Blog Post

Website or Mobile App? What are the Pros and Cons?

Oct 23, 2023
Website or Application Procs and cons

What goes into the decision to develop a website or a mobile application? That depends on a variety of factors including who will be using the application or websites. Businesses must establish what the goal of the solution is for the end user, identify the target audience, look at the budget for the final solution of either a website or a mobile application, and finally, understand the features and functions that are needed for the website or mobile application to be successful.


In this blog, the team at Seifert Technologies is going to walk you through the pros and cons of websites and mobile applications.

Pros and Cons of Building a Website:

Websites have long been the go-to solution for providing customers with valuable information about your company. From the early days of the internet, having a company website has been a staple of business. The term website is a general term to describe static websites and dynamic web applications that are accessed through a URL web link. An example of a static website is Wikipedia: the content is displayed and does not change unless someone makes a manual edit to it. An example of a web application would be Facebook.com, which has a ton of dynamic links to other apps and content and is constantly changing. Facebook also has a mobile app, which runs as an application on smart devices.


Pros:

  • Reach and Accessibility: Websites are accessible through any web browser on desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones, making them easily reachable to a broader audience.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Developing a website is often more cost-effective compared to building a mobile app, especially if you need a simple online presence or informational platform.
  • Easy Maintenance and Updates: Updating content and making changes to a website is straightforward and immediate, requiring no approval process from app stores.
  • SEO and Discoverability: Websites can be optimized for search engines (SEO), making it easier for users to find content through search results.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Websites can be accessed on any device with a web browser, regardless of the operating system, ensuring a consistent experience for all users.
  • WCAG & ADA Compliance:  Website development has a focus on meeting accessibility requirements. Most web browsers help developers improve their compliance percentage.

Cons:

  • Limited Performance: Not all website editors offer the same level of performance and responsiveness as a well-optimized mobile application. It is crucial for complex web apps, that a professional web developer or web master does the developing rather than a company just using an out of the box solution (Wix, WordPress, etc.).
  • Offline Access: Websites require an internet connection to access content. This can be limiting for users in areas with poor connectivity.
  • Website Maintenance: As with any technology that is online, a website must be maintained to prevent website hackers from accessing your data, and that of your customers. Read more about the increase in cyber threats in our blog HERE.

Why use a Website or Web Application?

If you want to present your company to the world, a website is a very good way to do that: anyone with an internet connection can connect with you. And if you want to provide a more enthralling and applicable experience to potential customers, web applications can provide specific information that your customers are looking for. 

As a business it is important to assess your website's specific requirements and choose applications that align with your goals, audience, and budget. Integration and effective use of these applications can significantly enhance your website's functionality, user experience, and success.


Pros and Cons of Building a Mobile Application:

Man in a suit tapping on a phone

Mobile Applications are programs that run on a mobile device. Native apps are built for a specific mobile operating system, usually iOS or Android. As an increased number of people use their cell phones to find information that they are looking for in real time, mobile applications have been gaining ground in the past decade. When used well, mobile applications can be a great tool for growing your customer base.

Microsoft believes a good mobile application begins with brilliant design and functionality. We could not agree more. 

“A successful mobile app should provide an excellent user experience and help you reach your business goals. It should also be easy to use and give some added value to the user that they wouldn’t get from a standard website, plus bring data together to help you improve customer experiences. “-Microsoft

Pros:

  • Enhanced User Experience: Mobile apps can provide a more immersive and optimized user experience, utilizing the device's hardware and features.
  • Performance and Speed: Mobile apps can offer better performance, faster loading times, and smoother interactions compared to websites.
  • Offline Functionality: Apps can store some data locally, allowing users to access certain features or content even without an internet connection.
  • Push Notifications: Mobile apps can utilize push notifications to engage users, notify them of updates, or encourage app usage, enhancing user engagement.
  • Monetization Opportunities: Mobile apps offer various monetization options, such as in-app purchases, advertisements, and subscription models.

Cons:

  • Applications Must Be Downloaded: End users are not going to have access to your mobile application unless they download it from the App Store or Google Play
  • Platform-Specific Development: Building a mobile app often requires separate development for iOS and Android platforms, increasing development time and costs.
  • App Store Approval Process: Getting an app approved on app stores involves a review process, which can introduce delays in launching updates or new features.
  • Limited Reach: Mobile apps are platform-dependent and may not be accessible to users on other platforms unless separate versions are developed.
  • Maintaining Mobile Applications: Like website upgrades, mobile applications must be maintained. When there is a iOS or Android update, a mobile application may no longer work or have security vulnerabilities unless it is updated to the newest specs.
  • WCAG & ADA Compliance: An exuberant amount of programming is involved to make a mobile app meet accessibility standards. There are a smaller number of helpful development tools available to improve compliance.

