Create an Online Platform – 10 Facts You Should Know

The internet has now become a constant companion and is indispensable. This is especially true in industry and retail. Applications and web platforms allow companies to present their projects and services to customers, and enable online shopping as well as payment and processing of invoices and liabilities. For this reason, there are a number of systems such as e-commerce applications and content management systems (CMS) that deal with this topic and provide the company with a web platform in a short time. If that is not enough, the software must be programmed from scratch. In this article, we show you what to pay attention to when it comes to the programming and use of an online platform.

The Essentials at a Glance

What Exactly Is an Online Platform?

It is not possible to define exactly what an online platform is in a general sense. In principle, there are many possibilities and options. For example, the job board of a large international corporation where you might want to apply is a platform. But also the dating portal on which you might have met your partner is an online platform. 

In a broader sense, an online platform or web app is understood to be a very complex application with many functions and possibilities. They feature a database connection and are often also connected via an API to payment service providers or other programs.

Online Platform Software – How the Website is Developed

The development of an online platform is very extensive and laborious. For this reason, modern software is used here that goes far beyond what you need for a normal website. An online platform is usually developed not only with HTML and CSS but also with JavaScript, jQuery, and node.JS. In some cases, programming languages such as C or C++, Kotlin, Scala, or Java are also used. 

How exactly the development of your online portal looks depends primarily on where the platform is to be used and what goals you pursue. A platform for booking travel, for example, requires different functions and different software than, for example, an online shop or an online portal for booking online courses that customers attend on the internet. In addition to booking software with the possibility of payment, the online platform must also offer courses and educational materials, manage records of participants and their performance and courses, and, if necessary, offer a certificate to participants at the end.

Online Platform Features – What Should the Portal Be Able to Do?

Online platforms offer numerous functions and possibilities to provide visitors with an extensive range of products and services. A purchasing or booking function in the form of an online shop, for example, is found on almost all portals. 

However, the exact scope of functions of the website or online platform depends on which functions the portal is intended to fulfill. Almost all platforms include a registration function and a user area. In addition, there is usually the possibility to sign up for a newsletter and a booking or purchasing function. Some platforms, such as learning portals, also offer course and educational materials, videos, exams, and tests, as well as a way to track the performance of participants and the courses they attend. Some platforms even offer a certificate after the completion of a course. 

CMS or Custom Development – Which Solution Is Better?

Nowadays, almost no one has to develop a website from scratch anymore. Content management systems such as Drupal, Typo3, Joomla, and especially WordPress are very advanced and offer many functions. In addition, the CMS can be extended with plugins and extensions. Primarily for WordPress, there is a huge range of such extensions for almost every need. If something is missing in terms of functionality, it can usually be added by programming the appropriate feature yourself. WordPress is free, and the prices of plugins and extensions range from 10 to 200 euros. So it is not hard to recognize the cost advantages. Even if you have to program an extension, it is still cheaper than having a complete website developed from scratch. And: You can later offer the plugin to the community for free or for sale and thus generate additional revenue. 

So why develop your own online platform? There are certainly situations where you might opt for your own platform for reasons of security or flexibility. Although CMS like WordPress are flexible and offer many options and possibilities, the code does not belong to you, and for some requirements or functions you might be dependent on the software developer implementing them. Additionally, WordPress is open-source code. The software runs on millions of PCs and servers and is used for websites, shops, and other internet presences.

This carries a certain risk, especially if you work with confidential or sensitive data and products. The source code of WordPress is public and freely accessible. Anyone can download the software and view and modify the code. Since WordPress now runs on a large portion of the web servers worldwide, the software is also a target for hackers and attackers. The same applies to other CMS that are less widespread. Everyone knows Drupal, Typo3, Joomla, WordPress, or plugins like WooCommerce.

So, if you plan to work with confidential or sensitive data, or if you plan a project that is so complex and extensive that it cannot be implemented with a CMS, then we recommend having an online platform developed from scratch. Another reason for custom development can also be the compatibility with API interfaces or the development of your own APIs that you need for your portal. 

Shopboostr can provide you with extensive and competent advice in this regard. We will discuss and analyze with you whether in your case an online platform developed in-house is necessary, or whether an implementation using existing software such as CMS and plugins, etc. is possible. 

Online Platform Design – What Should Be Considered? Who Can Do It?

If you have decided to develop an online platform, you will need a specialist to take care of the implementation. It does not matter whether it is a CMS or whether you have the new platform developed from scratch. The online platform is always a very complex project. This does not change even if WordPress or the CMS of your choice seems easy to use and manage. 

For your online platform, you will need robust security plugins and extensions, logos, and an attractive design. In addition, you may also need extensions that have to be developed. In order for everything to work together and function smoothly, API interfaces are important. There is a lot that can go wrong here, and thorough work is essential. Especially if you also collect customer data or payment information on your online portal, caution is advised. Appropriate security measures in the form of necessary certificates and the corresponding software and its configuration are a must. 

