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In the increasingly digital world, having a web application for your business is a way to connect with your prospects. Companies compete for clients’ attention, which means providing user-friendly solutions is crucial. A web app makes it easy for people to access your products and services as well as collaborate with you as a partner.
However, not all web applications are made the same. You must develop a program that captures your brand identity and voice to set your company apart. It should also reflect your uniqueness, setting you apart from a sea of competitors. To do so, you need a bespoke web app that entices future partners and buyers to choose your brand.
There are many companies out there that can help you transform your vision of a web application into reality.
Does your business need this digital solution? This guide can help you learn more about web apps and their benefits that contribute to your company’s success.
What is a web application?
A web application or web app is essentially a website that is designed to do a specific function with all the processing done on a remote server. The idea is to make it easier to access apps for different tasks without the need to install anything on your computer, worry about compatibility issues or whether your computer is powerful enough to run the application.
In a way, a web app is a step-up from your typical website, which can only deliver static content. These application programs feature interactive user elements while also staying within the confines of a web browser URL. Web applications are functional and bridge the difference between static websites and downloadable software.
You will already use many services that could be classed as a web app. For example, Google has a whole suite of web apps with Google Workspace, which consists of popular apps such as Docs, Sheets and Forms.
Many web apps will be referred to as cloud apps or cloud services, and there has been massive growth in companies providing web apps as an alternative to popular desktop apps and then charging a monthly fee. Photo editing services like Canva have proven to be a popular alternative to expensive applications like Photoshop.
Web applications also benefit from being platform and device agnostic; you just need a browser to run it. It doesn’t matter if you are on your phone, tablet or desktop PC, you will always be able to run the web app, and the user experience will always be the same (albeit the UI will adjust to suit the screen size).
Web apps combine several types of scripts to work. To store and retrieve data, these programs may utilise PHP, Ruby on Rails, and other server-side scripts. On the other hand, HTML and JavaScript are common examples of client-facing scripts that deliver information to users. In many cases, both server-side and client-side scripts are used by a web application simultaneously.
Types of web applications
Every web application can have a different architecture depending on what the business needs. For this reason, developers like Lightflows create customised apps that perform specific tasks required by the company.
- Static web app. This application can deliver data without needing to interact with the app server. Information appears as how they are stored, such as marketing landing pages.
- Dynamic web app. It’s a highly interactive application that can retrieve data in real-time depending on what a user requests. Some popular examples are Netflix and YouTube.
- Single-page app. SPAs load quickly and perform tasks without needing to tap the app server. Google Maps and Gmail are single-page web applications.
- Multi-page app. When users prompt a new action, the multi-page web app displays a new page. Online stores, web portals, and other enterprise-related apps belong to this category.
- Portal web app. This type of application features a homepage containing sections that represent an action. It suits companies that require customised interfaces for their target audience.
- Rich internet app. RIAs mimic desktop applications and may work offline depending on how they are programmed. These web apps rely on customer-side plugins and fix browser restrictions.
- Animated web app. You can display animated content using this web application, making the page eye-catching and creative. Use cases include apps relevant to games and education.
- Content management system. Blogging platforms, news portals, and marketing and sales platforms use CMS to effectively manage digital content.
- E-commerce app. E-commerce platforms allow users to access products, make orders, and process payments.
- Progressive web app. Also called cross-platform web apps, progressive web applications behave like native mobile apps thanks to modern APIs. A widely used example is Spotify.
Benefits of a bespoke web application
Customisation
A bespoke web app solution allows you to promote your brand in every aspect of the program. You can include your preferred features and functions that are in line with your business. For instance, you can create a CMS to organise your blog posting schedule as part of your SEO strategies.
Scalability
It’s easy to scale certain types of web apps up or down according to your requirements. You can add or remove user access based on the demand or growth of your company. Most web applications allow you to enhance their functionality as needed.
Integration
You can integrate web-based systems into virtually any kind of work environment. Web apps store data in the cloud, which enables companies to perform data-driven tasks without needing onsite hardware. It can also work with other services like marketing tools and payment gateways.
Competitive advantage
Web apps can provide real-time data, which can mean quicker decision making. This benefit is especially vital in niches that value time as a commodity. Maximising the use of web applications ensures that the brand can keep up and overtake its competitors.
Enhanced security
Web-based programs have no risk of losing data due to hardware loss, theft, or damage. In addition, these systems have dedicated servers that are maintained by expert administrators.
Improved efficiency and productivity
There’s no limit to what web applications can accomplish. For example, an e-commerce app can have both a shopping cart system and an accounting feature in one. These features improve workflow and processes, thereby enhancing efficiency and productivity.
Better user experience
Custom web applications perform tasks easily and are very user-friendly. These apps ensure a more dynamic user experience, offering personalised solutions that match the unique needs and preferences of clients.
Long-term cost savings
Web apps have simplified architecture and are less costly to develop. Since it is generally platform-agnostic, a web-based system is more cost-effective to create compared to a mobile app. Its role in streamlining business processes further cuts down on some expenses along the way.
The Takeaway
A web application is quickly becoming a standard in various industries such as e-commerce, healthcare, and finance. It helps create an efficient workflow and simplify communication at all levels. To ensure a vast improvement in how you do business, deploying web apps is a terrific way to start.
The key to making web apps work in your favour is to create a personalised system for your brand. Lightflows build bespoke web applications that add value to your business. If you want effective and agile web app development, the Lightflows team can deliver the best product for you!
Christopher Carter, a committed contributor to Mighty Gadget, balances his full-time job as a Royal Mail postman with his enduring passion for gaming. With a particular penchant for PC, SteamDeck, and PS5 platforms, Chris provides a unique perspective on the latest gaming trends and hardware. His close friendship with our chief editor, spanning two decades, has fostered a rich collaborative environment where his gaming insights are highly valued.
When he’s not immersed in the digital realms or diligently delivering mail, Chris is cheering for Manchester City, showcasing his unwavering support come rain or shine. Besides football, his world revolves around his young son and two lively beagles, who provide a joyful respite from his daily pursuits.
Chris’s contributions to Mighty Gadget are crafted during his spare hours, where he meticulously delves into the gaming world, translating his experiences into engaging reviews for our readers. His authentic take on the latest gaming endeavours makes him a trusted voice within the Mighty Gadget community. Through his writings, Chris offers a genuine glimpse into the gamer’s world, making him an integral part of our team.
