01/04/2021
Share:Share on Twitter

Everything you’d like to know about the PWA, but are afraid to ask

Table of contents:


Most online businesses strive to ensure their e-stores stay aligned with the latest trends in online sales. Until recently, the dominant approach involved investing in responsive websites and, separately, native mobile applications. However, more and more eCommerce leaders are now turning to hybrid solutions like Progressive Web Apps (PWA). What sets them apart? Progressive Web Apps combine the advantages of websites and mobile applications. Websites built with PWA technology offer users functionality and speed comparable to mobile apps while remaining accessible through a browser, eliminating the need for installation.

In this article, we’ll explore what PWA is, the benefits it brings, and why it’s worth considering if you’re planning to grow your online store. Read on to unlock the full potential of your eCommerce business!

What is a Progressive Web App in practice?

Online shopping has largely shifted to mobile channels. Users appreciate the speed and convenience offered by smartphones. However, paradoxically, they are increasingly reluctant to download mobile apps. Why? The installation process can be time-consuming and requires extra steps, such as searching for the app in a store. For many, this feels unnecessary, especially when they can shop just as conveniently directly through a browser – which is precisely what a PWA-based website enables.

Progressive Web Apps (PWA) are essentially web applications built using technologies like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. They provide users with fast, responsive, and engaging experiences while remaining fully accessible through a browser. This means they work seamlessly on any device, regardless of the operating system, screen size, or type.

More than improved User Experience - the capabilities of PWA

Without a great user experience, achieving high conversion rates in an online store is difficult. Even minor glitches on a website can discourage customers from completing their purchases, and the stakes are even higher for mobile users. According to research by Toptal.com, smartphone users are five times more likely to abandon a site if it isn’t optimized for mobile devices.

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) address this issue. PWAs are not only fully responsive but also designed with mobile devices in mind, following mobile-first design principles. They offer advanced features that were previously exclusive to native apps, such as:

  • geolocation services - allowing personalized user experiences, such as showing nearby pickup points or tailoring offers to the customer’s location.
  • push notifications- a powerful tool for engaging users, reminding them about promotions, new arrivals, or abandoned carts.
  • home screen icons - a PWA can be “installed” on a user’s device as an icon, enabling quick access to the store without needing to search through a browser.
  • access to mobile device features – such as the camera, which can be useful for scanning QR codes, uploading product images, or supporting augmented reality (AR) functions.

PWA for asambeauty Installing the PWA app on your phone in two easy steps (asambeauty.com PWA)

These advanced features make PWAs offer more than standard mobile websites while remaining more accessible and cost-effective compared to native apps. Moreover, PWAs eliminate the need to create separate mobile applications for each operating system, such as iOS or Android. This translates to significant cost savings in both development and maintenance while ensuring a consistent user experience across all platforms. As a result, PWAs are not only modern but also a highly cost-effective solution for online stores.

What can you gain from a PWA? Benefits of implementing a Progressive Web Application

Seamless UX (user experience) that ensures consistent user interactions across devices is just one of the advantages PWAs bring. They also provide advanced support for eCommerce strategies, extending beyond aesthetics and smooth functionality. PWAs help boost efficiency, reduce technological costs, and improve customer satisfaction, directly contributing to better sales performance.

Here’s what you’ll gain by implementing a PWA:

  • improved performance - PWA-based sites load instantly, even with slower internet connections, thanks to caching technology and intelligent data management. Faster performance enhances user experience and reduces bounce rates.
  • platform security - PWAs operate over HTTPS, ensuring a high level of data security for users. This gives both customers and store owners confidence that transactions and shared information are well-protected.
  • cost and time optimization - implementing a PWA eliminates the need to develop separate mobile apps for iOS and Android. A single codebase works across multiple platforms, significantly reducing the cost of development, maintenance, and updates.
  • easier business scalability - PWAs are easy to integrate with new features and modules, enabling smooth business scaling. Their responsiveness and versatility make them adaptable to evolving business needs and customer expectations.
  • increased conversions - faster loading, better responsiveness, and advanced features like push notifications or the ability to save the store’s icon to the home screen drive higher user engagement. This, in turn, leads to increased conversion rates and sales growth.

Final verdict - is investing in PWA worth it?

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are a modern solution that combines the advantages of websites and mobile apps, delivering speed, performance, and user convenience. With PWAs, you can boost conversions, reduce technology costs, and provide customers with an exceptional shopping experience, regardless of the device they use.

Implementing a PWA doesn’t require rebuilding your website from scratch – it can be integrated into your existing platform. Additionally, tools like Magento PWA Studio or ScandiPWA simplify the implementation process. If you’re looking to grow your online store while offering customers innovative and convenient solutions, PWAs are the future of your business.Curious about how a PWA implementation would work for your business? Reach out to us, and let’s discuss your project!

Contact

Interested?
Let's discuss your ideas!

Send a message!