If you’ve been quoted for a “website” by one developer and a “web app” by another for what sounds like the same project, you’re not imagining things — these terms get used loosely, and the price difference between them can be 10x. Here’s what each one actually means.
Website
A website is the broad umbrella term — any collection of pages living at a domain. A company website usually includes a homepage, an about page, services, and a contact page. It’s mostly informational: it tells people who you are and how to reach you.
Landing Page
A landing page is a single page, built around one goal — usually getting a visitor to take one specific action: fill out a form, book a call, or make a purchase. It’s stripped of navigation and distractions on purpose. Think of it as a website’s most focused page, standing alone.
Web Application (Web App)
A web app is software that runs in the browser and does something — not just presents information. Think of a dashboard where users log in, enter data, and get results: a booking system, an inventory tool, a CRM. The difference from a website isn’t length, it’s interactivity and logic. A website tells; a web app does.
So which one do you need?
- Selling one product or service with a clear call to action → landing page
- Establishing your company’s online presence → website
- Building a tool your team or customers will log into and use → web application
Many businesses actually need more than one. A company might have a marketing website, a dedicated landing page for a specific campaign, and a customer-facing web app behind the scenes — all serving different jobs.
If you’re not sure which one fits your situation, get in touch and we’ll help you figure it out before quoting anything.