The benefits of using PWAs for your eCommerce business

As businesses adopt Progressive Web Applications (PWAs), there is a lot of discussion about the benefits. This article will explore some of the critical benefits of PWAs for eCommerce businesses. 

These benefits include increased engagement and conversions and improved user experience. We’ll also look at the challenges that can be overcome with PWAs. We believe that PWAs offer much value for eCommerce businesses and are worth considering when making technology investments.

What are PWAs, and their benefits compared to traditional websites or apps?

A progressive web application is a website that looks and feels like traditional mobile apps. They offer many benefits over traditional websites, including the ability to work offline, push notifications, and faster performance. For businesses, PWAs can offer many advantages. They are less expensive to develop than traditional apps and can be easily updated without going through the app store.

In addition, PWAs can be used to target a broader range of customers, as they can be installed on any device. As a result, PWAs offer many potential benefits for businesses looking to improve their online presence.

How to create a PWA for your eCommerce business, and the costs involved

Progressive web apps (PWA) are a hot topic in eCommerce. Many businesses are eager for this cutting-edge technology, but there is often confusion about how to get started. 

First and foremost, it is crucial to understand that a PWA is not a stand-alone app. Instead, it is a website that has been optimized for mobile devices. It means you will need to have a robust, responsive design before you can begin to create your PWA. Once you have a responsive website, you can start to focus on the specific features that will make your PWA stand out.

One of the key benefits of a PWA is that it can be used offline. It is made possible by caching data locally on the user’s device. To do this, you will need to use service workers. These JavaScript files run in the background and intercept network requests, and they then serve the cached data instead of making a network request. Service workers can be tricky to implement, so it is vital to work with a developer who has experience with this technology.

Another vital aspect of PWAs is pushing notifications. This feature allows you to send messages directly to users’ devices, even when they are not actively using your app. They can be used for various purposes, such as promoting new products or sending reminders about abandoned carts. To use push notifications, you will need to configure them through your web server.

The last major component of PWAs is app manifest files. These files tell the browser about your app’s name, icons, and other relevant information. They also specify how your app should behave when launched from the home screen. Manifest files are simple JSON files that are easy to create and edit

So, how much does it cost to create a PWA? The answer depends on your project’s complexity and your development team’s experience level. If you have an existing responsive website, you may be able to convert it into a PWA with just a few hours of development time. However, starting from scratch, you should expect to spend several weeks (or even months) developing your PWA. 

The good news is that PWAs can be developed incrementally, so you can start small and add features as needed. Regarding budgeting, most businesses should expect to spend at least $5,000 on development costs for their PWA project. Creating a PWA can be a significant investment for your eCommerce business – but it can also pay off big time in terms of increased conversions and engagement from mobile users. 

Can I buy an out-of-the-box PWA?

Yes, you can. Many headless and composable commerce vendors are providing their eCommerce PWAs as an out-of-the-box solution to businesses of all sizes. You can cut out months of development time and merely expand on their base code. These solutions are typically highly customizable and already tick most boxes in terms of optimal web performance.

Are there any potential downsides to using PWAs for eCommerce businesses, and how can you mitigate these risks?

PWAs are certainly not without their risks – after all, they are a relatively new technology with a limited track record. One of the key risks is that PWAs may not be compatible with all devices and browsers, which could lead to a poor user experience for some customers, leading to lost sales. Another risk is that PWAs may not be able to provide the same level of security as native apps. It is a significant consideration for businesses handling sensitive customer data.

Finally, there is always the risk that a PWA may not perform as well as expected and may need to be rebuilt entirely. While these risks are undoubtedly real, there are also ways to mitigate them. For example, businesses can use PWAs together with native apps to reach the broadest possible audience while leveraging the most beneficial features of both technologies. And by carefully testing PWAs before launch, businesses can identify potential compatibility issues and address them accordingly.

Are PWAs the future of online shopping, and if so, what does this mean for your business?

The proliferation of mobile devices has led to a dramatic increase in online shopping. Businesses need to find ways to optimize their online presence for mobile users.

One way to do this is by developing a Progressive Web App (PWA). PWAs are essentially mobile-friendly websites that can be designed to look and feel like a native app. They offer many advantages, including offline functionality, push notifications, and increased speed. In other words, they provide users with a much better experience than traditional websites. For businesses, this means greater customer satisfaction and loyalty.