Table of Contents
The Vocation Of Progressive Web Apps
Progressive Web Apps are an optimal combination of a website and a native (original) application. Being endowed with very developed performances, they improve the user experience of Internet users and the efficiency of advertisers.
This technology was first launched by merchant sites and advertisers in particular. We can cite among others Trivago, Twitter Lite, Pinterest, AliExpress, Wikipedia, Uber.
According to the first feedback from these sites, the benefits to be gained from these PWAs are:
- A bounce rate divided by 2.
- A conversion rate can be increased by an additional 30 to 50%.
- The number of page views per session is multiplied by 2.
- The average basket increases by around 20%.
- The loading time of the pages is at least 3 times faster, possible thanks to the services workers, and the size of the images optimized.
- More efficient customer loyalty thanks to pushing notifications, for example, which warn the user of each novelty.
- The modernization of the design of the application which has a beneficial effect on the visual impact and therefore on the user experience.
Having a hybrid site allows you to keep classic website content while using PWA and AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages). This choice depends on the content offered and the behaviors and uses of the users. The investment is shared, the brand maintains a presence in native application stores ( Google Play Store, Apple Store) and the costs related to maintenance are better distributed (the budget is less important for a PWA).
For users, PWAs do everything to offer them an optimal, pleasant, and simplified user experience. The first undeniable advantage is in the path of use.
A classic native application must be: found, downloaded, installed, and then opened to be used.
A Progressive Web App must be: found then it can be used directly.
The advantageous features of PWAs for users are:
- The PWA shortcut on the home screen.
- Easy access to the application when the user has a weak internet connection (3G) or when he has none at all thanks to the reduction in the consumption of mobile data (the data is cached).
- Improved performance: very fast loading, animation, design, and quality ergonomics for easy navigation and fluid.
- The adaptability of the PWA to its peripheral, using the functionalities available on the device such as the camera, the microphone, the offline mode, the GPS and the geolocation, while adapting perfectly to the size of its screen (full screen).
- The adaptability of the PWA to the consumer’s browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox) and its operating system (iOS, Android, Windows) giving it an international scope.
Note: the PWA options are better if the browser is Google Chrome or if the OS in question is an Android.
Technical Sheet Of Progressive Web Apps
A Progressive Web Apps has different characteristics inherent in its functions and objectives:
Progressive: It can use all the functionalities of the various existing peripherals (smartphones, tablets, computers, MAC, etc.).
Installable: A shortcut is added to the home screen.
Engaging: It allows a better loyalty of consumers thanks to its immersive user experience (full screen) and its push notifications.
Secure: The https protocol is inseparable from a PWA, guaranteeing the security of the data exchanged between the user and the application;
Independent: Whether the connection is weak or nonexistent, the cached data allows the uninterrupted use of the application (a proxy type service provides offline browsing);
Fast: It facilitates immediate access to the content and services offered thanks to its worker services, the size of the reworked images.
Appreciated And Recognized: The PWA must resemble a native application to appeal to users while having the characteristics of a website, such as its natural referencing on various search engines.
Note: SEO will be disadvantageous if the PWA is a single-page app (the content will not be readable and the SEO will drop). SEO becomes beneficial if the application respects the good performance and security practices (protocol, responsive site ) implemented, which is very appreciated by Google’s algorithms.
A PWA Must 3 Important Elements:
- Adhere to the best practices set out by Google.
- Have a manifest web app (JSON file) listing the properties of the site.
- Install a service worker (JavaScript) to store cached data.
It has no development language imposed, only JavaScript and JSON are essential to its operation.
PWA is a technology compatible with most CMS (interfaces for creating, modifying, or deleting content). Its creation via a quality CMS is relatively fast.
Regarding The Subscriptions
Choosing a PWA has a lower cost compared to that of a native application. Depending on the options (association of a domain name, unlimited bandwidth, SSL security, etc.) and the selected developers, different packs are offered with monthly or annual subscriptions.
According to figures collected from developers and advertisers in particular, developing a native application would cost on average € 30,000 while developing a PWA would cost only around € 12,000. Indeed, a native application must be available in three versions (Android, iOS, and Windows) while a PWA adapts to these three operating systems.
Also, to offer a native application, it is necessary to register on an application store such as Apple Store or Google Play Store. Since a PWA does not need to appear in these stores, the cost of this subscription does not concern it.
PWAs meet the interests of both individuals and professionals. Optimal user experience for an increased conversion rate thanks to the perfect harmony of a website and a native application. The Lighthouse tool offered by Google makes it possible to check whether it is possible to move from a classic application or a website to a Progressive Web App and to develop its quality and performance.