Almost 2 billion! That’s the number of websites on the internet right now. Staggering right?
By the time you’re done reading this article, several more will have spawned. Given that the internet has become the avenue to do business, these numbers will keep rising. The thing is, though, that a large part of them are inactive.
There are so many types of websites and web site designs that a lot of people have no idea what type will do well for their personal or business needs.
This means that they open different types of websites before they hit the sweet spot, and leave the rest as inactive. But how do you know which type of website and website design will fulfill your needs so you can avoid making a mistake straight off the bat?
Well, we have gathered in-depth information and brought you a comprehensive guide on 17 of the most incredible types of websites. We hope this helps you make an informed decision. There are simply so many options that you’ll be spoilt for choice and bound to find the one that will work perfectly for you.
1. eCommerce Website
eCommerce websites are shopping destinations where customers purchase products from various brands. There are many different types of eCommerce websites, but they should not be confused with business websites. They have a shopping cart and require customers to make purchases, enter delivery information, and have their products delivered.
If you want to sell items or products for your business, or just as a side hustle, an eCommerce website is the best option. Some of the most essential needs for this type of website is an SSL encryption to ensure the safety of your customer payment personal information and eCommerce software. A robust eCommerce web design can be an extension of an already existing website, or you can create one specifically for that.
2. A Business Website
This type of website is the closest to eCommerce, but it’s specifically devoted to promoting a business and not necessarily selling products. A business website must be branded as the business in terms of the company logo, brand colors, and positioning. The website aims to highlight and give advice about the products and services the business offers.
Out of the many different types of websites out there, this is basically one of the most common because every business right now needs one. In this day and age, all customers assume that the minute they search for a business on Google, they’ll find it and get more information. If you’re starting a business, you need this type of website.
It’s possible to combine a business website, eCommerce, and blogs all in one website, but this depends on your needs. Some companies prefer to have dedicated business websites where customers can find all the information they need about the business.
3. Portfolio Websites
Portfolio websites are those devoted to showcasing past work. For instance, if you’re a service provider who needs to showcase the quality of work you can provide to your potential clients, you’ll put up a portfolio website and post the best samples of your work. This type of website is very easy to build as it’s focused on just a simple task.
It’s an incredible type of website if you’re a freelancer or a creative professional such as graphic designers or architects. You get to direct all your potential customers here, and they can verify whether you meet their expectations.
4. Entertainment Websites
How many times have you visited entertainment websites online? Possibly hundreds, right!
There is a huge number of these, and they never run out of interesting content or gossip to pass around. Think about websites like Buzzfeed in this category and humor websites like The Onion.
There are different types of websites and different ways to monetize them. Entertainment websites get funds through advertisements. You can use many great website designs for this purpose and so many formats, from fun quizzes to funny videos and entertaining posts.
5. Media Websites
Media websites are exactly what they sound like. They collect news and reports about various industries and sectors. The main aim is to keep people informed about the happenings of the world. Some media websites overlap with entertainment, but they provide more news articles compared to entertainment content.
Most media websites are an extension of media houses looking to capture online customers that no longer use print or television news. Of course, some don’t have TV channels, newspapers, or magazines and operate fully online. If you want to start a media website, you’re likely to make money through advertising or subscriptions.
6. Brochure Websites
These are different types of websites quite similar to business websites. For instance, a small business with a limited budget can start with a brochure website instead of a business website. They understand that they need an online presence, but can’t invest a lot in it.
A simple brochure website that includes all the information customers need about the business serves the purpose. If you fall into this category, all you need is to lay a few basic things on the website page.
Provide information about your business, what products or services you offer, and your contact information where customers can reach you in case they want to know more.
7. Educational Websites
Educational websites include those used by educational institutions or people offering online courses and classes. An educational website can be dedicated to providing courses or information about educational institutions, though some combine both options.
Some people monetize their educational websites through advertisements as well. Many also sell educational materials and other related items.
8. Non-Profit Websites
These types of websites are used by non-profit organizations and need a place where donors can find more information about them. Everyone needs to have an online presence because people use the internet to find what they need. If, for instance, you want to make a donation to a charity outside town or internationally, it may be easier to make donations through online sources.
Building a non-profit website is also a great way to inform people about the cause. It’s an avenue to provide legitimacy and reach more people than an organization would locally. If you start this type of website, you can use it to showcase your online projects, encourage more people to take action, and donate.
