Most people use the terms website and web application interchangeably, but few realize that this is incorrect. As an entrepreneur, it is crucial to distinguish between the two definitions, as this knowledge enables you to make the most optimal decision regarding what our business really needs. In this blog post we will look at this issue.
What is the difference between a website and a web application?
Although both are based on web technology, the definition of website and web application are not the same. Let’s look at each term separately. What are the main differences between each?
Website
Websites are primarily characterized by their static or semi-dynamic content and are mainly focused on providing information and establishing an online presence. This includes, for example, introduction pages, product brochures, blog posts or even contact forms, which are content-centric and require minimal user interaction. A well-designed UX and UI is essential for websites.
Web application
In contrast to websites, web applications are more interactive digital tools, supporting some useful activity.
In many cases, web applications can even replace native applications (software developed for a specific operating system, such as iOS/Android). Unlike websites, users don’t just consume content – they actively engage with the application, perform tasks, input data and receive personalized experiences.
Web applications often include features such as complex user role management, business logic and the storage and processing of user data. Typical web applications are CRM systems, internal corporate platforms, booking systems or even customer portals and online banking interfaces.
Website or web application?
Now that we have clarified what each term means, we can return to the key question: which type does your business really need? The right choice depends on the purpose of the application itself.
The ideal choice for a business is a website if:
- the main purpose is information and presentation,
- minimal user interaction is typical and no need for complex features,
- the target audience is mainly reached through organic searches and paid advertising.
The ideal choice for a business is a web application if:
- the goal is to automate internal/external business processes,
- the business model is based on active user interaction (e.g. transactions, process management, etc.),
- you need to manage multiple user roles and access levels,
- and real-time data processing (e.g. analytics, statistics, data visualisation).
A hybrid approach is also often used, where an informative website is combined with an internal or customer portal, which already functions as a web application.
What next?
We hope our blog post helped you find an answer to your question! If you have decided that a web application would be the ideal choice for your company, take a look at our reference works on this topic and contact us!
If you would like to deepen your knowledge about web applications or software development, follow RabIT Solutions on social media (RabIT Facebook, RabIT Instagram, RabIT LinkedIn)!
