WHAT IS A PWA?

A PWA is a web app which uses next-generation application programming interfaces (APIs) to incorporate features typically associated with native apps. These features include the ability to work offline, support for directly accessing a device’s storage and other hardware resources, and an interface resembling a native app rather than a website.

The APIs used to build PWA’s have become available only within the last few years. When combined with other components, including HTTPS, service workers, and a manifest file, these APIs allow PWAs to perform functions which historically were impossible for an application running inside a browser.

PWA CHARACTERISTICS

The capabilities of a PWA can vary, but often include the following:

• Offline access.
  
• PWA’s work even if a device loses its Internet connection, so your customers will no longer have their experience interrupted by spotty WiFi.
• User experience
• By accessing hardware directly and using native interfaces, PWA’s provide a more responsive user experience, improving user engagement with features like push notifications.
  

INSTALLABILITY

• PWA’s can be accessed through a web browser, eliminating download times while providing users with the option of accessing the app directly on their device.
• Security
• PWA’s pass network requests through service workers, minimizing their interactions with the internet.
• Discoverability
• PWA’s can be accessed and used right from a link in a search engine or on social media, exposing them to far more potential users than a visit to even the most popular app store.
• Cross-browser compatibility.
• PWA’s work across all modern browsers, including Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari.

WHY USE A PWA

The features offered by PWAs increase user engagement and, by extension, conversion rates. Conventional web apps only work when a device is online and can’t deliver messages through native device interface features such as push notifications. With a PWA, a brand can build an eCommerce app that lets customers browse listings offline or announce new deals through push notifications.

PWAs also improve user retention with their superior performance. As many as one in five apps will be used only a single time due in part to performance issues like slow loading speed or responsiveness. After a user’s first visit, a PWA will load almost immediately. If you face challenges such as high abandonment rates for your apps or low levels of repeat site visits, you might consider using a PWA to remedy these issues.

In addition, PWAs update far more quickly than native apps. Instead of waiting for an update to finish installing, users will be able to get back to whatever they were doing quickly.

PWAs offer the advantage of access to device hardware features as well, such as those which report a smartphone’s precise geographic location. This lets you target customers in specific locations or market to a local audience.