Online Platform Functionality: 25 Functionalities for a Successful Online Platform

Anyone who has developed a detailed business model can then create a professional online platform. However, building such a platform requires extensive expertise and can only succeed with thorough planning. This also includes defining all the necessary functionalities in a requirements specification. This specification is the basis for every programming effort, and any change to the intended functionalities can result in increased project costs as well as unwanted delays in development.

A good overview of the entire project and a solid concept of its implementation can simplify the process of successfully launching your own online platform. However, a precise definition of all functions and their scope is practical in order to save considerable time and money, ensuring that the developers can follow a clear concept.

Which Online Platform Do You Want to Create?

User Groups

When creating an online platform, the focus should always be on the future user groups. Therefore, every operator of an online platform should clarify the question of target groups in advance. Once the target groups he wishes to address have been defined, he can tailor his business idea to the needs of these user groups.

Most online platforms are so-called matching platforms, where the seeker is connected with the desired target. For example, on a job platform for employment, the job seeker is matched with the employer.

Sitemap

Every sitemap on a website is used to describe the available offerings in the form of a menu and thus guide the user seamlessly to the desired subpages of an online platform.

However, creating a practical sitemap is much more labor-intensive than selecting the user groups. These important subpages should definitely be represented in the sitemap menu:

Homepage

A homepage is like an extensive digital business card and should make an excellent impression. In this context, the design is just as important as usability and UX/UI design. The first impression is especially critical, as every user decides within the first 2 to 3 seconds whether to stay on the homepage or not. It is therefore crucial to capture the visitor’s interest within seconds when creating an online platform.

There are several CTAs (Call to Action) buttons that are important for the online platform and should definitely be used to secure success:

Process

You should also plan the process for an online platform in detail to better manage the user groups.

Provider Chat

The better you know and apply the process, the more secure the sales process will run.

Products

For an online platform, the purpose of the platform should be determined in advance. If it is to be a sales platform, there must already be clarity about the product selection so that the corresponding functions can be created.

Most online platforms, however, offer services that require completely different filters and functionalities than sales platforms. These require less complex programming than an online shop, although a detailed description of the products or services is important.

Prices

A pricing structure should also be in place for an online platform since it is the basis for the expected profit, which in turn determines success or failure. In addition, the pricing structure should be adapted to the needs of the customers.

A precise definition of the prices and the respective services is helpful in this regard.

Create Listing

It makes sense to plan the process for posting a listing in advance, because the more functional the creation process is designed, the more appealing it is for customers. On an online platform, this simple functionality must be considered, with attention paid to the exact variables.

Here is a suggestion for the best sequence:

Search Form

Every online platform needs an effective search, and for an online shop or a marketplace it is indispensable. The design of the search function is important on an online platform, as a flawed algorithm can have disastrous consequences. The questions regarding the necessary search fields and the filters to be used should also be clarified in advance.

Some important filter functions for the search:

Detail Page

Both the detail page and the product page are similar in that they include information about the services and special features. The more detailed the products are described, the easier it is for the customer to make a purchasing decision. However, the customer should not be overwhelmed by too much information, as this could have a negative impact.

Practical information for a detail page:

Provider / Customer

On an online platform, it may also be necessary to give a user access to the functions of the provider as well as those of the customer within their account. If a separation is possible, it should be granted. However, with dating platforms it is often necessary to have access to both functions.

Profile

For an optimal profile menu, usability is essential. The following options provide a reasonable starting point to focus on when creating an online platform:

There are also other interesting functions such as profile settings, statistics, invoices, the ability to upload files, and similar options.

Messages

Some online platforms derive their success from their chat functions. If a chat function is important on an online platform, it must be given special attention. A dating platform without a chat function misses its purpose, much like other matching platforms. If it is necessary for providers and customers to be able to contact each other, at least a messenger function should be available.

Design

To strengthen and support your own brand, a modern or unique design is of great importance. It has been proven that design has a major impact on customer behavior and affects conversion rates. In this regard, it can be helpful to take inspiration from successful platforms. However, the result should be neither a copy nor a duplicate in order to preserve the uniqueness of your own online platform. The logo can help emphasize your own brand.

UX

UX stands for User Experience, i.e., the user experience. This term refers to the simple and intuitive usability of the online platform for a user. The greater the usability, the higher the satisfaction as well as the conversion rate, which means higher revenue for the platform operator.

Payment Methods

The more payment methods available, the higher the chance of closing a sale. Experienced online platforms prefer to use the trusted and well-known providers with wide distribution, such as: PayPal, credit card, instant transfer, direct debit, purchase on invoice, and cash on delivery.

Monetization

For creating an online platform, it is important to consider how the payment process should work. There are 2 options for this:

1. Option: The customer pays the platform operator, who takes a commission and pays the remainder to the provider. 2. Option: The customer pays the provider directly.

However, there are also other business models.

Emails

The email function should be considered an integral part of an online platform, as it is not only important for the customer and provider, but also for the operator.

Important reasons for sending an email notification:

Terms & Conditions

The general terms and conditions are a legal necessity for any type of business, which also applies to any type of online platform.

Favorites

If a favorites function is necessary, it can be applied to listings or within the profile.

Reviews

A review function should not only satisfy the curiosity of the platform operator but also give the customer the feeling that their opinion matters, thereby creating greater customer loyalty.

Interactive Map

If the geographical location plays a significant role on an online platform, an interactive map should be included. For example, on a dating platform, the search radius can be limited.

Social Login

A direct login via the usual social media channels can be an optional function, which however has become standard on many online platforms.

Invoices

An invoice function can provide a better overview of all transactions for both user groups, especially for frequently recurring bookings.

Calendar

A calendar function can be very helpful on all online platforms offering courses and seminars to ease planning and workflow for the users.

Blog

A blog can support existing content marketing strategies and can cost-effectively attract additional users. Furthermore, this function offers additional potential for positive SEO effects.

Online Platform Functionalities

Conclusion

Free Consultation