App vs Mobile Site?

T2007 · 15th Nov 2011, 04:20 PM

Hi All,

I'm a bit confused about the similarities and differences of each, as well as advantages and disadvantages of one over the other; RE: APP vs MOBILE SITE.

Can somebody help me clarify this, please?
TY much!

Dj Taylor · 15th Nov 2011, 06:12 PM

An app is a piece of software that gets installed on a person’s phone and mobile website is just like an HTML site that is installed on a server. As far as the advantages and disadvantages go it really depends. If you are looking to create an app for a client this can sometimes be costly. There are different operating systems like Apple’s iOS, Google’s Android, and Microsoft Windows phones with Apple and Google being the dominant ones. In my opinion, if have an app created for a business, you should probably create one for iOS and Android. The reason for this is that there are so many users for both Apple and Android and you will be missing out by just creating an app for one operating system. You can find someone on Fiverr that will convert your website to an app though.

A mobile website is a site that is optimized for mobile devices. When you visit a website that is mobile optimized on say an iPhone or an Android device, it will detect you are on a mobile device and show the mobile website.
If you are looking at doing one or both for a client you should think about a few things.

If you are working with a small mom and pop business, I would create them a mobile website. If you are working with say a restaurant that has a lot of customers, it might make sense.

Hope this helps answer some questions.

WillR · 15th Nov 2011, 06:21 PM

The biggest differences:

- A mobile website will work across the large majority of popular smartphones. A separate app will need to created to suit the various platforms such as Apple and Android.

- A mobile website will be relatively inexpensive to create. A mobile app can be quite expensive depending on the features required.

- A user can visit your mobile website anytime they like. A mobile app can only be accessed by those who have it installed on their phone.

For small businesses I would always start out with a mobile website because it is the cheapest and most user friendly option. If they decide they want an app at a later stage it is quite easy to have your mobile website turned into an app. That way you are covering the best of both worlds AND when the mobile website is updated, the mobile app will automatically update to reflect those changes.

S3Ware · 15th Nov 2011, 10:21 PM

Every business that targets consumers should have a mobile website. Not every business should have an app.

However, for the right types of businesses, an app can be very powerful if set up the right way. An app can do many things a mobile website cannot, such as push notifications and geo-couponing for example.

In my opinion, mobile sites and apps can and should coexist and complement each other for certain business types (e.g., the mobile site can attract customers/searchers unfamiliar with the business and promote the app as a way to create a deeper, ongoing relationship).

The bottom line with all of this stuff is that you need to know a little about the business and present the solution that makes the most sense for THEM.

thriftgirl62 · 16th Nov 2011, 01:23 AM

All the confusion started when the definition of "app" changed from an application that does something to anything that can be downloaded onto an iphone. Now, everything [except a mobile website] is called an "app" which is more than just confusing.

Apps are "accidentally" misleading and conveniently allow shrewd marketers to "innocently" charge more for what they're really providing because most people don't understand the difference until it's too late.

Here are a few different kinds of apps used for business:

Business apps created for "doing something" useful, helpful or entertaining to increase customer satisfaction, branding, attract new business, etc... "real apps" like these require programming skills and must be downloaded to work.

Promotional apps used by marketing pros such as Willie Crawford are professionally customized for your business. [Not an affiliate link]

Custom iphone apps and Custom Mobile Apps are strategic marketing tools anyone can easily create with software. They require no marketplace approval and downloading is optional. The app is hosted on its own Mobile App Website optimized for all mobile platforms.

These "apps" make great prospecting tools when used in conjunction with advertising campaigns ranging from print, online, email or SMS Text Messaging. The idea is to use strategically placed ads to get people over to your "app" where your latest offer is displayed. Those who BOOKMARK your app, opt-in to your list, etc... get put on your VIP list so they don't miss any specials.

About 79% of all websites are not optimized for mobile devices and that has a direct effect on search results and how much free traffic your main website gets. Anyone who thinks they don't need a mobile website will probably change their minds if you text message a link to your mobile app that links to their main website. Let people see for themselves how their website looks on their own mobile device.

Mobile search results are also very different for the same exact search terms which is probably one of the biggest factors for increasing sales conversions. In other words, Mobile Websites increase sales and traffic to your main website. Custom Mobile Apps are promotional tools that won't do much good until you're optimized and ready to convert mobile traffic into repeat customers.

