Do You Have an App?

When we walk with potential BrightSide users through our demo, one of the most common questions is, “Do you have an app?” What they are thinking is this: “Do you have an app I can download from Apple’s App Store or the Google Play Store so I don’t have to use a browser to access BrightSide? Using my current software on a phone is clunky and I need a better experience!”

That kind of app is known as a “native app.” Native apps are developed separately from the software, go through a rigorous vetting process, then need approval to be added to the app stores. Only then can you download and begin using it.

The process to build a native app is lengthy and expensive to develop. So BrightSide utilizes a different kind of app called Progressive Web App (PWA) technology. A PWA is quicker and less expensive to develop and you don’t have to download it.

NOTE: Our PWA is a work in progress. We are adding new screens on a consistent basis and hope to have the entire BrightSide PWA experience completed by the end of 2025.

BrightSide Enhances the User Experience via Progressive Web App

At BrightSide, we’re passionate about delivering a seamless, efficient, and engaging experience for our users. As a cloud-based Software as a Service (SaaS) platform, we’ve embraced Progressive Web App (PWA) technology to bring an app-like experience right to your browser.

We said “app-like” because it is a different technology than a native app, but it provides a nearly identical user experience.

NOTE: A PWA is not just a mobile responsive version of our website, it is much more. While PWA does provide mobile responsiveness, it adds other features as well.

What is a Progressive Web App (PWA)?

A Progressive Web App combines the best of traditional websites and native mobile apps (apps downloaded from the iOS or Android app stores). Using modern web technologies, PWAs offer a fast, reliable, and interactive experience across all devices. Here are some key features:

• Installability: You can add the PWA to your device’s home screen quickly, without the need to download it. After installing, you may not notice any operational differences from a native app. Just tap the BrightSide icon on your home screen, sign in, and you are up and running.
• Push Notifications: Stay updated with alerts and reminders, even when the app isn’t open. This is great for keeping up with guest messages from Airbnb, Vrbo, texts, and more.
• Mobile Responsiveness: Our screens look great on mobile devices. The PWA provides superior mobile responsiveness and screen layout designs that make our software easy to use on mobile.
• Security: Delivered over HTTPS, PWAs keep your data safe and secure.

These qualities make PWAs perfect for us at BrightSide, allowing us to provide a top-notch experience without asking users to download a native app.

BrightSide Easy Access with Installability

With our PWA, users can “install” the app right onto their device. For example, a client’s users can add their subdomain (like `client1.bookonthebrightside.com`) to their home screen in just a few clicks. Once there, it acts like a native app, launch it directly without opening a browser or typing a URL.

This is a game-changer for the BrightSide platform. Whether you’re managing bookings or checking cleaning schedules, having BrightSide on your home screen as an app saves time and boosts convenience.

How to Install the BrightSide PWA on Your Device

To make the most of this feature, here’s how you can add BrightSide to your home screen:

For iPhone or iPad (iOS):

• Open Safari and go to your BrightSide subdomain (e.g., `client1.bookonthebrightside.com`).
• Tap the Share icon at the bottom (it looks like a square with an arrow pointing up).
• Scroll down and select “Add to Home Screen.”
• Give the app a name (like “BrightSide”) and tap “Add.”

For Android Devices:

• Open Chrome (or your preferred browser) and navigate to your BrightSide subdomain.
• Tap the menu icon (three dots in the top right corner).
• Select “Add to Home screen.”
• Name the app and tap “Add.”

Once installed, the BrightSide icon will appear on your home screen, giving you one-tap access to the platform. Give it a try and experience the convenience of having BrightSide just a tap away!

Push Notifications for Guest Messages

One of our favorite PWA features is push notifications, which keep you connected and informed. Users can turn on notifications so when a guest message arrives, your phone will notify you, similar to your email or text message apps. This keeps you in the loop and ready to respond, all without needing to check the app constantly.

These alerts make sure you never miss a beat, boosting engagement and satisfaction.

Security and Trust

Security is non-negotiable for us. Our PWA runs over HTTPS, encrypting all data between your device and our servers. This keeps your information safe and gives you peace of mind, knowing BrightSide prioritizes your privacy and trust.

Why PWA Is Ideal for BrightSide

Progressive Web App technology aligns perfectly with our goals as a SaaS platform. Here’s why it works so well for us, and for you:

• Better User Experience: Fast, reliable access with a mobile device, means happier users.
• Higher Engagement: Notifications, like those for guest messages, keep you connected and active.
• No Download Hassles: No app store needed, just visit your BrightSide subdomain (e.g., `client1.bookonthebrightside.com`) and get started.
• Cost Efficiency: We save on development costs, which benefits both us and our clients.
• Updates: Updates are automatic, there is no need to download updates from the app store.

Conclusion

Progressive Web Apps are a game-changer, blending web flexibility with app-like functionality. At BrightSide, we use PWAs to make our platform available, accessible, reliable, and secure. From installing the app on your home screen to getting guest message notifications on your phone, we’re here to enhance your experience every step of the way.

Whether you’re a business owner or an end user, BrightSide’s PWA delivers convenience and performance you can count on.