Does my website need “functionality” and what does it cost?

Jeff Sokol - Web DirectorWritten by: Jeff SokolWeb Director

If your website needs to do something, it likely means you need some functionality. And needing functionality means that your website probably won’t fit nicely into most website development companies’ cute little pre-made website packages. Website functionality and custom programming can be costly, so do you really need it? Most business-to-consumer websites are just fine existing on basic content delivery and standard call-to-action methods. However, as technology advances, consumers expect to have the ability to do more and more on your website, and even from their smartphones. Soon your website may even need to be able to 3dprint them your product (sarcasm)!

  • Do you need to sell a product? Functionality.
  • Do you need to have members login? Functionality.
  • Do you need to store data for future manipulation? Functionality.

If your website needs to do more than display information and have a fillable contact form, you guessed it. Functionality. We can accomplish adding functionality to your website through 3rd party applications or through custom programming. The direction to go depends on your budget and your expectations.

3rd Party Applications

If you need your website to do something common, chances are there is a software already built for your needs. Ecommerce, forums, members’ areas, directories, newsletters, scheduling; these things are very common, and depending on your expectations, we can find a platform to accomplish your needs. Keep in mind you may need to change the way you want to do something to fit the way it can be done, but you can save bunches-of-moolah this way. Don’t worry, it can be fun making sacrifices.

Custom Programming

If you want to break the mold and give a custom experience to your user, you likely need custom programming. Don’t get me wrong, you may be able to create an experience that works with a 3rd party, but it might not be perfect. Let’s say your business sells rental time with mules at the Grand Canyon. Do you check if the user has their mule training before making the purchase? Is their account debited on the day of the rental? Do they have to choose a scheduled time within limited availability? Do you give them the ability to choose their mule’s outfit for the day? To make a superior, streamlined user-experience, you need to say yes to all these things, which means saying no to an out-of-the-box solution.

So, what’s it going to cost?

Everything. Just kidding, I’m not Thanos. Although, a loaded question does get you a loaded answer. It depends.

It depends on your expectations. Let me pose a similar question to you. What’s a car cost? Brand new, you could go for the 2019 Nissan Versa at $13,225. Or you could go for a new BMW in the 6-digit range. Or why not go with the Mercedes-Benz Maybach Exelero for a cool $8mil. You could also save some serious cheddar by going used (read 3rd Party). My point is, I don’t know what your website functionality is going to cost without knowing a bit more about your wants and needs, but we can work through the weeds and find out together.