Why Every Business Should Seriously Consider a Progressive Web App (PWA)
Jeriel Isaiah Layantara
CEO & Founder of Round Bytes
Let’s be honest, the internet today isn’t what it was even five years ago. People expect websites to work fast, look good on their phones, and feel as smooth as the apps they download. If your business website is still acting like a clunky desktop site from 2010, you’re missing out big time.
That’s where Progressive Web Apps, or PWAs, come in. They’re kind of the best of both worlds between a website and a mobile app without all the headaches of building separate apps for iPhone and Android.
What the Heck is a PWA?
If you’re not super tech-savvy, don’t worry! You’re not alone. PWAs might sound like some fancy Silicon Valley jargon, but really, they’re just websites that behave like apps. You open them in your browser, but they can:
- Work offline (yes, offline!)
- Load super fast
- Send push notifications
- And even let users “install” them on their phone home screen without going through an app store
Imagine being able to offer your customers an experience so smooth and fast that they forget they’re using a website at all.
Let’s break it down:
- People Are Mostly on Their Phones NowMore than 60% of all web traffic is mobile. That means your business siteneedsto work beautifully on small screens. If it’s slow, confusing, or requires zooming and pinching, people bounce. And they rarely come back.
- Speed is KingStudies show if your site takes longer than 3 seconds to load, you lose more than half of your visitors. PWAs use clever caching, so once someone visits, everything loads instantly even if they’re offline or have spotty internet.
- No App Store HasslesBuilding an app is expensive and time-consuming. You have to design for both iOS and Android, pass app store reviews, and hope people actually download it. With a PWA, your customers just visit your website and get the option to “install” it on their phone’s home screen with one tap. No downloads, no updates, no fuss.
- Push Notifications Without the AppEver notice how annoying some app notifications can be? PWAs let you send targeted push notifications right from your website. That means you can remind customers about sales, new products, or updates even if they don’t have an app installed.
Who’s Using PWAs Already?
Some big names have jumped on PWAs because they know the power of fast, app-like web experiences.
- Starbucks built a PWA so customers can order ahead and browse the menu even when they’re offline. Result? A 65% increase in orders through the web version.
- Twitter Lite is a PWA optimized for slow internet and low data. Users stick around longer and send more tweets because it feels so fast and light.
- Forbes redesigned their site as a PWA and saw readers spend more time on articles, plus a noticeable drop in bounce rates.
So, Is a PWA Right for Your Business?
If your customers mostly use phones, if you want to cut app development costs, or if you want to improve your site speed and engagement, PWAs are definitely worth considering.
Here’s a quick checklist to see if your site could benefit:
- Does your site load slowly on mobile?
- Can your site work when internet connection is bad or offline?
- Would you like to send timely notifications to your customers without an app?
- Are you tired of managing separate apps for iOS and Android?
If you nodded yes to any of these, a PWA could be a game changer.
What About the Future?
Tech keeps moving, and PWAs are well positioned to evolve with it. They’re compatible with new web standards, can integrate with emerging tech like voice search, and fit right into the mobile-first world we live in.
They’re not just a “nice to have”, they’re becoming a necessity if you want your business to stay competitive.
How to Get Started
Building a PWA isn’t magic, but it does require some expertise. That’s where a good web agency comes in. We can help:
- Audit your current website’s performance and mobile experience
- Design a PWA that fits your brand and goals
- Implement offline features, push notifications, and smooth install options
- Keep your site fast, secure, and future-proof
Final Thoughts
The web is no longer just about information, it’s about experience. And PWAs deliver a fast, reliable, app-like experience right in your browser.
If you want your business to be where your customers are on mobile, offline, and ready to engage, it’s time to seriously think about PWAs.
Need a hand figuring out if a PWA is right for you? Reach out anytime. Let’s build something your customers will love and that will keep your business ahead of the curve.
