What is a web app? | The basics & why they’re vital in business

From the moment you sit down and flip open your laptop until the moment you log off, I bet you’re relying on web apps. Gmail. Outlook. Trello. Facebook. Spotify. You can access all web apps through a web browser wherever you have internet. It’s safe to say that they are essential to modern-day business. And, we’re just at the start where web apps are getting better and better. So if you’re unfamiliar with a web app, here are the basics. Plus, we’ll dive into various real-world web app examples you might want to start using today.

The difference between a website, web app, and mobile app?

Websites allow you to access information. 

With a website, you’ll only be able to access information and get an understanding of something, such as text, images, and illustrations. 

A website is something that you can see and read, but there’s nothing that you as a user can do to change, activate or manipulate the data. 

Web apps perform tasks for you.

A web app will go one step further. It’s a website on steroids, performing actions and tasks for you. It doesn’t just allow you to access or look at information but automatically performs a programmed task for you.

Mobile apps (or native apps) download to your device.

Another name for a mobile app is a native app. 

They are downloaded and installed onto your device using the App Store or the Play Store. This means that the app can run without an internet connection. Essentially, you download the data (the app) onto your device. I will run using your operating system (your machine) without needing the internet – although you will need the internet to download it in the first place or need the internet to access paid parts of the app.

Every type of app has its place in the digital world.

Now you know the basics of websites and apps, you’ve probably figured out that each has its place in the digital world. A website will give a user information. And an app will perform a task for you.

Are you thinking about building a web app or mobile app?

When it comes down to choosing if you should build a web app or a mobile app, both have pros and cons, and it’s really about understanding the user’s needs – sometimes, it’s all three!

Read this Insight to learn more 👉  How do I pick between a native app and a web app.

So, why are web apps vital for modern-day businesses?

Web apps solve pain points and make a business run smoothly and efficiently. Content management systems (CMS), customer relationship management (CRM), project management software, or a simple web chat. They’re tools that set you apart from your competition.

If you’re not using these web app solutions and are struggling to put down the pen, paper and fax machine – which we highly doubt in 2022, you’ll be missing out. But that’s one side of why web apps are vital in modern-day business. Now for the other.

They can be a great way to create a new revenue stream.

Our awesome clients have done just that.

StandOutCV, a recruitment agency, came to us with an idea to create a web app that automatically helps users build job-winning CVs in minutes. This web app has added not just another layer of value to their services but another source of revenue!