Mobile App vs Website: The Right Decision for Your Business

"Should I get an app or a website?" — This is one of the most common questions from businesses looking to establish a digital presence. Both have different advantages, and the right choice depends entirely on your business model.

Website: Your Digital Storefront

A website is your digital presence accessible from any device through a browser. No installation needed — share a link and get instant access.

Website Advantages

• Universal access — Everyone, from any device
• SEO — Get found on Google
• Lower cost — One platform, one development
• Instant updates — Changes reflect immediately
• No installation — Click a link, access
• Shareable — Easy sharing via URL

Website Limitations

• Limited push notifications (except PWA)
• Limited device hardware access
• Limited offline usage

Mobile App: In-Pocket Experience

A mobile app is software downloaded to a user's phone that runs directly on the device. Distributed through App Store or Google Play.

Mobile App Advantages

• Push notifications — Most effective way to re-engage users
• Hardware access — Camera, GPS, sensors
• Offline functionality — Works without internet
• Faster experience — Data cached on device
• Brand loyalty — Home screen icon = constant reminder

Mobile App Disadvantages

• High cost — iOS + Android = two separate developments ($3,000+)
• App Store approval — Publishing process can be uncertain
• Update process — Users need to update manually
• Download barrier — Users must install the app
• Maintenance cost — Continuous maintenance on two platforms
• Discoverability — Standing out in the App Store is very difficult

Comparison

| Criteria | Website | Mobile App | |----------|---------|------------| | Cost | $500-3,000 | $3,000-15,000 | | Reach | Everyone | Only downloaders | | SEO | Excellent | None | | Dev time | 2-6 weeks | 2-6 months | | Updates | Instant | Store approval needed | | Push notifications | Limited | Full | | Offline | Limited | Full | | Maintenance | One platform | Two platforms |

PWA: The Best of Both Worlds

A Progressive Web App (PWA) is a modern approach that works like a website but delivers a mobile app experience.

PWA features include:

• Add to home screen (icon + splash screen)
• Send push notifications
• Work offline
• No App Store needed
• One codebase, works on all platforms
• Website cost, mobile app experience

Which Approach for Which Business?

Website Is Sufficient:

• Service industry (lawyers, architects, accountants)
• Restaurants and cafes
• Portfolios and personal brands
• B2B companies
• Blog and content platforms
• Small e-commerce

Mobile App Is Needed:

• Heavy user interaction (social media, gaming)
• Camera/GPS-dependent features
• Regular recurring usage (fitness, finance)
• Offline usage mandatory
• Large-scale e-commerce

PWA Is Recommended:

• News and media sites
• E-commerce (mid-scale)
• Corporate portals
• Event platforms
• Food delivery

Conclusion

For most businesses, website first is the right strategy. Your website is your digital identity and ensures you're findable on Google. A mobile app only makes sense when your business model demands it. PWA combines the advantages of both worlds.

To determine the right digital strategy for your business, get in touch: info@cagribilgehan.com. Check out my projects: cagribilgehan.com