Website or web apps: What does your business need?

The boundaries between websites and web apps are becoming increasingly blurred, but their functions and areas of application are fundamentally different. While a website primarily provides information and is based on static content, a web app offers interactive experiences where users can become active themselves. Choosing between these two options has a big impact on how your audience interacts with your business and what options you have for scaling and personalization.

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In this blog, you'll find out when a website is ideal and what benefits a web app offers. Whether it's an information platform or an interactive application — we'll help you find the right solution for your digital project.

What is a website?

A website is a collection of linked pages that are primarily used to provide information and present content. Websites are often static and offer little interactivity. Your main task is to provide visitors with information about a company, products, services or various topics. Typical examples include corporate websites, blogs, or portfolios.

Properties of a website

• ‍Static: Content is primarily published by the operator without the user having much interaction.

• information-oriented: The focus is on providing information, e.g., about the company or services.

• ‍Low interactivity: Users can usually only read information or get in touch via contact forms.

Websites are perfect for companies or individuals who want to have an online presence to present themselves and their services.

What is a web app?

A web app (short for web application) is an interactive application that runs in the browser and provides the user with a dynamic and tailored experience. Web apps frequently respond to user interactions and adapt to their inputs. Tools such as the Swisscom customer zone, Raiffeisenbank's e-banking and SBB's online booking platform are a good example of web apps.

Properties of a web app

• Interactive and dynamic: Users can interact with the application in real time, enter data, and receive personalized content.

• ‍Functionality is paramount: Web apps often have specific functions that go beyond simply providing information, such as creating and editing documents or managing appointments.

• Data processing and user account: Web apps often require a login and process user information to provide users with tailored experiences.

Web apps are ideal for companies that want to offer interactive services to their users, whether to manage data, collaborate, or improve productivity.

The most important differences at a glance

Here is an example of how you can distinguish a website from a web application:

A small bike shop starts with a simple website that provides basic information such as opening times, location, and a product overview. Gradually, however, the shop would like to integrate more interactivity, such as the ability to book appointments for repairs online and individually configure bikes. A customer portal will be added later, where users can log in, track their orders, and save preferences. Through features such as real-time chat, the originally static website is gradually developing into an interactive web app that not only provides information but also creates a personalized experience for customers.