For this reason, there are specialists for the development of online platforms who are experts in the field. Simple web designers are usually no longer sufficient for this. Shopboostr is such an agency that specializes in the development of online shops and online portals. Our team handles your project according to your requirements, either using a CMS and corresponding software or with a fully in-house developed online platform that is specifically developed for and according to your requirements and expectations. 

In addition, you must not only create the online portal but also the corresponding content. This means you need photos and possibly videos, texts, etc. If it is a learning portal, you need educational materials and exam papers. For a tourism and travel portal, you need images and information about the respective accommodations and offers as well as their prices, etc. Then you need the necessary licenses, a partner to handle the payments for you, etc. These are just a few examples. Nevertheless, it is easy to see that there is a lot of work and many tasks awaiting you.

Security and Responsive Design

Two further points that are of great importance in the design and the development of mobile platforms are security and responsive development or design. Security is particularly important when you work with customer data or payment information. But even otherwise, you naturally want to prevent your portal from falling victim to hacker attacks, being misused, or having your services exposed to the risk of an attack in some other way. Especially if you are working with customer data and payment information, security is of the utmost importance.

Another factor in development is responsive design. This refers to the adaptation of the website and its compatibility with mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones. In our digital and mobile age, where more people access the internet via smartphones or tablets than through a home PC or laptop, responsive design is indispensable. Here too, however, you need an expert who is familiar with the subject and knows how to make your online portal accessible to mobile users and how to positively influence rankings and listings in search engines like Google.

Online Platform Financing

An online platform is an expensive and laborious project. Therefore, it is not surprising that in many cases the necessary capital for development is not available, especially when it is a platform that is being developed completely from scratch.

In this section, we present you with some tips and possibilities to successfully secure financing despite the high costs. The options naturally include banks with loans. In the following table, you will find some credit options that may be suitable for financing your online portal.

In addition, there are also financing options that have nothing to do with banks and loans. For this, we now present you with some options and possibilities. Many of these options and possibilities can not only be used individually but can also be combined with each other. 

Option 1: Thorough Planning and Preparation

The first and most important step is the thorough planning and preparation of your project. An online platform is a very complex undertaking, and thorough planning and preparation is important not only to capture the workflows but also to accurately calculate the costs. The information and data from the planning and preparation are very important for financing in later steps. 

Option 2: Create a Business Plan

Whenever you start a new company or project that depends on external financing, you must create a business plan. The development of an online platform is of course no exception. The business plan must contain information about your project, its forecast, competition, etc. The business plan alone is a very important and extensive undertaking. We recommend that you thoroughly inform yourself about its creation and, if necessary, consult a specialist. 

Option 3: Hire an Agency

An online portal is an elaborate and complex project. It requires solid expertise, the necessary tools, and the appropriate software for programming and development. So if you do not have a professional and experienced IT team, you should entrust the development to a professional agency. This may drive up the costs, but it shows that you are serious and significantly improves the success chances of your project and its financing. It is important that you compare various offers from agencies. This way, you can learn about different services and prices and make a selection. You can include the various offers with the financing. Another proof that you have been proactive and engaged with the topic. 

Option 4: Inform Yourself About Financing Options

Before you decide on a loan, for example from your local bank, you should familiarize yourself with the various options and possibilities. There are a multitude of loans and grants, each with different terms and conditions. So, while a loan from your local bank is one option, the startup loan for founders, which generally has better conditions than traditional banks, might be more worthwhile for your online portal. A detailed and thorough comparison is worthwhile, especially because you might not qualify for a traditional loan with your project but may well be eligible for a founder’s loan, etc.

Option 5: Research the Competition, Find a Niche

There are online platforms as numerous as grains of sand. For example, if you want to create a video platform, there are already established competitors such as Vimeo, YouTube, or Dailymotion. They all offer more or less the same services and share most of the market among themselves. Therefore, you must find a niche for your video platform that these competitors do not offer and with which you can be successful. Otherwise, no one will grant you a loan for financing. For example, Dailymotion is known for allowing users to watch full movies and series since there are no restrictions on the length of the video or material. Vimeo, on the other hand, is a platform primarily used for professional videos and courses, while YouTube is a platform for many producers to earn money. 

Option 6: Marketing and MVP

In general, planning and talking is easy. But implementation is often not so simple, and there is a lack of the necessary expertise. This can be mitigated by developing a prototype or MVP. This is a prototype of the finished product, albeit usually with very limited, only basic functions. Nevertheless, an MVP has the advantage of showing your project to customers and potential investors or financiers and simultaneously proving that you possess the necessary skills required for it. Additionally, the MVP is also important for marketing, which you should definitely not neglect when planning a new project and its financing. 

Option 7: Bring in Equity

For every loan, every financing, equity plays an important role. It shows the banks that you are willing to take action yourself and invest in your project—a sign that you believe in its success. For this reason, you should also bring your own capital into the financing of an online platform. And: equity does not always have to be in the form of money in the bank. Pre-expenses for marketing, servers, etc., can also be counted here. It is important that the bank sees that it is not solely shouldering the responsibility and risk, but that you are also contributing your part.