Why use a Mobile App?:

Mobile applications are great for ecommerce, customer loyalty programs, and more. They are also at your customers or employees’ fingertips without the need for a computer. Think about the kind of apps you use on your mobile phone, and you can understand the use case for a company mobile app.

Good Examples for Mobile Applications:

Spotify, WhatsApp, TikTok, Amazon

Many mobile apps that we use today originally started as websites. Let’s take Facebook for example, in its conception it was a social media website for college students. Years later Facebook announced their mobile app on the Android and Apple app stores. Well, why would they start with a website and then later have to also support web app and mobile app platforms? Websites are cheaper to startup,  and if built right, have responsive designs with adaptable content-based screen sizes. Then, when the website has taken off in production, a lot of the same concepts and code can be reused in mobile app development where more time is spent on Android and IOS platform specific programming and mobile app design.


"Mobile apps also have the advantage of the “shortcut effect,”

“Why remember a URL when I can just click the icon on my phone.” – A Seifert Customer.


Going from a mobile app to a website is not as straight forward. In one of our mobile app projects the customer was curious about converting their mobile app to a website. The trouble became that, although the API (Application Programming Interface) that was developed for the mobile app could be recycled for use on the website, the mobile app language code could not easily be converted into a web app which caused the quote to exceed their budget.

In another case we had a customer that wanted to start with a website that was made with the “mobile first” approach (all development had mobile devices in mind – responsive design). What we found with this customer was they had an easier time in the testing/approval phase with their website than the other customer that started with a mobile app. With the website we could deploy changes, and the customer could instantly see our progress. When staging a mobile app, the app would have to be compiled into a single file, transferred to the mobile devices designated for testing, the device settings would have to be modified for development mode, then install the Android Package (APK) update, and then they can evaluate the enhancements. Even if the Android and Apple stores had a “staging” environment, it is not easy to deploy, nor is it easy for the end user to install the staged version of their mobile app.


In conclusion, starting out with a mobile friendly website has proven to provide a great user experience for project development and testing. When the website has had a few months in production, then more web development work can be recycled in mobile app development than the other way around – making the website first approach cheaper overall.


How Can Seifert Technologies Help?:

In many cases, a well-rounded strategy might involve both a website and a mobile app, each playing a specific role in reaching and engaging with your target audience effectively. It is essential to assess your goals, audience, and budget to determine the best approach for your specific needs. Contact Seifert Technologies to get started.

