As the use of the internet continues to grow, more and more companies are seeing the importance of having an online presence. Nevertheless, it is challenging for many to decide whether a website or a web application is more suitable for their needs. Selecting the right platform plays a crucial role in the achievement of the goals and objectives of any business. This article will discuss the main differences, advantages, and disadvantages, as well as the question of whether it is better to create a website and/or a web application.
Websites – What They Are and Their Benefits
Websites have been the conventional internet medium for commerce for a long time. According to the data, in 2024, there are about 1.09 billion websites on the Internet. In their simplest form, they are a set of web pages stored on a web server that can be accessed through a web browser. Websites are versatile tools great for:
- Establishing an online presence
- Providing information about products, services, company history and culture
- Generating leads through calls-to-action and lead-capture forms
- Driving sales through ecommerce capabilities
- Managing customer relationships when integrated with a CRM
- Showcasing content for search engine optimization (SEO)
Thanks to services like WordPress and Squarespace, creating a website is now easier and cheaper than ever. This makes websites perfect for small businesses and organizations who wish to go online but with little technical know-how and capital. Their open accessibility also means that websites have no limit on traffic and visitors.
Now, let’s explore the key differentiators and benefits of web applications.
Web Applications – What They Are and Their Benefits
While websites and web apps may look similar on the front end, web applications have key differences under the hood. Web apps are software programs stored on remote servers and delivered through a browser that utilizes dynamic content, server-side processing and real-time connectivity.
Some examples of common web applications include enterprise apps like Salesforce, Slack or Office 365 and consumer apps like Facebook, Netflix or Spotify.
Here are some of the advantages web apps made with the help of .NET development outsourcing services provide over traditional websites:
Increased Interactivity and Real-Time Capabilities
While conventional websites are more or less a collection of HTML pages that do not change in response to user inputs, web apps enable user interactions and data exchange. This means that the users are able to set preferences, work on the application and make progress and get notifications of changes in real time. Some of the activities that are possible due to the two-way communication between the app and the user include live chats, editing of documents or video conferencing.
Improved Performance Through Server-Side Processing
In the case of traditional websites, all processing is done on the user’s browser, which may take time. The backend structure of web apps allows for computationally intensive processes to occur in the background for a user-friendly experience. This makes it possible for web apps to compute complicated functions, including those involving large datasets, efficiently.
Enhanced Data Security Protections
The security of users’ data within web apps can be enhanced through security controls such as role-based security, encryption, and the use of MFA. Websites that are connected to the open Internet offer fewer security features, as a rule.
Offline Accessibility that Websites Can’t Provide
Web apps built using HTML5 allow users to continue working even without an internet connection. Key information is temporarily stored locally so that synchronization can occur once back online. This is especially valuable for apps targeting mobile usage.
Cost Efficiencies Through Browser Access
Web apps do not need to install and update the software on each device where it is to be used. Reduced maintenance, which is centrally managed in the cloud, combined with easy-to-access-anywhere browser capabilities, increases the overall total cost of ownership. Some web apps are offered freely as a part of freemium strategies as well.
As we have looked at the basic differences, advantages and applications of websites and web applications, here are some critical considerations that can help you decide what is right for your business.
Key Considerations for Website vs Web Application
Every business has unique needs and priorities that shape technology solution decisions. Key considerations when evaluating a website or web app include:
1. Alignment with Business Goals
Think through how your online platform needs to support both immediate and longer-term business goals. Websites can effectively establish an initial online presence, provide company information and generate leads. However, businesses that want to enable activities like facilitating collaboration, analyzing data to inform decisions or providing a self-service portal may find greater benefit from a web app. Identify your top business priorities for an online presence to shape platform selection.
2. Target Audience Preferences
Understanding user expectations and technical capabilities will inform platform choice. For example, web apps require an internet connection and browser access. If targeting customers with inconsistent internet connectivity, a website may better serve their needs. Additionally, web apps often require some user training, while website visitors generally need less guidance to access information. Evaluate customer technical capabilities and where they are most comfortable engaging online.
3. Available Development Resources
The level of technical expertise required for web apps is more extensive than basic website development. Building a custom web app typically demands skilled software developers to program the backend infrastructure to support dynamic capabilities. Smaller businesses may opt for an out-of-the-box web app solution requiring less customization. Consider available development resources, as that can impact platform selection.
4. Data and Security Requirements
Consider what data your online platform will house, how it will be used and any regulations that need to be met. Web apps support more advanced security protections and controls than standard websites. However, fully custom web apps require this security layer to be exclusively built versus leveraging an established SaaS product. If handling sensitive information or transactions, the security features of a web app may prove necessary despite increased effort.
5. Available Budget
Budget unsurprisingly plays a significant role in decision-making. Basic websites can run just a few hundred dollars annually, whereas custom web app development often starts at around $25,000. However, many third-party web app platforms now exist, like OutSystems and Appian, that businesses can license without needing full custom development. Consider the budget in balance with other priorities like features and capabilities.
Should You Build a Website, Web App or Both?
With an understanding of the core differences between websites and web applications now established, how do you know what choice is right? Here is an overview of three primary options to consider:
Website Only
For many small businesses initially establishing an online presence, starting with just a website is recommended. Websites provide tremendous flexibility and essential marketing capabilities at affordable price points for limited budgets. Focus website content on attracting and engaging your target audiences. Integrate lead capture forms, calls to action and analytics to generate and nurture new business.
If you find website management too demanding with in-house resources, outsourced assistance is readily available from freelancers to specialized .NET development outsourcing partners. This allows small businesses to achieve their goals online cost-effectively. Evaluate if you later need enhanced features or interactions, driving the need for a web app.
Web Application Only
Some businesses serve specialized customer segments or enable activities aligned to web app capabilities. For example, software companies may offer web apps facilitating collaboration during the software development lifecycle. Other businesses may have complex workflows or analytics needs better managed through a web app backend.
If core to achieving business goals, focusing exclusively on a custom or off-the-shelf web app alternative can make sense. The decision to develop a web app only requires aligning budget and resources to support development and ongoing management.
Website + Web Application
There is no rule that businesses can’t leverage both websites and web apps to serve customers. An outward-facing website provides an entry point to engage visitors as part of the buyer’s journey before authenticating them and migrating them to a web app. Websites can also facilitate marketing and conversions to ultimately feed customers into a web app that centers on customer experience.
This combined approach works best for large enterprises that have the budget and technical expertise to support both platforms. The website serves as the discovery, relationship-building and advertising channel before passing qualified leads to the web app used internally.
Final Thoughts on Evaluating Website vs Web Apps
Today, every business has to be online to connect with today’s buyers and to survive the competition. Nevertheless, the decision on whether to develop a website, web application, or both is a function of the goals, target market, capacity, and resources.
Websites are a cheap option for the initial stages of establishing an online presence, primarily for company information and lead generation. Web applications allow specific interactions with improved security and performance to handle data-driven tasks and communication.
In choosing between website and web app, one must consider carefully the priority, resources, and the needs of the target audience. Often, websites serve as a front-end for customers to attract them in and then move them to the specific web applications after identification. This combined approach allows small businesses more space for development as their online activity progresses.
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