Businesses of today have evolved to ECommerce as consumers have shifted toward the convenience, choice and accessibility of online transactions. Nowadays M-commerce is the current trend as mobile apps can be accessed on the go at your convenience, place & time.
| Features | Mobile websites | Mobile Apps |
| Availability | Instantly available across a range of devices (iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, etc.) | User needs to first download and install the app before viewing. |
| Compatibility | Compatible across multiple devices | Require a separate version to be developed for each type of device. |
| Updates | Pure flexibility to update content simply. | Updates need to be pushed to users & then downloaded to update the app on each device types. |
| Visibility | Easier for users to find in search results and industry-specific directories. | Largely restricted to manufacturer app stores. |
| Sharing | Can be shared easily through simple links in email or text message, or Social Media | Not so simple to share. |
| Time & Cost | Less time and expense to develop. | Expensive if you need to have a presence on different platforms |
| Lifecycle | Always available for users & can’t be deleted. | Average shelf-life is short unless the app is truly unique and/or useful |
| Support & Sustainability | Less expensive to support & maintain. | Supporting & developing is more expensive. |
Mobile devices allow for unprecedented convenience and accessibility while offering all the choice of the World Wide Web. They are beneficial for building and nurturing a loyal following of customers. Hence offering a combination of both website & app may be the best way to increase sales and customer satisfaction!