ElenaEn · 16th Nov 2011, 09:56 PM

Benefits of a traditional mobile app:
-- can use the native phone's functionality (camera, contact list, etc).. however, in probably 80% of the cases this functionality is not needed
-- at trade shows or large conferences the internet connection on a phone can be slow (I was surprised to hear that, but it is true.. so a native mobile app that does not connect to the internet can be a must

In short, in a vast majority of cases a mobile website (mobile "web app") is a way better choice: much cheaper, easier to maintain, can be built in a matter of a few hours (with the right tool), easier to distribute (you don't have to go through the app store hassles), AND it can still be saved to the user's phone's home screen. Just include the instructions on how to do that on the mobile site.

wadeinni · 17th Nov 2011, 12:29 PM

Mobile search and mobile marketing has gotten a huge uplift in recent years, you can't ignore it anymore. If your site is popular just check your web statistics and analytics tool and you'll see that a good number of visitors are now finding your site using mobile smartphones. I like apps and ease of use, but like many said before apps have to be programmed for specific mobile platforms whereas a mobile version of a site will most likely work across all recent mobile smartphones.

jtrag · 17th Nov 2011, 12:41 PM

There's a Mobile Wordpress Plugin that automatically changes your Wordpress site to a Mobile version if the user is visiting your site from a Mobile device and if they visit from their PC at the same time it would be the Regular Version on the PC and the Mobile Version on the Phone.

You can't beat that for a free plugin for Wordpress which is also free.

Here's the link:

WordPress › WordPress Mobile Pack « WordPress Plugins

thriftgirl62 · 19th Nov 2011, 11:25 AM

Originally Posted by ElenaEn

.... In short, in a vast majority of cases a mobile website (mobile "web app") is a way better choice: much cheaper, easier to maintain, can be built in a matter of a few hours (with the right tool), easier to distribute (you don't have to go through the app store hassles), AND it can still be saved to the user's phone's home screen. Just include the instructions on how to do that on the mobile site.

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1. Click on the plus + icon below.
2. Select "Add To Home Screen" and click "Save".
3. Our icon should appear on your home screen.
4. Click icon to launch app and upon return, click the continue button.

Android

1. Click on bookmark symbol and select "Add Bookmark". When done, click HOME symbol.
2. From your home screen tap any blank area until the "Add To Home Screen" menu appears.
3. Tap on Shortcut until the "Select Shortcut" menu appears.
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5. Select [name]. Our icon should appear on your home screen.

Other OS

Bookmark this page and follow system instructions for adding icon to your home screen.

Nikolas · 19th Nov 2011, 04:02 PM

I think every site should have a mobile version. Now for apps there are also a few more benefits that you should consider:

1. An app is distributed through an application store (eg. Apple App Store) This is a new distribution channel that you could not have otherwise. Also consider that the App Store has quality audience (iPhone and iPad users tend to buy stuff online)

2. An app is always in the user's phone like a bookmark, so it kind of reminds the user to use your service. I think this is very important when you need returning visitors.

Hope that helps

Oh and one more thing, if you are looking to create a mobile version of your site, take a look at the responsive design techniques. It is a set of CSS rules that help you ship a mobile version of your site very easily.

D_Rogers · 22nd Nov 2011, 04:44 PM

I make mobile apps for businesses and there is a big difference between mobile sites and apps. #1 mobile apps are viral and can perform many functions such as.

QR coupons that customers can redeem instantly as an incentive to download the App. GPS coupons which will detect how many times a customer has been in the business and after the customer has been in the business a certain number of times. (5 times for example) they can redeem a special coupon for being a repeat customer.
Push notifications which are basically SMS messages that a business can send out to their customers who have loaded the App into their phone. These are great because a business can send out messages on slow days with special offers to get the customers coming back to the business to buy more stuff. Plus many more features..

A mobile site is static while a mobile App is Viral that can attract more customers.

