PWA applications

We want to indicate that the purpose of this article is to tell as many people as possible that there is such a technology. And it’s called PWA.

07th Aug 2020
7 minute read

PWA applications. What it is and why a business should create an application for a website?

We want to indicate that the purpose of this article is to tell as many people as possible that there is such a technology. And it’s called PWA.

What is PWA?

PWA or Progressive Web Application – it’s a technology that allows customers to install your website on a smartphone as an application.

Now you don't need to develop a separate website, iOS app, or Android app. It is enough to have it for the site and maintain only the site.

We use PWA-based applications more often than it seems at first glance.

The brands like Twitter, Tinder, Uber, Telegram, Starbucks, Forbes, AliExpress, Aviasales use PWA-based apps as the basis or in addition to the mobile app.

Advantages of a PWA-based application

  • Allows you to send Push notifications.
  • The cost of development and support is 70% cheaper than mobile apps.
  • Savings on re-attracting customers, as there are no costs for customer return tools (retargeting, remarketing).
  • No need to place the app on AppStore and Google Play. You can download it directly from your website.
  • It works faster than the site.
  • Works without internet.
  • The PWA size of an application is usually no more than 1 MB. It's less than a mobile app.
  • The PWA app works with the following functions: geolocation, camera, and microphone.

Disadvantages of PWA applications:

  • At the time of writing, the PWA app does not have the ability to send notifications to the iPhone, as the default browser in iOS is Safari. However, in iOS 14, Apple added a default browser selection feature. This means that if the user chooses not to use Safari as the default browser, notifications can also be sent to the iPhone.
  • Also, PWA apps do not support the Touch ID function and only work with the Bluetooth function.

What tasks can be solved using a PWA-based application

  • Encourages repeat sales.
  • Simplifies the search for a company. You can have access to the company with 1 tap on the screen.
  • Increases brand awareness. The company's icon (logo) is always visible to the user
  • Increases the average transaction receipt by adding products via Push notifications.
  • Stays in touch with the client. It sends notifications to the customer that the goods have arrived at the pick-up point. Or that the item will be delivered today.
  • Saves money on advertising. Now you don't need to set up a catch-up ad with a new promotion. Just send a notification that your customers will definitely notice.
  • Gets rid of competition in search results. Your customers have access through an app that has no competitors, unlike search results.

What businesses are suitable for PWA applications

Suitable for all businesses whose customers use the services regularly.

Below you will find described in more details how you can use the application based on PWA

1. Cleaning services

Customers will be able to re-order the service with 1 click.You will be able to analyze the frequency of orders by each customer and send cleaning reminders in advance, increasing the frequency of purchases

2. Restaurants, cafes, pizzerias, and delivery networks

Customers will be able to order products or book a table with 1 click.You will be able to encourage customers to order more by sending promo codes with discounts and promotions.

You will be able to use loyalty cards using the app and QR codes.

3. Online shopping

- Customers will be able to find you with 1 click and select the desired product without distractions. And if they put the product in the basket, but did not place an order, you can encourage them to buy. This is done with the help of notifications with a discount or gift.

- Customers will be able to choose a product without the Internet. And when it appears, the data is automatically uploaded to you.

- Notify the customer about promotions or changes in the order status.

4. Online courses

You will be able to create a page where your courses will be available and open for your clients.

You will be able to send notifications about the start of an online event if you hold classes, marathons or webinars.

5. Online media

  • Your users will be able to find you in 1 click, which will increase the frequency of visits to your resources.
  • Users will not be distracted by other sites, which will increase engagement.
  • Users will be able to receive notifications about new publications on topics of interest to them.
  • You will be able to earn additional profit by sending out advertisements, using Push notifications.

6. Barbershop and the beauty sphere

You can analyze the frequency of orders by each customer and send them reminders to visit your place in advance.

Add care products to your customers with push notifications.

7. Network companies

  • You will be able to notify customers about the arrival of new products, or about the delivery status.
  • Users will be able to find you in 1 click, which will increase the frequency of visits to your resource.
  • Customers will be able to choose the desired product without distractions. And if they put the product in the basket, but did not place an order, you can remind them about it and encourage them to buy using notifications with a discount or gift.
  • Customers will be able to choose a product without the Internet. And when it appears, the data is automatically uploaded to you.

8. Car service stations

  • Remind customers about oil changes or other periodic maintenance work.
  • Notify the customer about the repair status.
  • Thank your regular customers with gifts.
  • Make additional sales of car care products with push notifications

9. Equipment sharing services

  • Users will be able to find you in 1 click, which will help them quickly solve their problems.
  • Send notifications about the state of the art (the car is booked) or about new promotions and discounts.
  • Thank your regular customers with gifts.

How does the installation process work?

You can go through the installation process yourself by opening the page in the browser on your mobile device.

1. The user goes to the site and sees a pop - up window with an offer. For example: "Pizza with a 25% discount when ordering from the app".

2. The user installs the app in one click.

3. The user goes to the application, the website opens inside this application and the user makes an order with a discount.

4. The app is installed. The next step is to send push notifications to the user.

Comparison of PWA with a website and mobile app

What else is worth mentioning, PWA can be downloaded and promoted on Google Play.

You can create a PWA for a part of the site. The application is updated using the cache, that is, every time a user logs in to the application with the Internet-enabled.

That's all for now. In short, we have described what a PWA-based application is and how it can be used from the point of view of a marketer.

The author of the original article is Evgeny Danilyuk

07th Aug 2020

We Will Implement Your Idea!

Contact us