Progressive web apps, or PWAs, are a type of app that combines the best features of the web and native apps. PWAs were designed to improve the user experience, providing users with all the functionality of a native app without having to download it from an app store. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at how and why progressive web apps were developed specifically for eCommerce.
What are Progressive Web Apps?
Progressive web apps are a type of app that is built using common web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. PWAs are designed to provide users with all the functionality of a native app without having to download it from an app store. In other words, PWAs are installed directly on users’ devices like any other app, but they’re also accessible via a URL in a web browser.
In short, a Progressive Web App is a web app that uses modern web technologies to deliver an app-like user experience. PWAs are built using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They are then progressively enhanced to take advantage of new features like offline mode, push notifications, and home screen icons.
How Were Progressive Web Apps Developed?
PWAs were first conceptualized by Google in 2015. At that time, Mobile Safari was the only web browser that supported service workers—a type of script that runs in the background and improves the performance of web applications by caching assets and data. Google saw the potential for service workers to improve the user experience on mobile devices and began working on ways to take advantage of them.
The first progressive app was developed by Google in 2016. That PWA was called AliExpress—a shopping website that allows users to purchase products from Chinese retailers. The AliExpress PWA was designed specifically for users in emerging markets who often have limited access to reliable Internet connections. Since then, other companies have followed suit and developed PWAs of their own, including Twitter, Pinterest, Uber, and WhatsApp business platform.
Why Were Progressive Web Apps Developed?
PWAs were designed to improve the user experience by providing users with all the functionality of a native app without having to download it from an app store. In addition, PWAs are more reliable than traditional web applications because they’re built using service workers which cache data and assets on users’ devices. This means that PWAs can load even when there is no Internet connection available. Lastly, PWAs are more engaging than traditional web applications because they can send push notifications and offer offline capabilities.
Why Progressive Web Apps for eCommerce?
Progressive Web Apps offer a number of advantages for eCommerce businesses.
- First and foremost, they’re fast. Users expect pages to load quickly, especially on mobile devices. With a PWA, users can get to the product they’re looking for faster.
- Second, PWAs are reliable. They work offline and can even keep working if there’s an unreliable connection. This is huge for eCommerce businesses because it means that even if there’s a problem with the connection, users will still be able to use the app.
- Finally, PWAs are engaging. They can be installed on the home screen and support push notifications. This means that users can stay engaged with the app even when they’re not using it.
The Financial Benefits of PWAs for eCommerce Businesses
Progressive Web Apps, or PWAs, are a relatively new technology that has already begun to revolutionize the eCommerce landscape. PWAs are web applications that are designed to look and feel like native mobile apps, but they can be accessed through a web browser without having to be downloaded from an app store. There are many benefits of using PWAs for eCommerce businesses, but in this section, we’ll focus on the financial benefits.
One of the biggest financial benefits of using PWAs is that they’re much cheaper to develop and maintain than native mobile apps. This is because PWAs only have to be developed once and can then be used on any devices or platforms that support them. In contrast, native mobile apps have to be developed separately for each platform (e.g. iOS, Android) and require ongoing maintenance and updates.
With the rise of mobile commerce, more and more businesses are looking for ways to optimise their online presence for mobile users. One solution that is gaining traction is the use of Progressive Web App (PWA) technology. PWAs are web applications that using modern web capabilities to deliver a native app-like experience to users. In this blog post, we’ll explore the financial benefits that eCommerce businesses can enjoy by using PWAs.
1. Increased conversions.
One of the main benefits of using PWAs is that they can help increase your conversion rate. Mobile users have different needs and expectations than desktop users, so it’s important to make sure your eCommerce site is optimised for them. PWAs offer a number of features that can help improve the mobile user experience, such as better performance, offline functionality, and push notifications. All of these factors can lead to increased conversions from mobile users.
2. Reduced development costs.
Another financial benefit of using PWAs is that they can help reduce your development costs. Developing a separate native app for each major platform (iOS, Android, etc.) can be costly and time-consuming. But with PWAs, you can develop one application that will work on all platforms. This means you’ll save money on development costs and be able to get your product to market faster.
3. Lower maintenance costs.
PWAs also have lower maintenance costs than native apps. Because there is only one PWA application to maintain, you’ll save money on things like updates, bug fixes, and security patches. Furthermore, PWAs can be updated automatically, so you won’t have to worry about users missing out on important new features or security updates.
There are many financial benefits that eCommerce businesses can enjoy by using Progressive Web App technology. PWAs can help increase conversions, reduce development costs, and lower maintenance costs. If you’re looking for ways to optimize your eCommerce business for mobile users, then consider using PWAs to deliver a superior user experience.
Conclusion
Progressive web apps are a type of app that is built using common web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. PWAs were designed to provide users with all the functionality of a native app without having to download it from an app store.
In this blog post, we’ve taken a look at how and why progressive web apps were developed specifically for eCommerce. If you’re looking for ways to improve the user experience on your website or mobile application, then consider developing a PWA.
Progressive Web Apps are fast, reliable, and engaging. In short, they’re everything you want in an app. So why should you care? Because PWAs are the future of eCommerce.
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