The debate regarding the difference between a website and a web application is not new!
Businesses are often confused between the two and end up choosing a different approach that doesn’t resonate with their goals!
Although everybody’s goal is to drive profit, understanding the key differences between web apps vs. websites is important!
The former is a dedicated web application that is easily accessible via any device or web browser. On the other hand, the latter is an online platform that includes a collection of web pages displaying the products/services offered.
But wait- Is it enough to decide between the two?
Well, absolutely not!
In this post, we’ll discuss the meaning, features and benefits, and a comparison table to know the difference between a website and a web application.
Let’s dive in!
Understanding Websites
In simple terms, websites are a collection of web pages that provide valuable information about a company’s products/services. Remember that a company can design a website in the way their customers like and can present the information. The content on the website is generally related to text, images, video, or audio
A website is easy to access via smartphones, tablets, desktops, and laptops. All a user needs to do is simply open the browser and type the URL in the search box and the website will open. Besides that, let’s discover some important sections of the website are;
- Home Page
- About Us Page
- Services/products
- Offerings
- Blog/Articles/News Page
- Contact Us Page
Every website you see on the internet aims to showcase what a company does which can help solve user queries.
Before diving into the difference between a website and a web application, let’s set our sights on the website-building benefits.
Features & Benefits of Building Websites for Your Business
Let’s take a look at the key features and benefits of considering a business website.
#1. Quick & Convenient to Develop
Building a website can be incredibly beneficial to startups and mid-scale businesses. If you don’t have enough time to invest or you lack expertise, then websites are an ideal solution. Furthermore, you don’t need specialized skills or professional assistance to build a site. For example, use WordPress to build high-quality websites.
#2. Easily Accessible
One of the key features of building a website is that it is easily accessible. Let’s say you want to open a site and you’re not carrying your laptop then your smartphone will serve the purpose. Moreover, you’ll need a stable internet connection to access your website.
#3. Cost-Effective
Unlike a web app that demands extensive expertise and resources, building a website is cost-effective and quick comparatively. Well, you don’t need to break your budget to build a solid website. Instead, use that saved money for other core operations of your business.
#4. Implementation of Widgets
Another major benefit is that you can implement attractive widgets and ready-to-use templates into your site. Not only will it make your website look beautiful but it also ensures seamless navigation across web pages.
#5. Boost Your Brand Credibility
Remember that your customers are online and always finding a credible business from where they can buy products/services from. With a dedicated website, you can share information and answer all the possible queries that your customers may have. Moreover, a beautiful and feature-rich website improves your business reputation, and market presence, and ultimately fosters brand credibility.
Different Types of Websites
Here are some of the different types of websites.
- Blogs
Helpful in sharing news and information, spreading brand awareness, and attracting organic traffic. For example, Mixergy, SproutSocial, A Beautiful Mess, etc.
- Portfolio Websites
Specifically designed for creative professionals like artists, painters, writers, or an individual personality. Furthermore, these sites show the practical skills and work samples of a person in the form of images, videos, and text. For example, Steve Wolf Designs and Mihailo Vucenic.
- eCommerce Websites
These include websites where customers can shop, order, and buy items online and get them delivered to their doorstep. For example, Amazon, eBay, and more.
- Personal Websites
If you’re looking to showcase your qualifications and achievements then these kinds of sites are an ideal choice. Express your personal interests, hobbies, or activities on these websites.
- Social Media Websites
Connect with your friends, shop online at a discounted rate, or learn about the latest news using a dedicated social media site.
Well, that’s all about the importance of building websites!
But it doesn’t mean web apps are falling behind! Instead, there’s a whole lot to the story!
Without further ado, let’s dive into understanding web apps and the difference between a website and a web application!
Web Apps: What are they?
In layman’s language, web apps are a kind of software application that one can easily access via a browser. No matter what device you have, a web app is incredibly responsive and easily adapts to the dimensions of your gadget. Unlike a mobile app or a desktop, there’s no need to download it.
Whether you own a smartphone, laptop, or desktop, it’s easy to access a web app and embrace a seamless navigation experience. With a web app for your business, customers can perform multiple things like making payments, transferring funds, submitting documentation, ordering items online, & more.
