Here, we'll break down the strengths of both options and help you decide what's best based on your business goals, target audience, and budget.
Key takeaways 👌
Websites are perfect for providing information and reaching a broad audience
Mobile apps offer a more interactive experience and better user engagement
Start with a website if your budget is tight, but consider an app if your business needs more personalized features
Business goals
Think about what you want to achieve with your website or app. If your main goal is to share basic information about your company or products, a website is probably the way to go. But, if you’re planning to engage with customers regularly, send notifications, or use specific features like the camera or GPS, a mobile app will give you those options. So, consider how much interaction your users need with your platform.
Imagine a local restaurant. At first, all they might need is a simple website to show their menu and share contact details. But if they want to offer a loyalty program, send out special deals, or let customers order straight from their phones, a mobile app becomes the better option.
Interesting fact 👀
Did you know that mobile traffic is expected to make up over 60% of all internet traffic by 2024? This shows just how important it is for your business to have a platform that works seamlessly on mobile.
Website advantages
- Accessibility on all devices: Anyone with a browser can access your website, as long as they have an internet connection.
- SEO and visibility: You can optimize your website for search engines and attract organic traffic.
- Low development costs: A responsive website can be cost-effective, especially with good design practices.
- Easy updates: You can update your website at any time without requiring users to install anything.
So, if you’re just starting a small business, having a website is a cost-effective way to create an online presence. It’s easy to update and maintain, and it gives you access to all your customers.
We live in a "mobile-first, cloud-first" world. The mobile experience is the gateway to much of your business.
— Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft
Mobile app advantages
- Personalization and convenience: Mobile apps can use the phone’s features (like GPS and the camera), and push notifications can keep users coming back.
- Offline functionality: Apps can work offline, letting users interact with them without an internet connection.
- Higher engagement: People tend to use apps more than websites, especially if there’s a fun or useful feature they want to return to.
- Performance: Apps often load faster and perform better with complex actions compared to websites.
For a delivery service or a ride-hailing app, having a native app is a no-brainer. It improves the user experience, keeps them engaged, and makes everything run smoother.
Many experts recommend starting with a website, especially if your budget is tight. Once your business is established and you have a better understanding of your audience’s needs, then you can consider launching a mobile app. The key is to understand what your users want and where your business is headed
Making the decision
Define your goal: If you only need to provide basic information, a website is a no-brainer. If you need interactivity or local phone features, an app will give you more control.
Know your audience: What platforms do your users prefer? If your audience mostly uses mobile devices, an app might make more sense.
Consider your budget: Websites are cheaper to create and maintain. If you have limited resources, start with a website and consider an app down the road.
A small startup with a tight budget might begin with just a website to keep things simple. But as their customer base grows and their needs evolve, adding a mobile app could become the next logical step.
| Solution |
Initial Costs |
Monthly Maintenance |
Time to Launch |
| Basic website | $3000-$5000 | from $200 | 1-2 months |
| Advanced website | from $10000 | from $500 | 2-4 months |
| iOS App | from $15000 | from $700 | 3-5 months |
| Android App | from $15000 | from $700 | 3-5 months |
Modern trends: PWA and mobile-first
- PWA (Progressive Web Apps): A hybrid solution that looks like a website but acts like an app. It can be installed on a smartphone without going through the App Store and supports offline functionality and push notifications.
Take Twitter Lite, for example—it’s a Progressive Web App that helps users save mobile data while still offering all the essential features of the full app.
- Mobile-First Approach: More and more developers are designing for mobile first. This means creating a website that works beautifully on smartphones, then adjusting it for desktop.
Check out our article How to create a high-converting website, where we explain how to make the user experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible
Recommended reading 🤓
"Building Progressive Web Apps", Tal Ater
A step-by-step guide to building next-generation web apps that are as fast and user-friendly as native mobile applications.
On Amazon
“Responsive Web Design with HTML5 and CSS”, Ben Frain
Learn how to create websites that look great on all devices.
On AmazonRecommended to explore:
Practical tips and tools for building websites with a mobile-first approach.
A treasure trove of articles, guides, and tutorials for web and app development.
Conclusion
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the “Website or App?” question. Some businesses benefit more from a simple website, while others thrive with the unique features an app offers. Many successful companies actually use both platforms to cover all their bases. The key is to know your goals and your audience — and don’t forget, starting with a website doesn’t mean you can’t expand to an app in the future.
Artyom Dovgopol
The choice between a website and a mobile app is less about which is better overall, but more about which is better for your specific needs 😉