Mobile apps have become a crucial part and parcel of our life. Progressive web applications were conceived by Google in 2015. By adding the term progressive, it was implied how the end-user progressively builds relationships with an app that is long-lasting and powerful.
Developers increasingly are preferring to create progressive web applications because they have the ability to load faster and also perform much better than its corelatives; native apps and web pages. They are websites that look and feel like an app but are still websites.
Hence progressive web application development necessarily can become a part of your system and also work offline. If you work on chrome with the essential flags on, then the user will automatically be directed to install the app when the website is visited.
With the promise of faster loading times that progressive web applications bring, businesses can enjoy undeniable benefits of augmented conversion rates. Back in 2017, Lancome converted into a progressive web application format that translated into a 17% increase in conversions.
For increased customer engagement swift navigation, quick prompts and better browser compatibility with easy responsiveness are powerful metrics that come with Progressive web applications. The progressive web applications mimic a real mobile applications because it is installed on the devices. When Forbes decided to go the progressive way, it had a belief that it will convert into more engagements and finally conversions. After implementing PWA, readers immediately get a push notification informing them about an update in the content. Loading time pushed high and the page became lightweight.
- The sessions per user increased by 43%
- Their engagement rate almost doubled!
- There was a six-fold increase in users reading the complete article
- The intensity of the scrolls also improves three times.
Companies in their quest for tools that would increase their engagement rates believe that click-through rates, bounce rates and session periods are the biggest drivers for it. According to Larry Kim, Mobile Monkey CEO clearly indicates that the longer the session time, the better will be the search rankings on Google.
Features of Progressive web application
- Responsiveness and browser compatibility: Progressive web applications have been designed based on progressive enhancement strategies which are a web design strategy aimed at providing the basic functionalities to the users regardless of how their network is or how the quality of the web browser is. However old your browser is, whichever device you operate on, progressive web applications will always provide basic convenient functions. Those users who use new browsers will enjoy the rich versions but that doesn’t eliminate the plain vanilla users from enjoying its virtues.
- Great connectivity: whatever be the quality of your connection, it doesn’t have any bearing on the performance of progressive web applications.
- Similar to native apps: Progressive web applications are pretty similar to native apps in terms of navigation and interaction.
- Updates by itself: Usually native apps need a high data connection or a strong wi-fi network for updates, progressive web applications update all by themselves.
- Secure: With HTTPS comes higher security measures. Progressive web applications ensure that no unauthorized user gains access to any of the content on the website.
- Easy installation: They can also be detected easily as they are routed through a URL. Set up also is very simple because the users only have to visit the site and add the application to their home screen.
The advantages of Progressive web applications are many. We have listed some of the most important ones.
Cheaper to build:
An individual progressive web application can cater to several devices minimizing the developer’s effort and time. With this benefit comes the added benefit of reduced costs. PWA’s are believed to cost 3-4 times cheaper than a native mobile app.
Looks and feels like an app:
Mobile users prefer seeing an app than visiting a website. A surge of 45% will be experienced between 2017 and 2022 in mobile downloads internationally. Progressive web applications will add to the experience by providing enriched user experience. With its ability to work offline, it will also augment user engagement because it will give you the look and feel of a regular app.
Installs faster:
Native mobile app installations require human intervention for installation which can be complex too. But, progressive web applications come with an easy installation process because there is no need to go to the app store to install. With fast loading and easy installation the chances that the user abandons the app minimizes.
Superior performance:
The cache of progressive web applications service text, images and other videos in a smooth fashion helping them function like a quintessential website. Faster running speed will speed their operation and also will finally impact user engagement and conversion.
Easy updating:
They have the functionalities which let them update automatically without seeking permission and user knowing about it. When the user visits the website, the app gets automatically updated
PWA’s possess functionalities that help them update by itself without the user knowing about it and seeking permission. Whenever the user visits the websites the apps updates by itself terminating the need to download batches and install them separately. There is no human participation like native apps yet you will receive your updates. There are some progressive apps that send push-notifications to intimate the user about a new update that can be changed.
Problem-free offline operation:
Progressive web applications work seamlessly both offline and online. They function well irrespective of fluctuating connectivity. The service workers cache the essential features of the application which can be accessible with an internet connection.
Push notifications:
You can now gain access into device-specific features as you do in the case of native mobile applications. The benefits can be exploited well especially the benefit of push notifications. Nearly 60% of users allow the installed PWA’s to send them push notifications which can be grabbed further for promotions. It will surely help your brand to get better noticed thereby increasing visibility and conversions.
Summing upProgressive web applications are in its nascent stage but there is no denying that companies are beginning to understand its potential. In a world where web technology is taking a paradigm shift, chalking out a plan for PWA can be a smart move.
