The ultimate guide for business & IT decision makers who want to get started with a custom customer portal
Last edited on 26/06/25 by Esmée van der Made
Up to 30% fewer support tickets within three months, that is the result that a modern customer portal can have. Organizations that get started with a tailor-made portal experience immediate benefits.
According to Gartner, more than 70% of all new applications, such as online portals, will be developed with low-code technology in 2025. Customers nowadays expect to be able to arrange things themselves 24/7. Suppliers that do not keep up with this expectation will be left behind.
What is a customer portal?
A customer portal is a secure online environment in which users can access personal data, documents and communicate with the organization. Often, specific services are also available via the portal, such as submitting requests for new products. This central digital customer environment can be accessed anytime and anywhere. The result? Higher customer satisfaction and improved efficiency.
Why have a customer portal created?
Improved customer satisfaction Direct access to information and services is taken for granted. A customer portal provides this and contributes to higher customer satisfaction and strengthens customer loyalty.
Efficiency and cost savings Automating processes and offering self-service options in a customer portal makes it possible to use time and resources more efficiently. This reduces operational costs and increases productivity.
24/7 availability Access to information and functionalities is possible via a portal at any time of the day. Users can perform actions independently, without being bound to office hours.
Data security and compliance A carefully developed customer portal complies with current security standards and legislation, including the GDPR. This ensures secure processing of customer data.
The advantages of low-code when developing a customer portal
Low-code platforms, such as Silicon Low Code, provide a development environment that allows applications, such as portals, to be built quickly and with minimal manual coding. The benefits include:
Fast development: Projects can be completed in weeks instead of months.
Flexibility: Simple adjustments and updates without extensive coding.
Integration: Integration with existing systems and databases to work smartly with existing data.
Cost savings: Less development time means lower costs.
User-friendliness: Intuitive interfaces for both administrators and end users.
When having a customer portal created, it is important to consider at least the following functions:
Dashboard: Often the first screen the user sees after logging in, this is an overview of relevant information and actions.
Self-service: Customers can manage data and submit requests themselves, changes are immediately forwarded to the correct departments and systems.
Communication: Direct message exchange between customer and organization.
Security: Protection of customer data according to the requirements of the organization and legislation.
Reports: Display data in clear reports, for example to inform users about their progress at a glance.
The great advantage of having a customized customer portal developed is of course that in addition to these generic functions, unique screens and functionalities can also be added. The portal can be made exactly to match the unique processes of your organization.
Checklist: Step-by-step plan for creating a customer portal
Determine objectives: Determine which business objectives are being pursued with the customer portal. Consider improving customer satisfaction, reducing support pressure or strengthening customer loyalty.
Analyse user needs: Investigate which expectations and wishes exist among customers with regard to the portal. These insights form the basis for a user-friendly solution.
Define functionalities: Map out which functions are absolutely necessary. These so-called must-haves determine the foundation of the customer portal.
Platform choice: Select a suitable development partner or platform that meets the functional requirements and high standards in the field of security and scalability.
Design and development: Develop a custom customer portal based on the agreed functionalities and user requirements. Ensure an intuitive design that matches daily practice.
Testing: Perform extensive tests, for example with a customer panel, to ensure functionality and user-friendliness.
Implementation: Introduce the customer portal to all customers and ensure smooth commissioning.
Good communication and guidance are essential here.
Maintenance and updates: Provide the portal with regular updates and extensions. This way, it remains optimal and is continuously connected to changing needs.
What a customised customer portal adds for users and customers
A customer portal that is fully aligned with unique business processes delivers significant benefits, both for customers and internal users. Instead of working with generic solutions and their associated limitations, a customised solution focuses on your own working method. Specific needs and processes form the starting point from the initial design to the final development.
Customer portals increase convenience for users
For customers, this means a seamless and intuitive experience. Relevant information is easy to find, services can be easily purchased and communication runs smoothly. Everything within one central environment that is set up based on user needs and perfectly matches the visual identity of the organisation. This not only increases customer satisfaction, but also strengthens loyalty and trust in your brand.
Save time with automatic processes in portals
Intern maakt een op maat ontwikkeld portaal het mogelijk om processen te stroomlijnen en te automatiseren. Internally, a customised portal makes it possible to streamline and automate processes. Because the portal connects to existing systems and is set up according to your own workflows, employees can work more efficiently. The result? Fewer errors, more time savings and better collaboration between departments.
In short, a customer portal designed based on your own processes is a powerful link in improving both the customer experience and internal efficiency.
Example of two custom portals
Silicon Low Code: Your partner in customer portal development
Silicon Low Code offers a platform that allows you to quickly and efficiently develop a customised customer portal. With years of experience in various sectors, from insurance to education, we understand better than anyone how to translate the unique needs of an organisation into an efficient portal.
Our approach guarantees:
Speed: From concept to go-live in record time.
Customisation: Solutions that precisely match business processes.
Support: Expert guidance during and after implementation.
With this approach, we create a customer portal together that not only meets expectations at the time of development, but is also ready for the future.
Ready to get started with your own portal?
Want to have a customer portal created that meets the requirements of today and tomorrow? Discover the possibilities with Silicon Low Code, contact us today for a free demo.
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