In the digital age, having an online presence is no longer an option, it’s a necessity. For most businesses, the big question is whether it’s better to develop a website or a mobile application. These two solutions offer distinct advantages depending on your needs, but they can also complement each other to maximise your visibility.

In this article, we’ll explore the different options available, the benefits of each and some concrete examples of their application in the local business sector.

What is a website?

A website is a set of interconnected pages accessed via an Internet browser (Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari) by entering a specific URL. The content of a website can be varied: text, images, videos, forms, etc. A website can serve several purposes:

• Present information about a company or its products,
• Offer online services,
• Sell products directly (e-commerce),
• Offer educational resources.

Different types of website :

• Showcase sites: these present a company’s activity, products or services. They are often used by SMEs or tradespeople to attract new customers.
• E-commerce sites: these enable products or services to be sold online, with integrated payment systems (e.g. Amazon).
• Blogs: spaces for sharing information, often organised into articles. They are widely used for content marketing and search engine optimisation.
• Forums: discussion areas where users can exchange ideas, ask questions or share advice.
• Educational sites: these offer teaching resources or online courses, such as Coursera or Khan Academy.

What is a mobile application?

A mobile application is a programme designed specifically for mobile devices (smartphones, tablets) and installed via a shop (Google Play or Apple Store). It can be :

• Native: developed for a specific operating system (iOS or Android).
• Web App: accessible via a mobile browser without requiring a download.
• Hybrid: a combination of the two, running on several platforms.

Advantages of mobile applications :

• Offline access: unlike websites, some apps can operate without an internet connection, offering greater accessibility.
• Push notifications: a powerful tool for staying in direct contact with users and encouraging them to return regularly.
• Native integration: applications can use smartphone functions (GPS, camera, calendar) to provide a smoother user experience.

Differences between a website and a mobile application

Although websites and mobile applications may seem similar, there are several aspects that distinguish them.

Accessibility

• Website: accessible directly from a browser, without downloading.
• Mobile application: requires prior download and can operate in offline mode, which is an advantage in the event of a poor connection.

Integration into everyday life

Mobile applications are often easier to integrate into users’ daily lives thanks to features such as push notifications or access to the phone’s native tools (SMS, camera, GPS). Conversely, a website, no matter how well designed, will be less intuitive and more limited on a mobile phone.

Development cost

• Website: generally less expensive to develop, especially if you start from an existing desktop site that you adapt to mobile (responsive site).
• Mobile application: more expensive, because it requires specific development for each platform (Android and iOS).

How to choose between a website and a mobile application?

Here are some key elements to consider to guide you in your decision.

Showcase website: for a simple online presence

If your goal is mainly to present your services and provide basic information, a showcase site will be perfectly suited. It is economical, easy to update, and offers an accessible first step for companies wishing to make themselves known online.

Opt for a showcase site if:

• Your customers are not actively searching for your products online.
• You sell few products or services.
• You have a modest budget (600 to 2000 euros).

E-commerce website: to sell online

An e-commerce website is the ideal tool if you want to sell products or services online. It allows your customers to order directly and pay online, with minimal costs.

Choose an e-commerce website if:

• You sell several products.
• Your competitors already sell online.
• Your budget is between 1000 and 4000 euros.

Mobile application: for regular interactions

If your customers place orders repeatedly or you want to stay in touch with them via push notifications, a mobile application can offer a more engaging and practical experience.

Opt for a mobile application if:

• You want frequent interactions with your users.
• You sell products with recurring purchases.
• Your budget is between 5000 and 10,000 euros.

Website and mobile application: for maximum visibility

To become a reference in your field, it may be wise to combine a website and a mobile application. This way, you reach a wider audience while offering a smooth and complete user experience.

Prefer both solutions if:

• You want to establish yourself in your sector.
• Your product catalog is large and diversified.
• Your budget is greater than 6,000 euros.

The importance of a digital solution for local businesses

Local businesses (hairdressers, taxis, plumbers, craftsmen, etc.) particularly benefit from digital solutions. A website or mobile application can transform the way these professionals interact with their customers, by offering ease of management and considerable time savings.

Concrete examples of applications adapted to local businesses:

App for appointment management: hairdressers and beauticians

Hair salons, beauticians and other wellness professionals can considerably improve their daily management thanks to a dedicated mobile application. Imagine a platform where your customers can:

• Book an appointment directly from their smartphone.
• Receive automatic reminders via push notification.
• Access special offers and personalized discounts.

With such an application, you limit last-minute cancellations and optimize your time slots, while improving customer satisfaction. You integrate the customer experience directly into the daily lives of your users, who can book at any time.

Application for taxi or VTC services

Taxi and VTC drivers can take advantage of a mobile application to offer better accessibility to their services. A mobile application would allow your customers to

• Order a taxi or a car in a few clicks.
• Track the arrival of the vehicle in real time thanks to geolocation.
• Make a secure online payment directly via the application.

This type of application is a real asset for retaining customers accustomed to fast and accessible services.

Application for craftsmen and repairers: plumbers, electricians

For craftsmen, a mobile application can centralize the management of interventions. You can:

• Allow your customers to make a troubleshooting request online.
• Manage appointments according to the availability and location of technicians.
• Track interventions in real time thanks to geolocation and status updates.

This type of application offers a complete solution to optimize the management of your services, while improving the customer experience thanks to a fast and personalized response.

Crop management application for farmers

Agricultural businesses can benefit from an application dedicated to the management of their crops. This application could:

• Track the state of the fields and the progress of the harvests in real time.
• Optimize resources and logistics by organizing the transport of harvested products.
• Provide offline access for use in rural areas with poor Internet coverage.

The cost of creation: website or mobile application?

Development costs vary depending on the features, complexity of the project, and the targeted platforms.

• 
  A responsive website can cost between 1,000 and 4,000 euros depending on its size and features (showcase, e-commerce, blog).
• A mobile application can cost between 5,000 and 15,000 euros, depending on the complexity and number of platforms (iOS and Android).

It is essential to assess your long-term needs to make a wise investment.

What is the best solution for your business?

The choice between a website and a mobile application depends above all on your business objectives, the behavior of your customers and your budget. While a showcase or e-commerce site may be enough for a basic online presence, a mobile application brings unique advantages for regular and personalized interactions with your customers.

Are you a local business? A well-designed mobile application can transform the way you interact with your customers by making your services more accessible, more efficient and more attractive. Whether it is to manage reservations, track interventions or optimize your services, digital is your ally to boost your business.