Modern advancements in web and mobile inventions have entirely captured the e-commerce industry. There is actually no aspect of our life that can be done without the use of a cell phone: relationships, work, entertainment, education, real estate, legal procedures, etc. Everything is on our laptops and phones. No wonder PWA e-commerce development has significantly overtaken traditional native mobile apps’ market share and offers businesses the opportunity to deliver a seamless and engaging user experience across various platforms, all while minimizing development costs. Can you be surprised that large and small brands have embraced this innovative technology? Of course not! There are way too many benefits this technology brings about to even hesitate. PWAs leverage their capabilities to drive conversions and expand businesses’ market reach.
Even though the potential advantages suggested by the application of PWAs are numerous, many business owners and managers in the e-commerce industry are still unaware of this solution. Our suggestion is simple: All decision-makers from e-commerce should become acquainted with PWAs. We are strongly highlighting a need for a greater understanding of this transformative tool. That is mainly the reason why we have crafted this guide, where we are going to disclose more about the basics of PWAs and explore how they can boost e-commerce sites to thrive in today’s extremely competitive market.
What exactly is a PWA?
First, let us explain what a progressive web application (PWA) is. A PWA is a web-based application that delivers a native app-like experience to users. It still applies standard web technologies such as JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. However, it combines and harnesses the power of tools like Gatsby or VuePress so that developers can craft highly immersive PWA storefronts seamlessly integrated with backend e-commerce platforms. In simple language, it could be described as a website that acts and feels like a cool mobile app without downloading it from an app store. It’s like having the best of both worlds – the speed and functionality of an app with the convenience of just opening a website. So basically, it’s your improved website, ready to impress users wherever they go online.
How do you define the key features of PWAs?
#1 Accessibility from your phone’s home screen
Do you know how you can easily open up any app on your phone right from your home screen? Well, with PWAs, it’s just as simple. You don’t have to go surfing through app stores or fill up your phone. It’s like having all your go-to websites right there on your phone, ready to start whenever you want them, with no fuss and no hassle.
#2 Works even when you’re offline
Anything may happen, and you can always get into a situation when you are out of Internet connection. There is no need to worry, as PWAs have got your back. They’re designed to still work smoothly even when you’re offline, so you can keep browsing, shopping, or whatever you’re doing without missing a thing. It is a very comfortable option as you can browse your favorite marketplaces whenever possible.
#3 Get notified with push notifications
You may also customize the push notifications that you receive and get some handy reminders from your favorite apps, like when a sale is happening, when your order has shipped, when the product is in stock again, and so on. PWAs can send you push notifications right to your phone, always keeping you in the loop and making sure you never miss out on essential updates or deals.
#4 Shaking up the app game
Experts are buzzing about PWAs because they’re shaking things up in the world of apps. They’re so cool and convenient that they’re predicted to give traditional apps a run for their money. Basically, PWAs are ready to take over any time soon!
So, in a nutshell, PWAs are like your favorite websites upgraded to premium status. They’re easy to access, work smoothly even without the internet, keep you posted with notifications, and are set to become the next big thing in the app world.
Talking about the advantages of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)
With mobile commerce on the rise, businesses seek efficient ways to tap into this saturated market. PWAs offer a variety of benefits. So, let’s discuss the most common and important ones.
#1 Enhanced audience reach
PWAs are designed to satisfy users across various platforms and devices, ensuring accessibility for a diverse audience. Their responsive nature makes them easily shareable via links, driving rates compared to traditional app downloads.
#2 Cost and time savings
Unlike native apps that require separate development and maintenance for different platforms, PWAs streamline the process by applying a single codebase. This not only reduces development costs but also reduces time-to-market for brands.
#3 Speed and accessibility
In today’s digital landscape, speed is crucial. PWAs boast rapid loading times, leveraging modern web technologies to deliver seamless user experiences even on slower internet connections (or even offline).
#4 Improved conversion rates
The intuitive user interface of PWAs enhances the overall customer experience, leading to higher conversion rates.
What are the ways to integrate PWAs with e-commerce?
Let’s talk about linking up PWAs with your online store. Now that we’ve looked at the benefits of PWAs let’s check out some options for setting up your e-commerce platform.
#1 Deity
Deity is like the handy toolbox known for its flexible approach. It offers solutions that can grow with your business and are tailor-made for big-league PWA needs. The DEITY Falcon front end smoothly meshes with platforms like BigCommerce, giving businesses the power to offer top-notch web and mobile experiences to their customers.
#2 Gatsby
Gatsby is all about React. It’s a popular choice for building solid, static PWA websites. By combining it with platforms like BigCommerce, Gatsby makes it easy to create PWA shops that are fast and flexible, with no servers holding them back.
#3 Vue Storefront
We can think of Vue Storefront as the up-and-coming star of the PWA world. It works well with various e-commerce platforms. With a bustling community of developers, Vue Storefront is quickly becoming the go-to option for PWA setups, as it is constantly upgraded and enhanced.
So, whether you’re looking for flexibility, speed, or compatibility, there’s a PWA integration option out there that’s just right for your online store and its needs.
Wrapping up
Progressive web apps make a shift in the way brands engage with their audience online. When you embrace the power of PWAs, you can unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation in an ever-evolving digital environment. Get ready for the future of e-commerce with PWAs and stay ahead of the competition.
