With the expansion of internet services and the boost in E-commerce, digital marketing is the way to go for increasing your revenue streams. More and more consumers are turning to online sites or mobile apps for product information and purchasing.

In the age of start-ups, online marketing and brand promotion can be a cost-effective way for launching new businesses and firms. The accessibility and consumer-friendly quality of your website can go a long way in establishing your presence and gaining a wide range of customers. So, now the question arises; Websites or Mobile Apps: which is the right way to go?

The suitability of either option depends on the nature of your business and various other considerations like budget, the type of products and services offered, the type of notifications and promotion required and finally the extent of the customer base that you want to reach out to.

Deciding Factors

Budget: Mobile apps cost more to build, usually a budget of more than 10 thousand US Dollars, while a simple website can be designed for a much smaller amount.

Requirements: If you need location-based or navigational elements then apps are the better option. Additionally, if you need to deliver quick or real-time information, updates and notifications, then again, apps are the way to go.

Ability to function across a wide a range of devices: Hybrid apps can be developed for a wide range of devices using iOS, Android and Windows.

Competition: If getting a mobile app will make your business stand out concerning competition, then again apps are the way to go. The best option in this scenario would be to get both a website and an app to expand your reach.

Advantages of Apps

• With the constant expansion of the internet and smartphone usage, apps represent a convenient platform for users to search and compare products and services.
• In the case of apps, geofencing can be used for marketing based on the location of your customers.
• Apps make it easy to send out notifications of the latest products and offers.
• Apps can be used to send customised invitations and offers to expand your customer base.

Advantages of Websites

• A website can help you reach out to a wide consumer base, especially if you are a newly launched business.
• A website can be an important step in the process of brand-building, potential clients or customers have to be impressed by the content on your website. The website needs to contain all the information about your company and why you are a better choice than your competitors.
• An interactive forum on your website can go a long way in building loyal customers. Customers will feel gratified if their requests and complaints are dealt with in a swift and courteous manner.
• Not all internet users have a smartphone, but most of them will have a computer or access to one nearby. A website will enable you to reach out to a large number of people.

The Best of Both Worlds

In the end, getting both a website and an app will be of great help in establishing and expanding your business. You will be able to combine the features and advantages of both these platforms and reap the benefits. In other words, you will be able to eat your cake and have it too.

LSI Keywords: mobile apps, hybrid apps, digital marketing, expanding consumer base, customer base, wide range of customers, brand-building, iOS devices, Android devices.