Mobile Apps vs. Mobile Websites

  • apps 300x267 Mobile Apps vs. Mobile WebsitesWhich is a better choice for my brand: Mobile App or a Mobile Website?

    Using mobile platforms as a way to grow your business is essential to your marketing strategy.  Yet, many still struggle deciding to build a mobile app or a mobile website.

    While both platforms are effective ways of reaching existing and potential customers, considering the pros and cons of mobile apps versus mobile websites will allow you to make the right choice in tailoring the platform to your specific business.

    Who are you reaching out to? The first thing to consider is the kind of audience you’d like to reach.  Remember that mobile websites function on any internet ready mobile device while apps only work on the phone for which they were created i.e. iPhone, Droid, etc.  This may seem like a no brainer at first, but if you’re looking for a specific market demographic, iPhone users for instance, you may have better success with an app designed for that kind of user.  A mobile website will have more of a mass market appeal.


    Connectivity

    Mobile apps don’t always need to be connected to the internet to work.  Mobile websites do.  Consider those who might try to access your brand while traveling, or where wireless service isn’t available.  This happens more often than you think.


    Content vs. Functionality

    Mobile sites are better for providing content.  Shopping based websites have more success with mobile websites than with apps for the mobile sites’ ability to provide content and information that can be indexed by Google and other search engine.  On the other hand, mobile apps have a more feature-rich functionality and more engaging design layout that makes navigating content easier for the end user.  Mobile websites can be confusing, because you may be asked to click through several links and pages to find information. Where mobile sites provide more and better content, apps have more and better functionality.


    Advertising

    It’s much easier to drive advertising traffic to a mobile site than driving traffic to the app store, where they have to download the app before they can use it.


    Appeal

    Mobile apps, especially iPhone apps, are sexier.  This may seem marginal at first.  However, when considering the billions of dollars spent annually to great effect to make products seem young, sexy, fun, and edgy, having that extra zip can give your brand the edge on the competition.  Think about your target demographic and what is important to them.


    Accessibility

    Mobile websites are more discoverable through site redirects.  Obviously, a customer who accesses your brand on a mobile device with automatically encounter your mobile site, without downloads.  However, in terms of speed and navigation, mobile apps take the cake.


    Price is always a concern when deciding which platform is right for your business.  Mobile websites are less expensive than mobile apps, because they usually lack the design and functionality that make mobile apps sexy.  Mobil apps, however, have become much more affordable recently, as app designers can customize templates that still provide the functionality and visual appeal without paying a developer to design from scratch.


    August 23rd, 2010 | admin | No Comments | Tags: , , , , ,

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