Exploring the Potential of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) for Your Business

What are Progressive Web Apps?  

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are applications that combine the best features of web and native mobile app development. Built using standard web technologies (such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript), they offer an enhanced user experience similar to native apps. PWA design is reliable, fast, and engaging. Users can access them through a web browser on any device, including smartphones, tablets, and desktops.  

What are the Advantages of Progressive Web Apps? 

One crucial advantage of PWAs is their ability to work offline or with limited connectivity. They use service workers—scripts running in the background that enable functionalities such as caching app assets and data. As a result, users can still access and interact with the app even if their connection drops. When restored, the PWA synchronizes data in the background, ensuring a seamless user experience. This results in higher user satisfaction, especially in areas where connectivity can be inconsistent.  

Users can access PWAs directly from their device browser without the need for an app store. PWAs, although slightly more limited, share functionalities with regular apps. They send push notifications, utilize some device hardware features, and provide immersive full-screen experiences. 

Their browser-to-device functionality allows businesses and developers to reach a wider audience on different platforms. They accomplish this without requiring individual native applications. 

PWAs also have a high user satisfaction and accessibility, making them a desirable type of app to build.

Successful Businesses Powered by PWAs  

Leading brands such as Twitter, Starbucks, Uber and more have successfully developed PWAs for their users.  

1. X (previously known as Twitter)

X (previously known as Twitter) developed its PWA to cater to users with slow networks and low-end devices. Known as Twitter Lite, this PWA delivers a similar UX as the official app but with notable advantages. Twitter Lite minimizes data usage, ensures faster loading times, and offers offline capabilities. By optimizing speed and adopting offline functionality, Twitter Lite enables users to stay connected even under challenging network situations.  

2. Starbucks

Starbucks implemented a Progressive Web App (PWA) for its ordering system, providing additional functionality compared to a regular website. The PWA allows customers to place orders and browse the menu without needing to download a separate mobile app.  

Users can use the app offline and can view the menu and add items to their carts. When connectivity returns, they can promptly finalize their orders. This app increased daily active users 2x over. 

3. Uber

Uber developed a PWA to enhance its market share by replicating the booking experience of its native mobile app. PWA works well on slow networks and needs less storage, so more people with limited connectivity and storage can use it. It serves consumers with low-end devices and occasional service usage. Additionally, thanks to its small size, the PWA's quick download time reduces bounce rates and discourages customers from exploring competitor options.  

4. Kaporal

Kaporal, the French-based online clothing retailer that specializes in denim, shifted to a PWA-driven site. As this case study shows, Kaporal experienced a 60% drop in bounce rate attributed to faster loading times. Overall conversions grew by 15% on desktop and by 8% on mobile due to smoother UX. They also found an increase in page views of 40%. 

What are the Benefits of Progressive Web Apps? 

Progressive Web Apps offer several benefits compared to traditional web applications or native mobile apps. Here are five key advantages of using PWAs:  

1. PWAs are designed to optimize performance and deliver fast results: They utilize pre-caching, lazy loading, and service workers to improve loading times, responsiveness, and overall performance. This improved speed contributes to a better user experience and higher engagement.  

• Ebay conducted an internal analysis of speed “within its website in 2019 and concluded that for every 100-millisecond improvement in search page loading time, add-to-card count increased by 0.5%.”   

• A Deloitte study showed that “a mere 0.1s change in load time can influence every step of the user journey, ultimately increasing conversion rates. Conversions grew by 8% for retail sites and by 10% for Travel sites on average.” Time is money. A PWA takes care of this problem. 

 2. Reduced development and maintenance costs: Since PWAs leverage web technologies, developers can build a single codebase that works across multiple platforms. This saves time and effort compared to developing separate native apps for different platforms. Updating a PWA is easier and faster. Changes can be made to the code, and users get updates instantly without downloading new versions.   

PWA development costs are much lower than native apps, usually 3-4 times less. In some cases, the difference can be as high as 10-15 times. 

3. Discoverability and easy sharing: PWAs are easily discoverable through search engines since they are essentially websites. Users can find and access them via URLs or search results without downloading and installing them from an app store. Direct links make sharing PWAs easy. Search engine discoverability also makes it easy for users to access the app on different devices.  

4. App store independence: Unlike native apps, PWAs don't require approval or listing on app stores. This reduces dependency on app store guidelines, restrictions, and approval processes. Developers have increased control over app distribution and updates. This enables them to release new features and bug fixes more quickly.  

5. Availability across multiple platforms: PWAs function on various platforms and devices because developers create them using web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They work on any web browser, on desktops, mobiles, and tablets, regardless of the operating system (e.g., Windows, macOS, Android, iOS). While a user doesn’t need to know the technology behind PWAs, it means easier access on a variety of devices.  

Where to Begin Implementing PWAs in Your Business

When developing a PWA, it's crucial to prioritize UI/UX design. Businesses need to start by understanding their target audience's needs and design their PWA accordingly. Focus on delivering a clean and intuitive user interface, ensuring easy navigation and smooth interactions. 

Optimize your PWA for performance, minimizing loading times and providing a responsive experience across different devices and network conditions. Additionally, leverage the capabilities of PWAs, such as push notifications and offline access, to enhance user engagement and convenience. 

In addition, make sure your PWA seamlessly integrates with your existing web infrastructure or backend systems. This includes integrating with APIs, databases, and other services to provide real-time data and functionality to your users. 

Make sure to test your PWA on different browsers, devices, and operating systems. This will ensure that it works well on all platforms. By delivering a consistent experience, you can maximize user satisfaction and retention 

It is important to have strong analytics and tracking in your PWA to collect data on user behavior, engagement, and conversion. This data yields insights to understand user preferences and identify areas that need improvement. Utilize the data to make better decisions for your PWA. Improve your PWA based on user feedback and analytics, regularly releasing updates and new features to keep users happy.

Interested in Launching a PWA?

Pixel506, a 10Pearls Company, is an end-to-end solutions partner that helps businesses build their desired digital experiences. Our award-winning solutions and services span across multiple continents and industries. We work with the latest tech, innovative tools, and some of the best talent. Our skilled developers and designers can join your team and use PWA technology to improve user experience.  

Feel free to contact us for a free consultation with one of our experts. Or sign up for our newsletter to receive expert advice and industry insights straight into your inbox.