Progressive Web Apps can provide a great experience to users who would never install a native app. Installed PWAs typically weigh less than 1 MB, which is much smaller than the average size of a regular app.
These features are especially important for companies looking to grow in emerging markets where fast data transfer is important, storage is limited, and devices can consume a lot of power.
Storage space still matters: the more we have, the more we use. In these markets, PWA can be a complement to the native app, especially for users who have migrated from the native app to free up storage.
Remember that even in developed markets, a large number of people use mid-range devices. PWA can help you reach each in a cost-effective way.
The following strategies show how companies with different needs can use PWA to offer the best possible experience to the largest number of users.
Strategy 1: All-in on the network
Go all-in and rely solely on a progressive web application to provide a great experience for all users at minimal cost. With a single codebase and design, resources can be focused on creating new features and capabilities.
For businesses that:
Do not have their own application
Have had a bad experience with applications
Or have their own application that relies heavily on web content
Development:
Publish a PWA to Play using Trusted Web’s actions. This can be the most cost-effective solution for large online companies looking to enter the Play Store.
Promotion:
Browser: promote PWA installation to all users.
Store: publish PWA to Google Play using TWA.
Pros:
Can replace an outdated Android app that barely gets any updates or has a poor user interface. Tip. It is especially easy to replace an outdated hybrid app with PWA.
Consolidation of all mobile development in a single code base.
Cons:
Not suitable if you need features that are not available on the web.
Strategy 2: Supplement the application with a compatible PWA – ‘Lite App’
PWA Lite App.
The terms “Lite” and “Go” were coined to distinguish a lighter, faster, but sometimes less specialized web app from a native app, for those companies that want to offer both.
For companies that already have a great native app, a progressive web app branded as “Lite” can help users who would never install a native app, such as those on mid-range devices.
Development:
Create a progressive web application. Publish the PWA to the store using Trusted Web actions. Use the name “Lite” to differentiate it from the native app.
Promotion:
Browser: Promote the installation of your native app to users. If they refuse, promote the PWA using the “Lite” offer.
Store: publish the PWA on Google Play with TWA and use a special name so that users can distinguish it from the main application and choose the interface they prefer.
Pros:
Ideal for companies that have an excellent but “heavy” native Android app and are looking to offer a better experience for users of mid- to low-end devices and/or users in areas with poor internet connections.
Cons:
Need to manage two listings in the store and use analytics to thoughtfully segment users to promote PWA or Native App from the browser.
Strategy 3: Separate apps for separate tasks
For many businesses, a progressive web app can provide the core reach and conversion rate, while a native app can offer additional services designed only for specific use cases and offer specialized functionality.
For example:
A retailer may offer a main store as a PWA and a separate magazine/blog app.
An insurance company may offer basic information and lead generation in a PWA, and a separate app for chat/helpful experience/customer service.
Development:
Create a progressive web application. Publish PWA to the store using trusted web transactions. Also create and maintain additional applications.
Promotion:
Browser: promote PWA to all users. Offer a specialized custom app only to those users who have already completed certain trigger conversion tasks and will benefit from additional features.
Store: have separate store entries for PWA published using TWA and the specialized native app, clearly indicating in the listings what is in each app.
Pros:
Most suitable for businesses that have direct conversion goals and require a native app for niche services only.
Cons:
Not suitable for businesses that do not have additional services.