Should You Always Use a Business’s App Over Its Website?
If your favourite website creates an app version, you may be wondering if you should start using it over the website. Here are some differences between apps and websites to help you make that decision. Read on to find out our theories on why one might be better than the other.
Benefits of Websites
Despite the benefits of using apps, websites still have an advantage in a few areas. Here are a few reasons that you might prefer visiting a website instead of using the app.
Websites are Available Instantly
Even though apps typically run faster than websites, websites are still readily available and easy to use at any time of day. Because you do not need to download and install websites, you can access them whenever you want without having to download anything first. This makes them easily accessible and a convenient way to access the information you need quickly, as long as you have an internet connection and a suitable device.
Websites are Compatible More Often Than Apps
No matter your device or operational system, you can almost always access a website. But can you always download an app? Not all apps are built for both iOS and Android operating systems. So if you do not have a compatible device or operating system, you may be unable to use some apps. Websites on the other hand can usually be viewed on any device, regardless of whether the device is an iPhone or a Samsung.
Websites are Just More Common
Many customers still simply think of visiting a website when looking to find out more about a business. Businesses oftentimes have websites, so it makes sense to visit them when looking for information about them. Websites are the most common way for businesses to reach their customers, so many businesses have not thought about creating apps just yet.
Benefits of Apps
Websites generally offer the same information as the app does, though there are a few functions that are missing in the app version that websites cannot offer.
An example of an app vs a website is the 10bet betting app as opposed to visiting 10bet.co.za.
Below are a few examples of the benefits of using apps.
You Might Be Able to Connect Offline
Because an app tends to store information locally on your device, you might have the option of connecting offline in some apps. Some apps have a system in place that allows you to view important info when you don’t have internet access. This might for instance become very handy if you travel to access your app to look up information.
Apps are Oftentimes More Speedy
Storing data locally on your device brings another kind of benefit. Apps are oftentimes quicker than accessing a website. This is because you already have some of the information, so your device does not need to download it or transmit the data over the network for you to view it. This can result in a much faster experience than if you were to visit the same site from an internet browser.
Apps Can Be Easily Customised
Website customisation can only go so far. However, when it comes to apps, you will oftentimes be able to set your own preferences, customise your accounts, and keep your information in your app. This gives you more control of your experience and the ability to tailor the app to your needs. Websites rarely offer this level of personalisation to their customers.
Apps are Better for Some Purposes
In conclusion, there are pros to both apps and websites. Websites provide a convenient and accessible way to find out about a company’s products and services. They are compatible with most modern devices, are commonly available, and if you have a decent internet connection, you can load them instantly.
There are still a number of benefits to using apps over websites when accessing information online. Because apps store information locally, they bring some benefits that websites cannot. That means that, for instance, information might be possible to be accessed offline when using apps. Once information is downloaded, it will also possibly load quicker compared to websites.
Additionally, depending on the complexity of the app, there may be additional functions that are not available on websites as well. This can for example enable users to customise apps to their liking. Those are some features that websites do not offer.
Apps might therefore be the better option for online games, tools that are to be used regularly, complex tasks, and offline storing of information.
