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Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are the top choice for e-commerce stores. Simply because it has the features and security that big companies like Twitter, Pinterest, Adidas, … need, and the cost is reasonable and suitable for startups. Furthermore, the most significant reason is that it helps to increase the purchasing power and experience of users when coming to your website.
However, choosing the right PWA theme for your eCommerce store is not easy. Especially for shop owners who don’t have too much knowledge about technology.
With that in mind, today this article will provide you with valuable tips to choose the perfect Magento PWA Theme For your Ecommerce Website
Let’s start!
I. About Magento PWA Theme
1.1. The definition of PWA
PWA (progressive web apps) is Web Apps that apply modern features of browsers, making it possible for mobile devices to upgrade them to be equivalent to pure apps. It allows optimizing the user experience on mobile devices compared to a normal website. It will make you feel like you are using a Native app with full features, like
- Can work offline even without the internet
- Fast app download
- Better security
- Full-screen experience, no URL bar
- Ability to push notifications
1.2. The meaning of the Magento PWA theme
Magento 2 PWA themes are responsible for converting your Magento 2 store into a PWA store. This will turn it into an app-like website, providing a great UI/UX look and feel, giving users the same experience as the native app, but without changing the functionality and components of your website.
This enhances the shopping experience for customers and helps store owners save a lot with effective costs.
You can easily find Magento 2 PWA themes available from Magento PWA providers without using too high technology or sublime coding skills. With the Magento 2 PWA themes available, you only need a few simple steps to get the job done on your store.
This helps you save a lot of time and effort to create the most cost-effective mobile version of your website and enhances the shopping experience for your customers.
1.3. Some successful examples of this technology
To help people have a more objective view of this technology, the article will give some examples of websites that are and have been successful in using PWA technology:
1.3.1. Twitter Lite
With 1.3 billion Twitter accounts, 330 million active users, and 500 million daily tweets, Twitter is still one of the most popular social channels in the world.
Especially with more than 80% of mobile users, in 2017, Twitter Lite Progressive Web App was born to provide users with a faster, more reliable, and more engaging experience.
The reason they do this is basically that Twitter’s website reaches millions of users, but it’s very difficult to re-engage users on the mobile but traditional web. That’s why push notifications on the web as well as native apps even when the user’s browser is closed solved this problem. In addition, the reduction in data consumption from 23.5MB to 600KB compared to the native application and the reduction of 30-50% in load waiting are also key reasons for the success of this application.
Specifically, Twitter lite is now present in 45 countries and has brought positive feedback such as a 65% increase in pages per session, a 75% increase in Tweets sent, a 20% decrease in bounce rate, …
1.3.2. Adidas
Witnessing the growth of up to 40% of online retailers (in 2020), big players like Adidas – the most famous sports brand in Europe and the 2nd in the world, have adopted the PWA user interface.
After developing up to 16 native apps without giving the desired effect, they decided to use Magento Progressive web for mobile users and had great success. Specifically, Adidas’ e-commerce revenue increased by 36%, to more than 2 billion USD; Their website was ranked 61/500 in the Internet Retailer 2018 survey
This technology has provided their users with a more powerful experience than ever before.
1.3.3. OLX
OLX is an internet company that allows users to post free ads in many regions of the world with many categories such as Real Estate, Jobs, and Services, …
OLX found that 90% of their traffic comes from mobile devices, and half of their visitors come through the native app and half through their mobile website. However, the majority of trading happens on native apps, and bounce rates on the mobile web are getting higher and higher.
They analyzed this behavior and found that the main reason was that their mobile web experience was too slow, and this had a significant impact on their revenue.
Now, they look to Progressive Web Application (PWA) technologies that aim to provide a faster, better loading experience and increased user engagement. And they succeeded.
OLX PWA increased mobile web engagement by 250%; 23% reduction in time until page interacts; Bounce rate is 80% lower, click-through rate is also 146% increase, so revenue also improves significantly
II. The main features of PWA
2.1. Full responsiveness and browser compatibility
PWA can work with all browsers and is compatible with all devices, regardless of screen size or other specifications in those devices.
Besides, the goal of PWA is to provide users with a native app-like experience. So the navigation and interactions of these apps are almost the same as the original apps, but the method of launching and updating is completely different.
2.2. Connectivity independence & Safety
Progressive web applications are not only extremely fast, but they can continue to work even when the user is offline or has a slow internet connection. Thereby, minimizing the amount of data needed to run the application.