15th Nov 2011, 06:12 PM	#2
Dj Taylor Active Warrior War Room Member Join Date: 2010 Location: Indiana Posts: 52 Thanks: 33 Thanked 10 Times in 8 Posts	Re: App vs Mobile Site? Share on: An app is a piece of software that gets installed on a person’s phone and mobile website is just like an HTML site that is installed on a server. As far as the advantages and disadvantages go it really depends. If you are looking to create an app for a client this can sometimes be costly. There are different operating systems like Apple’s iOS, Google’s Android, and Microsoft Windows phones with Apple and Google being the dominant ones. In my opinion, if have an app created for a business, you should probably create one for iOS and Android. The reason for this is that there are so many users for both Apple and Android and you will be missing out by just creating an app for one operating system. You can find someone on Fiverr that will convert your website to an app though. A mobile website is a site that is optimized for mobile devices. When you visit a website that is mobile optimized on say an iPhone or an Android device, it will detect you are on a mobile device and show the mobile website. If you are looking at doing one or both for a client you should think about a few things. If you are working with a small mom and pop business, I would create them a mobile website. If you are working with say a restaurant that has a lot of customers, it might make sense. Hope this helps answer some questions.
	Indianapolis Internet Marketing Indianapolis Web Design

15th Nov 2011, 06:21 PM	#3
WillR Digital Marketer War Room Member Join Date: 2010 Location: Australia Posts: 12,472 Thanks: 1,984 Thanked 8,187 Times in 4,079 Posts	Re: App vs Mobile Site? Share on: The biggest differences: - A mobile website will work across the large majority of popular smartphones. A separate app will need to created to suit the various platforms such as Apple and Android. - A mobile website will be relatively inexpensive to create. A mobile app can be quite expensive depending on the features required. - A user can visit your mobile website anytime they like. A mobile app can only be accessed by those who have it installed on their phone. For small businesses I would always start out with a mobile website because it is the cheapest and most user friendly option. If they decide they want an app at a later stage it is quite easy to have your mobile website turned into an app. That way you are covering the best of both worlds AND when the mobile website is updated, the mobile app will automatically update to reflect those changes.
	. ➨ Here's How to Make Your First $177 Online This Week Using the Piggyback Method... .

15th Nov 2011, 10:21 PM	#4
S3Ware HyperActive Warrior War Room Member Join Date: 2009 Posts: 123 Thanks: 33 Thanked 48 Times in 36 Posts	Re: App vs Mobile Site? Share on: Every business that targets consumers should have a mobile website. Not every business should have an app. However, for the right types of businesses, an app can be very powerful if set up the right way. An app can do many things a mobile website cannot, such as push notifications and geo-couponing for example. In my opinion, mobile sites and apps can and should coexist and complement each other for certain business types (e.g., the mobile site can attract customers/searchers unfamiliar with the business and promote the app as a way to create a deeper, ongoing relationship). The bottom line with all of this stuff is that you need to know a little about the business and present the solution that makes the most sense for THEM.

16th Nov 2011, 01:23 AM	#5
thriftgirl62 Happiness Attracts Money War Room Member Join Date: 2009 Location: California Posts: 991 Thanks: 119 Thanked 258 Times in 209 Posts	Re: App vs Mobile Site? Share on: All the confusion started when the definition of "app" changed from an application that does something to anything that can be downloaded onto an iphone. Now, everything [except a mobile website] is called an "app" which is more than just confusing. Apps are "accidentally" misleading and conveniently allow shrewd marketers to "innocently" charge more for what they're really providing because most people don't understand the difference until it's too late. Here are a few different kinds of apps used for business: Business apps created for "doing something" useful, helpful or entertaining to increase customer satisfaction, branding, attract new business, etc... "real apps" like these require programming skills and must be downloaded to work. Promotional apps used by marketing pros such as Willie Crawford are professionally customized for your business. [Not an affiliate link] Custom iphone apps and Custom Mobile Apps are strategic marketing tools anyone can easily create with software. They require no marketplace approval and downloading is optional. The app is hosted on its own Mobile App Website optimized for all mobile platforms. These "apps" make great prospecting tools when used in conjunction with advertising campaigns ranging from print, online, email or SMS Text Messaging. The idea is to use strategically placed ads to get people over to your "app" where your latest offer is displayed. Those who BOOKMARK your app, opt-in to your list, etc... get put on your VIP list so they don't miss any specials. About 79% of all websites are not optimized for mobile devices and that has a direct effect on search results and how much free traffic your main website gets. Anyone who thinks they don't need a mobile website will probably change their minds if you text message a link to your mobile app that links to their main website. Let people see for themselves how their website looks on their own mobile device. Mobile search results are also very different for the same exact search terms which is probably one of the biggest factors for increasing sales conversions. In other words, Mobile Websites increase sales and traffic to your main website. Custom Mobile Apps are promotional tools that won't do much good until you're optimized and ready to convert mobile traffic into repeat customers.
	I retired in 2005 at 43 and now I give away websites like these for FREE [hosting excluded] www.jahda.com and www.cez1.net and www.productioncarcare.com When you make at least $100+ per month, we split the profit 80/20 and YOU get the 80% Until then, you keep 100% and I'll help you drive traffic, get backlinks and put the domain in your name too!

