Web apps and websites are two different things:
Web apps and websites are both accessed through web browsers, but they serve different purposes.
A website is primarily a collection of web pages that provide information about a particular topic, organization, or individual. Websites are usually designed to be informative or promotional and are generally intended to be read-only, meaning users can only view the content and interact with basic navigation links such as menus and hyperlinks. Websites can range from simple static pages to complex dynamic pages that may include multimedia elements like images, videos, and animations.
On the other hand, web apps are interactive software applications that run on web browsers, just like websites, but are designed to perform specific functions, such as managing projects, storing and organizing data, or providing entertainment. Web apps are more complex than websites and often involve advanced user interfaces that allow users to interact with data and perform complex tasks. Web apps can store user data and preferences and provide a personalized experience. Examples of web apps include Google Maps, Trello, and Gmail.
In short, websites are informational and are typically designed to be read-only, while web apps are interactive and perform specific functions beyond just providing information.
Compelling stats that would make you consider developing a web app:
- After launching its web app, Thomas Kent lowered it’s bounce rate by 57% and increased its revenue from organic traffic by 75%
The Starbucks web app has increased daily active users 2x. Orders on desktop are nearly the same rate as mobile.
- Petlove’s web app resulted in a 2.8x increase in conversion and a 2.8x increase in time spent on site. Using simplified signup and auto sign back in, 2x more users go to checkout already signed in.
Domino’s Pizza reported that their digital sales increased by 18.7% in 2020, with the majority of those sales coming from their mobile app. The app allows customers to order pizza, track their delivery, and earn rewards.
Nike’s web app, Nike Training Club, saw a 200% increase in weekly active users during the pandemic. The app offers free workouts and training plans, allowing users to stay active at home.
Walmart reported a 97% increase in mobile app downloads and a 211% increase in mobile app sales during the pandemic. The app allows customers to shop online, track their orders, and pick up their items in-store or curbside.
Web app ideas to consider for your startup:
Getting down to the real sauce of the blog – ideas! The best ideas you could execute in the form of a web app are often the ones that empowers your business. For existing business owners, this could be something that takes you to the next level. For aspiring startups, this could be your playground – where your users reside and your perform to add value to their lives. Either way, following are a few ideas you may want to consider.
- A web app for measuring, tracking, and analysing important business data
Believe it or not, if you have a business or you’re gonna have one in the future, it will generate a lot of data. Accessing it will not be difficult at all, but organising it will be. With the onset of Data Science in the last decade, we have learned the value of organised data. A web app that measures, tracks and analyses your business data is not only a good idea, but a must-have!
A web app to find cofounder for your business
We know this could also mean – find an employee for your business too, why just limit it to a cofounder? But you’ll be surprised to the how real ‘less is more’ is, in this market! The world is already acquainted to matching platforms for dating, having it for professional reasons will not take a lot getting used to. Building a web app for your startup that finds you a cofounder for your new business and then building a web app for that business is the real deal!
- A web app to trade your used things for someone else’s
A web app to trade used things works by allowing users to create profiles and post items they no longer need or want. Other users can browse these items and offer to trade something they have for the listed item. Once both parties agree to the trade, they can arrange for the exchange of the items. The web app can facilitate communication and provide a platform for users to browse and negotiate trades.
- An Airbnb with a twist
A web app that uses a referral mechanism for homestays allows users to refer friends and family to book accommodations through the app. Users who refer others may receive incentives or discounts on their own bookings. Referred users may also receive discounts or other incentives to encourage them to book through the app.
- A web app that suggests healthy recipes based on the ingredients you have
A recipe suggestion app based on ingredient availability works by allowing users to input the ingredients they have on hand. The app then searches for recipes that use those ingredients, providing suggestions based on what’s available. The app may also offer substitutions or alternative recipes if certain ingredients are missing or unavailable.
Note that these are just five ideas that could be the next big thing. But in general, a successful web app is all about it user acceptance and user retention. Which brings us to our next section.
How can these web app ideas really land and hook millions of users?
As someone who is new to this, you’re bound to be overwhelmed and overestimate the tech development team and underestimate the non-technical aspects like marketing, product strategy and market analysis.
A product strategy is crucial for a web app as it helps to define the goals and objectives of the product. It guides the development team to create a product that meets the needs and expectations of the target audience. It also helps to prioritise features and functionalities based on user needs and market trends.
A solid product strategy enables the team to align the product with the overall business objectives, ensuring that it contributes to the growth and success of the company.
The safest way to invest money in your project is to first hire an agency that would provide product strategy services.
This should be followed by hiring a solid technical team for your web app development. The wisest thing to do is hiring an agency that aligns with your thought process and has all the resources to get your business where you want it to go.