Website and application development: develop the web-based app your business needs today

Jan 09, 2021 | By Crayo Tech

Website and application development: develop the web-based app your business needs today

There are 30.7 million small businesses in the USA alone, says Oberlo. Even if they look the same, they are unique in their needs and their resolve to meet consumer demands and preferences.

However, as a business owner, you are among the millions of individuals striving for greater efficiency and better quality, propelled by a desire for more profit. As surprising as it may seem, the pandemic is providing a unique opportunity to diversify and excel in the corporate landscape.

How is that possible?

According to a recent survey conducted by Bazaarvoice, 49% of consumers across the globe are shopping online more than they did before COVID-19. It’s clear that a new customer persona is emerging, and they are more digitally advanced. But it’s not only consumers that are changing.

Businesses are altering, as well. Because everyone is transitioning online, competition is getting fiercer, and offering value to all potential consumers is getting more challenging. Businesses will need to innovate and accelerate towards a digital existence. Adapting to changing trends and consumer expectations are essential for survival.

But it’s not enough to simply provide services online.

88% of consumers plan to stick to new brands that they tried during the lockdown, quotes econsultancy. And what’s more alarming is that the price of a product no longer sways consumers. 86% will pay more for a better online experience, says supperoffice.com.

Today, it’s all about Customer Experience (CX).

The solution is to remain connected to your consumers. And that can be achieved through web-based apps. They are paving the way for better customer relationships.

Let’s take a closer look at how web-apps are providing unique business solutions by optimizing processes and solving multiple problems.

But first, what are web-based apps?

A web-based app is software that lets users interact with a remote server through a web browser. Since web apps don’t need to be downloaded, users can easily access them through web browsers such as Google Chrome, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, etc.

Web apps are, in fact, very common. Examples include online calculators, calendars, currency exchange rate calculators, etc. Lately, they are becoming increasingly important tools for business, facilitating communications with customers, employee collaboration, securing the storage of data, and much more.

Why should you invest in developing a web-based app?

There are several benefits of web-based apps for your business. Latest trends highlight the need to develop these apps. Here are a few of the most prominent ones:

1. They are universally accessible

Web-based apps are developed for cross-platform use. That means they can be accessed and used at anytime from anywhere. As long as users have access to an internet connection, the apps can be used on any device.

2. Flexible applications

Web-based apps don’t have to be installed in order to be operated. And because people can access them from almost any device and any browser, they are more flexible and portable than other apps.

3. Cost-effective solution

With web-based apps, developers no longer have to write multiple codes for the same app. Because web apps can be used on any operating system and run on any platform, businesses can save money on software development.

In other words, one version is sufficient for the app to run on Windows, Android, and iOS). Moreover, this means your app will operate on mobile devices as well as on the desktop.

4. Web-based apps are easy to deploy, update, and maintain

Web apps can be accessed from any device. That means your staff and your customers can use the new system immediately. And since the app is not installed on a device, it does not need to be reinstalled every time an update rolls out.

But one of the greatest advantages of web-based apps is that they can be updated at the same time for all users. The apps do not have to be updated individually on every device that the user owns. As long as the user has access to the server, all processes are completed remotely and automatically. Everyone has an updated version with zero downtime.

More importantly, this relieves staff members and consumers from continually having to ensure the app they are using is up to date. So with web apps, maintenance is more cost-effective, efficient, and quicker.

5. Do not influence device speed or storage

If web apps are running through the device’s browser, implying that they do not need to be downloaded. Therefore, it will not use up the storage or slow down the performance of the device. This is particularly beneficial for users that are using an older device.

6. Fosters scalability

The software doesn’t have to be reconfigured to facilitate a growing base of active users. It can perform just as efficiently even when it receives numerous requests at the same time. For online brands, this is a major plus point. Scaling for growth and expanding the network is effortless, and so the business does not need to invest in additional software or infrastructure. Moreover, the current system does not have to be reconfigured or modified.

7. Easily customizable

Web apps can integrate with the business, even as it grows. However, they also allow brands to customize the apps according to brand requirements. Features and functions that are relevant to the company can be incorporated.

8. Improved efficiency

Because web applications do not require multiple versions and can be easily integrated, business processes are streamlined. Information is available in real-time, and data remains current. This offers greater visibility into procedures and reduces the chances of human error, thereby increasing accuracy.

9. Performance is better

Data on desktop apps is typically stored in multiple databases. This could potentially slow down performance because data needs to be accessed from different locations one at a time.

But with web-based apps, data is stored in the cloud where powerful servers can manage and distribute information quickly.

10. Enhanced security

Apps that are downloaded on the desktop or mobile devices often store data locally. So in case either is stolen or suddenly acquires problems, users need to contact software providers and reinstall the app on a new device, becoming a pricey and time-consuming option.

On the other hand, the information in a web app is stored in the cloud. That means that even if there are any problems, the business can continue to run without hiccups. The user simply logs in from another device connected to the internet, and data is restored from the cloud.

Moreover, since web applications operate on dedicated servers that are monitored by web administrators, issues for concern are noted and addressed swiftly.

11. Improves branding efforts

The need for apps is more prevalent than ever before. Apps allow brands to incorporate services that match consumer demand and offer customers the best online experience. But apps are also the perfect way to develop a better brand image.

Large companies with big advertising budgets can afford to spend large amounts of money on building a brand image. But with many small businesses, this is not possible. Everything they do is in the spotlight and impacts their branding efforts.

As mentioned above, if they invest in developing a web-based application that offers more security, enhanced performance, and greater efficiency, then this is the ideal way to help enhance a brand’s online image. And the best part is- this route is relatively cost-effective. So brands can make more profit.

12. Provides a competitive edge

It’s the era of smartphones. Consumers and businesses are both online. And as the commercial world continues to grow more competitive, it’s the survival of the fittest.

Businesses know that they are fighting for the same customers. The more they can connect with consumers, the better opportunity they have to drive potential customers through the marketing funnel. With web-based apps, this task becomes easier. It offers brands a competitive edge and allows them to reach consumers no matter which device they are using. Furthermore, it opens up communication channels, improving the chances of conversion. On the other hand, better communication allows brands to improve customer service. So this is also another way to enhance brand image.

Final thoughts

In today's business world, web apps are an essential component of the trade. Their ability to be accessible on any device, as long as consumers have access to the internet, makes them a good choice. Moreover, they offer independence from client machine software, allowing brands to effortlessly interact with numerous customers at the same time.

The advantages of web-based apps mentioned above are just a few of the benefits that have helped them gain popularity in the digital space. As technologies continue to improve, web apps are proving to be an excellent investment for both multinational corporations and small businesses alike.

Companies like Crayo Tech utilize state-of-the-art technology to create robust, unique solutions such as web apps and align with individual business marketing needs. The question now is, are you ready to invest in a web-based application for your brand?