Why Choose A Website Over An App?

When you're starting a new digital project, one of the first big decisions you'll face is choosing between a website or a mobile app. It's a bit like deciding whether to open a physical shop on the high street or launch a door-to-door delivery service - both can work brilliantly, but they serve different purposes.

The most successful digital solutions aren't always the most complex ones - they're the ones that best serve their users' needs.

Over our eight years of creating both websites and apps at Glance, we've guided countless businesses through this decision-making process. We've seen firsthand how this choice can feel overwhelming, especially with the pressure to 'go mobile' in today's smartphone-driven world.

But here's something that might surprise you: sometimes, a website is actually the smarter choice. Just as you wouldn't use a sledgehammer to crack a nut, you don't always need a full-blown mobile app to achieve your digital goals. In fact, modern websites can do amazing things - from processing payments to sending notifications - that were once exclusive to mobile apps.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the key factors that might make a website the better choice for your project. We'll explore everything from development costs to user accessibility, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your goals and budget. Whether you're a small business owner or a marketing manager, we'll help you understand when and why a website might be your best path forward.

The Basics of Websites vs Apps

When you're planning your digital presence, understanding the fundamental differences between websites and apps is crucial. Think of a website as your digital shop window that's open to everyone passing by, whilst an app is more like a VIP membership card that lives in your customers' pockets.

Core Differences at a Glance

• Websites are instantly accessible through web browsers, requiring no installation
• Apps need to be downloaded and installed from app stores
• Websites generally work across all devices and operating systems
• Apps are typically platform-specific (iOS or Android)
• Websites can be updated instantly across all users
• Apps require users to download and install updates

Having worked with countless businesses over the past eight years, we've noticed that many people assume they need an app simply because it sounds more modern. However, websites have evolved tremendously since the early days of the internet. Today's websites can do almost everything an app can do, from processing payments to sending push notifications (yes, really!).

The Sweet Spot

Remember how frustrating it was when every restaurant wanted you to download their app during the pandemic? Sometimes, a well-designed, mobile-responsive website is all you need. It's like choosing between building a shop on the high street (website) or creating a members-only club (app) - both have their place, but they serve different purposes.

The key is to focus on what your users actually need, rather than what seems trendy. In many cases, a website provides the perfect balance of accessibility, functionality, and cost-effectiveness.

Cost and Development Time

When you're weighing up whether to build a website or an app, cost and time investment are likely at the forefront of your mind. We've guided hundreds of businesses through this decision, and we understand it's not always straightforward.

Development Costs Compared

Websites typically cost significantly less to develop than mobile apps. Think of it like building a house versus building three identical houses - with an app, you're often developing for multiple platforms (iOS, Android, etc.), whilst a website needs building just once to work everywhere.

From our experience working with businesses since 2015, we've observed that a professional website might cost anywhere from £5,000 to £30,000, while a mobile app usually starts at £20,000 and can exceed £100,000, depending on complexity.

Timeline Considerations

Website development is generally faster too. While a complex website might take 2-3 months to complete, an equivalent app could take 4-6 months or longer. It's rather like the difference between writing a book in one language versus translating it into multiple languages - each platform requires its own development time.

• Website: 8-12 weeks average development time
• Basic mobile app: 12-16 weeks per platform
• Complex app: 24+ weeks per platform
• Website updates: Usually immediate
• App updates: Requires app store approval (2-3 days)

Consider starting with a website first and transitioning to an app later if needed. This approach allows you to test your market with lower initial investment while maintaining a professional online presence.

Reaching Your Target Audience

When it comes to connecting with your audience, websites often have a distinct advantage over mobile apps. Imagine trying to share exciting news about your business - with a website, it's as simple as sending a link that works instantly for everyone. It's rather like having your shop on the high street versus in a members-only club!

The Universal Access Advantage

Websites are brilliant at reaching people regardless of how they prefer to browse. Whether someone's using their work computer, relaxing with their iPad on the sofa, or quickly checking something on their mobile, your website is right there waiting for them. No downloads required, no space needed on their device - just instant access.

Breaking Down Barriers

Think about your own browsing habits. When you discover something interesting, are you more likely to click a link or download an app? Most people prefer the path of least resistance, and websites offer exactly that. They remove what we call 'friction points' - those little hurdles that might make someone think twice about engaging with your business.

