Mobile & Web Development

Web apps vs Mobile apps: What’s the deal?

You’ve probably heard the terms thrown around - mobile app, web app, native app, responsive design so on and so forth... But what does it all mean for you and your business?

Mobile applications

A mobile app is a piece of software made specifically for phones, tablets and even those culty smartwatches that count your steps and judge your diet. You download it from the App Store or Google Play and voila - it lives right there on your device.

Many mobile apps can still do their thing even when you’re offline which is a major attraction for users. This means you can still access it when you're halfway up a mountain or, you know, stuck on a train with dodgy Wi-Fi.

Web applications

A web app is similar to a website in that you don’t download it - you just open your browser, type in the link (or click your good ole' trusty bookmark) and off you go. It works across all your devices and doesn’t hog any storage space.

They are very flexible, often quicker to develop than a mobile app and thanks to their responsive design, still look great whether you’re on your phone, tablet or laptop. A lot of businesses don’t realise it, but web apps can do nearly everything mobile apps can.

Why should you care?

Well, both mobile and web apps can seriously level up how you run your business and offer many benefits both internally and externally. Let's take a look at this in more detail:

Internally

Better comms

No more “I didn’t get the email!” excuses. Apps can make it easier for your team to chat, share files and get on with their jobs - regardless of where they are.

Field teams rejoice

Got people out on the road? Give them tools to manage jobs, file reports and tick boxes on the go without a single trip back to the office at the end of a grueling day.

Systems access on the move

If you need to book a room, log a timesheet or check a KPI, apps let your team access internal systems from anywhere, securely.

Live data access

Whether you’re in the office, waiting for your coffee at Starbucks or in the dentist's chair, mobile and web apps allow you to access data immediately for those all important decisions that simply cannot wait.

Externally

Better customer engagement

With features such as push notifications and in app messages, apps make it easier than ever to stay on your customers’ radar in a way that is helpful rather than spammy.

Better customer service

Your customers want to reach you on their terms and that's less and less likely to mean sitting in a queue to speak to someone or interacting with an AI chatbot. Apps give them alternative channels that are quick, convenient and always in their pocket.

Continuous brand promotion

When your app is right there on a customer's home screen, your brand gets seen every single day - even if they’re just unlocking their phone to check the weather.

Revenue growth

Apps can make it super simple for customers to browse, buy and book all from their phone or browser. Happy users - more conversions.

Stand out

Got an app or unique feature when your competitors don’t? That’s a win. Customers love convenience and you’ll be the one giving it to them.

Could your business benefit from an app?

Spoiler alert: probably. Think about how your team and customers interact with your business currently. Here are a few everyday scenarios where a web or mobile app can make a huge difference:

You’re constantly repeating the same tasks

If you are still manually sending updates, tracking orders or chasing paperwork, an app can be a good option to automate these routine processes.

Your team uses spreadsheets for everything

If your business still runs on spreadsheets shared by email, an app is a fantastic way to centralise your data, keep it up to date in real time and make it accessible from anywhere.

Your staff spend hours on the phone with customers

An app can give your customers a self service option whether that's for booking, checking progress or submitting info. This frees up your staff's time and allows customers to do their thing without having to sit in queues.

Your team is never in the same place

Managing field staff, remote workers and teams across sites can be a complex endevaour to say the least. A mobile app can keep everyone connected and aligned with access to the tools they need no matter where they are.

You want to up your customer experience game

Customers expect digital convenience. That goes for tasks including tracking an order, updating their info and accessing support amongst others. An app can provide them a straight forward way to interact with you.

You’re chasing too many signatures or forms

If you need customers or team members to sign things, log time or complete reports, an app lets them do it all from their phone with a few taps. No printing, scanning or emailing required.

How can we help?

If you’ve got an idea (even if it's half formed) we can help you make it real.

Whether you’re dreaming of a convenient mobile app, a powerful web app or you're not at all sure what you need yet - we’ll work with you to figure it out. Our UK based team builds everything in house and will work closely with you every step of the way to ensure the final result is a solution to be proud of.