Mobile devices with touchscreen interfaceIt can be tough to decide if your business needs a mobile app or a mobile website, since there are several different aspects of each that you need to analyze before you decide to put in your money. Right from expense, to speed and obtainability, mobile apps and mobile websites are quite distinct and they offer benefits based on what your business demands from its existence on mobile gadgets. Even though several large companies and established brands are already adequately addressing a quick expanding mobile audience, there are so many more companies who are only just starting to think about their mobile strategy and the mobile experience. Fundamentals At the time of deciding between a website or a mobile app, the first question to enquire about is whether or not you want your data to be reachable via mobile browsers. If the answer is “yes”, then you will need to build a responsive website to start with and if “no” then a mobile app might be more apt. Responsive websites need an internet connection and a static, navigational user interface that reflects your overall website design. A mobile app, on the other hand, can be easily used after installation without using an internet connection. Development concerns After you have thought through the business case for developing your mobile application, it’s time to start thinking about development to determine what makes the most sense for your situation. Audience reach Mobile websites are seen by viewers with a mobile browser, irrespective of the hardware or operating system that they select. These days, most businesses should consider their broad mobile presence before considering how people experience their business in app form. Apps tend to compartmentalize the audience that is engaging with your brand, which is not necessarily a bad thing. The demographic of an iPad app user may be very different from the average user that visits your mobile website, and you can leverage those differences if you understand them and make them part of your mobile strategy. Reach vs engagement If your business is trying to build a mobile campaign that has to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of reach versus engagement. App users consume 2.4 times more impressions with a single brand on average. This means that while a mobile browser might be better for total impressions, mobile apps will make individual users more engaged with your business and what you have to say. Conclusion Eventually, selecting between a mobile app and a mobile website comes down to what targets your business is seeking to accomplish from your mobile existence. Analyzing the strengths of both mobile websites and mobile apps in terms of how they relate to your business’ online goals is going to be the best way to pick between the two. Website Jungle is a New Jersey based digital marketing, web development and mobile app development company.