Mobile Websites vs Mobile Apps

Mobile Applications vs Websites

If you're planning to establish a mobile presence for your business or organization one of the first considerations that will likely come to mind is whether you want to create a mobile application for users to download (app) or a mobile website, or perhaps both. Mobile websites and apps can look very similar at first-glance, and determining which is most suited to your needs will depend upon a number of factors, including target audiences, available budget, intended purpose and required features.  That said, mobile apps work together with your website.  Standalone mobile applications should follow a specific mobile strategy whereas your website when done effectively should have a more broad strategy. 

A mobile website is simply a version of your website on a mobile device. A mobile website is similar to any other website in that it consists of browser-based HTML pages that are linked together and accessed over the Internet (for mobile typically WiFi or 3G or 4G networks). The obvious characteristic that distinguishes a mobile website from a standard website is the fact that it is designed for the smaller handheld display and touch-screen interface. To achieve mobile functionality there are specific modules of code necessary on the backend of your website. 

Mobile Applications are actual applications that are downloaded and installed on your mobile device, rather than being rendered within a browser. Users visit device-specific portals such as  Apple’s App Store, Android Market, or Blackberry App World in order to find and download apps for a given operating system. Efficient integration of your website and your mobile application involves a download link on your site along with the other “stores” where mobile applications are downloaded.  The app may pull content and data from the Internet, in similar fashion to a website, or it may download the content so that it can be accessed without an Internet connection.

Which is better for my small business?

Since we are still in the early stages of mobile development and there is so much technology yet coming I am leaning towards the mobile websites. However, there is  and will always be a place for both websites and mobile applications.  Much of the decision depends upon your businesses budget, target markets and sector. In a perfect world of course it is best to have both the website and the mobile application as the cherry on top. With the onset of HTML 5 we are able to build websites that render on mobile devices much more easily. HTML 5 has made the mobile application and website that more related from a development standpoint.  Companies with vested interest in both worlds include Google, Hilton Hotels, and Cedar Point.

Clearly, your organization isn’t that large. Therefore a well thought out portion of your IT strategy is necessary. With the right research a developer worth his salt will be able to determine which platform is best if not both. The right developer will also be able to make both platforms fit into your budget.

Gene “Websologist” Williams has 12 years experience in information technology  as the director of Websology Consulting LLC. His areas of expertise include Management Information Systems, Electronic Business Technology, Entrepreneurship, Web Development, and Project Management.