We've seen countless examples where businesses achieved better engagement with a well-crafted website compared to an app. Take local restaurants, for instance - their websites typically get far more first-time visitors than their apps ever do. Why? Because when someone's looking for a new place to eat, they're more likely to check out a website than commit to downloading an app.

Remember, your goal is to make it as easy as possible for potential customers to find and interact with your business. In many cases, a website simply offers the smoother path to achieving this goal.

Search Engine Visibility

When it comes to being found online, websites have a clear advantage over mobile apps. Having helped countless businesses make this decision over the past eight years, we've seen firsthand how crucial search visibility can be for overall success.

The SEO Advantage

Websites are naturally more discoverable through search engines like Google. Think about your own online behaviour - when you're looking for a service or information, you probably head straight to a search engine rather than an app store. Your potential customers are doing exactly the same thing.

In the digital world, visibility is currency - if your customers can't find you, you might as well be invisible

Unlike apps, which are primarily discovered through app stores, websites can be optimised for countless keywords and phrases. Remember those times you've googled something as specific as 'best coffee shop near Westminster Bridge open on Sundays'? That's the beauty of website search visibility at work.

Content Flexibility

Websites also offer more flexibility for creating and updating content that search engines love. You can easily add blog posts, articles, and landing pages that answer your customers' specific questions. It's rather like having multiple doors to your business, whilst an app typically offers just one entrance through the app store.

Moreover, websites can be linked to from other sites, social media, and online directories - something that's simply not possible with apps. This creates a web of connections that not only helps with search rankings but also makes it easier for potential customers to find you through various online pathways.

Updates and Maintenance

Let's talk about something that often keeps business owners awake at night: keeping their digital presence up-to-date. Whether you're running a small boutique or managing a large enterprise, understanding the maintenance aspects of websites versus apps is crucial for making an informed decision.

The Website Advantage

One of the most appealing aspects of websites is their straightforward update process. When you need to change content, fix a bug, or roll out new features, these updates happen instantly on your web server. Your visitors will see the changes immediately the next time they load your page - no action required on their part. It's rather like changing the window display in your shop; everyone sees the new display straight away.

App Update Challenges

Apps, while brilliant for certain purposes, require more complex maintenance procedures. Every time you make significant changes, users need to download and install updates through their device's app store. We've all experienced that moment of frustration when our favourite app needs updating just when we want to use it! Plus, you'll need to maintain different versions for iOS and Android, essentially doubling your maintenance workload.

The cost implications are worth considering too. Website maintenance typically involves one codebase and one hosting environment. With apps, you're looking at managing multiple versions across different platforms, each potentially requiring separate development attention. It's a bit like maintaining several shops instead of one central location.

If your business model doesn't require frequent updates or real-time content changes, these differences might not matter much. However, for businesses that need to stay nimble and make regular updates, a website often proves to be the more manageable choice.

Cross-Platform Compatibility

When you're weighing up whether to build a website or an app, one of the most compelling advantages of websites is their natural ability to work seamlessly across different devices and platforms. Think about how frustrating it is when you can't access something because you're using the 'wrong' device - we've all been there!

The Beauty of Universal Access

Websites are like that friendly neighbour who gets along with everyone. Whether your visitors are using a Windows laptop, a MacBook, an Android tablet, or an iPhone, they can access your website through any modern browser. There's no need to create different versions for different operating systems, which is often necessary with mobile apps.

Remember the days when websites looked terrible on mobile phones? Thankfully, with responsive design (which has become standard practice since 2015), websites automatically adjust to fit any screen size. This means your content will look brilliant whether someone's viewing it on their massive desktop monitor or their pocket-sized smartphone.

Always ensure your website uses responsive design and test it across multiple devices and browsers. It's much easier to maintain one responsive website than multiple platform-specific apps.

Future-Proofing Your Digital Presence

Looking ahead, cross-platform compatibility becomes even more crucial as new devices enter the market. While apps need constant updates to stay compatible with the latest operating systems, a well-built website naturally adapts to new platforms and screen sizes. It's rather like having a universal remote control - one solution that works with everything!

User Accessibility

When it comes to reaching your audience, websites often have a distinct advantage over mobile apps. Think about it - have you ever wanted to quickly check something online, only to be prompted to download and install an app first? It can feel like being asked to buy a whole toolbox when you just need a screwdriver!

