Cross-device support, particularly on tablets and mobile phones, is playing a significant role in uplifting the market presence of eCommerce companies. As per the reports by Statista, it has been predicted that there will be massive growth in mobile commerce that will account for $ 3.5 trillion by 2021. The main reason for this inclination towards mobile commerce could be given to Progressive Web Apps.
With the advent of Progressive Web Apps in 2015, many companies have started using this technology. They can offer an engaging user experience and reach out to target customers faster. That’s why Progressive Web App development services are gaining prominence in different industries.
Now, the main question that arises is what exactly is PWA? PWA is a site that looks and functions like a native app. They are fast, work offline, send out push notifications, and can be added to the home screen of a mobile phone.
To put it in simple words, Progressive Web Apps are responsive web apps that are built for mobile platforms. They are designed to offer a native app-like experience to the users.
Advantages of PWA for eCommerce Businesses
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A Wider Audience Reach
PWAs are created to work for any user, no matter what platform they are using. They are responsive that adapt to the screen size of multiple devices. The good part is that they can be accessed instantly by a large audience and can be shared through a link. This is why more people are adopting them as it takes a higher time to download an app.
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Fast Speed
The site’s speed matters a lot for the web audience. No one likes to wait for too long for the content to get displayed. The users are more likely to leave a website if it takes more than 3 seconds to load. PWAs handle cache efficiently and prevents troublesome interactions and poor site performance. They save down the site’s layout structure to regenerate them within a browser upon the user’s request.
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Flexibility
The flexibility and responsiveness are the topmost benefits of PWA. They provide responsive layouts that fit with the screen size and resolution of multiple devices. A superb user experience increases online sales and compels buyers to repeat their visit to your site.
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Saves Development Cost and Time
For creating an app from scratch, technologies for both platforms will be needed i.e. Java/Kotlin- Android and Objective-C/Swift- iOS. In the case of PWA, you will require HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Additionally, for getting acceptance from reviewers of both marketplaces, your app needs to meet a few requirements.
If you are planning to target two groups by utilizing devices with different operating systems, then you have to double the efforts in terms of time, money, and resources. You can opt for cross-platform app development to make the process simpler.
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Higher User Adoption
For using any app, the users have to install it first which adds one more step in the shopping. This can result in a lower conversion rate. With PWAs, the users don’t have the need to download anything. All they have to do is to click on the web link and follow the instructions that come on your device’s screen.
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Eliminates the Need for Third-Party App Store Submissions
Since native apps reside within their respective OS app stores, you are required to pay for the subscription charges. But, if you implement PWAs, you can save from these charges without hampering the visibility of your site.
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Provides Quick Release Time
PWAs are built using reusable codes where the developers can reuse the same code. Also, the app will redirect to the original eCommerce site which means the groundwork has already been performed. If you want to deliver customers app-like features within a short time, then PWA implementation is a good alternative to building a native mobile app or a responsive site.
Does your eCommerce Business Need a PWA?
Unarguably, PWAs offer a plethora of benefits to eCommerce business; however, its application in your business will rely on the challenges faced by it recently.
As a business owner, you have to keep many factors in mind before deciding anything. The same thing goes for PWA. You have to keep certain things into account if you want to implement Progressive Web App in your eCommerce business.
Implementing PWA will be a better option if:
You have an eCommerce Startup
eCommerce startups tend to have fresh and engaging ideas. They only have a budget constraint and a lack of direction to set their vision.
Provided with limited resources and time, it becomes essential for business owners to start a risk-taking venture with less investment at stake.
You are Targeting Android
The App Store is the prime source of revenue generation for Apple. That’s why it took a lot of time for PWAs to let inside.
With Android, PWAs prove to be accepted from the very beginning. Most sites are now having PWA for their APK (Android Package) file with almost similar functions.
Your Site’s Conversion Rate is Low
eCommerce sites face a struggle with conversion rates in spite of having a highly-functional native app. There is a greater chance that such kind of app would be affecting your brand’s development. So, it is advisable to invest in PWA for eCommerce Website development and offer customers the best version of your eCommerce site.
Summing Up
Due to the rise in mobile phone usage, the device has changed the way we used shop. Our demand for a better and engaging user experience, instant load time, and access to information has been rising at a rapid pace.
As a business owner, you can’t overlook the impact of the immersive experience provided by native apps coupled with the accessibility to the internet that PWAs offer. So, getting started with Progressive Web Apps is something that you can’t skip for longer. Whether you have to go for full PWA development or want to take small steps like Push Notifications and “Add to home screen”, it is important to adopt a PWA strategy for a business.
If you are finding the trusted Progressive Web App development services, then you should choose CSSChopper. We can build powerful and functional PWAs that can trigger both the conversion rate and sales performance of your eCommerce business. With proven work experience in this niche, our developers can create a superb Progressive Web App that will deliver a great user experience for the customers.
