Web App vs Mobile App: Deploying Retail AI Solutions

Top retailers are using artificial intelligence (AI) to engage customers, increase average order value, and maximize conversion. In contrast, small and medium retailers realize the importance of a digital platform to incorporate AI, but lack clarity on where to deploy these features for great results. This blog aims to help those retailers decide between web apps and mobile apps on the basis of different aspects as discussed here.

Web App vs Mobile App: Choosing a platform to deploy AI Solutions

Here is a comparison of web app vs mobile app to evaluate which platform retailers should prioritize to launch their online store.

Performance and speed

Mobile apps are much faster because they run directly on the phone or use the phone's hardware. Moreover, AI features like visual search work well with mobile apps and offer a smooth experience to customers. Web apps, on the other hand, are slightly slow as they run within a browser.

• Compared to web apps, mobile apps are superior in offering a faster experience, keeping customers engaged, and reducing drop-offs.

Personalization

Mobile apps can use phone sensors and stored data to allow immersive AI features like AR try-ons. While web platforms also use AI, they cannot access as much contextual data from the user’s device as mobile apps can.

• Thus, for a more personalized experience, increasing engagement and purchases, mobile apps are best.

Push & real-time engagement

In the case of mobile apps, push notifications can be directly sent to the user’s phone, and AI can decide the best time to send them. This increases the chance of purchase, while web notifications do not, as they are less reliable and are allowed by very few visitors.

• Mobile apps can increase customer re-engagement and repeat purchases through timely push notifications.

Conversion and revenue impact

Retail apps convert better than web platforms owing to smoother AI-driven checkouts and saved preferences. However, web platforms are good for browsing, while conversion is affected by issues like re-entering details.

Development and cost

Building a mobile app often requires a higher budget and more time, as companies need separate versions for different operating systems. Also, when new features are added, the app must go through app store review and approval before users receive the update. In the case of websites, a single codebase works across all devices, and updates can be released instantly without waiting for app store approvals.

• Begin with a web platform and proceed to mobile apps after analyzing the level of engagement the web app brings.

Omnichannel fit

Mobile apps are a great place to engage deeply with existing customers by incorporating loyalty programs, personalized offers, app-exclusive discounts, etc. Web platforms, on the other hand, are good for discovery and accessibility.

• Customers searching for products find your web app, interact with it, and then download the mobile app for a smoother experience. So retailers should choose a combination of both.

App development process: Implementing AI solutions in business

Choosing between a web app and a mobile app is just the first step of building your platform, and planning the development process is the next crucial step.

Understand your main goal

If your goal is to showcase your business to as many people as possible, focus on building a strong web app that is instantly accessible. If loyalty is your priority, apps are more effective as they allow integration of many AI features.

Begin small and expand gradually

Instead of trying to build everything at once, the smart approach is to start with a progressive web app (PWA). They act like apps but run through a browser, which means they can be built faster and cost-effectively. You can decide to invest in a full mobile app after analyzing the customers’ response to the PWA.

Make the foundation strong

Consider the following aspects to ensure a smooth functioning of the AI features:

• Since AI recommendations work using customer behaviour data, retailers should prioritize data quality and organize first-party data, such as browsing history and purchase patterns.
• Use low-code tools to test ideas and try new AI features quickly rather than waiting months for development.

Track impact

Measure important metrics like conversion rate, average order value, repeat purchase rate, and cross-channel retention to identify which AI features are working.

The real question: Where to find an app development team

For retailers, building intelligent, AI-powered experiences is challenging without resources having AI expertise. The real question is who will build them efficiently so that you can have a deeper connection with customers around the world.

Retailers either build an in-house team or choose an IT company as a service provider. However, based on the experiences of many retailers, both have their merits and demerits. However, some retailers use a balanced approach without the heavy lift of permanent hiring or spending a huge budget on IT companies. They specifically chose developers with AI and retail expertise who are already working in a software company, through interviews. The on-boarded developers work with the business until the web platform, or app, goes live. Through this, retailers saved costs and time invested in hiring or working with an agency.

App development partner for retail businesses

SayOne’s senior developers have partnered with retail businesses wanting to build their digital store through web and mobile apps, incorporating AI features. These AI features, such as personalized recommendation engines, virtual try-ons, predictive analytics, agentic AI, etc., have led to significant growth in sales, loyalty, and efficiency.

If you are looking to grow your digital presence strategically, we suggest doing it through a combination of web and mobile apps. Connect with our CTO to review your current setup and map the best path for your retail brand’s online presence.