What features are necessary for a matching site? Essential features realized with WordPress

Hello, I'm Wakatchi (@wakatchi_tech ).

When creating a matching site, there are several important features to ensure that it fully meets the needs of users and allows for smooth interaction. In particular, profile management, message functions, search functions, etc. are essential elements for creating an easy-to-use and reliable matching site.

In this article, we will introduce the functions necessary for a matching site.

Features required for a matching site ①: Creating and managing user profiles

First, the foundation of a matching site is the ability to create and manage user profiles. Users publish their information through their profiles to improve mutual understanding with other users.

Furthermore, if you can set details such as hobbies and interests in your profile, as well as your current status and the conditions you are looking for in a partner, matching accuracy will increase and user satisfaction will also increase.

With WordPress, you can easily implement basic profile functionality using plugins such as Ultimate Member and Profile Builder.

Even beginners can set up the service smoothly, as the required items during member registration and the flow for confirming email addresses can be covered to some extent through the settings on the plugin side.

By installing these plug-ins, users can freely edit their profile information and easily add photos and self-introductions. In addition, by combining extensions, you can create a variety of profile layouts, such as checking boxes for hobbies and interests and displaying multiple image galleries.

However, if you require advanced profile functionality, there will be cases where the standard plug-in alone will not be sufficient.

For example, you may need more complex customization, such as filtering on specific criteria, adding custom fields, or the ability to compare profiles between users.

In that case, you may want to consider developing methods that take advantage of WordPress core mechanisms, such as customizing plugins or using your own custom post types and user meta tables.

---

Features required for a matching site ②: Matching site algorithm

A matching site's algorithm is an important feature for effectively matching users, and the more accurate the algorithm, the better the user experience will be, and the more reliable the site will be.

For example, if there were a system to group users based on their hobbies, preferences, and behavior history and recommend the most suitable candidates, the success rate of matching between users would increase dramatically.

Although WordPress does not have such advanced algorithms as a standard feature, it is possible to set basic search conditions using a plugin.

A minimum level of matching accuracy can be ensured simply by providing multiple conditions in the search form and allowing users to search by combining them freely.

However, as you run a site, you will come across limits when it comes to managing more detailed conditions to meet the diverse needs of users and presenting recommendations in real time.

Custom development may be required to implement more complex matching algorithms.

For example, in order to improve matching accuracy using a machine learning approach based on user behavior data and specific attributes, advanced data processing on the backend and the use of external APIs are essential.

This enables recommendations and filtering that are optimized for each user, greatly improving the convenience and reliability of matching sites.

---

Features required for a matching site ③: Utilization of user submissions

When building a flea market or job posting site with WordPress, you need a system that searches and matches products and job information posted by users, rather than matching based on user profiles.

For example, flea markets search for products posted by users, job sites search for job information posted by companies, and buyers and job seekers are matched based on these searches.

Unlike matching based on user profiles, on such sites, it is important to not only be able to search for posts, but also to strengthen search functionality and improve matching accuracy.

Additionally, by adding recommendation and message functions to smoothen interactions between users, you can further increase the success rate of matching.

As introduced in this article, please note that matching sites that involve payment, such as flea markets, require transaction control and cannot be easily implemented.

---

Features required for a matching site ④: Messaging function

Messaging functionality is essential to ensure smooth communication between users after they are matched.

No matter what type of matching you do, you'll feel at ease if you can send messages directly.

WordPress allows you to provide basic messaging functionality using plugins such as Ultimate Member, BuddyPress, and Better Messages.

This allows users to interact privately within the site and prevents them from leaving the site.

However, if you require more advanced features such as read receipts, message encryption, or video conferencing, additional custom development is required.

Especially for sites with large user populations, it's important to optimize the performance of your messaging features to keep them running smoothly.

---

Features required for a matching site ⑤: Membership function (paid/free plan)

Many matching sites generally offer paid and free plans depending on the user's usage and needs.

This type of plan separation not only provides users with flexible options, but is also an important pillar of monetizing your site.

By providing paid members with special features and content not available on free plans, as well as priority support, you can increase satisfaction and maximize revenue.

With WordPress, you can easily build a membership site like this by using plugins such as MemberPress and Ultimate Member.

These plugins allow you to offer limited features and content to free users, while giving specific access rights, exclusive pages, and downloadable content to users who sign up for paid plans. You can.

Another attractive feature is that you can customize the revenue model in detail, such as different pricing structures for each plan, automatic renewal settings, and coupon code issuance.

Furthermore, it is possible to take measures to increase user engagement by providing special promotions and information on limited events for paid members.

In this way, appropriate plan design and membership management can make matching site operations more efficient and sustainable.

---

summary

The functions required for a matching site range from user profile management to messaging functions and membership systems.

WordPress has the flexibility to implement these basic functions with plugins, but if you need more advanced functionality or customization, it becomes essential to introduce paid plugins or professional support. .

Thank you for reading this far!