Beyond the Web: 5 Reasons Why Your Next Project Should Be a PWA

For years, the conversation about a company's mobile presence has focused on a dichotomy: "do we need a responsive website or an expensive native application?". Today, a third option is emerging as the superior solution for most use cases: Progressive Web Apps or PWAs.

A PWA is, in essence, a website that uses modern technologies to offer a user experience as rich and fluid as that of a native application. Here are 5 reasons why your next project should be one.

1. The Best of Both Worlds: Installable and Accessible

A PWA lives on the web, which means it is accessible through a URL and is fully indexable by search engines (hello, SEO!). But at the same time, it allows users to "install" it on their device's home screen with a single touch, without having to go through an app store. This eliminates the friction of downloading and gives you a prime spot on the user's device.

2. Superior Performance and Offline Capability

Thanks to the use of technologies like Service Workers, PWAs can preload and cache key resources. This translates into almost instantaneous loading times and, most impressively, the ability to work without an internet connection or on low-quality networks. Users can continue browsing content or even using basic functionalities without being connected, something unthinkable for a traditional website.

3. Push Notifications to Increase Engagement

Like native applications, PWAs can request permission to send push notifications. This is an incredibly powerful marketing tool to re-engage users, inform them about new offers, content, or updates, and keep your brand in their mind, even when they are not actively browsing your site.

4. Unified Development and Instant Updates

Unlike native applications, which require separate teams and codebases for iOS and Android, a PWA is developed once and works on all platforms. This drastically reduces development costs and time. In addition, updates are instantaneous: you simply update the code on your server and all users receive the new version the next time they open it. No more waiting for app store approvals.

5. Security by Default

To be a PWA, a website must be served over HTTPS. This means that the connection between the user and your server is encrypted, protecting sensitive data and building trust. It is a security guarantee for both you and your users.