Students arranged in a circle. Seifert employees are giving a talk.
By Seifert Technologies 23 May, 2024
Seifert Technologies recently partnered with the Stark Education Partnership (SEP), Fairless High School and Perry High School and provided a career day for the students. The objective was to provide an insight to local area high school students on the careers and opportunities available right here in Stark County. Our presentations focused on the services which we provide to our clients related to Engineering, IT, and Staffing. We featured interactive displays on Robotics, Machine Design, 3D CAD, PLC Motion Control, IT Infrastructure, Power BI, Software Development, and Career Services. Jaecey Hudson holds the position of Career Champion at Stark Education Partnership (SEP). Her role places her within several local High Schools including Fairless and she counsels the students on their career paths. Jaecey was instrumental in scheduling the day with Fairless High School. SEP is a catalyst, engaging and collaborating with education, business, civic and community stakeholders to drive sustainable improvement and innovation to provide all students with education and career success. SEP serves education, business, and community organizations in the Stark County region as a connector and partner. SEP collaborates with local foundations to ensure a continued focus on meeting emerging needs and works in complementary fashion with other nonprofits throughout the region. Stark Education Partnership’s vision to build generations of successful individuals who fulfill their potential and grow roots in Stark County is brought to life by engaging students in real-world workplace experiences. We also worked closely with the Robotics / STEM department at Perry High School to plan the day for these students. Stephanie Laskey and her team from Perry were the high school coordinators for the event. The Perry Local Project Lead the Way classes emphasize various engineering aspects, spanning from introduction to engineering design, computer manufacturing, digital electronics, aerospace engineering, to principles of engineering. Students were enthusiastic and actively involved in witnessing engineering principles in action at Seifert Technologies. They gained insight into the structure of engineering firms and the key attributes of successful engineers. They left Seifert Technologies with new information, eager to apply their newfound knowledge in the world of engineering. To learn more details about the services of Seifert Technologies, contact us at (330) 833-2700 or sales@seifert.com. Please visit www.seifert.com for more information on our full range of capabilities. For more information related to SEP, please visit www.edpartner.org . 
3D rendering of factory floor. Pictured is conveyor belts, robotic arm, a man, and a forklift.
By Seifert Technologies 20 Mar, 2024
Manufacturing can be traced back to the Industrial Revolution. The Industrial Revolution changed the way that manufacturers worked all over the world. There were inventions of new machines and technology. The new production made manufacturing cheaper, faster, and more efficient. The Industrial Revolution changed manufacturing for the modern world. In the First Industrial Revolution, which began in the late 18 th century was a significant change in human history. It transitioned to industrial societies, fueled by innovations in textile manufacturing, steam power, and iron production. This period increased efficiency in the mass production of goods. The invention of the steam engine led to the increase of railways. The First Industrial Revolution was the first step in modernizing the world. The Second Industrial Revolution is known as the Technological Revolution. This happened in the mid-19th century and was known for the adoption of electric power. This transformed the manufacturing process in steel. It led to the invention of the telegraph, telephone, television, and radio. Advancement in transportation was drastically improved leading to increased urbanization. The Third Industrial Revolution is known as the Digital Revolution. It happened in the late 20 th century with digital technology. This was the rise of the internet and digital computers. This changed the way people interacted with each other. The World Wide Web was developed. This led to the digitalization of every known modern aspect of life. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is referred to as Industry 4.0. This revolution is known for technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing, and robotics. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is expected to have impacts on society to increase quality, production, and drive economic growth.
Graphic of a padlock on top of a CPU chip.
By Seifert Technologies 15 Mar, 2024
Phishing, Smishing, and Vishing are all ways that people try to get sensitive information from other people. They are all done in similar ways, but they have different ways of getting this information. It is important to know the difference between the three and how it looks when someone is getting targeted. Phishing Phishing is an online scam that gets sent to email accounts. It consists of getting sent a link or attachment from an unfamiliar email domain. When a user clicks on the link or attachment that is when the sender gets access to data. There are many different types of phishing to watch out for. Some of include spear, email, and whaling. Spear phishing is when someone specifically targets one person. They do this by adding their name, job, or social life. Whale phishing is when someone targets a big target like a manager, owner, or celebrities. They target these people since they have a lot of information on companies or other people. Smishing Smishing is a scam that gets sent as a text message (SMS). Scammers send a text to a target. The text that the target receives looks like a text from a trustworthy company. The scammers make the message look like it is the real company, and they send a link that they want the target to click on. There are different ways that these messages look. It can look like you won money or a prize. It can also look like a tax report or bank statement. Vishing Vishing is a scam where the target gets called over the phone rather than receiving a text message or email. The target is selected, and they call trying to convince them to download software for their device. How To Protect Yourself from All Three There are many ways to prevent these things from happening. Most importantly, do not click on links or attachments from unknown sources. Report suspicious emails, text messages, or calls that you receive. When you report these, you protect yourself and others from getting information taken. Seifert Technologies’ IT Division is your source for cybersecurity awareness. We are a registered agent of KnowB4 Products ( www.knowbe4.com ). These products implement sate of the art programs which: Send fully automated simulated phishing attacks, using thousands of customizable templates with unlimited usage Train your users with access to the world's largest library of always-fresh awareness training content AI-Driven phishing and training recommendations based on your users' phishing and training history Use Assessments to gauge proficiency of your users in security knowledge and security culture attitudes Easy user management using Active Directory Integration Contact our IT Service Team To learn more details about cybersecurity training contact us at (330) 833-2700 or sales@seifert.com. Please visit www.seifert.com/itservices for more information on our full range capabilities.
