Why Choose An App Over A Website?

In today's digital landscape, one of the most crucial decisions businesses face is choosing between developing a mobile app or a website. It's a bit like deciding whether to open a physical shop or an online store - both have their merits, but they serve different purposes and audiences.

The choice between an app and a website isn't about following trends - it's about providing the best possible experience for your users in a way that aligns with your business goals.

We understand that making this decision can feel overwhelming. You might be wondering about development costs, user engagement, or whether your customers will even download an app in the first place. These are all valid concerns that we've helped countless businesses navigate over the years.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore why many organisations are choosing to develop mobile apps over traditional websites. We'll look at real-world examples, discuss the advantages and potential drawbacks, and help you understand when an app might be the better choice for your specific needs.

Whether you're a small business owner looking to enhance customer engagement, or a larger organisation aiming to streamline operations, this guide will provide you with clear, practical insights to inform your decision. We'll walk through everything from user experience considerations to technical capabilities, ensuring you have all the information needed to make an informed choice.

Let's begin this journey by understanding the fundamental differences between apps and websites, and how these differences might impact your business objectives.

Understanding the Basics: Apps vs Websites

Let's start with something we all know: pulling out our mobile phones has become as natural as breathing. Whether you're waiting for the bus or having your morning cuppa, chances are you're reaching for your phone rather than your laptop. This shift in behaviour is precisely why the 'app vs website' discussion has become so crucial for businesses in 2025.

Think of websites as your digital shop window - they're accessible through any browser and adapt to different screen sizes. Mobile apps, on the other hand, are like having a dedicated boutique in your customers' pockets. They're installed directly on devices and designed specifically for mobile use.

Key Differences at a Glance

• Installation: Apps need downloading from app stores, websites are instantly accessible via browsers
• Device Integration: Apps can use camera, GPS, and other phone features more seamlessly
• Performance: Apps generally run faster and smoother than mobile websites
• Updates: Websites update automatically, apps usually require user action
• Storage: Apps take up device space, websites don't

Having worked with hundreds of businesses over the years, we've noticed that many struggle with this decision. It's rather like choosing between opening a physical shop or an online store - both have their merits, and sometimes you might want both!

What's fascinating is how this choice affects different industries differently. For instance, a local café might benefit more from a responsive website, while a fitness business might find an app more suitable for tracking customer workouts and providing personalised content.

The Power of Mobile-First Design

Remember when you last tried to use a desktop website on your mobile phone, pinching and zooming just to read the text? Frustrating, wasn't it? That's exactly why mobile-first design has become so crucial in today's digital landscape.

What is Mobile-First Design?

Mobile-first design is exactly what it sounds like - designing for mobile devices before considering larger screens. Think of it like building a house: you start with the essential foundation (mobile design) and then expand to add more features (desktop version), rather than trying to squeeze a mansion into a tiny plot of land.

In 2023, with over 60% of web traffic coming from mobile devices, this approach isn't just smart - it's essential. When you build an app with mobile-first principles, you're creating an experience that feels natural and intuitive on the device most people use most often.

The Core Benefits

• Content prioritisation - showing users what they need most, when they need it
• Faster loading times - optimised for mobile networks from the start
• Better user engagement - touch-friendly interfaces that feel natural
• Improved accessibility - easier navigation and readability
• Future-proof design - ready for emerging mobile technologies

When designing an app with mobile-first principles, we're not just making things look good on a smaller screen - we're creating an experience that puts your users' needs first, wherever they are and whatever device they're using.

Always test your app design on multiple device sizes during development. What looks perfect on your phone might need adjustments on tablets or other screen sizes.

Enhanced User Experience and Engagement

Think about the last time you tried to navigate a website on your mobile phone whilst rushing to catch the tube. Frustrating, wasn't it? This is where mobile apps truly shine. Apps are designed specifically for your device's screen size and capabilities, creating an experience that feels natural and intuitive.

Unlike websites, which need to work across multiple platforms, apps can be tailored precisely to how people use their mobile devices. Imagine the difference between using the BBC News website versus their app - the app provides smoother navigation, faster loading times, and content that's perfectly formatted for your screen.

Key UX Advantages of Mobile Apps

• Smoother transitions and animations that feel natural to touch
• Customised interfaces that remember user preferences
• Gesture controls like swipes and pinch-to-zoom
• Personalised content based on user behaviour
• Seamless integration with device features

The enhanced engagement isn't just about aesthetics - it's about creating meaningful interactions. For instance, a retail app can remember your size preferences, suggest items based on your style, and make the checkout process virtually effortless. This level of personalisation simply isn't possible with traditional websites.

