If we just stop for a minute and think about our dependence on the mobile phone – we’ll find it for every small & big task of our daily routines. Every business, every institute, & every organization needs software, mobile apps, or websites in some or other way.

According to research, there are approximately 2.56 million apps and 2 billion websites across the globe. (This shows we’re bound with technology for every single thing one can think of!)

However, a question that always looms around is – which one is better to use a mobile app or website? It is a controversial topic that comes along with a never-ending battle between the two.    

The fact is, be it a mobile app or website both come with many benefits for the business. Although, there are some extraordinary points that differentiate one from another, and gives you an ideal choice for your startup.           

In this writeup, a few crucial factors are showcased in a way that helps you understand both the elements and finalize the one based on your business/startup needs.  

Though, before peeping into the essential points, let’s first know how mobile apps and mobile websites different from each other. 

How Can You Differentiate A Mobile Website From An App? 

Since both are used in mobile phones, it is misunderstood that mobile websites and applications are one and the same. Have a look at the below-mentioned points to know more about the same. 

• A mobile app is built from the scratch with unique UI designs based on the device interface while mobile websites are composed versions of the desktop websites as per the screen of the smart device. 
• An app is to be downloaded from the app store that is built by mobile app development companies. On the other side, mobile websites do not require any type of separate downloading. 
• Security is a major concern from the user as well as the developer side. When it comes to security, mobile apps are more secure in comparison to websites.   
• The location of data storage varies in both apps and websites. The information of the website is stored on the servers whereas the mobile app stores the data in the mobile itself. 
• Website updates are enforced automatically while for the apps you need to visit the app store and update your application. 

That’s all on the points of difference, now let’s move toward the crucial aspects that will let you decide the ideal one for your startup. 

The Ideal Choice For Your Startup – Mobile Website/Application?

You will easily get the answer to the aforementioned question with the help of the pointers that we’ve analyzed. 

What is Your Budget?

It is the most important thing that you need to be clear with before making any decision. How much budget do you have to build a satisfactory platform? Make sure you do not compromise a single penny while building your online startup. As this could directly affect the success of your business.      

If you’re running with a limited budget, we would recommend you first go for developing a website. The development of a website is cheaper in comparison to developing an application. For a mobile app, you need to invest more as different apps are to be developed for Android and iOS platforms. 

Which Comes with Better Speed & Accessibility?

Nowadays, a user will never go to a platform that has a slower speed. It is a fast-paced world wherein users want everything at their fingertips within the least time possible.  Of course, mobile apps are faster but if a user is just looking for some general information. He/She will not waste time installing an app as it is more time taking than visiting a website. 

In another phase, we all know that an app is more attractive, and interacts with almost every type of smartphone. You need to make your website responsive to every screen device. The only thing you need to take care of is developing an app or website with a user-friendly interface. This is the only way to attract the user. 

Want to Reach More Users? 

It is observed that mobile phones bring more traffic than desktops. If your only aim is to gain traffic on the platform then mobile apps and websites both come with the same preference. 

If you’re going for mobile apps then iOS apps gain more users than Android apps. Moreover, if you’re planning to build an informative platform, then you should use a website rather than an app. About 60% of the users will directly visit a website to gain information instead of searching for an application. Analyze your business requirements, and accordingly choose the platform of your business.         

Are You Ready to Spend $10k+ on Your Online Startup?

When you opt for mobile app development for Android and iOS, it will definitely cost you more than 10k dollars. Therefore if your budget is lower then you can opt for a mobile website or application. 

Again, take note of the point that the price may vary based on the project type, requirements, region, and more. The one we mentioned to you is an average cost that an app development usually takes. 

To put it short, if you’re not willing for a huge investment, then opting for a mobile website is a wise choice.     

The Parting Thoughts

So, we have shared every key factor that lets you make a firm decision for your online startup. Sharing one bonus tip – if your only aim is to gain the attention of a large amount of audience, then just build an online website for your startup. 

One more thing, in addition to the websites and mobile app development you even have an option to develop PWA (Progressive Web Apps)  that works as a web page but offers you more features and functionalities. 

At last, all we would say is to analyze your business requirements and target audience – accordingly build a mobile app or website. Both of them come with their own advantages and disadvantages, make a wise decision for your startup.  

Author Bio : – Cynthia Murray – An enthusiastic writer who is passionate to bring ins and outs of technology by writing articles and blogs. She has been writing tech blogs for more than six years. Moreover, her expertise to bring up the innovations for applications has enabled her to sell app ideas to companies. Besides writing, she is an adventure fellow who loves to go on various expeditions.