Should You Build an App or a Website First?

The Short Answer

Build a mobile app first if: Your users need on-the-go access, push notifications are critical, or you're building a product people use daily (fitness, food delivery, social).

Build a website first if: You need discoverability through Google, long-form content matters, or your customers research before buying.

When Mobile Apps Win

Mobile apps are better when:

• Push notifications are essential: Reminders, alerts, updates—apps excel here
• Users need offline access: Gyms, restaurants, travel apps benefit from offline functionality
• You're building habits: Daily-use apps (fitness tracking, meditation) live on phones
• Speed matters: Native performance for smooth, fast experiences
• Device features required: Camera, GPS, sensors, biometrics
• Building loyalty: An app on someone's home screen = top-of-mind presence

When Websites Win

Websites are better when:

• SEO and discoverability matter: Google can't index apps the same way
• Content is king: Blogs, articles, long-form content works better on web
• Desktop users are primary: B2B software, professional services
• No app store approval needed: Launch faster without Apple/Google review
• Lower barrier to entry: No download required—just visit a URL
• Easier to update: Push changes instantly without app updates

Industry Breakdown

Start with Mobile App:

• Restaurants (ordering, loyalty, menus)
• Gyms & Fitness (workout tracking, check-ins)
• Salons & Spas (booking, reminders)
• Delivery Services
• Social Platforms

Start with Website:

• Consulting & Professional Services
• E-commerce (though apps can come later)
• Real Estate
• Law Firms & Medical Practices
• Content Publishers & Blogs

The Hybrid Option: Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)

Progressive Web Apps are websites that act like apps:

• Install to home screen like an app
• Work offline
• Send push notifications
• One codebase for web and "app"

The catch: PWAs don't have full access to device features and aren't in app stores. They're a middle ground, not a replacement for native apps.

Cost Comparison

• Basic website: $2,000-$5,000
• Simple mobile app: $5,000-$7,000
• Website + mobile app combo: $8,000-$12,000

If budget is tight, start with what serves your core users best, then expand.

The "Both" Strategy

Many successful businesses use both:

• Website for discovery: People find you through Google
• App for engagement: Convert visitors into loyal, daily users

Example: A restaurant might have a website for SEO and menu display, plus an app for ordering and loyalty rewards.

Questions to Ask Yourself

• Will my users need this daily or occasionally?
• Do I need push notifications?
• Are my customers searching on Google?
• Is my service mobile-first or desktop-first?
• Do I need device features (camera, GPS)?
• What's my budget right now?

Our Recommendation

For local businesses (restaurants, gyms, salons): Start with the app. Your customers are mobile-first, and you need push notifications + loyalty features more than SEO.

For service businesses (consultants, agencies): Start with the website. You need credibility, content, and Google discoverability first.

For SaaS or product businesses: Depends on your user. B2B? Website. Consumer daily-use tool? App.

Not Sure What You Need?

Let's talk through your business goals and users. We'll help you figure out whether an app, website, or both makes sense. Schedule a free consultation →