16th Nov 2011, 09:56 PM	#6
ElenaEn Active Warrior Join Date: 2011 Posts: 50 Thanks: 0 Thanked 28 Times in 13 Posts	Re: App vs Mobile Site? Share on: Benefits of a traditional mobile app: -- can use the native phone's functionality (camera, contact list, etc).. however, in probably 80% of the cases this functionality is not needed -- at trade shows or large conferences the internet connection on a phone can be slow (I was surprised to hear that, but it is true.. so a native mobile app that does not connect to the internet can be a must In short, in a vast majority of cases a mobile website (mobile "web app") is a way better choice: much cheaper, easier to maintain, can be built in a matter of a few hours (with the right tool), easier to distribute (you don't have to go through the app store hassles), AND it can still be saved to the user's phone's home screen. Just include the instructions on how to do that on the mobile site.

15th Nov 2011, 04:20 PM	#1
T2007 HyperActive Warrior War Room Member Join Date: 2007 Location: CA, USA Posts: 295 Thanks: 258 Thanked 55 Times in 29 Posts	App vs Mobile Site? Share on: Hi All, I'm a bit confused about the similarities and differences of each, as well as advantages and disadvantages of one over the other; RE: APP vs MOBILE SITE. Can somebody help me clarify this, please? TY much!

17th Nov 2011, 12:29 PM	#7
wadeinni Wadeinni Join Date: 2009 Posts: 10 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: App vs Mobile Site? Share on: Mobile search and mobile marketing has gotten a huge uplift in recent years, you can't ignore it anymore. If your site is popular just check your web statistics and analytics tool and you'll see that a good number of visitors are now finding your site using mobile smartphones. I like apps and ease of use, but like many said before apps have to be programmed for specific mobile platforms whereas a mobile version of a site will most likely work across all recent mobile smartphones.
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17th Nov 2011, 12:41 PM	#8
jtrag Entrepreneur War Room Member Join Date: 2008 Location: USA Posts: 207 Thanks: 360 Thanked 30 Times in 28 Posts Blog Entries: 2	Re: App vs Mobile Site? Share on: There's a Mobile Wordpress Plugin that automatically changes your Wordpress site to a Mobile version if the user is visiting your site from a Mobile device and if they visit from their PC at the same time it would be the Regular Version on the PC and the Mobile Version on the Phone. You can't beat that for a free plugin for Wordpress which is also free. Here's the link: WordPress › WordPress Mobile Pack « WordPress Plugins
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19th Nov 2011, 04:02 PM	#10
Nikolas HyperActive Warrior War Room Member Join Date: 2007 Location: Greece Posts: 159 Thanks: 11 Thanked 31 Times in 29 Posts	Re: App vs Mobile Site? Share on: I think every site should have a mobile version. Now for apps there are also a few more benefits that you should consider: 1. An app is distributed through an application store (eg. Apple App Store) This is a new distribution channel that you could not have otherwise. Also consider that the App Store has quality audience (iPhone and iPad users tend to buy stuff online) 2. An app is always in the user's phone like a bookmark, so it kind of reminds the user to use your service. I think this is very important when you need returning visitors. Hope that helps Oh and one more thing, if you are looking to create a mobile version of your site, take a look at the responsive design techniques. It is a set of CSS rules that help you ship a mobile version of your site very easily.

22nd Nov 2011, 04:44 PM	#11
D_Rogers New Warrior Member Join Date: 2008 Location: Bedford, Ma Posts: 20 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: App vs Mobile Site? Share on: I make mobile apps for businesses and there is a big difference between mobile sites and apps. #1 mobile apps are viral and can perform many functions such as. QR coupons that customers can redeem instantly as an incentive to download the App. GPS coupons which will detect how many times a customer has been in the business and after the customer has been in the business a certain number of times. (5 times for example) they can redeem a special coupon for being a repeat customer. Push notifications which are basically SMS messages that a business can send out to their customers who have loaded the App into their phone. These are great because a business can send out messages on slow days with special offers to get the customers coming back to the business to buy more stuff. Plus many more features.. A mobile site is static while a mobile App is Viral that can attract more customers.