Digitization has changed the business landscape, with businesses under pressure to develop digital solutions to attract and retain customers. This has led to the growth of the app development market, which is expected to reach estimated revenues of $167 billion in 2023 and $234.7 billion by 2028.
However, most of the focus in this market is on native app development. Unfortunately, native apps come with the hassle of high costs, high deletion rates, and longer deployment processes. All these problems make it a less economical option for brands.
A better option for businesses is web application development which offers a cost-effective way to interact with customers and market products to a global market.
A web app is an interactive enterprise software hosted on your server but accessible to other users through a URL on a browser. Users can access resources of your Web app without downloading them on their devices. Web apps collect useful information from users, which brands use to channel targeted services to the user.
For instance, a web App monitors the products or services a user checks on the app. This gives the brand an idea of the customer’s preferences, tastes, and behavior on the platform. An example of a web app is Google Workspace, which opens users to other resources like Google Spreadsheets and Docs.
This article will explain web application development, why you should develop one, the costs, and the steps to guide you.
What Exactly is Web App Creation?
Creating a Web app starts with conceptualizing a Web app idea that suits your business goals through the software’s development and deployment. It means choosing and using frameworks to build web-only applications accessible by users on all browsers.
Technically, a web application comprises three building blocks: web server, database, and application server.
The web server is the part that deals with user authentication and authorization. The application server or frontend is what the user sees and interacts with. The database captures the data and type you want on the web app. We will explain the steps of web app creation in a letter section.
Why You Should Invest in Web App Development
Web apps offer companies a modern way to operate in the digital space. Some of the benefits of developing one will transform your business and improve customer experience. Let’s consider these benefits.
Gives your business global visibility
If you want to create a global platform for your business, a web app is a smart way to achieve this dream. Web apps position your brand to a global audience.
Gateway to your brand
Web apps open your brand up to potential customers. It gives your brand credibility in the minds of customers. You can collect useful information from them to properly market your products to these customers.
Accessible on multiple platforms
Your web app is not dependent on a platform, nor do you have to expend resources developing apps that work on all platforms. Every device or browser can use web apps which makes it accessible to all kinds of users.
Allows for a self-service option
Web apps provide a platform for customers to engage with your brand. The advantage here is that the application can resolve customer queries quickly. These customers don’t have to call your customer call center to track inquiries.
The Web app provides a one-stop platform for making orders and complaints and tracking deliveries.
Easy to customize
One great reason to develop a web app for your brand is that it is easier to customize than native apps. You can move with the times and scale the app as you gain more customers.
Not necessary to install a native app
Having a web app dispenses with the need to download a native app. This makes web apps more convenient for users as they would not have a cluttered User Interface filled with rarely used apps.
Cheaper to deploy
Unlike native apps, which require a lengthy vetting period before deployment on app stores, web apps are faster. The implication is less cost involved in getting the app to target users.
Any Unfavorable Aspects of Web Applications?
The benefits of developing a Web app are numerous and make it a great business idea. However, it is not all rosy. Some aspects to it may be unfavorable to your business. Let’s quickly delve into them.
Depends on your Internet connectivity
Web apps are hosted on your server, so your network connection needs to be great for customers to enjoy it. This places pressure on you to provide a strong internet connection for your customers to use it.
Difficulty in ensuring consistent use
Because web apps are not visible on desktop or mobile UIs like downloaded apps, they may be easily forgotten by occasional users. Thus it is a challenge to ensure continuous use of the app.
Higher risk of cyber attacks
Web-based apps are usually hosted on serverless infrastructure, which is public. Any malicious attacks on these infrastructures expose your enterprise to dangers.
The Step-By-Step Journey of Web App Development
We have broken down the steps to begin developing your web-based app.
Conception
This is the starting stage of any custom web application development. You should know why you need a web app for your business and how it helps your business.
This helps you determine the type of web app to build and the functionalities it must contain.
Market Research
Market research helps you understand the world of web apps, especially how people use them. During this stage, you can get more information about the competition, their successes, and their failures. You also become aware of gaps in the market your web app can fill.
For proper market research, you need to survey likely users to know which features they want and how to improve their experience with the app.
Engage a Development Team
Web application development is quite a technical endeavor that needs the right know-how. Usually, a development team comprises frontend and backend developers, UI/UX designers, QA engineers, etc. You can assemble a remote development team which is much cheaper than an in-house team.
Design
We mentioned earlier that one of the challenges of web apps is enticing users to use the app more. One effective way to ensure this is to create an intuitive interface to attract more visitors. Statistics show that 74% of visitors return to a web app or website with great UX design.
The UI/UX designer creates an appealing and intuitive interface to keep users longer on the application.
Development
The developers build a Minimum Viable Product of the web app based on your business needs. An MVP is a basic version of the web app containing core features of the software. The essence of MVP is to verify the app’s concept before committing too much money to full development.
The MVP is used by a few chosen people who provide useful feedback on the web application and what should be improved. Once the MVP is validated, you can go to the next stage.
Testing
You must test for any glitches or bugs. Apart from these, you must conduct compatibility, functionality, performance, and usability tests on your web application.
Deployment
You are ready to deploy the web application for mass use at this stage. You must buy a domain to host your software and contact a cloud storage provider. It is from here that browsers can gain access to your digital resources.
Maintenance
Post-deployment, you have to ensure that the web application is working optimally. Maintenance helps you check for performance issues and continuous upgrades to the web application.
Cost of Developing Web App
Several factors determine the final cost of web app development. A simple app with limited features will cost much less than a complex one with comprehensive features. Other factors include duration and the development team you hire.
Using an offshore team that charges less than developers in the United States is advisable. Look to Eastern Europe for technically proficient but less expensive Web application development services.
On average, web app development costs range from $5,000 to over $100,000, depending on your desired features.
Contact us for a more accurate quote for your project.
Your Key Frameworks for Web App Development
Frameworks are an exciting way to develop apps without the hassle of building from scratch. Developers use these frameworks to create interactive and dynamic web-based apps. Let’s analyze them.
Django
This framework uses Python programming language in web app development. It allows developers to build secure web apps with its security features. Google and Instagram are some major names using Django.
Spring
Spring is a favorite framework for developers specializing in Java-based web apps. It is reputed to be fast, scalable, and portable for developing JVM apps.
Rails
Rails is a model-view-controller framework that uses Ruby as its primary language. It is perfect for database types of web apps. Developers spend less time developing web apps with Rails than Java-based apps. Popular users of Rails are GitHub and Shopify.
Angular JS
If you want to build apps for a large user base, AngularJS helps build high-performance apps that are easily scalable. AngularJS framework is great for streaming services with multiple users simultaneously. An example of an AngularJS user is Netflix.
ASP. NET
Microsoft developed this framework and used the C# language. It is not only used for Web apps but for mobile and desktop apps too. It is light and rates high in performance, especially with apps using .NET.
In Closing: Key Takeaways for Your Future Steps
Developing a Web app is a smart business idea you must explore as soon as possible. If you are yet to develop one, you are missing out on potential customers and revenues for your brand.
I’m a tech enthusiast, entrepreneur, digital marketer and professional blogger equipped with skills in Digital Marketing, SEO, SEM, SMM, and lead generation. My objective is to simplify technology for you through detailed guides and reviews. I discovered WordPress while setting up my first business site and instantly became enamored. When not crafting websites, making content, or helping clients enhance their online ventures, I usually take care of my health and spend time with family, and explore the world. Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin or read my complete biography.