PWA stands for Progressive web applications. Up until a few years ago, it would have been inconceivable to imagine a technology that could equal and even exceed the user experience and performance of a mobile app.

With continual, strong competition, technical boundaries being pushed, and mobiles being the fundamental foundation of most e-commerce enterprises, technology has come a long way in finding a solution to the problem.

With the number of smartphone users expected to reach 3.8 billion by 2021, it’s only natural that the e-commerce industry’s focus should be on smartphone technology. Mobile apps, formerly thought to be the pinnacle of mobile devices, are progressively being displaced by their more advanced, effective, and powerful applications. 

That isn’t all, though. Progressive web applications are the next big thing in the e-commerce market, according to businesses, as customers demand more intuitive, dependable, and high-performing apps. This has also ushered in a new industry trend, with more firms engaging web application developers to work on PWAs on their behalf. Are PWAs, however, as beneficial as they appear to be? Is it possible to keep it up? Will investing in a firm that develops progressive web apps pay off in the long run? Is that the case? Is the future of the mobile web as we know it is shaped by progressive web apps? Let’s see what we can learn.

What Characteristics Do PWAs Have?

The variety of unique features that progressive web apps provide set them apart from other programmes. These characteristics are what distinguishes them in every way. 

Let’s look at some of the most important characteristics of the most progressive web apps:

• Offline Working Capability 

Are you a bit taken aback? When we think of a mobile application, we don’t think of it without thinking about the internet. That is precisely why progressive web apps provide so much value to consumers. Progressive web apps take advantage of Service Workers, which allow them to save data offline and retrieve it from a cache when the internet is available. This tool allows programmes to run quicker, as slower networks can have a significant impact on app performance.

• Simple to Find and Install 

Progressive web apps, unlike most mobile apps, are simple to find and install. Progressive web applications are, in a nutshell, web pages with a few extra capabilities. They may be located using standard search engines, and there is no need to go through seas of programmes in app stores. Because there is no package to download, the installation is also unlike any other app installation.

• Ability to Make the Most of the Phone’s Resources 

On both Android and iOS, progressive web applications may use the phone’s capabilities. This enhances the user experience by allowing access to the camera, fingerprint sensor, and even the user’s location.

• Updates are being phased out 

Updates are always required for normal mobile applications, and the files must be downloaded by the users. However, there is no such thing as upgrading a PWA. The developer must submit the changes to the server so that the next time the user runs the programme, it will be the most recent version. As a result, there is no need to wait weeks for app store approvals or for consumers to upgrade their apps. When people use it, it is always up to date.

• Improved Security 

For further security, data is transferred from the app to the server and back using the HTTPS protocol. As a result, data theft and unauthorised interception are improbable. Users may also see the protocol associated with the URL, which gives them additional confidence. Using HTTPS is also a ranking element in Google’s search engine results pages.

• Everything is as it’s a normal app

A progressive web app is based on the aim to combine the capabilities and user experience of a mobile app with the open nature of the Internet. That is what distinguishes PWAs from other types of apps. The difference between a PWA and a mobile app would be imperceptible to the user. The only difference is that they are not required to visit app stores or download them. It is, nevertheless, capable of consistently producing better and faster results.

Here’s why you should utilise PWAs for your business as well:

1. With the popularity of mobile search skyrocketing, more organisations are opting for a mobile-first strategy, and PWAs are the ideal way to accomplish it. According to estimates, there will be 7.41 billion mobile phone users in the globe by 2024.
2. Both mobile applications and websites benefit from progressive web apps. Users will have the most intuitive and value-adding experiences as a result of this. Customers will be more likely to return to your store in the future as a result of this.
3. Creating a progressive app is about 65% less expensive than creating a full-fledged native mobile app. It can also help you save money by reducing the amount of money you spend on app storage.
4. Because PWAs may operate offline, they can provide all of the assistance that your users require even when they are not connected to the internet. This will also be reflected in the app’s performance since slower networks can stifle an app’s speed.
5. Progressive web apps load faster than the majority of mobile web pages. As Google strives to provide better services to its consumers, this will also help your PWA rank higher in Google searches.
6. A faster loading time reduces the amount of burden placed on your server. This guarantees that your store will function normally even if there is a lot of foot traffic.
7. PWAs are recognised for having a smooth interface that provides an excellent browsing experience. According to reports, a better browsing experience leads to increased conversion rates.

Hire The Social Lions, an expert PWA development firm immediately if you’re a company wanting to take the digital plunge for improved business. The sooner you acquire it, the faster you’ll advance in your business.