Does Your Business Really Need a Web App | An Insider View

Streamlining your business in today’s competitive digital world demands a wholesome strategy. And once you set out to adopt a game plan, you must have your basics right. We are talking about your online address – a website or web app.

Now, many people consider that the term website is synonymous to every URL they visit. If you are planning to bring your brick and mortar store online, you should have a clear concept that not all the URLs you visit can be classified as websites. Some of these can be more accurately referred to as web applications. An understanding of the fine line between a website and web app will allow you to solidify your business plan and communicate your project to a web development agency.

Confused? Get the Difference…

Though there are conflicting opinions amongst the website development company professionals, you may use the following guide:

A website is usually informational in nature. Its main purpose is to convey information to the visitors. There is little scope of interaction on the part of the users other than possibly performing a search or submitting an email address to receive newsletters. For instance, if you own a local charity and want to convey some information, a website with a homepage, contact information, an about page, upcoming events, and a portfolio of your works may meet your requirement.

A web application, on the other hand, is more of an action-oriented web tool. Let’s continue with the example of the local charity. This time, the visitors are able to register, buy items from your online store, and donate. Another example of a web app can be a library web portal that allows visitors to search book catalogue and make a reservation.

Honestly, the distinction between a website and a web app is not really a cut and dried process. For instance, consider a WordPress website. In its native state, it displays information to the visitors. From this perspective, it’s a website. But on the backend, it has an extensible and highly customizable content management system. Now tell us, is the WordPress site just a website or a web app?

Tough call, right!

Remember that many sites are actually website and web application hybrids. Your startup may provide extensive information to the visitors and also allow them to conduct specific functions – as in the case of our charity portal’s example.

Now comes the crucial question: do you need a web app? Don’t brainstorm, cause we already did! Below, we’ll mention a few industries that should engage web application development services.

Industry Specific Web App

1. Healthcare
   If your business belongs to the healthcare department, a web app can be extremely beneficial for you. Equipped with multiple functions, the app will enable the users to make doctor appointments, order medicines, upload or download medical reports, and perform other necessary actions.
2. Education
   E-learning system has completely changed the face of education. Especially, in the post-COVID world, online learning has become the “new normal”. Educational web apps make studies exciting with interactive games, fun quizzes, a pool of information, and many other features. If you want to bring your educational institution online, arrange for online coaching class, or launch a digital certification programme; a web app is a must-have for you.
3. Retail
   Well, this goes without saying. You sure don’t want to offer a handful of information in your retail store, right? Developing an interactive web app with secure payment gateway options, fast loading speed, integrated chatbot, and multiple intuitive elements can effectively boost your business.
4. Travel
   Travel and tourism is another rich domain to be benefitted by a web app. Depending on the nature of your business, your web application can allow the users to book transport tickets, hotels, or sight-seeing packages. You can also integrate engaging content (blogs, infographics, videos, etc) in your travel app to share travel stories, off-route travel destinations, and other relevant information and thereby earn more leads.
5. Food Delivery
   With most restaurants closed and people afraid to dine out due to the pandemic, online food delivery is witnessing a major hike. Consider the cult reference of Zomato!
   Allow your customers to browse ample of restaurants, order food online, use discount coupons, pay, and track delivery via your web app.
6. Games
   The massive popularity of online games makes it a profitable choice for start-ups to develop a gaming app. However, you need to be cautious while appointing web app developers. Since a gaming app requires extensive features and functionalities including high-end graphics and fast loading speed, the app developers need to be well-equipped with the latest trends and technologies.
7. Smart Home
   Home automation web apps are getting increasingly popular. These apps can control several household or office devices remotely. Remember that your app must be equipped with numerous features including voice command recognition.

Final Thoughts
As you may well understand, web applications have become the nervous system of the entire global market. If your business still doesn’t have a striking virtual presence, it’s high time to launch a web app that offers an enhanced user experience!

Do you want to add more business verticals to our list? Feel free to share.