Help! My church wants to go mobile; where do we start?
When it comes to mobile platforms, your church has two choices. Mobile apps offer smartphone and tablet users direct access to your multimedia; mobile websites provide a simple, straightforward, and relatively static interface that will work on most mobile devices.
A mobile app is software designed for such mobile operating systems (and their corresponding distribution programs) as Apple iOS (the App Store) and Google Android (Google Play); an app is generally useful for executing specific actions, such as listening to a podcast, playing an interactive game, or making a purchase. A mobile website is essentially a sleek, stripped down version of your native (desktop-friendly) site; with a mobile website, the content may be stacked vertically for easy scrolling, and much of the graphics from the native site may be streamlined or removed.
But where should you start? Should you first tailor your website for the smaller- and touch-screen mobile devices or should you jump right into the “app race?” Obviously, both platforms have their pros, as the infographic in this article shows, and, if done correctly, essentially no cons.[toggle_box]
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Mobile Site or Mobile App: Which Should You Build First? [INFOGRAPHIC]
June 6, 2012 by Sam Laird
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But if your church’s resources are limited, then here are a SIX CAPABILITIES to consider before making a decision on which platform you should develop first:
| Six Key Considerations | Mobile websites | Mobile apps | Recommendation |
| Reach | Can run on so-called “basic” phones, which still outnumber smartphones. |
Can only run on smartphones and tablets, which are taking over. |
You’ll need a separate app for each smartphone ecosystem (Apple, Android, Blackberry, etc)–which is a good reason to start with a mobile website. |
| Speed | Designed to be fast and lean. | Uniquely designed for the phone’s hardware and software operating system, and is, in general, fast at what it does. | For mostly text-based content, a mobile website will suffice. For more complex multimedia, like audio or video content. then a mobile app might be the way to go. |
| Flexibility | A relatively static, browsing experience. | A more dynamic experience, for the user and for the content provider (that’s you). | If your church really wants to get creative, go with a mobile app. |
| User engagement | Provide a trust-worthy, non-intrusive experience. | A sticky experience. People are now spending more time using apps than in a web browser. | Apps are designed to be more engaging. |
| Offline Capabilities | Requires Internet access. | Can partially, or completely function offline. | Go with a mobile app, but also consider providing free WiFi in your church. |
| Cost and Maintenance | Generally cheaper to set up and maintain. | Cost more initially, especially when factor in the cost of building an app for each smartphone ecosystem. | Mobile websites are more cost-efficient. Symbiota offers affordable options, fast turnaround, and personal service on mobile website design. And we will soon be launching our mobile apps platform; contact us for more information. |
Interested? Contact us today
About the author
Jason Alexis
Jason Alexis is passionate about helping churches, ministries and non-profits get their message out to a mobile, global and social generation. Having began his career as an engineer, Jason believes that marketing and communications should be based on hard data, systemic analysis and proven best practices. As the founder of Fluid Ministries, Jason brings this scientific common sense approach to church communications and marketing. He helps churches to spread the age-old Gospel message through modern high-tech communication channels including mobile apps, text messaging and social media. As a devout Christian, Jason bases his life on solid Biblical principles. That said, Jason recognizes his own imperfections and failure to consistently live out his convictions. Because of this, he knows his need for God's mercy and compassion. He is inclined to extend this mercy to others rather than judge them. Jason strives to run his business and personal affairs with integrity and virtue.
[…] In a previous post, we made the case for both mobile apps and mobile websites: Apps win out in comparisons of speed, user engagement, design flexibility, and offline capabilities. We specifically argued that apps provide “a sticky experience,” and that people are now spending more time using apps than browsing websites. The latest research supports that claim: Americans are spending about 2 hours per day using apps, and just 30 minutes “surfing the old-school web.” […]