Websites

Website or web application — which do you need?

Not every online project is a website — and not every business needs a web application. Confusing the two leads to wrong investments: paying too much for unnecessary features or ending up with a site that doesn't support what the business needs. We explain the differences practically.

Website vs web application — simple definitions

A website is essentially informational: it presents the company, services, contact methods and relevant content. The visitor reads, browses and contacts — they don't interact with complex business logic.

A web application involves continuous interaction, authentication (login), dashboards, internal processes or features that go beyond displaying information. Examples: client portal, order management, internal team tool, booking system with advanced logic.

The boundary isn't always rigid — a professional website can include advanced forms, simple restricted areas or integrations. But when business logic is central, we're probably talking about a web application.

Practical comparison

Use this table to understand where your project fits.

AspectWebsiteWeb application
Main goalInform, capture contacts, build credibilityExecute processes, manage data, continuous interaction
AuthenticationUsually not (or simple restricted area)Login, profiles, permissions and roles
InteractionReading, browsing, contact formsDashboards, CRUD, workflows, notifications
Technical complexityModerate — pages, content, SEOHigh — backend, database, APIs, security
Typical investment (Artecium)From €750 (Essential)From €3,500
MaintenanceContent updates and occasional improvementsContinuous monitoring, feature evolution

When a website is enough

These scenarios are solved with a professional website — no web application needed.

Corporate online presence

Present the company, services, team and contacts. The Essential (€750) or Professional (€1,500) plan covers this scenario.

Lead capture

Forms, landing pages and conversion-oriented structure — still within the scope of a website.

Blog and content for SEO

Publish articles, guides and service pages to improve visibility in search engines.

Simple integrations

Newsletter, basic CRM, chatbot or contact automation — possible on a Business website (from €2,500) without being a full app.

When you need a web application

These scenarios require business logic, authentication or data processing — beyond a traditional website.

Client portal

Clients log in to view orders, documents, invoices or service status.

Internal tool

Dashboard for the team to manage requests, inventory, projects or internal processes.

Complex booking platform

System with availability, payments, automatic confirmations and user management.

Digital product

SaaS, marketplace or online tool that is the business's own product.

How much does each option cost?

At Artecium, websites start at €750 (Essential) and the Professional plan costs €1,500. Projects with advanced features — integrations, automation, multi-language — fall under the Business plan from €2,500.

Web applications start at €3,500 because they involve backend, database, authentication, security and specific business logic. Each application is quoted individually based on requirements.

If the project combines a public website with advanced features, it's worth assessing whether an expanded Business website solves it or whether a dedicated application is needed — the answer depends on concrete requirements.

Checklist to decide

Answer these questions to understand what type of project you need.

  • Do visitors need to log in to access content or features?
  • Is there business logic that processes data (orders, bookings, calculations)?
  • Does the internal team need a dashboard or management tool?
  • Does the system need its own database with user data?
  • Is the main goal to inform and capture contacts, or to execute a process?
  • Do you need complex integrations with APIs, payments or external systems?

Frequently asked questions

Can I start with a website and evolve to an app?
Yes, and it's a common approach. Many clients start with a professional website and, as the business grows, develop a web application for features the site doesn't cover. Planning that evolution from the start helps avoid rework.
Is a website with a restricted area a web application?
It depends on complexity. A simple restricted area (documents, basic profile) can be part of a Business website. A portal with multiple features, roles and business logic is a web application.
How much does a web application cost at Artecium?
Web applications start at €3,500. The final price depends on functional requirements, integrations, security and usage volume. Each project is quoted individually after scope analysis.
WordPress or custom web application?
WordPress and similar CMS platforms handle websites and blogs very well. When business logic is specific, integrations are complex or performance and security require full control, a custom web application makes more sense.
Do AI and automation fit in a website or app?
Both. Chatbots and smart forms can integrate into a website (AI solutions from €750). Complex process automation (from €1,500) can link website, CRM and internal tools — sometimes in a dedicated web application.

Read also

Not sure what you need?

Describe your project — we'll help you understand whether a website, web application or a combination makes sense.