With the increasing number of consumers using mobile devices for online shopping, it has become essential for e-commerce stores to optimize their platforms for mobile users.
In the past, mobile websites, mobile apps, and hybrid apps were the primary methods for conducting e-commerce on handheld devices. However, these methods had limitations that hindered maximum engagement and user experience.
To address these challenges, Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) emerged as a revolutionary solution in 2015. Combining the best features of native apps and traditional websites, PWAs offer a seamless and engaging experience for mobile users.
Despite the existence of PWAs for quite some time, not all e-commerce businesses have transitioned to this technology. Many might still be unfamiliar with the concept and the numerous benefits it brings to their business.
If you’re among those who are curious about PWAs or want to learn more about their advantages, this post will provide a comprehensive overview.
What Are PWAs?
All definitions of a PWA highlight the fact that it combines the features of a regular website with those of Android and iOS-powered applications, and that statement holds true.
A PWA is essentially a responsive website created using standard web development components (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript), along with the integration of service workers.
To access a PWA, simply enter its URL into the browser address field, similar to visiting a regular website. Once the app loads in the browser, it can be installed on your device much like a native app, granting you access to various core functions, such as the camera.
A prompt will appear asking if you want to add the app to your smartphone or tablet (occasionally desktop). Upon selecting ‘Yes,’ the app’s icon will appear on your device’s main screen.
That’s it! You can now access the PWA by tapping the icon, even without an internet connection. Additionally, the app’s publisher can send push notifications to your device, just like native apps do.
While there are some restrictions regarding content availability in offline mode, unlike a regular website which displays a 404 page, a PWA still showcases certain content as if it were online. This is one of the many advantages of PWAs, which we will discuss further.
The Key Benefits of PWAs That Make Them a Perfect Option for E-Commerce
#1: Save Money, Gain More — Create a Universal PWA
The dominance of iOS and Android in the mobile market is undeniable. With Google and Apple reigning supreme, companies have little choice but to target both operating systems.
Developing two separate apps means paying double the costs, and as you may already know, native app development fees can be hefty. For instance, building an iOS app alone can cost tens of thousands of dollars! And when you factor in the expense of creating an Android app, it’s enough to give anyone a headache.
On the other hand, a Progressive Web App (PWA) offers a cost-effective solution. Powered by basic web technologies, a PWA seamlessly functions on smartphones and tablets, regardless of the underlying OS. What’s more, you’ll be hard-pressed to tell the difference between a PWA and a native app, as they both have a home screen presence and can work offline.
Benefits for E-Commerce Businesses
- No need to hire separate development teams for each platform. With just one team of developers proficient in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks like Angular, React, or Vue, along with knowledge of iOS and Android platforms, you can maximize the potential of both giants. In the end, a PWA can save you three to four times the cost compared to a native app.
- By building a low-cost PWA, you ensure that all your customers and prospects can access your app regardless of their device — every marketer’s dream.
#2: Simplify the Installation Process for Your Customers and Prospects
Installing a native app can be a tedious and time-consuming task. Developers must meet strict requirements before their apps can be added to Google Play or the App Store.
With the new type of app, the process is much simpler. No need to visit an app store – visitors can access a Progressive Web App (PWA) directly through their browser by entering the URL, just like they would for any regular website. Here’s how the installation flow works:
- Enter the site’s URL and land on the home page. A prompt will appear, asking if you want to add the PWA’s icon to your home screen. Alternatively, you can tap the hamburger menu and select the ‘Add to Home screen’ option.
- Click ‘Add.’ The PWA will be installed on your device and added to your list of apps. Simply tap the app’s icon to access it easily.
Benefits for E-Commerce Businesses
- Everything is right at the user’s fingertips. No need to visit an app store, search for the app, and go through a lengthy installation process. As a result, more users will choose to stay on your site.
- With just a URL, anyone can access a PWA, making it easily shareable. This can quickly attract more prospects to your e-commerce store.
#3: Stay in Touch with Your Customers Using Push Notifications
Let’s reiterate: PWAs are websites that harness the capabilities of native mobile apps. One such capability is the ability to send push notifications, allowing you to stay connected with your customers and prospects once they’ve installed your app on their devices.
Benefits for E-Commerce Businesses
- With a PWA’s icon on the home screen, sending a push notification ensures that the device owner is reminded of your brand, even if they choose not to open the message.
- Push notifications serve as a powerful sales and advertising channel, especially for e-commerce businesses. Studies suggest that more than half of PWA users opt for push notifications.