In addition, by using HTTPS protocol, user information is exchanged more securely, so unauthorized users cannot access their content.
2.3. Discoverability and easy installation
The PWA and its extensive features can be easily searched through search engines like Google or Bing without having to search through hundreds of thousands of applications.
Installing a PWA is also very simple. You simply go to a website and add it to your device’s home screen. Besides, PWA also has the self-updating feature, and you do not need to manually update each version.
Push notifications are also an extremely effective key for PWA stores in attracting interest and motivating users to open the app more.
III. Checklist & Tips for choosing the suitable Magento PWA Theme for Ecommerce website
3.1. PWA’s Frameworks for Development
To choose the suitable Magento PWA Theme for an Ecommerce website, you first need to choose the right PWA Frameworks.
Currently, there are many different frameworks offered in the market. We can roughly divide them into 2 main groups: themes set up by Magento PWA Studio and other PWA frameworks.
Of course, each framework has its own pros and cons for each project. Here, however, we recommend that you choose Magento PWA Studio as your tool to develop themes for your online stores.
Simply because storefronts of PWA are based on PWA Studio which is set up on top of Magento 2 backend. If you choose this framework, storefronts of PWA will follow Magento’s principle of scalability that they will be equipped with the latest features as the platform in question evolves. This saves you from worrying about future compatibility issues
3.2. Designs of Magento PWA theme
The decision of customers to stay or leave the store 85% of the time comes from their first impression of the design of the storefront. This is an extremely important factor that directly determines the success of the store. So you need to pay more attention when looking at the design of a theme.
3.2.1. A user-friendly UI
Undeniably, a beautiful and eye-catching storefront will help attract users to your online store. But whether that person decides whether to stay in your online store or not depends greatly on whether the store interface is user-friendly or not.
This is determined by whether the site’s features are clearly hierarchical? Is navigation easy? And ensures that customers will not be confused when visiting your store eCommerce.
3.2.2. An easy-to-read font
The color scheme you use is also a direct influence on your eCommerce store. Choosing colors also need to be strategic, because the color of the brand is one of the factors that help consumers recognize and distinguish the business. A good website design always puts the viewer first, never based on favorite color or feeling.
Not only that, but different color groups are also capable of attracting specific customer groups, and even changing consumer behavior. So when choosing a color scheme, research, analyze and strategize carefully:
(1) Match the main color with the logo
(2) Match the main color with the accent color
(3) Match the background color with the main and accent colors.
3.3.3. A suitable color scheme
After attracting readers with images and colors, the theme font is the next important factor that determines whether the reader can receive the information easily or not.
Many people must have thought you could choose any font you want for your website? In fact, there are a few restrictions on the types of fonts you can use. You should choose a font that is unique but simple and easy to read and approach. This will give customers a comfortable experience and easily receive the information your store offers.
Our advice here is, before releasing the final design, plan and analyze it in detail to give a few demos, then choose the design you find the most suitable.
3.3. Technical attributes of Magento 2 PWA Theme
3.3.1. Service Worker.
A service worker is a JavaScript file that is run in the background but separate from the application or website. It responds to user interactions with the store and requests from the web pages being served.
PWAs use service workers for caching and resource retrieval even when working offline
3.3.2. Push notifications.
Push notifications are an extremely useful tool in attracting customers. This feature helps PWA deliver your message to customers, be it clicking to view events, promotions or invite back, … even when the web browser is not running or the application is not working. Along with customized and personalized content, this tool is really working and is a bright spot for PWA stores.
3.3.3. Offline work mode.
As mentioned above, the Service worker feature allows the use of caching to store data locally. In a word, you can open the app and see the store stuff like payment history, shopping cart, messages,… up to the last time the internet was used while the internet was being used. access the PWA, even when you’re offline. And when the PWA has access to the internet again, the above information will be updated with all changes immediately. Of course, if you want to do anything in the store, the internet is a must.
3.3.4. Background synchronization.
Background sync is also a feature of ServiceWorker. It allows you to retry network activities when the application restores a stable connection.
This feature is useful to provide users with read-write functionality while offline. For example, sending emails or uploading pictures when the customer is back online.
3.3.5. Application shell architecture.
The application shell architecture is responsible for building and maintaining the static and dynamic PWA content. It includes all the core design elements of the PWA store. This helps them run on the user’s device without an Internet connection.
