“We need an app” is one of the most common requests we hear from South African business owners. Sometimes it’s exactly the right call. Often, though, a website or a web app would do the job better, launch sooner and cost a fraction of the price.
Here’s how to tell the difference, and how to decide.
The three options, explained simply
Website
A website shares information: who you are, what you do, your prices, where you are and how to contact you. Visitors open it in a browser; nothing needs to be installed. A business website can also include features like contact forms, bookings and online payments.
Best for: being found on Google, building trust and generating enquiries.
Web app
A web app is software that runs in the browser, on any phone, tablet or computer, with no download needed. Unlike an ordinary website, it’s built for doing things: logging in, managing bookings, creating quotes, tracking stock or viewing account information.
Best for: business systems, client portals, booking and quoting tools, internal staff tools and dashboards.
Mobile app
A mobile app is downloaded from the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iPhone). It lives on the customer’s home screen and can use phone features such as push notifications, the camera and location more deeply.
Best for: products people use often, like loyalty programmes, delivery and ordering apps, or services that rely on push notifications.
Side-by-side comparison
| Website | Web app | Mobile app | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Found on Google | Yes | Partly (public pages) | No (found in app stores) |
| Needs a download | No | No | Yes |
| Works on all devices | Yes | Yes | Android and/or iPhone |
| Logins & user accounts | Possible | Yes | Yes |
| Push notifications | No | Limited | Yes |
| App store fees | None | None | Google once-off, Apple yearly |
| Typical starting cost (SAPixel) | R1,500 | R12,000 | R18,000 |
| Time to launch | 1–3 weeks | 3–6 weeks | 5–8 weeks |
Questions that help you decide
1. Do people need to find you on Google?
Then you need a website, whatever else you build. Apps don’t show up in normal Google searches.
2. Will people use it every week?
People download apps they use often: banking, food delivery, loyalty cards. If customers will only use your service a few times a year, they probably won’t install an app, and a web app or website is the better fit.
3. Is it mainly for your staff?
Internal tools such as job cards, stock control, quoting and scheduling are usually best as web apps. Your team can use them on any device without app store approvals or updates.
4. Do you need push notifications or deep phone features?
If instant notifications, background location tracking or offline use are essential, a mobile app is worth considering.
5. What’s your budget and timeline?
Web apps are generally quicker and cheaper to build and update than mobile apps, and one web app works everywhere.
Common examples
- A salon wants online bookings: a website with a booking system, or a simple web app.
- A contractor wants digital quotes and job cards: a web app for staff.
- A restaurant group wants a loyalty programme with push notifications: a mobile app.
- A start-up wants to test an app idea: start with app design and a clickable prototype, then build a focused first version.
Start small, then grow
Whatever you choose, the smartest approach is to start with the features that matter most, launch quickly and improve based on real feedback. It’s cheaper, faster and far less risky than trying to build everything at once.
That’s why we offer App Design (UI/UX) from R3,500: you get a clickable prototype to test your idea before committing to development. When you’re ready, web apps start from R12,000 and Android and iPhone apps from R18,000. See our apps and software services for full details.
Frequently asked questions
Can a web app be installed on a phone like an app?
Many web apps can be added to the home screen and behave much like an app, without going through an app store.
Who owns the app once it’s built?
With us, you do. On final payment the code, designs and accounts belong to you.
What does it cost to keep an app running?
Apps need hosting, monitoring, bug fixes and updates for new Android and iOS versions. Our App Care plan starts from R950 per month.