#4: Provide Enhanced Security Mechanism for Customer Peace of Mind
Security is of utmost importance for any e-commerce business as hackers are constantly on the hunt for sensitive user data. To protect against this, all PWAs utilize the https protocol by default, which encrypts user data during transmission. This ensures that cybercriminals will never gain access to the information they seek.
Furthermore, PWAs employ Web Bluetooth technology to provide an additional layer of protection.
Benefits for E-Commerce Businesses:
When consumers are confident that a website is completely secure and that their financial or personal data will not fall into the wrong hands, they feel assured and are more likely to return for future purchases.
#5: Showcase Product Catalogs to Site Visitors Even in Offline Mode
One of the key advantages of progressive web applications for e-commerce is their ability to display product pages even when users are offline.
This sets them apart from regular websites that show an error page when online access is unavailable. The offline browsing mode is made possible through the use of service workers, which cache previously viewed content and make it readily available at any time.
Benefits for E-Commerce Businesses:
Allowing customers to browse an e-commerce site offline helps to retain more customers. They can continue selecting products to purchase later when they regain internet access. This is particularly beneficial in markets with poor internet coverage or slow-speed networks.
#6: Enhance Customer Experience with the Fast Loading Speed of a PWA
Fast loading speed and optimal performance are crucial for an e-commerce website. Customers don’t want to wait when there are numerous alternatives available.
Once installed, a progressive web app can perform as fast, if not faster, than most applications found in app stores. How? The secret lies in an almost perfect caching mechanism that serves pages from local storage instead of fetching them from servers located far away.
Benefits for E-Commerce Businesses:
The benefits are clear. A fast and seamless e-commerce website is more likely to attract and retain customers, regardless of the device or platform they use. This, in turn, can have a positive impact on sales figures.
#7: Boost Your PWA’s Visibility with Search Engine Optimization
In the competitive world of e-commerce, it’s crucial to ensure that your Progressive Web App (PWA) is easily discoverable by search engines. Unlike traditional mobile apps, PWAs are designed to be indexed by search engines like Google, allowing your website to reach a wider audience.
By implementing effective SEO strategies, you can maximize the visibility of your PWA and improve your chances of ranking higher in search results. This means that potential customers will have a better chance of finding your store and increasing conversion rates.
The Benefits for E-Commerce Businesses:
PWAs offer a unique combination of performance and speed comparable to native mobile applications, along with the search engine visibility of traditional websites. This gives your business a competitive edge by providing an unparalleled user experience. With faster loading times and seamless integration with search engines, your customers will have an easier time finding and navigating your store.
Developing a Progressive Web App (PWA) for Your Business
Now that you are familiar with the primary benefits of a PWA for e-commerce businesses, you might be considering having one for your store as well. But how can you achieve that?
Should you set up an in-house team specifically for this purpose? Not an optimal approach since it could prove to be overly time-consuming and costly (searching for the right candidates, interviewing and onboarding them, etc.). A more efficient option is to outsource the work to a reliable web development company.
Outsourcing web application development has become increasingly popular among businesses due to several key reasons:
- Partnering with a dependable service provider allows businesses to tap into the expertise of experienced professionals who specialize in PWA development. These experts possess the necessary skills and knowledge to create efficient and high-performing PWAs that align with the business’s objectives and target audience.
- Outsourcing web application development saves businesses valuable time and resources. Instead of diverting internal teams from their core responsibilities, businesses can rely on the expertise of the service provider to handle the development process. This not only ensures a faster turnaround time but also frees up internal resources to focus on other critical tasks.
- Outsourcing web application development offers access to the latest tools and technologies. Reliable service providers keep abreast of industry trends and advancements, ensuring that the developed PWA incorporates the most up-to-date features and functionalities. This helps businesses stay ahead of the competition and deliver an enhanced user experience to their customers.
- When businesses outsource web application development, they can achieve significant cost reduction since they avoid upfront costs associated with hiring an in-house development team. Instead, they can opt for flexible pricing models, such as fixed-price or hourly rates, based on their specific requirements. This approach allows businesses to allocate their budgets effectively and optimize their return on investment.
To Sum Up
Progressive Web Apps offer numerous advantages for e-commerce businesses. They provide exceptional user experience, lightning-fast loading speeds, optimal search engine visibility, and robust security measures. Additionally, PWAs are easy to install and cost-effective to build.
Many e-commerce businesses have already experienced the benefits of PWAs, reporting higher conversion rates after adopting this new technology. Why not follow suit?