Strategic question - how do I decide between a mobile app or a mobile first website

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I was asked by a customer today ( a local clothing store ) if they should create a mobile app to display their products or a mobile first website. They would like to display products available inthe store and perhaps display customised content if the user is near the store, like sending them an offer to visit the store.

What I have tried:

I tried reading some blogs and articles online and it is difficult to know which way to go. The mobile first website might seem like a faster and less costly approach. But if users do install the mobile app there might be additional marketing opportunities like sending notifications with offers.
Any input is much appreciated, many thanks.

Posted 10-Jun-24 3:25am

M.I.T.I

Updated 10-Jun-24 3:48am

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CHill60 10-Jun-24 9:50am

Speaking as a customer I'm more likely to use a mobile-first website than an App on at least the first few visits. The app couldn't be able to let me know I'm near a store because I turn that off.

[no name] 10-Jun-24 11:11am

Many thanks for your input, that is very valuabe to me

[no name] 10-Jun-24 11:16am

Also, if you add the website to the Home Screen and then open the Web App by tapping its icon - it is possible to send notifications that way..

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M.I.T.I · Answer 1 · 2024-06-10T05:18:00

I would recommend CHill60 comment as a decent solution together with this comment. Kudos CHill60!

"As a customer I'm more likely to use a mobile-first website than an App on at least the first few visits. The app couldn't be able to let me know I'm near a store because I turn that off."

Please also note: (if you add the website to the Home Screen and then open the Web App by tapping its icon - it is possible to send notifications that way..)

Ravi Bhavnani · Answer 2 · 2024-06-15T10:18:00

Solution 2

There's another reason to build a web app instead of a mobile app: you only need to build a single web app vs. an API backend and an Android and iOS app. That requires less tech and is easier to test.

/ravi

Posted 15-Jun-24 10:18am

Ravi Bhavnani