A Progressive Web App is a website with the powers of a native app. It works on any browser and device, loads instantly from cache, keeps running on a shaky connection, needs no app-store download or approval, and installs from a URL with an icon on the home screen. For a business with mobile visitors, it delivers the app experience without the app-store friction.
Why consider a PWA for your business?
As more people use a smartphone to reach your website and applications, adopting technology like a PWA lets you serve them a better experience. Google introduced Progressive Web Apps in 2015, and companies have been investing in the technology ever since to reach and engage customers on mobile.
What is a PWA?
A PWA is a hybrid where a website meets an app. It is a website with the added functionality of a native app, and it gives the user the experience of both at once.
The benefits of a PWA
- Progressive. It works across browsers and devices, starting with basic functionality and adding features and a richer interface when the device is more capable.
- App-like. Although it is a website, it feels like an app, with a home-screen icon and no URL bar.
- Real-time data. It loads cached data on start-up and refreshes with live data immediately after.
- Connectivity independent. It keeps working even when the connection is missing or unreliable.
- No downloads. There is nothing to fetch from an app store. Users open it by URL the first time, then tap the home-screen icon after.
- No approval delays. You are not held up by app-store review. Update it on your site and users get the new version fast.
- Sharable. It can be shared as easily as a link.
Whether a PWA is the right choice depends on your users and goals, which is the kind of call we help make when deciding to build custom software instead of forcing off-the-shelf tools.
Reach your mobile users better
If most of your visitors are on phones, we can tell you whether a PWA fits, and build one that gives them an app experience without the app store.
Ask about a PWAQuestions businesses ask about PWAs
What is a Progressive Web App?
A PWA is a hybrid where a website meets an app. It is a website with the added functionality and feel of a native app, giving users the experience of both without a separate download.
Do users need to download a PWA from an app store?
No. A user opens a PWA by entering the URL in a browser, and can then add an icon to the home screen. There is no app-store download and no approval delay when you release an update.
Does a PWA work without an internet connection?
It can. A PWA loads cached data on start-up and updates with real-time data once it loads, so it keeps working even when the connection is missing or sketchy.
Should my business consider a PWA?
If a growing share of your visitors are on smartphones, a PWA gives them an app-like experience without the friction of an app store, which makes it easier to reach and engage them. We can advise whether it fits your case.