What Is the Difference Between a Website and Web Application?

GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING WEBSITE VS. WEB APPLICATION

You and I use websites and web applications every day. To the average user, there might not appear to be much of a difference between a website and web application. But when it comes to development and what’s happening behind the scenes, there may be more differences than you’d expect.

What Is a Website?

I guarantee you’ve seen many websites—in fact, you’re looking at one right now! A website, which can be accessed through web browsers and can be hosted on a single or multiple web servers, is a collection of static interlinked web pages that displays varying types of visual and text content for users. A website could be as simple as one page or it could contain many. Think of websites as one-way streets: End users can view the information presented to them, but they can’t interact with it.

Website Types

There are two main types of websites: static and dynamic. Let’s dive into what each means.

Static

Some websites have static content and are therefore considered static websites. The word “static” means lacking in movement or change, so static websites and their content don’t change for users. Regardless of who the user is or how they arrived at the website, they’ll see the same content on the webpage until changes are made by the developer behind the scenes.

Dynamic

Dynamic websites, on the other hand, have the ability to change what is displayed based on who the user is and how they got to the website. Users still can’t interact with the website, but they are able to see content that is more relevant to them.

Website Characteristics

To create a successful website, it should have the following characteristics:

Easily Found Via Search Engines

Your website should be easily found through popular search engines, like Google. Search engine optimization is a broad and complex topic, but there are many resources you can use to make your website easier to reach.

User Friendly

When users visit your website, they should be able to access the information they’re looking for quickly and easily. It’s important to understand and meet user expectations, so you can make their experience as seamless as possible. For example, the title of the website is generally found on the top of the page, either on the left or in the center, and a link or button to the contact form is almost always in the top right or footer of the page.

High-Quality Content

Since websites focus on delivering content, whether in images, audio, text, or other files, you’ll want to make sure you’re creating high-quality content. Release content that your users will find entertaining, educational, or helpful. Without high-quality content, users will have no reason to visit or stay on your website.

Importance of a Website

Websites can be beneficial for a number of reasons, but how can they help your business?

• You can showcase your products, services, or other information to anyone with access to a web browser and an internet connection—that’s a large demographic!
• A website can boost and grow your branding.
• Your business can build credibility by allowing others to see what you’ve done and continue to do.

With websites, you can reach many users without the time and resources you’d need to commit to a web application.

What Is a Web Application?

Web applications, unlike websites, are software programs that allow users to interact with what they see. Similar to websites, web applications can be accessed via a web browser and an internet connection. Web apps are a more powerful option, which means they typically take more time and manpower to build. If websites are one-way streets, then web applications are two-way streets. The web application displays content for the end users, but the users also have the ability to interact with what they see.

Web Application Characteristics

User Friendly

Just like websites, web applications must be user friendly. There are more workflows to consider and decisions to make when considering the usability of a web application versus a website, so you’ll want to make sure you have a team of architects, developers, and analysts that understand UI/UX.

Scalable

Successful web applications should also be scalable. Whether the application needs to be scaled to allow for more users at once or your business decides it needs to add new features, web developers should build your web application with scalability in mind.

Secure

When you add the ability for users to interact with and manipulate data, you’ll want to make sure your data is secure. Protect yourself and your users by ensuring your web application security is up-to-date and follows industry standards.

Importance of a Web Application

Web applications are extremely popular options for businesses in all industries. Why is that?

• Web applications are easily customizable, and changes can be made instantly without having to remind your users to update their software
• You, your team, and your customers can use web apps 24/7 as long as they have access to a computer’s or mobile’s web browser and internet connection, which makes it highly accessible.
• Unlike mobile apps, web applications don’t require mobile app store approval. Plus, they are easier to develop and maintain than desktop applications, making them more cost-effective than other options.

Web applications give you the accessibility and cost effectiveness of a website, while also offering more power.

Website and Web Application: What Are the Differences?

While there are many similarities between websites and web applications, such as the browser capabilities involved, general accessibility, and ability to display content, they aren’t the same. The three key differences between a website and a web application are:

User Interaction

A web application allows users to interact with elements on the pages, while a website only displays content.

Targeted Audience

A web application is developed with a specific end user in mind. For instance, a web application may be developed for a business or for users who are trying to complete a specific task. Websites, on the other hand, are built for and accessible to the entire public, including unregistered website visitors.

Development Time

Because web apps contain more complex features and functionality, developing web applications takes longer and requires more resources to complete. A website, in comparison, is fairly simple and quick to build.

Which One Is Right for You?

Now that you know the basic differences between websites and web applications, how do you know which is the right option for you and your business? To put it simply:

• If you’re looking to showcase information or quickly communicate with users, invest in a website.
• If you’re looking to perform any kind of function or allow your users to interact with your content at all, invest in a web application.

About Geneca

Whether you’ve decided to go the route of a website or web application, neither option will be a success unless you partner with a web design company and development team you can trust. Geneca has been partnering with businesses for over 20 years to find solutions to their unique problems. Our leaders understand software and business, which means we’re ready to walk with you through every step of the development process, from planning to launch. Ready to take the first step?

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