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What are Progressive Web Apps?

If you have wondered whether web apps will ever behave like modern mobile apps with enhanced features, then you are in for a treat. Technology giants like Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Mozilla have come with a newer technology involving web applications known as Progressive Web Apps (PWA’s). These apps behave similarly to native apps with offline support, syncing and push notifications which can run on all browsers and platforms.

‘Progressive’ term represents the enhanced features that are added to the normal web applications such as web camera, location services, and other trackers frequently found in mobile applications. These apps can be installed directly on to the web browser and a shortcut icon will appear on the home taskbar. When you launch this app on your screen, it will start performing its tasks quickly and send you instant notifications even if you’re offline.

How do Progressive Web Apps Work?

Progressive web apps are websites that behave like a mobile application with many features technically present in a native app. These apps are enhanced with modern APIs to make them reliable, capable and installable on any device anywhere. PWA’s are generally written using a single code base like JAVA, HTML 5 and other similar web languages.

Progressive Web Apps have six important features,

1. Web Manifest: Web manifest is a JSON file that will add metadata of the website such as icon, font size, background colour, and name of the application. This helps the user to see the PWA display on the home screen.

2. Service Worker: A service worker is a JavaScript file that runs in the background of the user’s browser. A service worker is responsible for delivering offline requests including push notifications, background syncing and cache data.

3. HTTPS connection: Having a secure HTTPS connection is necessary to download and use a PWA safely. This will prevent harmful hackers from leaching data from the browser and website.

4. APP Shell: A progressive web app is made to look like a native app by creating an icon and its local resources stored inside an app shell. When you click on the app, it loads on the web browser by using the local cache available inside the app shell.

5. Background Synchronization: This feature enables the user to receive information that was sent during poor or zero connectivity issues. It holds the information until the user connects to the network again.

6. Push Notifications: Push notifications are frequent updates sent to the user to keep them engaged in the app. These notifications are commonly available on a mobile app and in PWA’s these are made to work with a notification API.

Applications of Progressive Web Apps

It is unnecessary for all businesses to own a progressive web app. If your company has less information to display on a website, then a traditional website will be sufficient for it. In case of excess web traffic and display of many products, you might need a progressive web app as it can occupy a large memory space if created as a mobile application.

Many popular companies like Flipkart, Twitter, Hulu, Pinterest have recently converted their website into a Progressive Web App because of its wonderful advantages. Statistics show that these companies saw a 60% increase in web traffic, 40% improved revenues and a 70% conversion rate from launching the site from the home screen icon.

Advantages of Progressive Web Apps

Progressive Web Apps have several advantages over regular websites such as,

• Faster Page Speeds: PWA’s deliver 2-4 times greater page speeds than conventional websites. These apps work faster and deliver improved results.

• App-like experience: PWA’s create a genuine app-like experience to the user as it can be downloaded, launched on their home screen just like a native app. These apps can be installed even without visiting a web store and in a poor network connection.

• Instant Updates: The best part of PWA is that the developer can make instant updates to the app without sending information back and forth to a web store. Content can be updated directly, providing a seamless experience to the user.

• Improved Features: PWA’s can be installed with the latest app features such as location accessibility, user data tracking, local video chat, media controls, and clipboard support.

• Monetizing capabilities: Many are unaware of the fact that PWA’s have the capabilities to increase revenues faster than other app technologies. They let companies display ads in various formats and integrate with popular ad networks like Google AdSense, thus opening the channel for greater profits.

If you have to create a Progressive Web App for your business, then approach a company like us with expertise in it to provide good PWA development services.

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Have you Considered Website and Mobile Apps to Boost Your Business?

With the e-commerce industry flourishing in every nook and corner of the world, every business must focus on developing customized mobile and website apps for engaging with potential customers. Apps have become an integral part of our lives. From online shopping, entertainment to money transfer, everything can be done with the help of these apps.

Global statistics show that,

• 90% of mobile time is spent on apps.
• 85% of the world population prefers shopping through apps.
• 67% of mobile phone users visit the web through their smartphones.
• 60% of searches were on mobile and 40% on desktop.
• People view apps more than websites.
• 80% of global connections will be made through smartphones by 2025.

With plenty of importance to web and mobile applications, there is no doubt that these are taking the world by storm in this decade. Businesses must consider creating user-friendly and comprehensive mobile and web applications to grow their business globally.

Mobile and web Apps
Mobile and web Apps To Boost Your Business

What is a Website Application?

Website applications (web apps) are customized software programs that perform a specific function on the internet browser. These apps can be assessed through a network and need not be downloaded. Web apps are designed mostly for popular browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari. The most commonly used web apps include e-commerce shops, calculators, emails and personalized utilities.

What is a Mobile Application?

Mobile applications (mobile apps) are customized software designed to run on a smartphone, watch or tablet. These apps can be downloaded only with the help of a mobile device. Most mobile apps are commonly used for gaming, entertainment, media, and e-commerce.

How Do Web and Mobile Applications Boost Businesses?

It is best to create efficient and easy-to-use web and mobile apps because it can expand your brand’s reputation, recognition, sales, revenue and customer satisfaction. Most of these apps can be made free-to-download, which can instantly raise target customers and boost profits without spending a lot of money.

Here are some ways that apps can help boost your revenues,

Expand Target Audience

Customers are the backbone of every business. By making them download your brand app, you are creating a heightened awareness about your products, services, and also making them make a purchase without leaving their houses. Apps can easily make a connection with your customers, and there are higher chances for recommendations to other users. These can build a stronger network with the target customers anywhere at any time.

Heighten Customer Loyalty and Retention

Every business wants to cater to the needs of their customers successfully to make them stick to the brands for a longer time. Since it takes a lot of effort to connect with existing customers through websites, a simple app will help make lasting impressions within a shorter span of time. Customers can buy, visit and interact with the brand 24/7 through the app which increases customer loyalty and retention.

Amplify Brand Value

It becomes crucial for startups, small and large-scale businesses to establish themselves as a successful brand. With the help of user-friendly apps, brands have greater success in creating and maintaining their reputation and brand name as it provides uninterrupted visibility and exposure to a wide range of audiences. Services and customer support can be operated 24/7 through mobile and web apps which helps in achieving greater trust and recognition for your brand.

Enhance Social Media Integration

Social media platforms are becoming the most essential entities for the success and profits of a brand. It is easy to connect to social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram through mobile and web apps. These apps can bring in a new audience as well as advertise your services to bring in greater profits for your business.

Improve Business Operations and Marketing

Brands must automate and implement their brand operations in a streamlined manner to function effectively in the long run. By creating a secure mobile and web app, the productivity and efficiency of employees can be improved greatly. Salesforce and marketing activities can be carried out digitally through push notifications, in-app advertisements, and location-based marketing.