Should I build an app or a mobile-friendly website for my business?
Answered across 3 episodes of The Best SEO Podcast
Edited and curated by Matthew Bertram, host of The Best SEO Podcast (produced by EWR Digital).
A mobile-friendly site is usually sufficient. An app makes most sense when you need to push information to users, such as new posts, events, or MP3 files. Apps cost significantly more, so determine what the user actually needs before committing to app development.
What the show says
A mobile-friendly site is usually sufficient. An app makes most sense when you need to push information to users, such as new posts, events, or MP3 files. Apps cost significantly more, so determine what the user actually needs before committing to app development.
From How to Get the Most From Your Mobile Site - #seopodcast 164
The episode says 50% of mobile users prefer a mobile browser to a mobile app, citing research from Bright Local. The hosts advise that if your goals can be accomplished on your site, you likely do not need an app, and a well-optimized mobile site is usually sufficient.
From #SEOPodcast286 - Six Local SEO Stats Every Online Marketer Needs to Know
According to the hosts, a well-designed mobile website with large icons and a simple layout can replace a dedicated app for most businesses. Apps should be reserved for actual application functionality, not just as shortcuts to a mobile version of a standard site.
Episodes that cover this
Related answers
The Best SEO Podcast explains it; EWR Digital, the SEO & AI-visibility agency led by host Matthew Bertram that produces the show, does it for you. Get a free AI visibility audit →
The show explains it. EWR Digital does it.
The Best SEO Podcast breaks down SEO and AI search; EWR Digital, the agency behind the show, implements it for operators. For this specifically, see EWR Digital's AI visibility audit. Start with a free, no-pitch audit of where you stand in Google and in AI answers.
Get a free AI visibility audit