The intended end user of a website often times should determine the functionality of the website. For example, the website of your financial institution allows for you to securely login to your unique account and view real-time transaction, prior history, transfer money, etc. This is common functionality one should expect as basic account access and as a benefit of being an account holder of any bank, credit union, etc. whether regional or national.

Dynamic, Real-Time Database Driven Websites

Web-based access to your account information is only of value to you if it is current. Prior to the Internet, you waited every 30 days to receive a billing statement and your bank only called you if there was a problem. In the 21st century and beyond, only real-time information is is relevant for time sensitive data.

In database driven websites, planning and architecture must go into how, where and what format data is being stored and collected must be identified first before any possible usage of such information becomes possible. For example, if you were to develop a crime reporting website, then criminal statistics must be available to you electronically from whatever law enforcement agency you were to base your information upon.

Database driven websites that require complex filtering, custom graphic user interfaces (GUI) and/or require a "pulling" of raw data from a third party entities, etc. are more expensive than basic information websites. Please understand if you wish to become the next Craig's List, eBay, Face Book, YouTube.com, etc. then be prepared for a significant financial investment.

Subscription/Membership-Based Websites

If you believe there is perceived value in having access to the data aggregated, stored or displayed on your website (whether free or paid); then a subscription or membership custom website can be developed. For example, online dating websites such as Match.com, eHarmony.com, True.com, etc. offer an online subscription for access to and among their members. These online dating websites usually offer a "teaser" with free registration which entitles a new user to temporary access to limited information during a trial period. These online dating companies mentioned have literally spent millions of IT dollars building, supporting and marketing their subscription based dating websites.

Although it does not take millions of dollars to develop a subscription/membership-based website, it is not cheap. Eight out of ten subscription/membership-based websites fail because the paid subscribers or paying advertisers are not covering their ongoing operations; nor recouping the cost of the original development.

Myth #1 - The idea for your subscription/membership website is different.
Sorry, it's really not. An idea on the Internet is only original for about 15 minutes. However, finding your same concept idea in the search engines or word of mouth might be a different matter.

Myth #2 - Advertisers will pay to be on your website
This is actually true, but the popular misconception is your subscription/membership website will quickly pay for itself via advertising dollars. If your subscription/membership website ever breaks even, it will take several months or even years of ongoing activity and work.

Myth #3 - You'll be number #1 on Google
The short answer is no..... not without time, investment and effort. Google does not care what you invested in your website. Google does not care what your website looks like visually. Google does not care that you are a member of the local chamber of commerce.

Click here to inquire about membership/access based website development.