Mobile apps v mobile websites – the pros and cons illustrated

With many Australian small businesses still reluctant to invest in an effective online presence, it’s not surprising that few have taken the further step to think about customers accessing their products or services via mobile devices.

However, as online marketing guru and StartupSmart blogger Scott Robinson opined recently, start-ups don’t really have a choice over going mobile, if they want to stay successful in the years ahead.

“It’s estimated there are around 8.8 million smartphones in Australia,” he says. “Most experts say this will grow to a staggering 12.2 million by the end of 2012.”

“With 37% of the market now using the internet through these devices, you have to do your maths and decide if you are happy to ignore these consumers’ needs?”

“Generally, we would recommend a client seriously consider a mobile site once the traffic to their site reaches 10%, it’s pretty crucial at 20% and completely vital at 30%. I’m not sure about you, but ignoring a third of your customers just doesn’t make business sense!”

So how can you best harness your potential mobile audience? For many, the choice boils down to building a mobile website or a mobile app.

Both have their downsides, as our recent feature on the app struggles faced by some start-ups demonstrated.

If you’re completely new to the area, the below infographic, created by US ad agency MDG Advertising, should provide a useful snapshot as to the merits – and otherwise – of mobile sites and mobile apps.

Click to enlarge.

Hat tip to Australian digital agency Pillar Sports for the interesting information.