It is indisputable that a mobile app has become a crucial weapon for online shopping companies. However, there is a rising problem that not all Magento merchants can afford the native app. As a result, Magento PWA was emerging and promptly turning out to be a highly preferred technology by top e-commerce stores.
This article will analyze why a Progressive Web App is a perfect alternative for your Magento website if the mobile app is out of reach.
What Is Magento PWA?
PWA stands for Progressive Web App, which is a combination of features from native apps and websites.
Accordingly, Magento PWA is a Progressive Web App running on Magento 2 platform, providing an app-like experience and e-commerce features.
Then, it gives your Magento 2 website an app-like interface with seemingly all the features of a native app.
Why Magento PWA Instead Of Mobile App?
Cost-effectiveness
Reasonable development cost
First, when it comes to the mobile app, you need to build two app versions (for Android and iOS). Therefore, the cost to develop a complete ecommerce native app is exceedingly high, ranging from $30,000 and up to $100,000.
Meanwhile, you only need one version of Magento PWA as it is compatible with both iOS and Android operating systems. Hence, from just $1,500, you can own a fully Progressive Web Application for your Magento website.
That is why a Magento Progressive Web App makes more sense in terms of budget.
No app submission and lower maintenance cost
If you think that the development cost is enough for a native app, that is a severe misunderstanding. To maintain the mobile app, you will have to spend a considerable amount of additional fees annually, including:
- Submission fees to app stores: $25 at Google Play and $99 at App Store
- App maintenance for two versions of apps: approximately 15-20% of your app development cost.
On the contrary, PWA does not need publishing on any app store and says no to the app submission fee. Also, Magento PWA requires a single codebase which is easier and more cost-saving to update.
Convenience and time saving
Convenience and time saving are by far the main highlights that Magento PWA brings back to your store. Not only that, but it is also an essential factor in enhancing the user experience. The better the users’ experience, the higher the conversion rate and revenue are.
Development process (for merchants)
- Magento PWA:
It’s possible to achieve your Magento PWA within hours or days by using a professional Magento PWA theme. Or you can seek for PWA development companies to build your custom app from scratch, which takes several 2-3 months.
- Native app:
Developing a mobile native app requires lots of complicated steps. You will need to wait at least 4-6 months (for one operating system) to make your mobile app ready to use.
Installation process (for users)
From a user perspective, a Magento PWA will undoubtedly be much more convenient.
- Native app:
Downloading a native app requires more time and effort. Users will need to go to app stores first, then search the app and wait for it to be installed.
- Magento PWA:
In contrast, installing a Progressive Web App is as easy as pie. All the user needs to do is click the “add to home screen” pop-up. Then, after a few seconds, it will display on the users’ screen and be ready to use.
Updates
- For users:
Updating PWA is exceptionally more straightforward because they need to refresh the page or accept the update request in the popup.
Meanwhile, to update new versions of normal apps, they need to go back to the app stores, find the apps again and wait for them to download.
- For merchants:
You can update Progressive Web App’s code when needed to upgrade and release the latest version at any time.
Regarding the native app, after updating the code (two times for both iOS & Android), you must resubmit it to the app stores. Then, you need to wait for the approval of Google Play and App Stores to release your update. Such a complex process.
SEO Friendliness
If you target both mobile and web platforms, then the Magento PWA is more prominent.
First, a native app cannot be indexed and listed in search engines. Meanwhile, the Magento PWA has URLs that are searchable on Google.
Additionally, Magento PWA generates lightning web load speed, counting three times faster than the native app. It leads to an increase in session duration and a decrease in bounce rate. It was eventually helping your website get a higher SEO score.
Magento PWA Is Undoubtedly A Worthy Investment
On one hand, Magento Progressive Web Apps are able to provide brilliant features as a mobile app. The outstanding features that it delivers can be listed as push notification, offline mode, app-like interface, etc.
On the other hand, Magento PWA is even better than native apps due to its lower cost of development and maintenance.
Therefore, if you do not have enough budget to build a mobile app, then Magento PWA is an ideal alternative.
Final Words
PWA for Magento works well on boosting user experience and tightening customer relationships and contributes significantly to generating your profit as a result.
Besides, this is an innovative technology that is becoming increasingly popular in the industry. Keeping up with the emerging trend is also a way to make your Magento store stand out over competitors.