Seifert employees holding new toys, next to two Toys for Tots boxes.
By Seifert Technologies 15 Dec, 2023
For over 10 years the team at Seifert Technologies has participated in the Toys for Tots program. Every year, our employees show their support by donating new toys which are then delivered to local area families. It is an awesome way to give back to our Stark County community. We also want to thank all of our employees for their wonderful donations. Way to go team!
Leslie Callahan next to a sign that reads
By Seifert Technologies 15 Dec, 2023
Last month we celebrated a very special evening. Leslie Callahan, who has been with our firm since the beginning years, celebrated her 30th year with the organization. Team members from both our offices in Massillon and Nashville gathered to celebrate this well-deserved accomplishment.
Someone at a laptop, a robot hand is coming out of the screen with pointer finger extended, with glowing floating cyber icons
27 Nov, 2023
At Seifert Associates, we have been meeting the challenges of hiring technical talent for decades. Finding the right candidate for the right position can be a challenge. Thus, we have put together a list of the top questions we get from HR and give ideas on how to overcome the challenges we face in today’s job market. What Are the Top Hiring Challenges Today? First, we must talk about current hiring challenges. Today, employers encounter new recruitment hurdles as the job market progresses. Employers' obstacles and difficulties arise when it comes to recruiting and hiring qualified candidates. These challenges can come in many forms, such as a shortage of skilled workers, a highly competitive job market, or a lack of diversity and inclusion in the hiring process. The rapid changes in both technology and the evolving job market also contribute to these hiring challenges. Employers must overcome these hiring challenges to attract and retain top talent, as well as build a thriving workforce to drive organizational growth and success. Here is a List of the Top Concerns for Hiring: Finding Quality Candidates Attracting the right talent for a technical position is an employer's foremost concern. The more skilled the requirements are, the more the employee is sought after. With a limited workforce and intense competition for top-tier candidates, employers struggle when it comes to finding technical talent. Along with that, employers struggle to engage with candidates who are not actively seeking a new position. We spoke about the importance of collaborating with a recruiter who has strong experience with finding technical candidates in a previous blog, which you can review HERE . Attracting the Right Technical Talent Another challenge that employers face is attracting the right talent for a technical position. Highly skilled candidates today look for more than just a competitive salary. Candidates want to collaborate with a company that has a quality work culture. But they also want to seek employment with companies who share the same values, as well as have great benefits and a good understanding of work life balance. In fact, 46% of job seekers cite company culture as very important when choosing to apply to a company, and a shocking 47% of employees cite that company culture is the driving factor when looking for a new job. Skills Gap and Training
Manufacturing floor background, with a Stark County Manufacturing logo overlaid.
09 Nov, 2023
Seifert Technologies was pleased to host the Stark County Manufacturing Workforce Development Partnership group’s monthly meeting at our office in September 2023. We were proud to showcase our skills related to Automation and Machine Design and to the more than 40 members that came to the event. Stark County Manufacturing Workforce is a group of dedicated professionals that are committed to the support of manufacturer’s growth and expansion by offering education and career pathways within the manufacturing community. Showing them what local companies are doing in the areas to accelerate excellence in both local and national companies is always wonderful. Stark County has so much to offer. Seifert Technologies Showcased 7 Different Stations for SCMWDP Member Including:
A compass over a mechanical drawing
30 Oct, 2023
Today, 2D drawings are still used in both the engineering and manufacturing arenas. While some may believe that 2D drawings are falling the way of the dinosaur, we still need them to show details in parts, components, and assemblies. They are a fundamental part of engineering documentation. Manufacturers use 2D drawings as their main communication tool. In this blog, we will explore the reasons we believe that 2D drawings will remain an important modeling tool for engineering projects. The Evolution of 2D Drawings: Before there were computers, 2D drawings were used to define component specifications. With 2D drawings, engineers were able to navigate the creation of a product, simply by referencing the 2D rendering. The 2D drawing method of production dates to the beginnings of engineering information. Today, this history speaks to the importance of 2D drawings. As 2D drawings were the sole conveyor of design information for millennia. That all changed with the introduction of computers and 3D software like Autodesk Inventor, and SolidWorks . The choice of CAD software depends on your specific needs and the industry you're working in. You may want to consider factors like your budget, the type of projects you'll be working on, and your familiarity with the software when selecting the right CAD program for your needs.  But before we look at 3D technology, let’s examine the things that are still relevant today with 2D drawings. 2D Drawings Are Better at the Details:
Website or Mobile App? What are the Pros and Cons?
23 Oct, 2023
In this blog, the team at Seifert Technologies is going to walk you through the pros and cons of websites and mobile applications.
Seifert employee with hands folded in front of him, in front of a robotic arm.
23 Oct, 2023
Thank you to everyone who attended our Cleveland Technology Symposium. In case you missed it, here’s a recap of the event. The Engineering Division Utilizes State-of-the-Art Design Tools
More Posts
Share by: