SaaS Startups - Should You Build a Web Portal or Mobile App?

When launching a SaaS startup, one key decision is whether to build a web portal or mobile app as your primary user interface. Both options have upsides and downsides:

Web Portals

Pros: Accessible from any device, easier to maintain, cost-effective

Cons: Less interactive, limited functionality

Mobile Apps

Pros: Better UX and engagement, more features, can work offline

Cons: More expensive, need updating, require installation

But, there is a third option - build a responsive web portal powered by MERN (MongoDB, Express, React, Node.js) and complement it with a hybrid mobile app.

This provides you with the flexibility of web access while maintaining the engagement of a mobile app. React Native allows you to render your application natively on both iOS and Android using the same codebase

You optimize development efforts while providing tailored experiences across platforms. As the SaaS scales, you can decide whether to invest heavily in standalone apps.

For early-stage SaaS companies, the MERN web portal plus hybrid approach balances capabilities with cost. You get the best of both worlds while maintaining flexibility. The key is picking the right tradeoff between reach, functionality, and budgets.

Have you built web, mobile, or both? What's been your experience balancing priorities? Let's discuss the best practices.