What are the top website functionalities to consider when designing a new website?

Top Website Functionalities to add to your Wish List and how much they cost.

Website-Page-buildingTop Website Functionalities

Here are some common functionalities our clients have often requested for their websites, along with our typical web development/design hours, a description of functionality, and value to end users.

1. Responsive Design (Mobile Optimization)

  • Functionality: Ensures the website is user-friendly on all devices (mobile, tablet, desktop), automatically adapting layouts to fit screen sizes.

  • Hours Needed: 15–30 hours

    • Designing responsive layouts: 10–15 hours

    • Testing and adjustments: 5–15 hours

  • Cost Range: $1,500-$2,250

  • Value to Visitor:

    • Provides seamless browsing on any device.

    • Enhances usability and accessibility on the go.


2. Content Management System (CMS) Integration

  • Functionality: Allows easy updates to text, images, and other content using platforms like WordPress, HubSpot, or Drupal.
  • Hours Needed: 10–50 hours
    • CMS setup and customization: 8–25 hours
    • Adding templates/modules: 1–15 hours
    • Testing and training: 1–10 hours
  • Cost Range: $1,500-$7,500
  • Value to Visitor:
    • Ensures up-to-date and accurate content.
    • Improves navigation and resource availability.

3. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

  • Functionality: Optimizes the website for better search engine rankings, including metadata, keyword implementation, and schema markup.
  • Hours Needed: 10–40 hours
    • On-page SEO (titles, descriptions, alt tags): 10–20 hours
    • Schema markup and advanced SEO: 5–15 hours
    • Analytics setup: 5 hours
  • Cost Range: $1,500-$6,000
  • Value to Visitor:
    • Makes content easier to find on search engines.
    • Provides relevant, tailored information quickly.

4. E-commerce Functionality

  • Functionality: Enables online shopping, including product pages, cart functionality, secure checkout, and payment gateways.
  • Hours Needed: 30–100+ hours
    • E-commerce platform setup: 10–30 hours
    • Product uploads and configurations: 5–20 hours
    • Payment gateway integration: 10–15 hours
    • Testing and troubleshooting: 5–20+ hours
  • Cost Range: $4,500+
  • Value to Visitor:
    • Enables a smooth online shopping experience.
    • Offers secure and convenient payment options.

5. Interactive Forms and Lead Capture

  • Functionality: Provides visitors with easy-to-use forms for contacting the business, requesting quotes, or submitting inquiries, often connected to a CRM.
  • Hours Needed: 10–20 hours
    • Form design and integration: 5–10 hours
    • Database/CRM connection: 5–10 hours
  • Cost Range: $1,500-$3,000
  • Value to Visitor:
    • Simplifies inquiries and service requests.
    • Provides a direct way to connect with the business.

6. User Authentication and Profiles

  • Functionality: Offers logins, user dashboards, or profiles for a personalized experience.
  • Hours Needed: 40–80 hours
    • Backend development: 30–50 hours
    • Frontend UI design: 10–20 hours
  • Cost Range: $6,000-$12,000
  • Value to Visitor:
    • Offers personalized experiences and recommendations.
    • Improves security and access to account-specific content.

7. Blog or News Section

  • Functionality: A dynamic area to publish articles, news, updates, or tips, often managed through a CMS.
  • Hours Needed: 10–25 hours
    • Blog template creation: 5–10 hours
    • CMS configuration for blog posts: 5–10 hours
    • Tagging and categorization setup: 5 hours
  • Cost Range: $1,500-$3,750
  • Value to Visitor:
    • Provides fresh, engaging, and informative content.
    • Keeps visitors informed about trends and updates.

8. Integration with Third-Party Tools

  • Functionality: Connects the website to external platforms like CRMs, email marketing tools, or booking systems.
    • Basic API integration: 10–20 hours
    • Advanced/custom integrations: 20–30+ hours 
  • Hours Needed: 20–50 hours
  • Cost Range: $1,500-$2,250
  • Value to Visitor:
    • Offers seamless booking, communication, and service access.
    • Enhances convenience through connected platforms.

9. Advanced Search Functionality

  • Functionality: Provides search features with filters, predictive search, or advanced options for products or content.
  • Hours Needed: 15–40 hours
    • Basic search setup: 10–20 hours
    • Advanced filters or predictive elements: 20–40+ hours
  • Cost Range: $2,250-$6,000
  • Value to Visitor:
    • Saves time with quick, accurate search results.
    • Allows filtering for specific needs or interests.

10. Multimedia Galleries (Videos, Images, Slideshows)

  • Functionality: Displays dynamic visuals such as photos, videos, or interactive slideshows for a richer experience.
  • Hours Needed: 10–25 hours
    • Multimedia template creation: 5–15 hours
    • Embedding media and testing: 5–10 hours
  • Cost Range: $1,500-$3,750
  • Value to Visitor:
    • Creates a visually engaging experience.
    • Demonstrates products or services interactively.

11. Live Chat/Chatbots

  • Functionality: Enables real-time customer support through chat or automated bots.
  • Hours Needed: 10–20 hours
    • Chat platform integration: 5–10 hours
    • Custom chatbot logic (if needed): 5–10 hours
  • Cost Range: $2,250-$6,000
  • Value to Visitor:
    • Provides instant answers to questions or concerns.
    • Improves accessibility to customer support.

12. Secure Hosting and SSL Certificate

  • Functionality: Protects user data through encryption and ensures secure browsing with HTTPS.
  • Hours Needed: 5–10 hours
    • SSL certificate installation: 1–2 hours
    • Secure hosting setup and optimization: 3–8 hours
  • Cost Range: $750-$1,500
  • Value to Visitor:
    • Protects personal and payment data.
    • Builds trust with secure browsing.

13. Analytics and Performance Tracking

  • Functionality: Tracks user behavior, engagement, and traffic using tools like Google Analytics or Tag Manager.
  • Hours Needed: 5–15 hours
    • Google Analytics/Tag Manager setup: 5–10 hours
    • Dashboard customization: 5 hours
  • Cost Range: $750-$2,250
  • Value to Visitor:
    • Ensures the website evolves based on visitor needs.
    • Improves content relevance and user experience.

14. Accessibility Compliance

  • Functionality: Adheres to ADA/WCAG standards to make the site usable for people with disabilities.
  • Hours Needed: 15–30 hours
    • Auditing and adjustments for compliance: 10–20 hours
    • Testing tools (e.g., screen readers): 5–10 hours
  • Cost Range: $2,250-$4,500
  • Value to Visitor:
    • Ensures usability for people with disabilities.
    • Promotes inclusivity and equal access to content.

15. Custom Animations or Effects

  • Functionality: Adds visual effects like animations, transitions, or parallax scrolling for enhanced user engagement.
  • Hours Needed: 15–40 hours
    • Animation development: 10–30 hours
    • Testing and optimization: 5–10 hours
  • Cost Range: $2,250-$6,000
  • Value to Visitor:
    • Enhances visual appeal and engagement.

••Creates a memorable and interactive browsing experience.