What Are the Benefits of Progressive Web Apps, Examples, and Costs?

• By Emily White
• 06-03-2023
• Web Apps

The digital world is constantly evolving, and the latest technological advancements with every passing year are the evidence. Businesses are focused on providing a seamless and immersive web experience, no matter the device users use.

This is a reality for developers. Providing a consistent experience across desktops and mobiles remains a challenge despite responsive design techniques. But they are always coming up with innovative approaches to address these challenges.

Progressive Web Apps are a testament to this. They are a solution that offers a smooth and engaging user experience across all devices. They overcome the difficulties of traditional web development.

PWAs have taken the web experience to a whole new level due to their ability to deliver an app-like experience. Also, they give an edge over native applications. It has resulted in increasing demand for Progressive Web App development services.

Keep reading this blog to know everything related to a PWA.

Let’s Understand a PWA

Web applications delivered through the web are called Progressive Web Apps. They use web technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, etc. The applications are designed to work on any device with a standard-compliant browser, including desktops and mobiles.

Let’s just keep it simple; a PWA is a web application that loads within a web browser, just like a website or web page. The benefits of this web development trend are that they offer a rich-mobile experience with app-like functionalities such as push notifications, offline workability, etc.

Because of the app-like functionalities, Progressive Web Apps feel like a native application. These work as a bridge between the web and mobile to provide users with superior web experiences on any device. Basically, PWA is an installable app that is served through the web.

Progressive Web Apps vs Native Applications

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) and Native Applications are two different types of apps. PWAs are web applications that use modern web technologies to deliver an app-like experience on the web. They are designed to work offline and offer features like push notifications, typically associated with native apps. PWAs can be easily discovered through search engines and installed on a user’s home screen without needing a separate app store version. This makes PWAs more accessible and easier to distribute than native apps.

Native apps, on the other hand, are specifically designed for a particular platform, such as Android or iOS, and must be downloaded from an app store. They have full access to the device's hardware and software features and offer a more native user experience than PWAs. Native apps are generally faster and more responsive than PWAs, as they don’t rely on network connectivity or browser compatibility.

Benefits of Progressive Web Applications

Though native applications have higher security, better performance, and fewer kinks, let’s not forget the capabilities of PWA. So, this blog will portray the benefits of progressive web apps.

Cost-effective web solution

When it comes to development, native apps require a separate codebase for each platform. In contrast, PWAs can be built with a single codebase that can run on multiple platforms. They eliminate the need for separate app development for different platforms, which can be expensive.

This makes them more cost-effective and easier to maintain. But they may not offer the same performance and capabilities as native apps.

Act like a Native Application

These are designed to mimic the behavior and user experience of native mobile applications. They provide a similar look and feel as a native application, with features such as app-icon, full-screen mode, and offline functionality.

These features make PWAs feel like native applications to users, which provides a fluid and engaging user experience.

Responsive Design

It refers to the ability of a PWA to adapt to different screen sizes and resolutions, ensuring a consistent and optimal user experience on any device. It is achieved through responsive design techniques, such as flexible grids, images, and media queries.

PWAs are designed to be responsive and provide a seamless user experience, regardless of whether a user is accessing the app on a desktop, smartphone, or tablet.

Discoverable

It is an important aspect of PWA, allowing users to find and access them through search engines and shared links. It is a key advantage over native applications, which can only be discovered through app stores.

PWAs are designed to be discoverable in search results, meaning they can be found through a search query, just like a traditional website. This makes it easier for users to find and access the app and can drive traffic, improving its visibility and reach.

Easier to Install

One of the key benefits of PWA is that they are easier to install than native mobile applications. Native applications require users to visit an app store, download the app, and go through the complex installation process.

On the other hand, PWAs can be installed directly from a website within a few clicks. The simple and straightforward installation process can greatly improve the user experience and encourage more users to install and use a PWA.

Another advantage of the ease of installation of PWAs is that they can be installed on any device with a web browser, which makes them accessible to a wider audience. This particularly benefits businesses looking to reach a large and diverse user base. They can reach every audience, as PWAs can be installed on any platform, including iOS and Android.

Take Up Less Space

They take up less space than traditional native mobile applications. These can be smaller in file size than native apps. It is because of the use of web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, which are usually more lightweight than the code and resources required for native apps.

Also, they do not require the same installation or storage space level as native apps.

This is particularly beneficial for users with limited device storage, as PWAs can be installed and used without taking up extra storage space. Also, it can benefit users who frequently download and use many apps, as PWAs can be installed and used without worrying about running out of storage space.

Can be Easily Shared

As mentioned, PWAs can be easily shared through links, making it easier for users to access and install them. Sharing them through links can be done through various channels, including social media, email, and messaging apps.

This can drive more users and increase the user base. This, in turn, can lead to higher user engagement, increased conversion rates, and improved user satisfaction.

Instant Updation

PWAs are designed to be easily updated without needing an app store's complex and time-consuming approval process. It means businesses can make changes and improvements to a PWA quickly and easily without going through a lengthy approval process.

