Progressive Web Apps (PWAs): Benefits, Examples, and How to Get Started

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are a smart mix of websites and mobile apps. They can work offline, load quickly, and don't need to be downloaded from an app store. Why is this important? The global PWA market is growing fast. It's expected to jump from $5.23 billion in 2025 to $21.44 billion by 2030. Many businesses are noticing that PWAs can make user experiences better and even increase conversion rates by up to 20% for e-commerce platforms. They’re also great for today’s multi-device world. Whether users are on a phone, tablet, or desktop, PWAs offer smooth and seamless browsing.

In this article, we’ll look at what Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are, how they work, their main benefits for businesses, and how EngageLab’s customer engagement solutions can help you make the most of your PWA strategy.

Part 1. What Is a Progressive Web App (PWA)?

A Progressive Web App (PWA) is a website that works like a mobile app. It uses modern web tools to give you an app-like experience right in your browser. Unlike regular apps, you don’t need to download PWAs from an app store. You can open them through a link and even save them to your device for quick access.

What makes PWAs stand out is how they combine the best parts of websites and native apps. Like websites, they can be accessed on any device with internet. But like native apps, they can work offline, send push notifications, and load fast, even on slower networks. This mix of features makes PWAs a flexible and practical choice for both businesses and users.

Part 2. How Does a Progressive Web App Work?

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) rely on three key parts to work effectively:

Source: https://learn.microsoft.com/

• Web Manifest: This is a small JSON file that holds important details about the app, like its name, icons, theme color, and how it should appear on the screen. It helps developers make the app look and feel more like a native app. For instance, the manifest allows users to install the app on their home screens, making it easier to access. Source: MDN Web Docs
• Service Workers: These are JavaScript files that run quietly in the background. They handle important tasks like saving files for offline use, sending notifications, and syncing data. Service workers are the reason PWAs are fast, reliable, and can work even without the internet.
• HTTPS: Security is a must for PWAs. HTTPS ensures all data shared between the app and the server is safe and encrypted. This not only protects users but also allows features like service workers to work correctly.

How PWAs Differ from Native Apps and Responsive Websites

PWAs, native apps, and responsive websites each have their strengths. But they differ in cost, performance, and user experience.

To understand the difference between Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) and native apps, consider these key points:

Part 3. Key Benefits of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are becoming more popular, and it’s easy to see why. They combine the best features of websites and mobile apps into one smooth experience. Here’s why PWAs might be a good fit for your business:

1. Faster Performance

PWAs are built to load quickly, even on slow networks. They use caching and service workers to save important resources on your device. This means the app doesn’t have to reload everything each time you use it.

This speed is especially helpful for mobile users. Google found that 53% of mobile users leave a site if it takes more than 3 seconds to load. With PWAs, you can avoid losing users and keep them satisfied.

2. Offline Access

One of the best things about PWAs is that they work offline. Thanks to service workers, they can store content, so users can still use key features without an internet connection.

This is especially useful for industries like travel, where users might lose signal, or e-commerce, where uninterrupted browsing is important. Even news platforms benefit, as readers can access articles without needing Wi-Fi.

3. Cost-Effective Development

Creating a PWA is more affordable than building separate apps for iOS and Android. With just one codebase, you can reach users on multiple platforms.

Maintaining a PWA is also simpler and cheaper. There’s no need to manage different versions or deal with app store updates. This makes PWAs a smart option for startups and businesses wanting to save money.

4. Better User Engagement

PWAs help increase user engagement through features like push notifications. These can send personalized updates, offers, or reminders, encouraging users to return.

For example, EngageLab specializes in creating high-conversion messaging solutions. They can help businesses use push notifications effectively to boost retention and sales.

5. SEO-Friendly and Easy to Find

Unlike native apps, PWAs can be indexed by search engines. This means they can appear in search results, making them easier for users to find.

For businesses, this means more visibility and potentially more traffic. A well-optimized PWA can even rank higher than competitors, giving your business an advantage.

6. Simple Installation and Updates

Adding a PWA to your device is easy. Users just click “Add to Home Screen” from their browser—no app store needed.

Updates are automatic and happen in the background. Users always have the latest version without needing to download anything. It’s hassle-free for everyone.

PWAs aren’t just a passing trend—they’re a smart way to improve your digital presence. Whether you’re looking for better speed, cost savings, or improved engagement, PWAs have something valuable to offer.

Part 4. Real-Life Examples of Successful PWAs

1. E-Commerce: Alibaba

Alibaba's PWA made its mobile web experience much better. It led to a 76% rise in conversions and doubled interaction rates. By focusing on speed and user-friendly design, Alibaba made shopping easy for both new and returning customers.

2. Retail: Starbucks

Starbucks created a PWA to make ordering simpler. Customers can check the menu, customize their orders, and even add items to their cart offline. This change doubled the number of daily web orders, matching the number of orders through the app. The design is easy to use and reliable, making it more convenient for customers.

