Halfway between the native mobile application and the mobile website, the PWA, or Progressive Web App, seems to be an interesting compromise, combining the best of both interfaces.
Indeed, if mobile-first is an increasingly common mode of website development, it is because the use of the smartphone has become the first reflex when searching the internet. Optimising your websites for a pleasant experience from a smartphone is becoming a key element.
We suggest you discover the Progressive Web App and its main advantages.
What is the PWA?
Initiated by Google, the PWA is a website that functions in the same way as a mobile application.
While offering the same functionality and experience as a regular app, it can be installed directly on the home screen of your smartphone from the website. There is no need to go through the Apple Store or Play Store.
To install a PWA, you have two options depending on your phone:
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On Android, a pop-up window allows you to install the PWA with a single click. The PWA can also be added via the browser options.
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On iOS, the pop-up window informs you of the existence of a PWA, but its installation can only be done through the browser options.
What are the benefits of PWA?
There are many reasons to opt for a Progressive Web App, both for brands and the user.
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Benefits for site owners
As a company, there are many reasons to use PWA.
1. optimised referencing
Don't worry, the PWA will not prevent you from being referenced, on the contrary! They are present on browsers, which contributes to natural referencing, and can even improve it. Indeed, as the originator of this technology, Google encourages this type of application. It is not impossible that the search engine's algorithm favours their use.
2. A more direct link with customers
One of the most significant interests remains the access to push notifications. Indeed, what better way to keep in touch with your customers and build loyalty than to send them information directly to their screen without them having to open your site?
Moreover, thanks to its emancipation from browsers and by increasing the speed of loading, the chances of reusing the PWA are greater than for a website. This is an element that can significantly increase the conversion rate. Some studies tend to prove a threefold increase of this conversion rate.
3. Simplicity and reduction of development costs
The development of such an application is simplified thanks to its freedom from operating systems: the PWA does not require the development of several different interfaces.
The use of the latest technologies and APIs has made it possible to install applications directly from the website. This makes the development and management of the PWA simpler and less expensive.
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The PWA, a solution to improve the UX
The benefits of this type of application are numerous for the user, significantly improving the UX and UI.
1. A responsive and efficient application
The PWA works on different operating systems and adapts to the size and shape of the screens. It is also faster than a website on mobile.
2. Total immersion
Optimised for touch screens, the PWA is displayed in full screen on the mobile: the URL and navigation options are no longer displayed. This allows the user to be fully immersed in the page.
Website users can then enjoy a more pleasant experience.
2. Independence from blinds
It is a full web application that allows immediate use: the installation does not require any loading time and the updates are done automatically and in real time.
3. A memory gain
As users are always looking for extra storage space, the Progressive Web App offers an interesting advantage, as it takes up very little space in the phone's memory.
4. Offline access
By saving information through the browser cache, the PWA can be accessed during low connection times and even when your smartphone is off-line. It is then possible to access a certain amount of information offline. It is also possible to save information for later offline consultation.
5. The illusion of a native application :
Using the website as an application gives access to different functions of the phone: geolocation, access to the camera, microphone or voice recognition. Access to these functions coupled with a full screen display gives the impression of a classic mobile application, thus providing a pleasant experience.
In brief
The Progressive Web App therefore brings many benefits, mainly aimed at improving the experience of regular website users, without forcing them to download a native application.
This new technology offers the benefits of a classic mobile application as well as those of a website, while eliminating some of their drawbacks! As the use of traditional applications is quite low (one person would use less than 10 applications per day), the PWA appears as a relevant alternative.
To find out more about our PWA offer, visit our dedicated website!
