base
You already have customers who know your brand, and you're already reaching them through some channels.
If you have a loyal customer base, you are more likely to succeed with a mobile app. It's the next logical step to take customers further along their journey, retain them, and get a head start on the competition.
You already have a web application
A mobile app can allow you to introduce new features that you couldn't develop on a web application.
Developing a mobile application can also help you expand your existing customer base.
You offer specific functionalities
Mobile applications support certain functionalities in a more efficient way than a web application.
If your app relies heavily on navigation with a map, music player, or camera access, it's best to go with a mobile app.
Choosing a web or mobile application
You should now have a clearer idea of whether you should develop a mobile or web application for your project.
Here is a short summary to help you:
- Web applications are better for their cross-platform nature, automatic updates, development time, reduced budgets, and accessibility.
- Mobile apps are better for stronger branding, user relationships, device features, loyalty, and sales.
After all, it all depends on your idea, business, project, or goals!
If you are still not sure about your choice, contact us to discuss your project and decide on the solution to adopt.
