Arguably the most disruptive form of technology to have shaken the business landscape is the internet. Together with smart gadgets, the global network has challenged the linear model of the buyer’s journey.
With just about any information within arm’s reach, consumers are empowered to take control of their experiences. Brands have responded to this paradigm shift by meeting customers on the web. Marketers now emphasize website development, social media, and email marketing.
While the benefits of these strategies are clear, the subject of implementation is less straightforward. Changes in consumer behavior and technological advancements call for constant optimizations and upgrades.
A key player in this arena is web applications. Web apps facilitate better communication between businesses and customers, and aid data collection and processing. Armed with the right web apps, you set your business up for sustainable growth.
What is a Web Application?
Web applications are computer programs that run functions through a web browser. The technology emerged during the Software as a Service (SaaS) movement when software services on the cloud were being pushed over locally installed apps.
There are two sides to web application development: client-side and server-side scripting. Client-side scripting deals with code that is meant to be read and acted upon by the browser. It performs tasks using the web browser as a host to relive load off the server.
HTML, CSS, and Javascript are used on the frontend so that all browsers have access to the web app’s features.
On the other hand, server-side scripting is the process of writing code that directs user requests to the server. Functions like response generation, database lookups, and web app restructuring are done on the backend. It also serves as the link to the client-facing side of the application.
Web developers use programming languages like PHP, Ruby on Rails, and Python for server-side scripting.
The Benefits of Web Applications
Web applications have a lot to offer to grow businesses. The different functionalities of web apps make them indispensable tools to communicate and delight customers, improve employee collaboration, organize data, and more.
Here is a quick rundown of the benefits of web applications:
- Web applications are accessible 24/7
- Backing up data is made easy
- Offers high levels of security
- Maintenance and upgrades are efficiently rolled out from a central point
- Web applications are scalable
- Flexible and customizable for different devices
- Compatibility issues are not a problem
- May be integrated with other systems
- Eliminates space limitations on devices
- Cost-efficient
Web Applications to Integrate into Your Business
Tons of web applications are available on the market. From automating mundane activities to fulfilling more complicated demands, there is a good set of options to choose from. This includes:
Mailchimp
Mailchimp is a digital marketing web application that champions a user-friendly email builder. It includes pre-designed templates plus a drag-and-drop feature so you can create professional and personalized emails fast.
Mailchimp can also be used to generate reports on email open rates, track performance, and connect directly to your online store.
Freshdesk
Freshdesk is all about customer support and engagement. The web application provides a simple solution for tracking, managing, and responding to customer feedback and queries.
It provides tools for customer support across various platforms like email, call, social media, and messaging apps. Freshdesk also collates tickets from different channels, gathers and analyzes customer experiences, allows for collaborative work among your staff.
With Freshdesk, everything your staff needs to resolve customer complaints is conveniently within arms reach.
Stripe
Stripe is a payment application perfect for startups, growing businesses, and large companies. Its mission is to build a robust economic infrastructure on the internet to fortify eCommerce.
Payments are transferred smoothly and securely through direct connections with major banks and financial corporations. It’s also great at managing revenue, protecting against fraud, and supporting growth.
Stripe continuously improves its services, operates with a 99.99% uptime, and is certified compliant with the highest standards.
Expensify
Expensify is a financial toolkit that streamlines receipts and expense management. When you take a photo of physical receipts, the app automatically files them and generates reports in one click.
Depending on your business’ needs, you can set parameters that will dictate the flow of reimbursements or flag anomalous spending. Any changes made by administrators are automatically synced to other accounts used by employees.
Google Analytics
Google Analytics is a powerful tool that tracks website traffic and other key metrics. The web application lets you in on customer insights that will help tailor succeeding marketing strategies based on prevailing consumer behaviors.
You can use Google Analytics to generate data visualizations based on a variety of data points such as conversions, acquisitions, ad performance, and audience engagements.
Dropbox
Dropbox is an online file organizer and cloud storage that allows for centralized information sharing. Various files may be saved in Dropbox including, but not limited to, word files, spreadsheets, images, and presentations.
Once you upload a file onto the shared space, every account in the loop gets access to it in real-time. Additionally, the web app keeps track of your activities so you don’t have to keep searching for frequently used files.
Trello
Trello is a popular web-based collaboration app. It features a digital board that keeps track of tasks and their progress. A board may be shared with your whole organization or only with the specific people involved in a project.
You can add multiple lists as well as attach files and images on individual cards to keep everything in one place. This is widely used in digital marketing firms to manage content orders, website optimization tasks, and social media campaigns.
Get a Custom-Built Web Application
Can’t find anything on the list for your specific needs? Work with a professional team of web developers to get a custom-built web application.
DevWerkz Web Design and Development specializes in web application development for intuitive, functional, and robust web apps. Get in touch with us today.