Did you know?
The number of global internet users exceeded the mark of 5 billion in 2023 and is expected to go beyond in 2024 and beyond.
Considering such an astonishing fact, building a web app is the need of the hour!
Remember that your audience is online and if you don’t have a web app, you’re missing out on a lot more than you think!
Features and Benefits of a Web App
From eCommerce to data processing and CRM, a web app is a viable solution in almost all kinds of solutions. Listed below are some of the crucial benefits of a web app.
#1. Enhanced User Experience
When it comes to offering a seamless user experience, web apps will never let you down! With an intuitive and user-friendly app’s interface, customers will likely explore and recommend their friends to give a try to your app. Moreover, users can access your web app whenever they want. There’s an internet connection required, though.
#2. Improved Scalability
Remember that the trends in the online world are subject to change. Web apps enable you to embrace and implement the latest changes to keep your business updated with the evolving needs. Adding novel features and integrations will keep your app updated and let you stay ahead of the competition.
#3. Guaranteed Safety & Security
Unlike desktop apps that monitor abundant client computers, web apps are managed by skilled server administrators. Thus, web app security aspect is stronger and helps identify security breaches before they turn out to be havoc. Furthermore, web apps employ stringent guidelines and adhere to much-needed security standards. Thus, in turn, it helps prevent the chances of security leaks.
#4. Hassle-Free Deployment
It’s easy to launch a web app and allows users to access it via a simple URL. Unlike dedicated desktop/mobile apps that require individual updates, the updates on web apps are applied on the host server. Therefore, it means that all users having access to web apps can easily get their hands on the latest version. Furthermore, there’s no need to check the latest version of the app every second day.
#5. Uninterrupted Improvement & Updates
Unlike websites that require occasional updates, web apps need regular monitoring and maintenance. Though it could be time-draining, keeping your web app updated will keep it secure, functional, and relevant. Additionally, when your app is updated, your audience will always get a seamless user experience which keeps them engaged and results in increased customer retention.
Understanding the Difference Between a Website and a Web Application
Till now, you must have attained a comprehensive knowledge of both. Remember that choosing between the two boils down to the company’s objectives. Let’s take a look at a quick comparison table to understand the difference between a website and a web application.
| Parameters | Websites | Web Apps |
| Development Process | Because there are only web pages involved, websites are easy to create. | Web apps, on the other hand, are challenging to develop because there are high security and functionalities involved. |
| Components | Website components generally include static or dynamic or text content. | Web apps have interactive components which keep users engaged and help retain your customers. |
| Resources Needed | When it comes to building websites, content creation and architecture building take ample time. | Developing a web app, on the contrary, requires functionality which takes time. |
| Team Required | Website development requires a team of project managers, web designers, SEO specialists, content writer/curator, a front-end developer, and more. | Web app development requires a minimum team which includes a UI/UX specialist, and a back-end & front-end developer. |
| Hosting | Because there’s less data to retrieve, the hosting solution for a website is less expensive. | Web apps, on the flip side, have more components, the hosting for a web app is expensive. |
| User Interface & Functionality | Websites include informational content and come with limited elements. In addition, try to build a custom website to achieve enhanced UI/UX. | Web apps, on the other hand, have a beautiful interface which enhances user experience and helps turn your visitors into customers. |
The Bottom Lines
That’s a wrap to the difference between a website and a web application! Remember that choosing any one approach boils down to your business needs. To help you out, just keep one brief aspect in mind.
If you’re a small-scale business looking to gain brand awareness or showcase your products/services, a website is an ideal choice. On the other hand, if you’re a business that demands the buying/selling of goods then web apps are a savior.
Don’t have time to build a website or a web app? Well don’t worry, hire EitBiz & let us handle everything from scratch!
We are a leading website and web app development company that is backed by a modern tech stack and certified app developers to turn your dreams into reality. With more than 1000+ websites and 200+ web apps delivered across diverse industry verticals, let us have your back. Ready to build a solid website or a web app? Call us at +1 (812)530-6300 or you can send us queries to info@eitbiz.com.
