When a company has a decision to make in the age of digital, oftentimes, the business has to decide whether it should first build a website or a mobile app. Each platform has its own advantages, but it is up to the individual to decide which is right based on cost, popularity, and usage. This blog explains what’s and isn’t worth the cost, and can guide you on which digital solution suits your company best. 

The Reasons You Need a Website In The First Place. 

Websites are often the core of a business online. It is a place that customers can visit to learn more about your business or services, contact you, and buy from. The following reasons are some of the top ones why building a website first is probably better: 

1.  Broader Audience Reach  

Websites are viewable on desktop as well as mobile, which means businesses can get in front of more customers. Mobile 59.16% of all website traffic globally for the third quarter of 2022 according to Statista. Companies can cater to everyone on every device if they design their website for mobile use. 

2.  Cost-Effective Development  

It’s usually cheaper to create a website than a mobile app. Websites do not demand that you install software, they are more accessible. What’s more, changes to websites are easier to apply than app changes which typically need to be approved by the app stores. Forbes also touts the savings of websites as opposed to apps. 

3.  SEO and Discoverability  

Websites can be made to rank in the search engines to make them stand out and get organic traffic. Businesses are able to design SEO friendly websites with the help of tools such as Hostinger Website Builder in a very short time and appear on search engine results pages (SERPs). 

Tools like the one mentioned above help businesses optimize their websites with features like mobile responsiveness, fast loading times, and easy customization of meta tags, which are important for improving search engine rankings. Builders make it possible for anyone, even without technical skills, to create a professional website that draws organic traffic and connects with their audience.

4.  Easier Maintenance  

Websites are also more hygienic than mobile apps which must support several operating systems like iOS and Android. A mobile-responsive website will render correctly to all devices without the need of having two versions.

Why a Mobile App First is a Good Idea

Websites are more palatable, but apps on mobile can be more personalised and responsive. Here are just some of the reasons why a mobile app could be right for you: 

1.  Enhanced User Engagement  

The apps on the mobile devices help companies to interact with customers more efficiently with push notifications, personalized content and offline. eMarketer reports that 90% of the mobile time of mobile app users is spent on apps compared to 10% on mobile websites. 

2.  Improved User Experience  

Apps may be easier and more intuitive than websites. And they can use cameras, GPS, and biometric authentication on devices to make it work better. That is the kind of engagement you can’t expect from a regular website. Business Insider reports on mobile apps’ User Experience Advantages. 

3.  Brand Loyalty and Retention  

With mobile apps you can drive brand awareness by giving your customers a dedicated interface to interact with your company. Loyalty programs, In-App Purchases, and recommendations are all things that can keep the user on your app and returning. You can get the details about mobile apps that help in retention from HubSpot. 

4.  Monetization Opportunities  

You can get monetized through in-app purchases, subscriptions and ads in apps. An app on mobile is a lucrative solution for the companies that wish to earn online. Global mobile app revenue is projected to be $935 billion by 2023 according to Statista. 

Things to Consider Before Choosing It’s a Choice. 

Considering this when deciding to develop a website or mobile app first: 

1.  Audience Behavior  

Getting to know how your audience behaves is key. If you’re selling services to a majority of your users using mobile devices, a mobile-friendly website is your number one priority. But if you need your business to get lots of user interaction or customized experience then a mobile app might be right for you. 

2.  Budget  

It is also cheaper to build and maintain websites than mobile apps. Start with a website if you are on a tight budget and have it ready for mobiles. Investopedia: Investopedia gives the price difference between a website and a mobile app. 

3. Business Goals  

Consider your business objectives.  If you want to market your brand and drive traffic, a website is for you. If you want to improve the retention of your users, a mobile app could be the answer. Entrepreneur shares tips on how to synchronize digital with the business. 

Why Your Website Need to Be Mobile Friendly? 

Whether you’re going for the website or mobile app development first, a mobile website is not optional. Mobile internet usage keeps increasing, and they want seamless experiences on all their devices. Your website might become a guinea pig and lose your potential customers. Google has help for designing mobile-friendly websites. 

Businesses can quickly build responsive websites that render beautifully on any device through tools such as Hostinger Website Builder. Drag and drop with built in SEO is available to help businesses to get professional websites live instantly. 

Bottom Line: Web-based or Mobile App? 

For most businesses, first building a website is the easier option. It brings more reach, cheaper development, and SEO advantages. But if your business model is based on a lot of interaction and a great experience, it could be worth looking into a mobile app. 

The final answer comes down to your business, audience, and budget. But whichever path you choose, make sure that your digital experience is mobile-friendly to be up-to-date and ahead of the curve in this age.