Mobile web usage in the U.S. has surged—and that trend continues year after year. In one recent study, usage increased over 100% in just twelve months. For businesses looking to grow their customer base and improve accessibility, optimizing for mobile is no longer optional. A mobile-friendly website opens the door to a broader, more tech-savvy, and often higher-spending demographic.
The first step is deciding how to serve that mobile audience. Should you create a standalone mobile app, or invest in a fully responsive, mobile-optimized website?
At ArtVersion, we typically recommend a mobile-optimized website over a mobile app for most organizations. Here’s why.
A mobile-optimized website:
- Works across all devices (iPhone, Android, tablets, desktops)
- Does not require users to download anything
- Loads faster and improves user experience
- Costs less to maintain and update
- Avoids third-party approval processes, like those required by app stores
In contrast, mobile apps are often restricted by platform. You’ll need to develop separate versions for iOS, Android, and potentially tablets. This multiplies your development time, cost, and complexity. Worse, users have to find, download, and update the app—an added friction point that can lead to drop-off before any engagement happens.
Additionally, apps require external approval and may be subject to changes, delays, or rejections. This reduces your control over how and when you deliver content or features to your audience.
A key study from Morgan Stanley’s Mobile Internet Report in 2009 stated that mobile internet was ramping up faster than desktop internet ever did—and predicted that mobile usage would surpass desktop within five years. That prediction came true ahead of schedule, and today, most users access websites from mobile devices first.
A responsive web design ensures your site adapts fluidly to any screen size and device. It helps retain users, improves search visibility, and provides a seamless experience across touchpoints. In other words, it helps turn visits into conversions.
At ArtVersion, we help brands build mobile-first experiences that are fast, engaging, and conversion-driven. Whether you’re launching a new digital presence or redesigning an existing website, mobile optimization must be a key part of your strategy.
Remember, the goal is to reach as many potential customers as possible. And the easiest, fastest, and most effective way to do that is through a mobile-optimized website—one that works for everyone, everywhere.