
In today’s connected world, there is an app virtually for everything – from banking and healthcare to study, trading, and shopping.
Yes, mobile phones and applications are infusing businesses around the globe with the opportunity to grow boundlessly and achieve competitive advantages in their niche. Their role in spearheading companies toward growth and success is what accentuates the relevancy of cellular technologies and applications in the evolving business demands.
The name, Progressive Web App (PWA), in this context, is worth mentioning, given how it is hailed as a game-changing solution for eCommerce enterprises by producing incremental results in their business.
Sadly, most organizations are still lagging in tapping into the potentiality of PWA.
So, what defines a PWA, and how is it useful for businesses, like eCommerce brands?
Let’s discuss everything about technology, starting with what it is.
What Is A Progressive Web App?
The custom web application development of a Progressive Web App is done by using JavaScript, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), HTML, and other common web technologies, including WebAssembly.
It’s a kind of webpage or a website functioning as a web app without discrete binding or distribution. It can be added to the application of your home screen, thanks to its baseline installation requirements.
The PWA takes advantage of a huge web ecosystem comprising plugins, large community support, and easy deployment, in contrast to the native apps that involve time-consuming development processes.
To ensure the seamless performance of the app, a platform must have a standards-compliant browser, including mobile devices and desktops.
Examples Of Popular PWA Products:
- Starbucks
- Debenham
- BMW
- MakeMyTrip
- Uber
- Yummly
Popular eCommerce Marketplaces Using PWA:
- AliExpress
- Jumia
- Alibaba
- Flipkart
- OLX
Famous Publishing Houses Using PWA:
- Financial Times (UK)
- Billings Gazette (US)
- Forbes (US)
- Medium (US)
- Sports Mole (UK)
- Smashing Magazine (DE)
- Flipboard (US)
What Makes PWA Essential For An eCommerce?
Quality inbound traffic is one of the most important yardsticks for measuring the domain authority of any eCommerce brand on the Internet today. And smartphones are reported as an unquestionable authority for generating massive traffic influx, say more than 55%.
If utilized properly, the mobile-first approach would garner an undisputed significance.
However, traffic generated through mobile apps is also limited to just a loyal customer base.
In addition, most consumers are reluctant to download bulky apps on their smartphones to save on internet data and keep the performance of their devices intact. In due course of time, companies begin to experience a growing number of detached customers.
The role of progressive web apps, in this regard, is to help companies overcome these challenges to keep consumers engaged with their products.
Since mobile browsers contribute considerable traffic from first-time visitors, leveraging PWA appears a viable opportunity for eCommerce brands.
Salient Features Of An eCommerce Progressive Web App
- It doesn’t require connectivity independence. Meaning, the apps can work both offline and on low-quality internet data
- It simulates native apps in terms of navigation and interactions
- It features awesome browser compatibility, meaning you can run the app on all the device-compatible browsers
- It features push notifications that can be used as a good messaging strategy to keep customers engaged
- These apps can self-update themselves automatically
- With HTTPS protocols, PWA is safe from unauthorized access
- Since PWA is not distributed via App Stores and can be shared through a URL, it facilitates easy installation as users can add the site to a device home screen
Comparison of PWA against native and standard web apps.
Note that PWA is typically based on a progressive enhancement web development strategy. According to this, web content is a key priority so that people can at least access the basic content of a web page on a slow internet and later the enhanced version of the same on a faster internet.
5 Benefits Of Progressive Web Applications
- Access To A Broad Audience
One of the best benefits of using a PWA for eCommerce is that it works on all browsers with standard compatibility, irrespective of size screens. These apps are designed in a way that they can be used by every user, irrespective of their choice of platforms or mobile devices.
Obviously, it means reaching a broad audience as the apps can be shared through a link, helping people avoid the hassle of downloading the apps on their smartphones.
- Cross-Platforms Compatibility
PWA can be used on any browser; be it Windows or Android.
- Speed And Accessibility
It is an established fact that websites with slow page-loading speeds are abandoned by users. Thankfully, PWA loads faster, given it leverages modern web development technologies and frameworks. The catch is, these apps can also be accessed in offline mode, or in online mode on a low-quality internet connection.
- Great Fluency And Conversion
PWA delivers a flawless and seamless user experience without any major processing issues, thanks to its small and compact size. Since these technologies maintain great fluency in terms of user experience, they contribute measurably to improving conversion rates and higher interaction rates for eCommerce platforms.
- Lowers Bounce Rates
One of the greatest benefits of using eCommerce progressive web apps is to keep the bounce rates of your websites lower, thanks to the infectiously attractive appearance of these apps to visitors.
Concluding Statements
If you are thinking about building a PWA for your business and don’t have efficient resources in place, consider hiring a trusted partner for cost-effective progressive web app development services. A PWA, with its salient features and benefits, is a commercially viable option for eCommerce platforms to grow boundlessly in today’s digitally connected world. Based on user-intuitive traits, including faster accessibility, smoothness, and attractiveness, these apps, if utilized properly and strategically, are bound to transform businesses profitably.
An experienced custom software development company with the latest technologies and the right tools can help your business drive increased sales and monetary gains for your products and services with a futuristic PWA product.