When people browse the internet, they expect websites to look and feel the same, whether on their desktop or mobile device. Unfortunately, many websites aren't considered "mobile-friendly," which can deter visitors from returning. There is no question that mobile devices are the future of online browsing. A study by Statista showed that mobile browsers accounted for 54% of all web traffic in 2021. So, it's essential to make sure your website can be accessed and used on mobile devices or maybe even create a mobile app that is always available with resources for your audience.
Taking both accessibility of your website and the possibility of creating a mobile app into account, you need to decide which options best serve your business's purpose and reaches your customers. All websites should consider moving to be 100% mobile-friendly, but that isn't a replacement for a mobile app. So, what is the difference? Here is a quick rundown of how to define each type of media.
Mobile-friendly Website: A mobile-friendly website is designed specifically for viewing on a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet. These websites are typically easy to navigate, with large buttons and links that are easy to tap with a finger. They also typically feature a simplified layout, eliminating the need to scroll up and down or side to side on a small screen. Mobile-friendly websites are important because they make it easy for users to access information while on the go. This is about accessibility and ensuring that your customer gets the same experience on a mobile phone as they would on a desktop computer.
Mobile App: A mobile app is a software application designed to run on smartphones and tablet computers. Mobile apps are usually downloaded from an app store such as Apple's App Store or Google Play. Most mobile apps are free to download, but some include in-app purchases or subscriptions. Mobile apps can be used for a variety of purposes, including gaming, productivity, banking, and travel. Mobile apps are a different media method than a website, even though they might share some of the same information. A mobile app is considered a benefit to customers, and it helps to create a stronger relationship with them.
It can be argued that each option is a different communication method, and by incorporating both into your marketing strategy, you can enrich your customers' experience with your brand. Since the number of people using mobile devices to access the internet continues to grow, you want to make sure that you meet your customers where they are. Having a mobile-friendly website and creating a mobile app increases your business's chances of being found by potential customers.
Let's review what optimizing your existing website so that it's mobile-friendly looks like.
Now that we've looked at what a mobile-friendly website looks like let's see what it takes to develop a mobile app.
There are a few ways to create a mobile app. The most common way is to develop an app for a specific platform, such as Apple's iOS or Google's Android. However, there are also cross-platform development tools, which allow developers to create apps that work on multiple platforms. The first step in creating a mobile app is to come up with an idea for one. Once you have an idea, you need to determine the app's purpose and who your target audience will be.
After that, you'll need to develop some mockups or designs for the app.
Once you have the design ready, it's time to start coding. This can be done in several programming languages, such as Java, Objective C, or Swift. Once the code is complete, it must be tested and submitted to the appropriate app store. This is something that InGen specialists can help plan and execute.
Every business should have a mobile-friendly website. However, your business plan is up to whether you need a mobile app. If you're looking to increase customer engagement, then a mobile app is the way to go. But if you're looking to provide a basic website experience for your customers, then a mobile-friendly website is all you need.
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