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Did you know there are more than 1.13 billion websites in the world? Surprisingly, only 18% are active. But why? The most common reasons include forgetting to renew hosting subscriptions or domain registrations.
But there's another, often overlooked reason that most people aren’t aware of the website's purpose. Not all websites are created equal.
Each type serves a specific vision and mission. Imagine building a blog for your e-commerce business - it wouldn't be the most effective approach.
That’s why you must clearly understand what you’re looking for in a website. To avoid this pitfall, let's explore different types of websites with their examples. Keep reading to learn how to choose the right website format for your goals.
Let's check it out.
10 Types of Websites With Their Examples & Structures
The web is packed with all sorts of sites, but which one is right for you? Don't worry; we've got your back. We're breaking down 10 website types to help you make an informed decision.
Blog Website
A blog website is a type of website that mainly focuses on written content. The term "blog" is derived from "weblog". It's the most common type of website in the world, with a staggering 600 million blog websites.
Who Needs Blog Websites?
- Individuals: You can use blogs for various reasons, like sharing your experiences, interests, or hobbies.
- Businesses: If you run a business, you can market it through a blog website. You can create informative content related to your industry to attract potential customers.
- Professionals: Experts and consultants in various fields use blogs to share their knowledge, establish authority, and attract clients.
Types of Blog Websites
There are several types of blog websites you’ll find on the internet. Here are some of the most common types:
- Food blogs
- Fashion and beauty blogs
- Travel blogs
- Health and fitness blogs
- Lifestyle blogs
- Finance blogs
Structure of a Blog Website
Almost all the websites have the same feature. But certain specific features differ from others. However, if you wanna create a blog website, you must include the following features:
- Content Management System (CMS): You can create, edit, manage, and publish digital content easily with CMS. WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, and Agility CMS are some of the best CMS software.
- Sharing Buttons: Although this feature is used on other types of websites, it is one of the must-have features for a blog website. It helps readers share your content through different social media platforms.
- Bio Section: This feature is for information about the author of each post.
- Comments Section: With this, you can help your readers to leave comments and give them opportunities to interact directly with you.
Example of a Perfect Blog Website
You’ve probably heard of Healthline, one of the world's most visited healthcare blogs. What we like about them most is that every article has social sharing buttons for platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
They also feature a well-organized menu, including categories like Health conditions, discover, and plan. They also include a comments section for reader engagement and discussion.
So, you can follow their structure if you plan to build a blog website.
E-Commerce Website
An e-commerce website is a digital version of a physical store. It showcases your products or services and allows you to sell them to customers over the Internet.
Who Needs an eCommerce Website?
- Service-Based Businesses: You can build this type of website if you offer services, such as consulting, moving services, or pest control to sell your services.
- Retailers and Wholesalers: Any business that sells physical products can use an eCommerce website to reach a wider audience and increase sales.
Types of E-commerce Websites
There are several types of eCommerce websites:
- Business-to-consumer (B2C)
- Single brand websites
- Business-to-business (B2B)
- Consumer-to-consumer (C2C)
- Affiliate marketing websites
Structure of an E-commerce Website
If you plan to create an e-commerce website, don’t skip the following features:
- Product Pages: Each product has its own dedicated page that includes product images and videos, detailed descriptions including specifications, dimensions, pricing information, add to cart or buy now options etc.
- Category Pages: These pages allow you to list products based on categories or subcategories. Also, you can help customers narrow down their choices (by price, brand, size, etc.).
- Shopping Cart: This is a page that displays all items added by the user for purchase. The user can update the quantities or remove items. The cart also shows estimated totals, including taxes and shipping costs.
E-commerce Website Example
It's a perfect example of an e-commerce site. Amazon uses an easy, user-friendly structure.
The homepage refers to vast product categories like electronics, fashion, homeware, and more. Each category has subcategories for further filtering so your customers can easily find the product they’re looking for.
Pro Tip: You must optimize your product pages with high-quality images and detailed descriptions to enhance user experience.
Educational Website
Educational websites are designed to provide learning resources, courses, and information on different subjects. College or university websites, even podcast and wiki websites, fall under educational websites.
Who Needs Educational Websites?
- Students: If you’re a student or learner, you can use educational websites to learn new subjects, access study materials, and take online courses.
- Teachers and Educators: They use these sites for lesson planning, finding teaching resources, and professional development.
- Institutions: Universities, schools, and training centers host educational websites to offer online courses and academic programs.
Types of Educational Websites
There is no true classification of this type of website. However, based on the kind of information they offer, they could be:
- General educational websites
- Language learning websites
- Government education websites
- Science websites
- How to website
- Digital libraries
Structure of an Educational Website
The structure of an educational website can vary depending on the type of website. However, most educational websites will include the following features:
- Course Listings: Detailed pages for each course, including descriptions, prerequisites, and enrollment options.
- Learning Management System (LMS): Every educational website has tools for course delivery, student management, and assessment.
- Search Functionality: This feature helps to get the desired information as quickly as possible.
Example of an Educational Website
Khan Academy is a nonprofit educational organization that provides free online courses and learning materials.
