Why Your Business Needs a Mobile-Friendly Website, Not an App

Why Your Business Needs a Mobile-Friendly Website, Not an App (yet)

Summary

May 24, 2025

Why Your Business Needs a Mobile-Friendly Website, Not an App (Yet)

As businesses navigate the digital shift post-pandemic, many Malaysian business owners are asking the same question: Should I invest in a mobile app? While apps may seem like the next big step, the smarter starting point for most small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is a mobile-friendly website.

According to the Digital 2024 Malaysia Report by We Are Social and Meltwater, 97.4% of Malaysians use smartphones to access the internet. Among online shoppers, 93% use their smartphones for purchases, compared to only 34% who use desktop computers (Rakuten Insight, 2022). These numbers clearly show that mobile is king—but that doesn’t mean you need to build an app immediately.

Let’s explore why a mobile-friendly website is not only enough for most businesses but also a more strategic and scalable choice.

1. Your Customers Are Already Browsing on Mobile

Shoppers today expect a seamless mobile browsing experience. If your website isn’t optimized for mobile, you risk losing users within seconds. Mobile-friendly websites load faster, are easier to navigate with thumbs, and keep users engaged longer. For businesses targeting urban Malaysians aged 25–45, this is critical, as this demographic is highly mobile-savvy and shops online frequently (DataReportal, 2024).

Apps require a conscious decision to download, install, and sign up. Unless your product or service offers daily utility or constant interaction (like ride-hailing or food delivery), users are unlikely to install your app. A mobile-optimized website is instantly accessible and reduces the friction of entry.

2. App Development Is Costly and Time-Consuming

Developing a mobile app is a significant investment. You need separate versions for iOS and Android, user interface design, backend development, security testing, and ongoing updates. This can easily cost five to ten times more than a responsive website.

For most SMEs, that budget is better spent improving their website, creating quality content, and driving traffic. Maintenance costs for websites are also significantly lower, and updates can be rolled out instantly without app store approval delays.

3. Mobile-Friendly Websites Help You Rank Higher on Google

Google uses mobile-first indexing, meaning it evaluates the mobile version of your website first when deciding how to rank it in search results. A non-mobile-optimized site will struggle to appear in top search listings, costing you valuable visibility.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is still one of the most cost-effective ways to attract new customers. A mobile-friendly site ensures that you don’t miss out on organic traffic and helps you stay competitive in the digital landscape.

4. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) Offer App-Like Benefits

If you still want app-like functionality, consider developing a Progressive Web App (PWA). PWAs are websites that work like mobile apps. Users can add them to their home screen, use them offline, and enjoy fast loading and smooth interactions. They provide a native-like experience without the development cost of a full mobile app.

Many major platforms, including Twitter and Starbucks, use PWAs to deliver fast, user-friendly mobile experiences. For businesses that want the best of both worlds, PWAs can be a strategic stepping stone.

5. Build a Strong Foundation First

Your website is your brand’s digital home. It’s where customers learn about your products, engage with your content, and decide whether to trust your business. Before investing in an app, it’s essential to build a website that is:

Mobile-responsive
Fast-loading
Easy to navigate
SEO-optimized
Secure and user-friendly

Once your website is generating traffic and converting leads effectively, then you can consider expanding into app development to deepen customer engagement.

Final Thoughts

A mobile-friendly website is not a compromise—it’s a strategic advantage. It ensures that your business is accessible, visible, and relevant in today’s fast-paced, mobile-driven world. Unless you’re operating at a scale that demands daily app use, investing in a well-optimized website should be your priority.

At Entertop, we specialize in building responsive, mobile-first websites that help businesses grow online. If you’re ready to attract more customers and boost your digital presence without breaking the bank, talk to us today.

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