9. Infopreneur Websites
You may want to consider different types of websites, which are infopreneur websites. Infopreneur websites provide or sell informational products. They could be in the form of ebooks, tutorials, videos, or courses.
With this type of website, you need to build your brand and showcase your in-depth knowledge of the content you’re selling to get loyal customers.
Similar to eCommerce websites, you also need to have a merchant account and SSL encryption to ensure the safety of your customers. Most infopreneurs create free and premium content. They give a taste of what they sell, engage customers, and convert them into buying customers.
10. Personal Websites
Personal websites are not aimed at making money in any way. If you only need a platform where you want to put your thoughts, you can start a personal website.
Take it as a journal where you document your feelings and opinions or knowledge about hobbies and activities you love. Personal websites include blogs, photo diaries, and vlogs.
There are so many travel blogs out there, for instance, and if your personal blog becomes popular enough, there are avenues to monetize it. It can evolve into something a lot of people love, and you’ll start getting business from advertisers and affiliates.
11. Community Forum of Wiki Websites
You’ve possibly visited Wikipedia several times, so you have an idea about what wiki websites look like. Wiki websites can be created for any subject or topic. The beauty is that multiple people are able to contribute their knowledge and information. You can create a wiki website for a fan community, a business resource, or any informative information.
Wiki or forum websites are quite easy to start. Most people opt to use available wiki site builders or software instead of creating websites from scratch. Of course, you can opt for the latter depending on the information and resources you want to build on.
12. Niche Affiliate Marketing Websites
Niche websites have become some of the most popular as they are an excellent option for affiliate marketing. Affiliate marketing took the world by storm recently, and thousands of people have boarded the bandwagon to tons of money.
Niche affiliate websites place focus on a specific range of products and services. They cater to smaller target markets looking for those products. They make money through affiliate referral programs with companies like Amazon and get commissions from sales made through their websites.
13. Review Websites
Reviews have become an important part of the purchasing journey for a majority of customers. Most people take customer reviews like they would personal recommendations, and review websites provide just that.
Customers can leave reviews on company or business websites. However, there are dedicated and trustworthy websites where various businesses are rated. Some of the most popular review websites are Yelp and Google My Business.
14. Online Community Websites
Online community websites are designed to facilitate interactions amongst individuals sharing common interests. These types of websites may focus on particular sports, music, towns, hobbies, or activities, and other interests. A community website could have one or more forums with message boards where users chat and interact with each other.
Some are private and can only be used or viewed by community members, but most of them are public, and anyone can join and contribute. For privacy reasons, people avoid using their real names on public community websites. The websites usually have moderators to oversee that community rules are followed, and a safe atmosphere is maintained.
15. Directory Websites
Directory or contact websites are focused on connecting customers with businesses. Most directory websites have repository lists of people and businesses within an organization. For instance, restaurants can feature eateries in certain areas. They can highlight their menus, reviews, price ranges, and contact information.
The nature of the organization determines what a directory website will look like. For instance, a dentist organization in one state could create a directory website. They’ll list all the dentists in different areas, areas of expertise, and offer their contact information.
16. Photography and Video Websites
There are millions of people that enjoy photography, some as professionals, and others as hobbyists. Most of them use photography community websites to showcase their work. There are websites dedicated to sharing photographs, including stock photographs.
Apart from photographs, videos have become increasingly popular, with over 2 billion YouTube active users. Apart from having a video platform account, such as YouTube or Vimeo, having your own website means that users will find all your content in one place.
17. Job Boards
The internet has made it easy to find everything, including jobs. Skilled and niche labor is very hard to find, and job boards make it easy by listing all the opportunities available in various sectors. Job board websites allow companies, organizations, or employers to list job openings available. Potential candidates apply through their online portals.
For instance, if you need a tutor, assistant, or gardener, you can check out one of the various job boards available and search for what you need. If you were to start a job board, whether locally, nationally, or internationally, you’ll make money as the middleman and may even sell banner space.
The Different Types of Websites You Need to Know
There are many different types of websites, and with so many options, choosing the right one may be a bit tricky. However, now that you understand what different types of websites you can build, especially for your business, you have a clearer line of thought about which direction to head.
If you still need a little more guidance, please go to our blog section where we have so much more information for you. Better yet, give us a call and we’ll be more than glad to guide you.