The Khan Academy website includes various resources, such as video tutorials, practice exercises, and assessments. This structure helps you easily sell courses and engage visitors.
Portfolio Website
A portfolio website is a digital space where individuals or businesses showcase their work, skills, projects, and accomplishments. It's like a personal online resume or brand.
Who Needs a Portfolio Website?
- Freelancers: Designers, writers, photographers, and other creative professionals use portfolio websites to display their work.
- Artists and Creators: Artists, musicians, and performers showcase their portfolios to attract fans or sponsors.
- Businesses: Companies use portfolio websites to display past projects and client testimonials to attract new business.
Structure of a Portfolio Website
Here are some key things about portfolio websites:
- Portfolio Section: Detailed showcase of projects with descriptions, images, and sometimes videos.
- About Section: Information about the individual or business, including background, skills, and achievements.
- Contact Information: This is an easy way for potential clients or employers to get in touch.
- Testimonials: Reviews or feedback from previous clients or collaborators.
Example of a Portfolio Website
Steve Wolf Designs is a great example of a portfolio website you can learn from. It grabs visitors' attention with clear, high-quality images. The website is easy to navigate because it uses a neat grid layout.
This lets you see each design project clearly, and they use all the available space to showcase their work.
News Website
News websites are digital platforms that provide the latest news and updates on various topics. They aim to deliver timely and accurate information to their audience. You can generate revenue from subscription and ad monetization.
Who Needs News Websites?
- Media Companies: This includes traditional news outlets like newspapers, TV stations, and radio stations that use websites to expand their reach.
- Government Agencies: They can use news websites to share public information and announce new programs and policies.
- Educational Institutions: They can use news websites to share research findings, upcoming events, and alumni success stories.
Types of News Websites
- General News Websites: Cover various topics, such as CNN, BBC, and The New York Times.
- Niche News Websites: Focus on specific topics or industries, such as TechCrunch for technology news or ESPN for sports news.
- Local News Websites: Provide news relevant to a specific city, state, or region, such as local newspapers' online editions.
Structure of a News Website
Here are some special features that are only found on news websites:
- Weather and Ticker: Real-time updates on weather conditions or a constantly updated ticker with breaking news snippets.
- Category Pages: Dedicated pages for different news categories (e.g., world news, local news, business, technology).
- Search Functionality: Allows users to find articles or topics of interest quickly.
- Subscription and Registration: Users can subscribe to newsletters or create an account for personalized content.
News Website Example
An excellent example of a news website is BBC News. It offers a user-friendly structure that includes:
- Homepage: Featuring the latest headlines and trending news.
- Category Sections: Covering areas like world news, UK news, business, technology, and more.
- Live Updates: Providing real-time news coverage and updates on ongoing events.
Example of a Forum Website
Pro Tip: Add a breaking news scroll bar to keep visitors engaged and informed.
Forum Website
Social or network forums are an easy way to share thoughts and connect with people with the same interests. These websites facilitate conversations, information sharing, and problem-solving among users.
Who Needs Forum Websites?
Anyone can build a forum website. However, if you’ve fallen under the following examples, then you’re the ideal candidate for a forum website:
- Tech Companies: Companies that develop software, hardware, or online services can leverage forums for customer support and troubleshooting discussions.
- Gaming Companies: Gaming forums allow players to discuss strategies, share experiences, and report bugs.
- E-commerce Businesses: Forums can be a valuable tool for customer service, product discussions, and post-purchase advice.
Types of Forum Websites
Usually, all forum websites are categorized into five types. Here are they:
- Standard forum for general use
- Q and A forum
- Single simple discussion
- Standard forum in a blog-like format
- Social media websites
- Each person posts one discussion
Structure of a Forum Website
The structure of forum websites is like that of a tree. The main branches are called Categories, and they group discussions about similar topics.
These categories can then branch out further into smaller sections called Sub-forums. Sub-forums can also have additional branches called threads.
Reddit is one of the most well-known forum websites. They organize the site into different subreddits for targeted and specific discussions.
Each subreddit has its own set of rules and moderators to ensure productive conversations.
Social Media Website
This is the most used type of website in the world. Almost 2 billion people use different types of social media websites, which are designed to share content and connect with users.
Who Needs Social Media Website?
Anyone can use a social media website. Especially if you want to stay in touch with friends and family, and share personal updates, you can create one.
Or if you’re a business owner you can leverage social media for marketing, customer engagement, brand awareness, and sales.
Types of Social Media Websites
- Video sharing/streaming platforms
- Image-based social media
- Discussion forums
- Person-to-person conversations
Structure of a Social Media Website
Here’s a typical structure for a social media website:
- User Profiles: Each user has a dedicated profile page showcasing their personal information, posts, and other shared content.
- News Feed: A continuously updating feed of posts, updates, and activities from friends.
- Messaging System: This feature allows private or group messaging between users.
- Search and Discovery: Tools and algorithms to help users find friends, content, groups, and pages of interest.
- Content Creation Tools: It allows users to create various types of content, such as text posts, photos, videos, and live streams.