Our experience shows that well-designed apps typically see user session times up to 4 times longer than mobile websites. This increased engagement often translates to higher conversion rates and stronger customer relationships - essential metrics for any modern business in 2025.

Offline Access and Performance

Remember the last time you were stuck on the Underground or in a lift with spotty reception, desperately trying to access a website? It's frustrating, isn't it? This is where mobile apps truly shine compared to their web-based cousins.

The Magic of Offline Functionality

Mobile apps can store data directly on your device, meaning you can access key features and content even without an internet connection. Think about apps like Spotify, which lets you download playlists for offline listening, or Google Maps, which can save entire city maps for offline navigation. This functionality isn't just convenient - it's transformative for user experience.

The best mobile apps are like faithful friends - they're there for you even when the internet isn't

Speed and Performance Benefits

Apps generally perform faster than websites because they store their data locally on your device. When you open an app, it doesn't need to download assets like images and styling information every single time - unlike websites. This means smoother animations, quicker load times, and a more responsive experience overall.

Take the example of a banking app versus a banking website. The app might take a second to launch, but once it's running, everything feels instantaneous. The website, meanwhile, needs to load new pages for each action. In today's world, where every millisecond counts, this performance difference can significantly impact user satisfaction and engagement.

Moreover, apps can be optimised for specific devices, ensuring they run smoothly on different screen sizes and processing capabilities. This level of optimisation is much harder to achieve with websites, which need to work across all platforms and browsers.

Better Access to Device Features

Think about your mobile phone for a moment. It's packed with amazing features like a camera, GPS, fingerprint scanner, and motion sensors. Now, imagine being able to tap into all these brilliant bits of technology to create something special for your users. That's exactly what mobile apps can do!

Unlocking Your Device's Full Potential

While websites can access some device features through your browser, they're quite limited compared to mobile apps. It's rather like having a Swiss Army knife but only being allowed to use the bottle opener! Native apps, on the other hand, can harness the full power of your device's hardware and software.

Let's look at some practical examples. A fitness app can use your phone's accelerometer to count steps and measure workout intensity. A banking app might use your fingerprint sensor for secure logins, whilst a photo-editing app can directly access your camera for instant snapshots. Even something as simple as scanning a QR code is smoother and more reliable with an app than a website.

Creating Seamless Experiences

Perhaps you've noticed how apps like Instagram or Snapchat seamlessly blend multiple device features - camera, location, contacts, and storage - to create engaging experiences. That's because apps can integrate these features more deeply than websites ever could. In our experience at Glance, this ability to tap into device features often makes the difference between a good user experience and a brilliant one.

Remember when we had to carry separate devices for photos, music, and navigation? Today's smartphones pack all these features into one device, and mobile apps are your key to unlocking their full potential.

Building Customer Loyalty with Push Notifications

Remember the last time a friend gave you a gentle nudge about meeting up for coffee? Push notifications work in much the same way - they're friendly reminders that keep users connected with your app. At Glance, we've seen how these little messages can transform the way businesses build lasting relationships with their customers.

The Personal Touch

Unlike websites that require users to actively visit them, apps can reach out proactively through push notifications. Imagine being able to whisper directly into your customer's ear about that special offer they've been waiting for, or letting them know their favourite product is back in stock. It's like having a considerate friend who always keeps you in the loop.

But here's the crucial bit - push notifications aren't just about marketing. They're about creating meaningful moments of connection. Whether it's celebrating a user's achievement in your fitness app or sending a timely reminder about an upcoming appointment, these touchpoints help weave your brand into the fabric of users' daily lives.

• Immediate delivery and high visibility
• Personalised messaging based on user behaviour
• Time-sensitive updates and alerts
• Location-based notifications
• Enhanced engagement through rich media content

Always respect your users' attention by sending relevant, timely notifications. It's better to send one meaningful message than ten generic ones that might lead to app deletion.

When implemented thoughtfully, push notifications can boost engagement by up to 88% - but remember, it's not about the quantity of notifications, but their quality and relevance to your users' needs.

Cost and Return on Investment

When considering the investment between an app and a website, it's natural to feel overwhelmed by the initial costs. We often hear from business owners who are concerned about the higher upfront investment that apps typically require. Let's be completely transparent about this: yes, apps generally cost more to develop initially than websites.

However, the return on investment (ROI) often tells a different story. Think of it like choosing between renting or buying a house - while buying requires a larger upfront investment, the long-term benefits often outweigh the initial costs.

