E-Commerce App Building: Web Apps or Native Apps – Which to Choose?

Web apps, also known as webview apps, have been around for ten years in the world of technology. Now, they are among the most essential programs due to their simplicity of use and functionality. It is easy to use for customers across all industries and demographic groups through web applications. With web applications, users can advertise and market their products. Using the internet, a larger audience can also be reached.

On the other hand, native apps can run offline without an internet connection once they have been downloaded and installed from an app store, such as the iOS App Store or Google Play Store. Because they are designed specifically for the platform, they also frequently have a faster response time than web-based or hybrid apps.

• It’s essential to select the correct type of app for an e-commerce site to increase its visibility and functionality. First and foremost, the user experience and overall success of the app can be greatly impacted. For instance, if an e-commerce site’s app is slow or challenging to use, customers may get frustrated and stop using the app, which could result in lost purchases and a negative image. In addition, certain app types have different capabilities and limitations, such as access to device functionalities or the capacity to interface with third-party services, which might affect the app’s operation and features. Also, the nature of the app can have a significant impact on the cost and time needed for development and maintenance, so selecting the unsuitable type might result in resource loss and inefficiencies.

The use of web apps is widespread that includes e-commerce, social networking, productivity tools, entertainment, and more. Without needing users to download and install new versions of the software, updates and modifications can be done fast and easily by developers and are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.

• Cost-Effectiveness

For companies who wish to offer their clients online services or information, web apps could serve as a cost-effective alternative. Web apps can be created at a quicker and lower cost than traditional software because they employ readily accessible web technologies and don’t need specific hardware. It is simply used on any device having a web browser, so businesses don’t need to create separate apps for different platforms or devices. In addition to that, web apps are readily updated, which can help businesses avoid additional expenses related to promoting and distributing upgrades.

•   Easy Maintenance and Updates

Due to their modular architecture, it is easier to add or remove features without affecting the overall stability of the app. So the users can make changes at any time without rebuilding the entire app. Plus, all computers using web applications are immediately updated whenever the computer hosting the current server does its usual maintenance. This helps to ensure that the app remains reliable and stable over time and that users can continue to enjoy a seamless and hassle-free experience.

•  Accessibility

Web apps are accessible from any device with an internet connection. They can be accessed right away without requiring further steps like downloading and installing a program on a computer. It means that customers can shop and make purchases from anywhere, anytime. It is also a way of accessing to a larger audience.

While web apps offer several advantages for e-commerce sites, they also have some disadvantages that should be considered. As you can imagine, the major disadvantage of web apps is their dependence on an internet connection. Of course, they require a stable internet connection to function properly. Otherwise, the app may become slow or non-functional, which can result in a negative user experience and lost sales.

Also, web apps may have limited access to device-specific features, such as push notifications, cameras, or GPS, which can impact the functionality and user experience of the app. This is an important drawback for commercial businesses.

A native app is a software application designed and built for a specific platform or operating system. Its design contains the full advantage of the capabilities and features of the platform and device. So this provides a high-performance user experience. The most known use includes e-commerce, gaming, social networking, productivity, and more. They can be downloaded and installed directly onto a device, and updates can be pushed out to users through app stores.

• Faster performance

Compared to web apps, native apps provide a faster user experience. They are designed for the platform so that they can benefit the device’s processing power. Thus they provide a faster user experience, which is very important for e-commerce sites.

• Device Features

Native apps offer greater customisation options for e-commerce sites. By using device-specific features such as camera and GPS, native apps can offer personalised recommendations and location-based offers to users, enhancing the shopping experience. Using device features also brings greater security options to customers. Native apps can store data on the device itself, rather than relying on a network connection. So the risk of data breaches and other security threats can be reduced.

• User Experience

Native apps provide customers with push notifications, in-app purchases, and offline functionality. These options enhance the functionality and user experience of e-commerce sites. Push notifications can be used to alert customers about new products, sales, or promotions. This creates higher customer engagement. Researches indicate that 50% of mobile users allow pushing notifications to find out about special deals and exclusive offers.

Also, offline functionality is one of the reasons that makes native apps more attractive. This option allows users to access the app and browse products even when they are not connected to the internet. It is very useful for users in areas with poor connectivity..

One major disadvantage of native apps is their cost and development time. Since native apps require separate development for each platform, they can be more expensive and time-consuming to develop compared to other types of apps. For the same reason, updates and maintenance can also be more challenging. 

Native apps require manual installation, which is a fact that may have slower adoption rates compared to web apps. It can also be a concern for users with limited storage capacity. Plus, native apps are not indexed by search engines. So, they may be more challenging to discover and require additional marketing efforts. That’s why it is important to work with professional platforms to build an e-commerce app.

Mowico is the most user-friendly platform to build your e-commerce app. It just takes a few steps to create an app without having to coding process. 

First, sync your e-commerce platform to the mobile app 

Secondly, select a payment method and integrate one of them into your app.

Then you can easily design your app according to your needs. It is also possible to make changes after you activate the app.

After all these steps, you can publish on the App Store and Google Play Store, then you are ready to take your business to the next level.