Mobile users don’t always download apps for their favorite brands and companies. That said, they do still want the mobile website experience to mirror that of an app’s organisation and functionality. The importance of a progressive web app cannot be stressed enough. There are several sites that utilise all that progressive web apps have to offer that can inspire brands exploring their mobile options. When it comes to moving forward with the development of a mobile web platform, these best progressive web apps serve as great examples of what to offer your audience.
What are Progressive Web Apps?
A Progressive Web App is a term coined by Google to define the mobile web browsing experience. More specifically, a progressive web app is a website that features app-like functionality when accessed on a mobile device. Despite the many iOS and Android differences, users who visit this site via mobile navigate the page using features commonly found in an app.
A huge perk to this offering is that users can experience the simplicity and speed of an app while still staying in their mobile browser. Many brands utilise this web build to maximise on the growing number of hours spent on mobile devices versus traditional desktop platforms. Sites that invest in progressive web apps features find themselves ahead of the competition. Here are a few that are doing it notably well.
Great Progressive Web App Examples
When deciding on a platform for a mobile app, you end up needing to choose Android or iOS. With a progressive web app, however, you can reach all users in a way that is familiar to everyone. A few websites that really nail the web app layout can serve as ample inspiration for what this sort of technology could do for your business.
Pinterest has an app, but when you log onto their website, you essentially arrive at the same experience. Their progressive web app features include things like easy to navigate pages, well-placed ad-clicks, and a clean interface. If you don’t have the app and just use the site via a mobile web browser, you essentially get the same experience.
Another good example of the capabilities of PWAs is Starbucks. When you go to their mobile site, you see the same ordering features you would if you downloaded the app. There are clear menus, options for picking up drinks, and location services that operate in-browser. The site’s rewards program pushes users who want benefits for their purchases to download the app for convenience but still offers all the experiences found in-app on their mobile site. The best progressive web apps have features such as this one that rewards its users.
Lastly, Twitter Lite is a wonderful progressive web app that does offer some different features based on the device. For this particular website, the best operating system for all of its features is Android, which allows for push notifications from the browser and other perks. Still, using the IOS progressive web app is also a fully-functional alternative to the Twitter app.
Why Choose a Progressive Web App Versus a Traditional App
In many cases, mobile app development can be costly and time-consuming. If you’re on a tighter budget or want a faster turn-around time, hiring developers to build a progressive web app can likely achieve you more favorable results. The right fit for you depends on your needs and goals for your business.
Talk with a team member at Glance today to find out if a progressive web app is a right fit for you. Whether it’s a progressive web app tutorial or directly building a progressive web app, they’ll make sure you have what you need to implement this technology.