3.3.6. Transport Layer Security.
Transport layer security maintains data integrity. It ensures that data is only transferred to authentic users over HTTPS protocols. Therefore, its security is very high and is considered the latest standard for data transmission between applications.
3.4. Price plan for Magento 2 PWA theme
Magento 2 PWA theme has both free and paid versions.
Small, start-up businesses should use the free add-ons so they can save money to invest in other items in their store. Of course, even though they can provide basic features, even with the free versions, businesses are not immune to the risk of errors that may be encountered.
For businesses with a bit more capital, think about buying the premium version. Currently, there are many support packages ranging from $500-$1000. With these packages, you will be completely assured of technical support as well as the fastest and most reliable updates. However, this is not all, besides the base plan there are a lot of extra features you will need to buy more if you want your store to be more optimal, and you will be able to continue to pay for them.
3.5. After-sale support
This service is usually only available with paid themes. Most Magento 2 PWA theme providers will take care of customers after the sale, fromsale from 6 months to 1 year. What you need to care about here is, is the customer care of those suppliers enthusiastic? Is the response fast? Etc. Besides, you can refer to in forums, and blogs from people who have used it before to have the most objective view.
IV. Best Magento PWA Theme Reviews
After performing the above steps, you are also looking for reputable Magento 2 PWA Theme providers. This article will provide you with the 10 most reputable suppliers on the market that you can refer to
| No | Provider | Theme | Features | Price |
| 1 | Simicart | Siminia | Custom PWA responsive theme (desktop supported)3x faster download speedIncrease SEOApp-like experienceDeep integration with Magento | Call for price |
| 2 | ScandiPWA | PWA theme for Magento | Lightning-fast PWA setup with no middlewareSupports over 350 Magento featuresExtend, customize, and reuse your PWA flexiblySupport deploying your store to the App Store and Google Play storesNative app interfaceIncrease mobile conversions | Free |
| 3 | Vue Storefront | The PWA frontendfor Magento | Works on all devicesSupport offline ordersEnable push notificationsLow data requirementsSearch engine friendlyNo need to download | Call for price |
| 4 | Tigren | TigrenPWA Theme | Fully responsive design and super-fast page speedWell optimized for SEOAdvanced background syncCreate an app-like user experienceSupports all basic Magento featuresSupports all standard shipping methodsWork across platforms | $799.00 |
| 5 | BSS Commerce | Magento 2 PWA theme | Support various Magento 2 features: Search, Login, Checkout, CMS pages, etc.Add icon to home screenBoost SEOApp-like experience | Call for price |
| 6 | GoMage | Magento 2PWA Storefront | Drag and drop page builderCustomizable theme stylesA set of powerful online advertising featuresAnalysis and reporting | $ 1,799.00 |
| 7 | CedCommerce | PWA Cenia Theme | Easy to use and fast to loadDeliver an app-like experienceAdd icon to home screenSupports various Magento 2 featuresCost saving and high performanceAutomatic update | PWA Cenia Theme: $0PWA Cenia theme Pro: $299 |
| 8 | Onilab | Magento 2 PWA theme | Boosted mobile conversionsUnbeaten UX/UI that makes websites resemble native apps in the look and feelApp-like experience, runs within browsers with no required device download, Add to Home ScreenOffline browsing due to caching that makes shopping easier in areas with a slow Internet connection, push notification supportStrengthened SEO and lower bounce rates thanks to thorough site optimization | Call for price |
| 9 | NexPWA | Nexpwa | Provide A/B test6 optimized themes availablePossibility to deploy PWA to mobile-only.Includes Google Tag Manager IntegrationMulti-currency supportSupport Magento CMS and Page BuilderIntegrate existing payment gatewayPublished on iOS and Android App Stores | Call for price |
| 10 | Experius | Magento 2 PWA theme | Works for all users regardless of browser or device usedWorks offline or with poor networkPWA site indexed and displayed by GoogleSuper fast loading of images and contentRuns entirely over HTTPS and with secure SSLAuto-updating contentAllow users to add apps to their home screen | Call for price |
Final words
Above is Guide To Choose The Right Magento PWA Theme For Ecommerce Website. Instead of picking a PWA topic on a whim or hearing from others, come up with a specific strategy for your own online store. An eCommerce website will only be successful when you choose a trusted provider and a qualified Magento PWA theme. We hope that this article will help you make the right choices for your eCommerce website.