3. Media and News: Forbes

Forbes launched its Progressive Web App (PWA) to improve the experience for its growing mobile audience. The goal was to make pages load faster and offer content that feels personal and engaging. This focus on speed and user experience paid off. Readers spent more time on the site and were happier with their experience. Thanks to the PWA, Forbes saw a 43% rise in sessions per user, a 100% increase in engagement, and a 20% boost in ad viewability.

4. On-Demand Services: Uber

Uber's PWA was built to work smoothly on slow internet connections, which is helpful in emerging markets. The app is lightweight, loads quickly even on 2G networks, and allows users to book rides easily. This has helped Uber reach more people and make its service more accessible.

Part 5. How to Build a Progressive Web App

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) bring together the best of websites and mobile apps. They offer an app-like experience directly from a browser. Here’s a simple guide to help you create one.

First, choose the tools and technologies you’ll use to build your PWA.

Start with PWA Builder Studio. It’s a straightforward tool that helps you build PWAs without too much effort. If you like coding, frameworks such as React and Angular give you more flexibility and resources to work with.

Next, follow this simple step-by-step guide to build your PWA:

• 1

  Set Up a Web Manifest

  A web manifest is like a profile card for your app. It tells the browser your app's name, its icon, theme color, and how it should behave when installed. Think of it as setting up your app’s basic identity.
• 2

  Use Service Workers

  Service workers are the magic behind PWAs. They handle caching, offline access, and background tasks. This means your app can work even when there’s no internet. It’s like giving your users a safety net for a smooth experience.
• 3

  Secure with HTTPS

  Security is essential. PWAs must run on HTTPS to keep user data safe. Plus, service workers won’t work on non-secure sites. So, make sure your site has an SSL certificate to meet these requirements.
• 4

  Test and Launch

  Before going live, test your PWA on various devices and browsers. Use tools like Google Lighthouse to test your PWA. Once everything works well, you can deploy it.
• 5

  Add Push Notifications

  Push notifications are a great way to keep users interested. Tools like EngageLab allow you to send personalized messages, reminders, and updates. It also includes marketing automation to help you reach users at the right time on major browsers.

Creating a PWA is simpler than it seems when you use the right tools. Adding features like push notifications can boost engagement and help turn visitors into loyal users.

Part 6. How to Add Push Notifications to Your PWA for User Marketing?

If you’ve built a Progressive Web App (PWA), connecting with your users effectively is important. Adding push notifications can help boost interaction and make your marketing efforts stronger. Push notifications let you send messages even when users aren’t using the app. Here’s how you can set them up:

• 1. Ask for Push Notification Permission

When users first visit your app, you can request permission for push notifications. But remember, if a user denies this request, it can be hard to ask again. To improve your chances, consider using EngageLab’s soft prompt feature. It asks for permission at a time when users are more likely to agree.

• 2. Register a Service Worker

Push notifications require a Service Worker to work. Make sure you have it registered.

• 3. Subscribe to a Push Service

Subscribe to a push service and send the subscription details to your server. For authentication, many use VAPID (Voluntary Application Server Identification for Web Push).

• 4. Send Notifications from the Server

On the server side, use a push service, like the Web Push Library, to send your notifications.

• 5. Handle Notifications

Manage the notifications in your Service Worker and display them to the user.

By following these steps, you can make your PWA more interactive and keep users engaged even when they’re not actively using it.

Part 7. FAQs About PWA

• 1

  What can a PWA do?

  PWAs can work offline, send push notifications, and feel like native apps without requiring installation. They're accessible via browsers and integrate with device features like cameras or GPS.
• 2

  How much does PWA development cost?

  PWA costs vary widely, from $5,000 for basics to $150,000+ for complex apps. Factors include design, features, and developer location.
  To boost user engagement, you can use tools like EngageLab. It helps you set up push notifications for your PWA quickly, making it easier to connect with and retain your users.
• 3

  Are PWAs secure?

  PWAs are secure as they operate over HTTPS, ensuring encrypted communication between the browser and server.

Conclusion

If you want to focus on your main business tasks, managing push notifications can be made simple. Just add the EngageLab WebPush SDK to your PWA. It helps you set up push notifications quickly and easily.

EngageLab WebPush works smoothly with PWAs, using Service Workers to send notifications that are fast and reliable. This creates a better and more engaging experience for your users.

The EngageLab WebPush dashboard makes targeting your audience easy. You can send messages to specific tags, groups, or even individual users. You can also broadcast messages to everyone. Plus, the built-in multi-language feature automatically translates your messages into over 30 languages. It then sends them in the language your user’s device is set to.

Sign up now and try EngageLab WebPush free for 30 days. See how it can help boost engagement on your PWA!