A website is usually public-facing. It tells visitors who you are, what you do and how to contact you. A web app is more interactive. It may allow users to log in, manage records, book services, submit forms, track orders or view dashboards.
Choose a website when
You need visibility, credibility, service explanations, local SEO, lead generation, a portfolio, contact forms or content publishing. Most businesses should start with a strong website before jumping into custom software.
Choose a web app when
You need users to complete repeated tasks online. Examples include a school portal, customer dashboard, membership system, booking platform, admin panel or reporting tool. A web app needs stronger planning because it has user roles, data, permissions and ongoing maintenance.
When you need both
A company may use public pages to attract visitors, then a private app to serve customers or staff. For example, a training company can publish course pages publicly and also provide a student dashboard after enrolment.