Mobile application is a significant part of the digital solutions business that is adapting. For Business, it is one of the easiest and fastest ways to connect to customers. Mobile applications are not limited to big companies, whether you are a start-up or a mid-size company, a mobile application is a tool that helps you grow your business and connect with your customers. The global market for mobile applications is growing rapidly and reached a figure of USD 206.85 billion in 2022. Innovation in technology, better internet connectivity, digitization of organizations, the digital economy, and the constant increase in smartphone users are some of the factors responsible for the constant demand for mobile applications.
The mobile application store has an app for almost everything. Lifestyle, Education, Entertainment, Gaming, e-commerce, health, and well-being are some of the major categories in the application store. Businesses looking to develop a mobile application should look for a mobile application development company, that can guide them through the process and build a high-performing application. The type of mobile application needed for a company may depend on the requirements and some other factors. We have covered all the information regarding different types of applications, their differences, and their benefits so that you can pick the right type of application for your business.
Why does your business need a mobile application?
Benefits of mobile app for your business
- Brand building – Mobile applications help in building a relationship with the customer and help the customer in forming associations with the company.
- Marketing – Mobile apps are profusely used as a marketing tool. Companies use it for all promotional activities.
- Customer reach and retention – Owning a mobile application, makes it faster and easier for companies to reach their customers and increases the engagement ratio.
- Analytics – Business collects a lot of customer data through mobile apps, and the analysis of the data provides insights about the customers. This information when used in decision-making and product upgradation contributes to business success.
- Customer relationship management – In case of any grievances the customer can contact the business instantly through a mobile application and the redressal of the complaint is quick. Mobile applications have chatbots that are 24/7 available, which provide all the required information to the user.
1. Native application
Native mobile applications are developed for a specific operating system. The mobile application is built keeping in mind the particular operating system specifications. An app built for the android operating system would not work on any other platform such as ios or windows.
2. Web apps
Web applications are programs stored on a remote server, accessed on the device through a web browser. Web applications are different from native applications as they are not stored on devices. They are not available or stored in the application store. Web apps are designed to be responsive for every screen size.
Works online only – Doesn’t work in offline mode if you wish to use the app internet connectivity is a must, users cannot access it without an internet connection.
Limited access to mobile – Since this application is not stored on the device, it cannot use all the features of mobile such as camera, Bluetooth, and many more, which also limits the functionality of the application.
Technologies used for building Web applications – JavaScript, CSS, Ruby, HTML5
3. Hybrid Applications
This application type as the name suggests is a combination of native and web applications. It has features of both native and web applications. They are stored on the device and have access to the device’s features.
Factors to Choose the Right Mobile App Type
Now, you are aware of the different types of mobile applications, their benefits, and limitations also their usage. You can consult a mobile application development company and discuss the requirements of your business and come to a guided conclusion about which application to pick.
The three important factors that you need to consider before making that decision are:
1. Time
One of the most crucial factors is time for any type of mobile app development. You need to be aware of the time you have to launch the application. As a business owner, if you have limited time, your choice of application would vary.
2. Performance
If you need a simple functional application to be built and don’t have complex features to be added, you can choose an application that is simple to build and performs the required functionalities. For businesses that handle a larger user base and need advanced features then developing a native application can be best for your business.
3. Target audience
If you are planning to build an application, you need to know the user base for your application. If you already have a customer base then you can choose from the native or hybrid applications as the consumer would go to the application store and download the application. On the other hand, if you are targeting a general audience then building a web application would be a better option.
