What Is A Progressive Web App And Why Does Your Business Need One?

You've probably heard the term Progressive Web App, or PWA, but you might not be sure what it actually means or whether it's relevant to your business. This page explains everything in plain English, no technical knowledge needed.

Think about it - your customers unlock their phone dozens of times a day. The apps on that home screen are the first things they see every single time. That home screen is the most valuable digital real estate in the world, and until now only big businesses with six-figure app budgets could get on it. A MobilERA PWA changes that.

Let's Start With What You Already Know

Your business probably has a website. Your customers might also use apps on their phone - things they've downloaded from the App Store or Google Play. A Progressive Web App sits in between those two things. It's a website that behaves like an app.

Think of it this way:

A Standard Website

Your customers visit it in a browser. They have to type your address or find you on Google every time. It doesn't feel like an app.

A Native App

Your customers download it from an app store. It sits on their home screen. But it costs tens of thousands of pounds to build.

★ A Progressive Web App

The best of both. Built like a website, feels like an app. Your customers add it to thier home screen directly - no app store needed.

What Actually Changes For Your Customers

When your website becomes a PWA, here's what your customers experience.

It Lives On Their Home Screen

Customers tap a button and your business is added to their phone home screen. One tap to reach you - no typing, no searching.

It Loads Instantly

PWAs use smart technology to cache your content so pages load in a fraction of a second, even on slower connections.

It Works Offline

Basic content can still be viewed even without an internet connection. Your menu, contact details, or product catalogue stay accessible.

It Can Send Notifications

Just like a native app, a PWA can send push notifications directly to your customers' phones. Offers, reminders, new products - straight to their screen.

It Feels Like A Proper App

When opened from the home screen, a PWA runs full screen with no browser bar - it looks and behaves exactly like a native app.

It's Fully Secure

PWAs run over HTTPS, meaning all data is encrypted and protected. Google also rewards secure, fast sites with better search rankings.

PWA vs Standard Website vs Native App

Here's how a Progressive Web App compares to the alternatives most businesses consider.

Standard Website

What most businesses have

  • ✓ Accessible on all devices
  • ✓ Found on Google
  • ✗ No home screen icon
  • ✗ No push notification
  • ✗ Slower to load
  • ✗ Doesn't work offline
  • ✗ Doesn't feel like an app

Progressive Web App

Available on MobilERA

  • ✓ Accessible on all devices
  • ✓ Found on Google
  • ✓ Home screen icon
  • ✓ Push notifications
  • ✓ Loads instantly
  • ✓ Works offline
  • ✓ Feels like a native app

Native iOS & Android App

£50,000 - £100,000 to build

  • ✓ Home screen icon
  • ✓ Push notifications
  • ✓ Works offline
  • ✗ Requires app store download
  • ✗ Months to build
  • ✗ Separate iOS and Android builds
  • ✗ Ongoing developer costs

Want To Go Deeper On Push Notifications?

Push notifications are one of the most powerful features of a PWA - and they have their own dedicated page with industry examples, tips, and everything you need to know.

Learn About Push Notifications

How To Turn Your MobilERA Website Into A PWA

Converting your MobilERA website to a Progressive Web APp takes just a few steps. No technical knowledge required.

  1. Have a MobilERA website - You need an existing MobilERA website to convert to a PWA. If you don't have one yet, you can sign-up and build one in a matter of hours using our templates and drag-and-drop builder.
  2. Upgrade to a PWA- enabled plan - PWA functionality is available on our higher-tier plans. Upgrading takes just a few clicks from your MobilERA dashboard - your existing website and content are untouched.
  3. Convert your site - Use MobilERA's built-in PWA conversion tool to enable home screen installation, offline capability, and push notification support. No developer needed.
  4. Tell your customers - Let your customers know they can add your site to their home screen. Add a prompt on your website, mention it on social media, or include it on printed materials: "Add us to your home screen for offers and updates."

Frequently Asked Questions About PWAs

No. That's one of the biggest advantages of a PWA over a native app. Customers visit your website in their browser, tap "Add to home screen", and it's installed instantly. No app store, no download, no waiting.

Yes. PWAs work on all modern smartphones and tablets - iPhone, Android, and everything in between. Your customers don't need a specific type of phone.

Yes - and actually better than before. PWAs are indexed by Google just like regular websites. The faster load times and mobile-first structure are exactly what Google rewards with higher search rankings.

A mobile-friendly website is simply a website that displays well on a phone screen. A PWA goes much further - it can be installed on the home screen, load instantly, work offline, and send push notifications. It's a fundamentally different and more powerful experience.

No. MobilERA's PWA conversion is built into the platform and can be completed from your dashboard without any technical knowledge. If you can use a website builder, you can set up a PWA.

Yes. Converting your MobilERA website to a PWA doesn't change your content, design, or structure. It simply adds the PWA capabilities - home screen installation, faster loading, offline support, and push notifications - on top of what you already have.

Ready To Give Your Customers An App-Like Experience?

A Progressive Web App is the fastet, most affordable way to put your business on your customers' home screens. Get started with MobilERA today.

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