Option 8: Do Not Submit the Financing Application Alone

In many cases, the chances of obtaining a loan are better if there is a co-applicant. This person brings their own capital and securities that contribute to the loan. The same applies to the financing of an online portal. It can also be sensible here to submit the financing application together with a partner. The prospects for success increase manifold.

Option 9: Seek Investors and Partners

In addition to financing through banks, it is also advisable to seek investors and partners. While investors mainly support your project financially and improve your available capital, partners can be active in many areas. Partners can be companies that offer you a server or perhaps firms that commit to hosting internal courses and training videos on your platform. Investors and partners show that people are interested in your project, which increases the likelihood of obtaining financing.

Option 10: Inform Yourself About Discounts and Rebates

In Germany, there are many tax benefits for startups and new projects. Additionally, there are various options to get costs reimbursed. For example, office supplies, server costs, etc., can be deducted from taxes. This is money that you do not get back immediately and cannot use directly. However, over the course of the fiscal year, significant sums can accumulate, which are definitely worthwhile. If in doubt, you should have a tax advisor explain everything in detail. 

Hosting Your Online Platform – A Powerful Server Is a Must

An online portal is a very elaborate and complex website. Therefore, good hosting is required. Shared hosting or simple webspace is usually no longer sufficient here. You need a VPS or, preferably, your own server. For larger companies with their own IT department, this is usually not a problem. They typically already have servers that can be expanded if necessary, and the required personnel is also on-site. 

If this is not the case, as is often true for startups and smaller companies, you may need to opt for renting your own dedicated server. The monthly costs for such a server should not be underestimated, but you benefit from various advantages. All rented servers usually come with a guaranteed uptime. This means that the server is technically flawless and almost never experiences outages. If an outage or a technical defect occurs, for example with the hardware, the provider must take care of the repair and, if necessary, replacement. In addition, the support team is available around the clock in emergencies, so that problems can be addressed at any time, even if you are not present or the outage happens in the middle of the night. This can save you costs and effort and ensures that you always have competent personnel to turn to. 

Of course, you also always have the option to buy your own server and use it. In this case, however, you have to set up and configure the server yourself and are responsible for technical problems and outages. Which option is better for you is something you must decide for yourself. Our team will be happy to advise you on this and assist you in finding suitable and reliable hosting partners for your online platform. 

Online Platform Marketing – How to Become Known

Unfortunately, creating an online platform is only the first half of the work. The second half is almost as difficult and at least just as important. This is because it involves marketing. Every online platform needs massive promotion, and the costs for this should be budgeted from the start. It is also important that the allocated budget is not too tight so that the platform can stand out from its competitors. Although this item is often neglected in favor of investing in development, it represents the greatest hope for ROI (Return on Investment), which is why good marketing always pays off and is always important. Imagine that your expensive online portal is finished, and no one knows or uses it. Then you only incur losses and have wasted money and time.

The most important marketing measures for online platforms include, among other things, the following options and strategies:

Content: A content strategy is indispensable for any online platform in its early development phases. This includes the costs for running a blog, creating high-quality articles, videos, and other content, as well as their promotion. The exact offering depends on what kind of online platform your portal is. 

SEO: Can be quite cost-efficient and generally delivers positive ROI in the long run. However, it takes some time to take effect (3 to 6 months). SEO includes, among other things, the creation of specialized texts with relevant keywords and a corresponding structure. This leads to these texts—and thus your website—being better recognized and ranked higher by search engines like Google. Visitors searching for platforms like yours will find you faster in this way. 

E-mail Marketing: E-mail marketing is one of the most cost-efficient marketing measures. Here, you send e-mails with news and, for example, special offers and promotions to interested people. The problem is: you first have to get users to subscribe to your newsletter list. 

Paid Advertising: Can quickly become quite expensive, especially if managed by inexperienced individuals. Therefore, it is only worthwhile if you have an adequate budget available. This budget can vary greatly depending on the competition for keywords and the industry, but it should be at least 5,000 EUR for a two- to three-month campaign.

PR: Can be as expensive as paid advertising. It is best to avoid buying placements and instead promote your online platform with high-quality content. Good placement in search engines and on specialized portals and websites will then occur naturally and completely free of charge. Create a so-called press release and send it to online media. This way, you draw attention to yourself and give the respective media the opportunity to contact you and list and promote your portal. 

Guerrilla Marketing: Guerrilla marketing encompasses relatively low-cost and innovative marketing strategies that are considered extraordinary and can be groundbreaking for the success of an online platform. An example of this is the social network Twitter, which, many years ago during the Super Bowl in the USA, displayed users’ tweets in real time on large screens. By the end of the day, the number of Twitter users had quadrupled. Although the investment was not cheap at all, this tactic has contributed significantly to Twitter’s success today.

Examples of Online Platforms and Portals

After receiving numerous pieces of information on the topic of online platforms and knowing what to pay attention to, we would like to share with you some well-known online portals. These are meant to show you what a good online portal looks like and how your platform could look at the end of development.

Conclusion and Summary

Examples of an Online Platform