This article was contributed by Natalia Brown who works as CEO at Software Expert Ltd.
Have you ever wondered why big shops online are doing so well on phones? It’s all thanks to a Progressive Web App (PWA). Think of it as a combo of a website and an app. In the sphere of online shopping, being ahead of the game is super important for retailers. Especially if you want to catch the eye of the leads who love shopping on their phones, that’s why we’re asking you to explore the world of PWAs and discover the benefits of PWA in the retail business. Let’s dive in and see how PWAs are changing the retail game!
Defining the essence of PWAs
At its heart, a Progressive Web App (PWA) is like a blend of fancy design ideas and high-tech stuff, all made to work well on many different devices and platforms. Unlike old-style web apps, PWAs come packed with many cool features that aim to improve your experience. These features include:
#1 App-like interface
PWAs seamlessly emulate the intuitive interface of native applications, ensuring swift and engaging interactions for users across mobile and desktop environments.
#2 Cross-browser compatibility
With robust compatibility across leading browsers such as Chrome, Safari, and Firefox, PWAs ensure a consistent and optimized experience for a broad spectrum of users.
#3 Offline mode
Thanks to clever Service Workers technology, PWAs go beyond connection limits, letting you access stuff even when you’re offline.
#4 Self-updates
PWAs can update themselves, so you always get the newest stuff without having to do anything yourself.
#5 Enhanced security
With strong HTTPS connections and strict TLS encryption, PWAs keep your info safe and build trust by sticking to top security standards.
Discovering the business benefits of PWAs
With PWAs, you don’t need to hunt for apps to download. They work right away on any device, and no downloads are needed. They’re like regular apps but just easier to use.
Big names in shopping, like AliExpress, are moving to PWAs. And guess what? They’re growing faster than ever before.
So, what makes PWAs awesome?
PWAs are new but super useful. They might take over the internet soon. Here are some signs they’re here to stay:
#1 No need to install
PWAs are like websites you can use on your phone. You don’t have to install anything. You can browse, shop, and pay without any hassle.
#2 Works everywhere
You can use PWAs on any browser. So, it doesn’t matter which one you prefer. And they’re flexible, so they work well on different browsers.
#3 Quick to use
You can add PWAs to your home screen for easy access. It’s like having an app, but it’s just a website.
#4 It feels like an app
Even though PWAs aren’t actual apps, they look and feel like them. They have cool features like cameras and maps.
#5 Works offline
Even without a good internet connection, PWAs can still help you out. They store stuff so you can use them even when you’re offline.
#6 Loads super fast
PWAs remember stuff you use often, so they load quickly. That means you can shop without waiting forever.
#7 Saves data
PWAs don’t use a lot of data, even on slow networks. So, you can shop without worrying about using up all your data.
#8 Easy to manage
Instead of making separate apps for different devices, PWAs work on everything. It’s easier to manage and saves a lot of money.
Looking at it from a business perspective, embracing PWAs brings tons of benefits that can really shake up the retail world:
#1 Boosted organic traffic
Since most people use their phones to shop online, PWAs can help bring more people to your site through search engines. This means that more people will see your brand and be more likely to purchase it. Most importantly, it happens organically.
#2 Better brand connection
PWAs can be added right to people’s home screens, making it super easy for them to stay connected with your brand. It helps build stronger relationships with your customers. It is essential for long-term cooperation and obtaining more returning customers.
#3 Optimised remarketing
PWAs give retailers a deep look into how users behave, which means you can tailor your marketing efforts to fit their needs and preferences. This leads to more sales and happier customers.
#4 Improved customer experience
With super-fast loading times and easy-to-use interfaces, PWAs make shopping a breeze and pleasure for customers. This boosts sales and keeps people coming back for more. It is because everyone likes excellent UI and UX solutions.
#5 Cost-friendly options
Compared to making traditional apps, PWAs are way cheaper and easier to develop. Plus, they’re great for SEO and can reach a wider audience.
Let’s check out some real success stories of PWAs in action
Starbucks
When Starbucks rolled out its PWA for mobile ordering, it saw a big jump in the number of people using it daily. Plus, they saved a ton on data storage.
AliExpress
By making their PWA work offline, AliExpress got people more engaged and boosted ad views, showing how PWAs can change how people interact with sites.
Lancôme
Lancôme used PWAs to make their site easier to use on phones and send push notifications. This led to more sales and people spending more time on their site.
Flipkart
Flipkart used PWAs to make their site load faster for those on slow networks. This got people more engaged and boosted sales, making them a big name in Indian online shopping.
George.com
By focusing on making their site great for phones and adding cool features, George.com saw a significant increase in sales and how long potential customers stayed on their site. This proves how PWAs can help a business grow.
What’s Next?
Big companies like Starbucks and AliExpress are already using PWAs to boost sales on phones. And PWAs are getting better every day.
Conclusion
So, if you’re thinking about making a mobile website, PWAs are the way to go. They’re simple to use and work great on phones. Get ready for a new era in online shopping with PWAs!
About the author
Natalia Brown works as CEO at Software Expert Ltd. and is an Associate Professor at the AI Department of Kharkov National University of Radioelectronics.
Last Updated on April 10, 2024 12:12 pm CEST
