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The dynamic development of technology has made e-commerce one of the fastest growing sectors of commerce. For this reason, innovative solutions are crucial these days. They make online shopping easier and more convenient for users. One such solution is the Progressive Web App (PWA), a modern technology that is gaining popularity in e-commerce. But what is a PWA really and does it really represent a revolution? Let's look at the advantages as well as the disadvantages of this solution.
What is a PWA?
Progressive Web App is a web application that runs in the browser, but offers functionality typical of native mobile applications. Users can install PWAs on their devices directly from their browsers, work offline and use other features that were previously only available in traditional mobile apps.
Advantages of PWA in e-commerce
1. speed of operation
PWAs load much faster than traditional websites. By using 'Service Workers', the application can retrieve data and store it locally, which makes subsequent visits by users almost instantaneous. In e-commerce, this is crucial - every second of delay can reduce conversions by up to several per cent.
2. optimisation for mobile devices
The PWA adapts perfectly to a variety of screens - from smartphones to tablets to computers. At a time when more than 50% of e-commerce traffic comes from mobile devices, responsiveness and speed are an absolute priority.
3. possibility to work offline
One of the greatest advantages of the PWA is ability to use the application even when offline. This allows users to view products they have previously uploaded, even when they lose their internet connection. This is particularly useful for those with limited network access or who are travelling.
No installation from the App Store/Google Play
Traditional mobile apps require downloading from official shops, which not only takes time, but also requires additional space on the device. The PWA runs directly from the browser and can be "installed" with a single clickwithout going through the formalities of the App Store or Google Play.
5. lower maintenance costs
Developing and maintaining native mobile apps often comes at a high cost - they have to be developed separately for iOS, Android and the web version. PWA, thanks to its versatility, allows the creation of a single application that runs on all platforms. This means less money for development and upgrades.
6 Greater user involvement
The PWA supports push notifications, which can be used to inform customers of promotions, new products or order status. This makes it possible to build a more effective relationship with users and encourage them to visit the site more often.
If you want to learn more about the benefits of PWA and see which companies have already used it, read this article ⬇️
What is PWA and what benefits can it bring to e-commerce?
Disadvantages of PWA in e-commerce
Limited functionality compared to native applications
While PWA has many advantages, it does not offer all the features that may be available in native applications. For example, some advanced hardware-related features, such as full Bluetooth or NFC integration, may be limited or not available at all.
2. lack of support in some browsers
Although most modern browsers support PWA, some older versions may struggle to take full advantage of the technology. For customers using such browsers, the PWA experience may be limited.
3. less visibility in app shops
Native mobile apps are available on the App Store and Google Play, meaning they can be more easily discovered by users when browsing the app. PWA are not visible by default in these shops, which may limit their reach.
4 Potential SEO problems
Although PWAs can act like a website, some elements of them can be more difficult for search engines to index. In some cases, Incorrect configuration of the PWA can have a negative impact on SEO, which in turn can reduce visibility in search results.
Is it worth implementing a PWA in e-commerce?
PWA is a solution that undoubtedly has the potential to revolutionise e-commerce. It increases speed, improves the user experience on mobile devices, and reduces the cost of maintaining the application. However, it is not an ideal solution for every online shop. It is worth carefully analysing the needs of your business, your target audience and your budget before deciding to implement a PWA.
If your online shop has high mobile traffic, customers often struggle with internet connection problems and, at the same time, you want to minimise the costs of maintaining several versions of the app, The PWA could prove to be a hit.