Instant Access vs Download Barrier

Websites are instantly accessible through any web browser. Your visitors can simply type in your URL or click a link, and they're immediately engaging with your content. It's rather like having your shop door always open, compared to asking customers to register for a membership card before they can browse.

This immediate accessibility is particularly important for businesses targeting older demographics or users in areas with limited mobile data. Remember that not everyone has the latest iPhone with unlimited storage - many people regularly struggle with "storage full" notifications and have to carefully choose which apps to keep.

Universal Device Support

Another brilliant aspect of websites is their universal nature. Whether someone's using their gran's old desktop computer, their work laptop, or their brand-new tablet, your website will be accessible (assuming it's properly responsive, of course). This versatility means you're not excluding anyone based on their choice of device or operating system.

Websites also tend to be more accessible for people using screen readers or other assistive technologies. While both apps and websites can be made accessible, web browsers have years of standardised accessibility features built right in, making it easier to serve users with different needs.

Technical Requirements

When it comes to technical requirements, websites generally offer a more straightforward path than mobile apps. As we've helped countless businesses make this decision over the years, we've noticed that technical complexity often weighs heavily on their minds.

The beauty of websites lies in their simplicity - they require nothing more than a browser and an internet connection to reach millions of users worldwide

Website Technical Needs

For websites, you'll primarily need a domain name, hosting service, and SSL certificate. Your development team can use standard web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Most modern websites are responsive by default, meaning they'll work beautifully across different screen sizes without extra effort.

Comparing with App Requirements

Mobile apps, on the other hand, require more technical considerations. You'll need to think about operating system compatibility, device-specific features, app store requirements, and regular updates to maintain compatibility with new OS versions. Think of it like maintaining a car versus a bicycle - both will get you where you need to go, but one requires significantly more upkeep!

For many businesses, especially those just starting their digital journey, a website's technical simplicity can be a blessing. You won't need to worry about complex SDK implementations, native development environments, or managing multiple codebases for different platforms. Plus, if you need to make quick changes or updates, websites allow for immediate deployments without waiting for app store approval processes.

When a Website Makes More Business Sense

Let's be honest - whilst mobile apps are brilliant for many purposes, sometimes a website is simply the smarter choice for your business. Having worked with hundreds of companies over the past eight years, we've noticed some clear scenarios where websites tend to be the better option.

Content-First Businesses

If your business primarily shares information - think blogs, news sites, or educational resources - a website is often your best bet. Imagine reading your favourite newspaper; you wouldn't want to download an app just to read one article, would you? Websites offer instant access without the commitment of an app download.

Budget-Conscious Ventures

For small businesses and startups working with limited resources, websites typically offer more bang for your buck. They're generally less expensive to develop and maintain, whilst still providing all the essential functionality most businesses need. Think of it like choosing between buying a house (app) and renting a flat (website) when you're just starting out - the latter often makes more practical sense.

Websites are particularly suitable if you're looking to establish a basic online presence, showcase your products or services, or if your business model doesn't require complex interactive features. They're also ideal if you're testing a new market or concept and need the flexibility to make quick changes based on user feedback.

Remember, choosing between a website and an app isn't about following trends - it's about making a practical business decision based on your specific needs, resources, and goals.

Conclusion

Choosing between a website and an app isn't always straightforward, but we hope this guide has helped clarify the key considerations. Websites often emerge as the practical choice for many businesses, particularly those just establishing their digital presence or working with budget constraints.

Remember, it's not about following what others are doing - it's about what makes sense for your unique situation. A well-designed website can offer remarkable flexibility, broader reach, and cost-effective solutions that might serve your needs perfectly. Just think about how many times you've found a business through a quick Google search rather than visiting an app store!

That said, this isn't a one-size-fits-all scenario. Your choice should align with your business goals, target audience, and available resources. Perhaps you might start with a website and consider an app as your business grows - many successful companies have followed this path.

What matters most is making an informed decision based on your specific circumstances. Whether you're a small boutique in Manchester or a growing consultancy in Edinburgh, take time to evaluate your needs carefully. Consider your budget, your audience's preferences, and your long-term business strategy.

If you're still unsure about which path to take, don't worry - that's perfectly normal. The digital landscape is complex and ever-changing. The key is to start somewhere, measure your results, and adjust your strategy as needed. After all, the most important step is taking that first step towards establishing your digital presence.