Twitter also rebuilt their platform, seeing:

• A 65% increase in pages per session

• 75% more tweets

• A 20% decrease in bounce rate

• All while reducing the size of their app by over 97%.

  
  

Let’s break down how a PWA should behave.

These are some of the key characteristics that make up a PWA, and what you could consider when developing your own.

• Progressive. A progressive web app must work on any device and take advantage of any features available on the user’s device and browser.

• Discoverable. Because a progressive web app is a website, it should be discoverable in search engines. This is a major advantage of apps on the Play Store or App Store.

• Linkable. As another characteristic inherited from websites, a well-designed website should use the Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) to indicate the current state of the application. An example of this is: ‘HTTP:’ or ‘mailto:’

• Responsive. A progressive web app’s UI must fit the device’s form factor and screen size.

• App-like. A progressive web app should look and act like a native app. This includes minimising page refreshes.

• Connectivity-independent. It should work even when there is low connectivity to your Wi-Fi or data usage.

• Re-engageable. Progressive web apps are intended to achieve the same goals as apps through features such as push notifications.

• Installable. A progressive web app can be installed on the device’s home screen, making it easily available to users.

• Fresh. When new content is published and the user is connected to the Internet, that content should be immediately available to users.

• Safe. Because a progressive web app has a more intimate user experience and because all network requests can be intercepted through service workers, the app must have a high level of security!

Read more with the Beginners guide to coding a PWA

Will progressive web apps replace native apps?

Well, no. They go together like wine and cheese. Let’s compare the benefits of each:

Progressive Web Apps

• More reach and discoverability through the web.

• Organic traffic can be easily impressed due to the fast and sleek experience.

• Easy installation and minimises the barriers involved with adding to your device.

• PWA’s are an excellent way to push customers through the conversion funnel.

Native Apps

• A higher level of commitment to download – however, is a good indicator of customers willing to convert to your business.

• They are better suited to existing user habits.

• Can send push notifications to iOS users.

• Native apps are a great “home” for your biggest fans.

Google puts it this way:

“PWAs don’t have to replace native apps; they can work in tandem with them. Retailers, for instance, can use a native app to engage loyal users who are more likely to install an app but use a PWA to easily reach new users. Users who interact with the PWA can then be prompted to download the mobile app in the future”.

However, one of the biggest factors in developing an app comes down to the price, developing a native app easily can cost 5x more than your website!

So, if you’re on a limited budget, then a PWA is a great alternative!

The below chart gives a brief overview of the pros and cons of the platforms.