Well, the idea is not that bad of turning your website into a progressive web idea, but for that, a clear understanding of what actually is progressive web apps and what are the benefits to taking this massive step is a must. Let’s start with the introduction and we will move forward with other posts that.
Introduction of Progressive web apps
The slang for Progressive web apps is PWA. PWA is nothing but just similar to that of a website. Now, you must the thinking if it is similar to website, why should we take all the trouble of converting it into a PWA. The only difference is that when any user visits the website through their mobile device, a PWA will behave just like a native mobile app. This gives the user surged user experience as compared to a general website used through a mobile device. Also, here comes the big one, the user is also at the privilege of using the website even in the offline manner. Many people refrain from converting the website into PWA on the grounds of the process being complicated and lengthy? But is it really so? I mean the process is long and tricky? If you think so, let me clear this myth the entire process is short and sweet and has an ample amount of benefits, let peep into some of them.
Benefits of PWA
1) Secure
These PWA makes the user’s information secure for the further reference and also protect them from the data corruption.
2) Loads Faster
The loading time of progressive web apps is lesser which gives you the chance to add more functionality and entailing the users with higher satisfaction. This also causes a huge reduction in the bounce rate as well.
3) Push Notifications
Websites don’t send a notification but when it comes to PWA, they do. For user engagement and retention, notifications play a major role. A timely reminder and update about something new will keep the user on their toes to visit the website and stay engaged with the same.
4) Single Step Process
As it is a website and not an app, there won’t be any need of downloading it into your device. The user can just open the website and access it just like an app but without having to download it.
Some Interesting Facts
Some business owner still wonders why to convert the normal website into a progressive web app. Well, here is the answer for those business owners. We do realize fetching new visitors is important, but preserving the old ones and compelling them to visit again is even more important. Also, the frequent visitors will be converted into the users and the regular ones. The new visitors visiting the site through a mobile device is 65.3% which you can cover if you have PWA. Out of which 34.7% visitors visit again. Progressive web apps new visitors are 8.8% and that of who is visiting again is 91.2%.
Features of PWA
1) Easy Sharing
The best feature of PWA is that sharing it with your friends is easier than ever. You just need to copy the URL and share it with your friend without you or him having to install it on any of the devices.
2) Connectivity Independence
To get access to such apps, you don’t need strong internet connectivity. In fact, you don’t need any kind of connectivity at all. You can access these apps even when you are offline.
3) Highly Responsive
The bonus point of PWA is that they can be accessed on any device type. Whether it is a desktop, mobile, or tablet PWA are highly responsive.
4) Saves Storage Space
As we all know Progressive web apps don’t have any need of download or installation, this will save some of the storage space in the user’s device.
Myths About Progressive Web Applications
1) Only a website can be converted into PWA
Well, this is a popular misconception people carry that only a website can be converted into a PWA. The reality is even an online store or a collection of data, or a personal blog can be converted into a PWA. The main agenda of a progressive web app is to simplify and optimize the code which also assists in rapid content delivery to the ultimate users.
2) Is this exclusively for Android?
A majority of people can relate to this fact which in reality is just a myth. PWA doesn’t need to install from either Google Play Store and Apple app store. You can open it from any browser and get access to it. You can create the shortcut on your device’s home screen as well. Pick any search engine and you can use the PWA without internet connectivity.
3) Do you need to create a single-page JavaScript powered app?
Well, not really. The conversion of the website to PWA is not restricted to any particular technology. There are several other technologies like HTML which are valid for the conversion of PWA conversion.
The Process of Transferring A Website into PWA
There are just three steps in the process and you are done.
1) Enable HTTPS
Not an option, it’s a compulsion to create a stable HTTPS connection. You have subscription options, but the prices differ depending on the plans and host they have to offer. If you are intending to make your website rank high in the Google search, here is a small advice: Choose a secure and well-known host for the HTTPS connection.
2) Developing an App Manifest
The basic agenda of the app manifest is to provide the details of the app to the users. Here’s the detailed list of information you need to fill out.
Name of the PWA you want to disclose to your users.
If the name of the app is too big, the property gives the option of using the short name for the app.
The description of what the app is all about including the category and the overview.
Icons of the app, list of the images with their size and type.
Theme color of the app.
The orientation of the app.
3) Service Worker Creation
It is basically a component of JavaScript, which acts like a bridge between the host and the web server. The entire process is automated and installed in the browsers which are in support to receive and process the requests that are targeted towards your website.
