The term “Progressive Web App” was coined by designers Frances Berriman and Alex Russell in 2015 to describe apps that take advantage of new features supported by modern browsers, such as service workers and web app manifests, that allow users to upgrade web apps to progressive web apps in their native operating system (OS). Following that, Google made a concerted effort to promote the development of PWAs on Android. Service workers were first supported by Firefox in 2016, and then by Microsoft Edge and Apple Safari in 2018, making them available on all major platforms. PWAs were available on desktop browsers such as Microsoft Windows and Google Chrome by 2019.
Progressive Website Applications (PWAs), offer a variety of advantages. But, what matters in the e-commerce business is- user engagement, outstanding service quality, and immaculate first impressions when potential consumers visit the site. To understand why Progressive Web Apps For e-Commerce has become an important aspect for supporting your e-Commerce website, carry on reading to the end. From explaining the features and elaborating on the additional benefits of your e-Commerce, everything about PWAs has been covered in this article.
What Are Progressive Web Applications?
A Progressive Web Application is a software solution that meets the demands of customers who desire software that is quicker, richer, and more appealing than the traditional online apps. They operate in a browser but have the appearance and feel of native apps. HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are common web technologies used to create it. Any platform with a standard-compliant web browser may utilize PWA. It has a user experience that is becoming more and more comparable to native apps, making it a strong rival to traditional web applications. It is also much more appealing and faster.
Some of the aspects that Progressive Web Apps should cover are
- Working offline
- Support for push notifications
- Access to some built-in phone capabilities
- Background processing of service workers in a separate thread
- An icon on the phone’s home screen
Users do not need to download and install PWA from app stores like the Apple App Store or Google Play because it operates in the browser. However, these major app stores have begun to use PWA to varying degrees, which is a tremendous gain for app developers.
Features Of Progressive Web Applications
PWAs should be viewed as a method of developing apps rather than a single app technology or programming language. Here are some key features that a Progressive Web App displays-
Accessibility
PWAs may be accessed using a search engine and are completely accessible within a web browser. This is not the same as using a search engine to find a native program, which will take you to a website where you may install the app.
Easy Installing
Many developers allow their PWAs to be put on a device’s home screen for easy access to give them a “native app feel.” Installing a native program, which takes up storage space on the smartphone, isn’t the same as this. Instead, a PWA symbol functions similarly to a browser bookmark, directing you to the PWA site on your browser.
Direct Linking
PWAs are accessible through a unique link because they are web-based. This allows them to be easily shared via chat or social media without the need for an app store or installation.
Reliable Offline Experience
PWAs function regardless of the availability of a network connection. They’re released as a stand-alone experience.
Update and Notification Support
PWAs update information in the background using technologies like Notifications API and Web Push API, so you’re always looking at the most up-to-date information when you pick up your smartphone. Notification noises, badges and banners are also available to let you know when anything new needs to be reviewed.
How Do These Progressive Web Apps Benefit e-Commerce Websites?
Some of the benefits of progressive web apps for e-commerce websites are-
Excellent Accessibility and Speed
According to Google, 53% of mobile users abandon a site if it takes more than 3 seconds to load.
PWAs can prevent this since they’re designed to provide seamless and quick client interactions. PWAs will be extremely fast in general, as they will make use of current web development technologies and architecture. The programs are far superior and they operate even when the network is disconnected or of poor quality.
Improved Conversion Rates
A better user experience equals greater conversion rates. After implementing Progressive Web Apps, Alibaba noticed a 76% boost in conversions across several browsers.
Attracts Engagement
Clients are engrossed in Progressive Web Apps because of the rapid experience they provide. Web pop-up messages can provide a way to stay in touch with customers based on their behavior or location. When clients paid into web message pop-ups, Mobify client eXtra had a 4x increase in proportional visits, and they spent double the most extreme amount of energy in the region.
Conclusion
PWAs are quick, function offline and can also perform like a conventional native application. This provides users with a positive experience. PWAs and Web Applications perform the same functions and are extremely comparable in many aspects. And since we’ve understood how trending they are in today’s time, PWA would definitely be a good choice for your company!
