Rethink Strategy in 2022

PWAs are here ... simply too good to ignore!

By the end of 2022 normal websites are going to feel slow, clunky and outdated compared to PWAs (Progressive Web Apps).

Developed by Google, this new technology is an absolute game-changer for the web. A PWA is a website/app hybrid that delivers the total app experience and functionality, as well as working beautifully on a large-screen desktop. PWAs work on IOS and Android devices, they work on all the major browsers on desktops, laptops, tablets and mobile phones.

No app store required

PWAs don’t need to be separately developed for app stores on IOS and Android, in fact, PWAs do not even need an app store to install them. Simply visit the website on a mobile device, then click "Add to Homescreen" to install the app. They’re fast to install, usually taking less than a second. And both the app version and the web version are seriously fast to navigate.

PWA’s are fast — almost instant!

The speed of these websites is the most noticeable difference compared to a traditional website. Because of the ultra-fast page load times, PWAs will be favoured in a Google search. They can work offline and they’re easy to update. Users will love them and they’ll be able to see more of your content in less time. Most of JABA clients’ PWAs have had massive increases in engagement levels, some by more than 400%. This is why 2022 is the year to "rethink your online strategy" and consider re-developing your website to become a state-of-the-art PWA.

So how good is this new PWA technology?

PWA's may be new technology but unlike many "new technologies" introduced in the past this one is here to stay. Consider these facts:

• This technology has been developed by Google, one of the largest companies in the world
• PWA’s are being strongly backed by Microsoft and Apple (also among the world's biggest companies)
• Some of the world's largest websites have already converted to the PWA technology — including Twitter, Pinterest, WhatsApp, Starbucks, Uber, Trivago and NASA.
• Web developers in the US and Europe have been embracing PWA technology since 2019.
• Here in Australia, JABA’s at the forefront and our clients are reaping the rewards.

What are the main differences between a PWA and a website?

The first thing users will notice is the sheer speed of a PWA compared to a website. If the app version is installed this will work just as fast even when you have a very slow connection ... and it can even work offline. PWAs can look like traditional websites with many pages of content, however, the PWA delivers all the content on a single page. This is called a "single-page application." You’ll notice this when you click on a tile or on a link to another page ... the browser will quickly slide to the top and instantly display the new content.

A bit of techie info for those so inclined

A PWA renders all the page content on the server rather than on your computer. It then sends down parcels of content pre-rendered and cached. If you take a look at the source code of a PWA compared to the source code of any traditional website, you’ll see a big difference. Traditional websites can have thousands of lines of code for each page within the website. In sharp contrast, the source code of a PWA is only a few lines long and — amazingly — it is the code for the entire website, not just the page you are viewing! Because a PWA is a "single page application" all the hard work that other websites do on your computer is done on the server instead. This means that when a PWA page is selected, it’s almost instant delivery.

What are the main differences between a PWA and a traditional app?

At first glance, there isn’t a lot of difference — most things that can be done on a traditional app can be done on a PWA. But there are significant differences behind the scenes including the biggest advantage — the cost of development. PWAs can be more than 50% cheaper to produce. Why? A PWA only needs a single development whereas traditional apps require two versions — one for IOS and one for Android. Also, traditional app developments do not create a website solution, so companies that use apps as a part of their digital strategy also have to budget for the development of their website. PWAs cover everything in one development, potentially saving companies tens of thousands of dollars of their digital marketing budget.

The ultimate user experience

The most obvious difference between a PWA and an app is the ability of a PWA to work on desktops and laptops. And not just "work" but create the ultimate user experience across all platforms and devices. Many companies that use a website and a traditional app as part of their digital strategy should and will consider the PWA as an option because it makes very good sense. Currently, many apps do not relate to the look and feel and the user experience of the website that the app is associated with. PWAs totally solve that problem.

Easy editing and updating of content

Some apps have updates that require the owner to go back to their app developers to make the upgrade and then wait for them to submit it to Google and Apple’s App Stores for approval. This can be timely and costly. Meanwhile, a PWA can easily be updated using the site’s content management system. JABA PWAs use a CMSv8 that will look familiar to the traditional CMS user and is really simple and easy to edit. You can even completely change the design if required. PWA’s do not need an app store and any user that has the app installed on their device will get any update almost instantly.

PWA’s are the new game changer on the internet

At JABA, we believe in this technology so much we have applied it ourselves. Just click around this website to see how fast it is ... then "Add to Home screen" on your mobile device to see how it works as an app.

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