Choosing between a website and a mobile app

Clients often ask whether they need a website, a web app or a mobile app. A few questions usually settle it.

How often people will use it

For something customers use occasionally, such as booking an appointment or requesting a quote, a website is usually enough. There is nothing to install and the same link works on any device. Apps suit tasks people do weekly or daily.

Phone features

Push notifications, the camera, location, offline use and in-app payments are easier and more reliable in a mobile app. Browsers support some of these features, but support varies between devices.

How customers find it

Websites are found through search and links. Apps are found in the App Store and Google Play, and usually through the business's website too, so a business with an app still needs a website.

Running costs

Apps have costs a website does not: developer accounts with Apple and Google, a store review for each release, and updates when iOS and Android change. Building the iOS and Android versions from one codebase with a cross-platform framework keeps these costs down.

Our usual recommendation

Start with a website unless the answers above point clearly to an app. If an app is needed, we build for both platforms from one codebase and keep the website as the main way new customers find you. See Web Design & Development and App Design & Development.