It allows businesses to respond quickly to customer feedback and market trends. For example, if a business receives customer feedback that a certain feature is not working as expected, it can quickly make changes to address this issue.

This can improve customer satisfaction, user engagement, and conversion rates.

These also provide a competitive advantage for businesses. By responding quickly to customer feedback and market trends, they can stay ahead of the competition and provide a better user experience.

PWA Examples

Remember, these are not the only benefits of PWA. There are varied other benefits, such as they are fast and the ability to maintain user engagement. But, this section provides examples of PWA. And how well are they doing with it?

Many successful brands that implemented PWAs have seen impressive results after launch. Let’s have a look.

• Spotify: 30% hike in the monthly active users; 45% increase in desktop users.
• Pinterest: 44% more user-generated ad revenue; 370% increase in logins.
• Debenhams: 40% increase in mobile revenue; 20% hike in conversions.
• Trivago: With a commendable increase of 150% in user engagement.
• Tinder: 15% reduction in bounce rates; 30% increase in click-through rates.
• Forbes: 20% more impressions per page; 43% increase in session per user.
• Starbucks: Increase the number of daily orders placed by users by twofold.
• BMW: They found an increment of 4x in clicks, 49% more visits compared to the old site, and 50% growth in mobile users.
• Make My Trip: Lowered the bounce rate by 20% and increased user sessions by 160%.

Factors Affecting The Development Cost of PWAs

The cost of developing a Progressive Web App (PWA) can vary greatly, depending on several factors. These factors include:

Project’s Complexity

It is one of the most significant aspects of developing a PWA for your business. A more complex PWA with advanced features, integrations, etc., will require more development time. It will result in more costs you have to incur. On the other hand, the more simplified your PWA will be, the less cost you have to incur.

How Visually Appealing is your PWA?

The design and user experience are critical factors in developing a successful PWA. A visually appealing design that provides an intuitive and seamless user experience can increase user engagement and development time and costs. Creating a visually appealing design within budget can be challenging.

Platform Compatibility

PWAs must be compatible with various platforms and devices, including desktops, tablets, and mobile phones. Ensuring compatibility across these platforms can increase development time and cost.

Testing

Let’s assume you’ve developed a PWA. But what if it lags while surfing the web? This is where testing is a critical part. It ensures that the PWA works well on different platforms and devices. Also, if any bug is found, it identifies and fixes it, which results in an increased development time. Thorough testing helps reduce bugs, but it can add to development costs.

Development Team

The size and location of the development team also play a role in the development cost. A larger team or a team located in a region with higher development costs will increase the development cost. Hiring a skilled development team can ensure a high-quality PWA but can add to the cost.

Maintenance

Maintenance is an ongoing cost associated with PWAs. Maintaining and updating the PWA regularly to ensure it works correctly and remains compatible with different platforms and devices can increase ongoing maintenance costs. Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure the PWA remains usable and efficient.

These are the factors that fluctuate the development cost of PWA.

PWA Development Cost

Typically, the cost of developing a PWA can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars or more. Let’s understand this:

Complexity

The complexity of a PWA is one of the most significant factors affecting its development cost. A more complex PWA with advanced features, integrations, and custom designs will require more development time, increasing the development cost.

Simplifying the design and features can help lower development costs. An estimated cost for a simple PWA can range from $2,500-$10,000. On the other hand, a complex PWA can cost anywhere from $20,000-$100,000 or more.

Feature-Richness

A feature-rich PWA with advanced features, integrations, and custom designs will require more development time. It results in increasing the development cost. Advanced features, such as real-time updates, push notifications, and offline capabilities, can add to the development cost.

Custom designs and user experience can also increase development costs. An estimated cost for a feature-rich PWA can range from $10,000-$50,000 or more.

Tech-Stack

The tech stack used to develop a PWA can also affect its development cost. Some tech stacks are more expensive and may require more development time and expertise, increasing the development cost.

For example, using React or Angular can be more expensive than using simpler tech stacks such as vanilla JavaScript. An estimated cost for a PWA developed using a simple tech stack can range from $5,000-$15,000, whereas a PWA developed using more complex tech stacks can cost anywhere from $15,000-$50,000 or more.

However, it's important to note that the cost of developing a PWA is just one part of the equation. Other factors, such as the ongoing cost of maintaining and updating the app, should also be considered when evaluating the cost of developing a PWA.

Conclusion

The blog has discussed everything about PWAs, from benefits to development costs. Many reasons are enumerated in the blog why a business should adopt this excellent web development trend.

However, before developing a PWA or opting to hire PWA developers, you must consider the factors that influence the development cost of PWAs. Complexity, feature-richness, and tech stack are some of the most critical factors that can impact the cost of PWA development.

Additionally, factors such as platform compatibility, integration, testing, development team, hosting, infrastructure, and maintenance must be analyzed carefully to ensure that the final product meets your business's requirements. You should carefully analyze each one of them for robust PWA development.