Key ROI Factors to Consider

• Higher user engagement rates (typically 3-4 times more than mobile websites)
• Increased customer lifetime value through better retention
• Revenue opportunities through in-app purchases and subscriptions
• Reduced marketing costs through push notifications
• Lower long-term maintenance costs compared to supporting multiple browser versions

While a simple website might cost £5,000-£15,000, a professional app could range from £20,000-£60,000 or more. However, our experience shows that apps typically generate 3-5 times more revenue per user compared to websites, primarily due to improved user experience and engagement rates.

Consider Deliveroo's journey - they started with a website but found that over 80% of their orders now come through their app. The initial investment in app development has paid for itself many times over through increased order frequency and customer loyalty.

Remember, the key isn't just about choosing the cheapest option - it's about selecting the solution that will provide the best long-term value for your specific business needs and customer expectations.

Security and Data Protection

When it comes to protecting sensitive data, native mobile apps often have the upper hand over websites. Think about how you feel when entering your credit card details or sharing personal information online – we all want that extra peace of mind, don't we?

Security isn't just a feature, it's a fundamental right that every user deserves in today's digital world

Built-in Security Features

Mobile apps can take advantage of your device's built-in security features, such as fingerprint scanning, face recognition, or PIN protection. It's like having a sophisticated lock on your front door instead of just a simple latch. These additional layers of security make it significantly harder for unauthorised users to access sensitive information.

Data Protection Advantages

Unlike websites, mobile apps can store data locally in an encrypted format, similar to keeping your valuables in a digital safe. This means even if someone manages to access your device, they won't be able to read the encrypted information. Plus, mobile apps can implement certificate pinning, which prevents those sneaky man-in-the-middle attacks that websites are sometimes vulnerable to.

Another brilliant aspect of mobile apps is their ability to separate and protect data from other applications. Imagine your app as having its own private room in a shared house – other apps can't simply walk in and access what's inside. This isolation helps prevent data leaks and creates a more secure environment for your users' sensitive information.

Remember those times when you've had to re-enter your password on a website because your session expired? With mobile apps, we can implement more sophisticated and secure authentication methods that last longer while maintaining high security standards.

When a Website Might Be Better

While we're passionate about creating brilliant mobile apps, we believe in complete honesty: sometimes a website is actually the better choice for your needs. It's rather like choosing between a Swiss Army knife and a chef's knife - both are brilliant tools, but each shines in different situations.

Perfect for Simple Information Sharing

If your primary goal is to share information that doesn't require frequent updates or complex interactions, a website might be your best bet. Think of businesses like local restaurants or professional services - they often just need to display their menu, opening hours, and contact details. In these cases, a well-designed website can do the job perfectly well, and often at a lower initial cost.

When Broad Accessibility Matters Most

Websites have a distinct advantage when it comes to universal accessibility. Anyone with an internet connection and a browser can access your content, regardless of their device or operating system. This is particularly important for academic institutions, government services, or businesses that need to reach the widest possible audience without requiring them to download anything.

Also, if you're just testing the waters with a new business idea or service, starting with a website allows you to validate your concept before investing in app development. Many successful apps, including Instagram and Twitter, actually started as websites before evolving into the mobile-first experiences we know today.

The key is to be honest about your needs and resources. While mobile apps offer incredible opportunities for engagement and functionality, sometimes the simplest solution is the best one for your current situation.

Conclusion

Choosing between an app and a website isn't always straightforward, rather like deciding between a Swiss Army knife and a traditional knife - both have their unique strengths. Through this guide, we've explored how mobile apps can offer enhanced user experiences, better performance, and stronger customer relationships when implemented thoughtfully.

The decision ultimately comes down to your specific needs, goals, and circumstances. If you're looking to create deep, lasting relationships with your users, leverage device features, or provide lightning-fast experiences even without internet connectivity, a mobile app might be your best path forward. However, if your primary goal is to share information broadly or provide simple services to a wide audience, a well-designed website could serve you perfectly well.

Remember, this isn't necessarily an either-or situation. Many successful businesses maintain both a mobile app and a website, using each platform for what it does best. Think of popular retailers like Marks & Spencer or Tesco - their websites offer broad accessibility, whilst their apps provide a more personalised, feature-rich experience for regular customers.

Whatever path you choose, the key is to put your users first. Consider their needs, habits, and preferences above all else. Whether it's an app, a website, or both, success comes from creating solutions that genuinely make people's lives easier and better.

The mobile digital landscape continues to evolve at a remarkable pace, and what works today might need adjustment tomorrow. Stay informed, remain flexible, and always keep your users at the heart of your decisions.