28 mai 2020
Halfway between the native mobile application and the mobile website, the PWA, or Progressive Web App, seems to be an interesting compromise, combining the best of both interfaces.
Indeed, if mobile first is an increasingly widespread method of website development, it is because the use of the smartphone has become the first reflex when doing an internet search. Optimizing your websites for a pleasant experience from a smartphone is becoming a key element.
We then invite you to discover the Progressive Web App and its main advantages.
What is PWA?
Initiated by Google, the PWA is a website that works in the same way as a mobile application.
While offering the same functionalities as a classic application and an equivalent experience, it can be installed directly on the home screen of your smartphone from the website. There is no need to go through the Apple Store or the Play Store.
To install a PWA, you have two options depending on your phone:
- On Android, a pop-up window allows you to install the PWA with a single click. Adding the PWA can also be done through the browser options.
- On iOS, the pop-up window informs you of the existence of a PWA, but its installation can only be done through the browser options.
What are the benefits for PWA?
There are many reasons to opt for a Progressive Web App, both for brands and users.
- Benefits for site owners
As a business, there are many reasons to use PWA.
_1.Optimized referencing
Don't worry, the PWA will not prevent you from being referenced, on the contrary! They are present on browsers, which contributes to natural referencing, and can even improve it. Indeed, being at the origin of this technology, Google encourages this type of applications. It is not impossible that the search engine algorithm favors its use.
**2.A more direct link with customers**
One of the most significant interests remains access to push notifications. Indeed, what could be better for keeping in touch with your customers and building their loyalty than the possibility of sending them information directly to their screen without them having to open your site?
In addition, thanks to its emancipation from browsers and by increasing loading speed, the chances of reusing the PWA are greater than for a website. This is an element that can significantly increase the conversion rate. Some studies tend to prove a threefold increase in this conversion rate.
_3.Simplicity and reduction of development costs_
The development of such an application is simplified thanks to its freedom from operating systems: the PWA does not require the development of several different interfaces.
The use of the latest technologies and APIs have made it possible to install applications directly from the website. The development and management of the PWA is therefore simpler and less expensive.
- PWA, a solution to improve UX
The advantages of this type of application are numerous for the user, significantly improving the UX and UI.
_1.A responsive and efficient application
The PWA works on different operating systems and adapts to the size and shape of screens. It is also faster than a website on mobile.
_2.Total immersion_
Optimized for touch screens, the PWA is displayed in full screen on the mobile: the URL and navigation options are no longer displayed. This allows the user to be totally immersed in the page.
Website users can then enjoy a more pleasant experience.
_2.Independence from blinds_
It is a full web application that allows immediate use: installation requires no loading time and updates are done automatically and in real time.
_3.Memory gain__
As users are always looking for additional storage space, the Progressive Web App offers an interesting advantage, since it takes up very little space in the phone's memory.
_4.Offline access_
By saving information using the browser cache, the PWA can be accessible in the event of a weak connection and even when your smartphone is offline. It is then possible to access a certain amount of information offline. It is also possible to save them and view them offline later.
_5.The illusion of a native application:_
Using the website as an application opens access to different functions of the phone: geolocation, access to the camera, the microphone or even voice recognition. Access to these different functions coupled with a full-screen display gives the impression of a classic mobile application, offering a pleasant experience.
En bref
The Progressive Web App therefore brings many advantages, mainly aimed at improving the experience of website users, without forcing them to download a native application.
This new technology then offers the benefits of a classic mobile application at the same time as those of a website, while eliminating some of their disadvantages! As classic applications are used quite little (a person would use less than 10 applications per day), PWA appears to be a relevant alternative.
To find out more about our PWA offer, go to our dedicated site!
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