We often get the question why Wolf Maps is not an app. The answer is simple: an app is not always the best solution for map makers and their visitors.

Karin Wolfs - Marketing Drenthe

You can see a clear shift. Visitors are a bit tired of apps. They want a map they can use immediately, without downloading anything. Also, development and maintenance costs for an app are much higher than for a web app.

The visitor and apps

Imagine you are at a festival and want to know where an artist performs. Or you are in a nature area and want to follow a walking route. If that requires downloading an app, it quickly becomes frustrating: scan a QR code or type a URL, download the app, register, confirm via email, then finally access the map.

Only about half of people even consider downloading an app, and fewer complete registration steps. The more friction, the faster visitors drop off.

Our interactive map works differently. You scan a QR code or type a URL in your mobile browser. That is it. Within seconds you can open the map, interact with it, and start exploring.

The map maker and apps

For map makers, apps have downsides too. App content is not indexable in search engines like Google. That means fewer people discover your locations. Sharing is also harder, because recipients must have the same app. Embedding app content in your website or blog is limited. With Wolf Maps, embedding is straightforward.

Why a web app is often the better choice

Some people assume apps always perform better than web apps. That depends on execution. We invested heavily in our mobile interface, tested it with users, and improved it based on feedback. The result: a fast, user-friendly, reliable map experience.

In short: an app is a closed system, while a web app is open. If you want as many people as possible to find and use your map, a web app is often the better option.