Website, web app or mobile app: which one do I need?
Three words that sound alike but cost very different amounts. Here’s how to tell them apart.
The short version
A website is mostly for reading: it tells people who you are and what you offer. A web app lets people do things in their browser — order, book, log in, pay. A mobile app is something people download onto their phone from the App Store or Google Play.
Most small businesses and non-profits need a website, sometimes with a few web-app features (like online ordering or donations). Fewer need a mobile app than you might think.
You probably need a website if…
People mainly need to find out about you, your services or your cause
You want to be found on Google
You want to take enquiries, donations or simple bookings
You want to update it yourself without help
You probably need a web app if…
Customers need an account to log in
People place orders, subscriptions or complex bookings
Your team needs a tool to manage orders, clients or stock
It needs to work on any device, without downloading anything
You probably need a mobile app if…
People will use it often — several times a week
It needs the phone’s camera, location or notifications
It needs to work without internet
Your customers already expect an app from businesses like yours
Still not sure?
That’s completely normal — and it’s our job to work it out with you. Start with what you want people to be able to do, not with the technology. We’ll suggest the simplest thing that gets you there, and tell you honestly if you don’t need an app at all.
