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According to NASDAQ:SCOR, the number of people using a smartphone in the United States grew to 58% of total mobile phone users during the first quarter of 2013, a nine percent increase from the previous quarter. Furthermore, around 29% of smartphone users shop online, a number that is likely to grow. (Source: Forbes, 8 April 2013).
This trend underlines the importance of mobile compatible applications for businesses. But what should you choose – a mobile app or a mobile website? This article discusses the issue with a focus on automobile dealership businesses.
Before discussing which one is better, let us see the main differences between mobile website and app.
Mobile Website: This is very similar to a regular website except for the fact that the site is optimized for smart phones and other hand held devices. Like regular websites, these websites will contain text, images, videos, etc.
Mobile App: This is just a mobile compatible application that must be downloaded and installed on mobile devices in order to operate. Some of them are web-enabled, others are not. Some will have content that can be accessed without an Internet connection. For example, an app designed for your auto dealership includes appointment scheduling, product search, special offers, and more.
comparison of features
• Availability and accessibility: A website can be easily accessed using a browser as compared to a mobile app. On the other hand, an app needs to be downloaded and installed on the device. Furthermore, a website is easy to access on multiple platforms, while an app is not.
• Compatibility: The same mobile website can be used by all mobile users as it is compatible with any device. In contrast, an app can function only on specific devices.
• Accessibility: Compared to mobile apps, mobile websites have a wider reach as they are easily accessible on all platforms through a browser. Mobile websites are available to all users looking for businesses like yours.
• Ease of sharing: Multiple groups such as users and publishers can share a mobile website. By having a URL, publishers can provide access to their mobile websites from their website, blog, article or press release. In contrast, a mobile app cannot be shared.
• Personalization: A mobile app helps your business if you plan to offer a personalized application to your customers. Once downloaded, the app can be personalized based on the preferences of the customer.
• Cost: Mobile websites are cost effective as compared to building mobile apps for different mobile platforms. Furthermore, websites are time-effective as well. They take less time to develop and market compared to apps.
What would be a good fit for your auto dealership?
Mobile websites and mobile apps each have their own advantages and disadvantages. This can make it difficult to decide which one to choose for your auto dealership business. It totally depends on you and what kind of mobile presence you are looking for for your dealership.
You should go with a mobile website if your goal is to be marketing-driven and if you want to establish a comprehensive mobile presence with a focus on search engines. If you want an interactive engagement with users and want to provide them with an application that helps them stay in touch with your dealership, then an app would be a sensible choice.
However, if you really want to establish a strong mobile presence, both of these will help you in their own way. There is no point in going for a mobile app without a mobile website. But once you have a website, you can extend your services with a functional mobile app.
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