Example of a Social Media Website
Who doesn’t know about Facebook, the most used social media website? The Facebook homepage provides quick access to a user's news feed, friend requests, messages, and notifications. Users can easily navigate to their profiles, groups, and pages they follow.
Business Website
If you run a small business, you can use this type of website. You can show your products or services and provide information about your company.
Who Needs Business Websites?
- Small Businesses: If you own local shops and restaurants and provide services, you can use business websites to attract customers.
- Corporations: Large companies use business websites for branding, investor relations, and providing detailed information about their services.
Types of Business Websites
- Corporate Websites: These showcase your company’s overall brand, mission, and values. Examples include Apple and Google.
- Service-based Websites: Websites for businesses offering services such as consulting, legal advice, or other services.
- Lead Generation Websites: Websites designed to attract potential customers and capture leads through forms or calls to action.
Structure of a Business Website
- Homepage: The main entry point showcasing information about the business, its offerings, and navigation to other sections.
- About Us: Details about the company’s history, mission, team, and values.
- Products/Services: Pages dedicated to representing what the business offers, including detailed descriptions, pricing, and visuals.
- Contact Information: Clear contact details, including address, phone number, email, and possibly a contact form.
- Testimonials/Reviews: Customer feedback or case studies that build credibility.
Example of a Business Website
Verpex is a web hosting company. Their website features pleasing color schemes and animations that activate as you scroll. The homepage simply describes their services.
They also add reviews from different customers in the home page to gain customer trust. A catchy CTA which also gives you a little bit of an idea about their pricing.
They also add data-driven results and real-world success stories to convince visitors. This makes their website an excellent example of how a business website should be.
Non-Profit Website
This type of website is designed to promote and support the mission and activities of non-profit organizations. It informs the public about its causes, attracts donors, and recruits volunteers.
Who Needs Non-Profit Websites?
- Non-profit Organizations: Charities, foundations, and advocacy groups use these websites to raise awareness about their causes and initiatives.
- Religious Organizations: Religious communities to share information about their beliefs, ministries, and community outreach programs.
- Environmental Organizations: Organizations who want to educate the public about environmental issues.
Types of Non-Profit Websites
- Charitable Organizations: Focus on fundraising and community support for specific causes (e.g., Red Cross, UNICEF).
- Advocacy Groups: Campaign for social change, policy reform, or awareness on specific issues (e.g., Amnesty International).
- Foundations: Provide grants, scholarships, and support for research, education, or cultural projects (e.g., the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation).
Structure of a Non-Profit Website
- Mission and Impact: This type of website should have clearly mentioned its mission, goals, and the impact of its work.
- Donate/Volunteer: It’s a section dedicated to donation options, volunteer opportunities, and how individuals can get involved.
- Events and Campaigns: Information about upcoming events, fundraising campaigns, and initiatives.
- Blog or News Section: Updates on the organization's activities, achievements, and relevant news.
Example of a Non-Profit Website
Charity Water is an exemplary non-profit website that provides clean and safe drinking water to people in developing countries. Their website features stories of communities transformed by clean water projects and donation options.
On their website, you can see a bold photo of an African woman standing with a glass of water, giving a deep message about clean water. For a quick donation, they add a quick donation box for the giver.
Personal Website
This type of website is used by individuals to showcase their personal information, achievements, interests, and professional background.
Who Needs a Personal Website?
- Job Seekers: To attract potential clients, you can build a personal website that highlights your resume, portfolio, and achievements.
- Freelancers: Professionals in creative fields like designers, writers, and artists who want to showcase their work and attract clients.
- Entrepreneurs: Founders and business owners use personal websites to tell their stories, share their vision, and attract investors or partners.
- Bloggers/Influencers: Individuals who want a central place to share their thoughts, experiences, and recommendations.
Types of Personal Websites
- Personal branding websites
- Resume/CV websites
- Personal blog websites
- Personal design websites
Structure of a Personal Website
There is no big difference between a regular and a personal website. A user-friendly design and easy navigation systems are must-have features for this type of website.
Example of a Personal Website
Visit Jey Austen to see how a personal website should look. She uses a very clean and user-friendly design. The homepage includes an easy navigation interface and highlights her professional achievements and other key information.
How to Choose a Website Type for Your Next Project
Picking the right website type is like finding the perfect outfit for your business – it needs to match your goals and look good, too! Here's a roadmap to help you choose the website that fits you best:
Know What You Need
First, think about what your business wants to achieve.
Are you a small business with basic info to share? A simple blog or static page might do the trick!
Selling lots of products online? An e-commerce website is a must-have.
Portfolios are great for showcasing your work, while blogs or magazines are ideal for sharing educational content.
Think About Your Budget
Websites can vary in cost depending on complexity. Simple websites are typically more affordable, while feature-rich options like e-commerce platforms require a bigger investment. Pick a website type that fits your budget comfortably.
Plan Your Time
Building a website takes time. The bigger and more complex the site, the longer it will take to create. Plan ahead to ensure your website launches when you need it.
Find Your Niche
Your website should reflect your unique offerings.
If you're a coach, your site might need a simple brochure layout or a full-fledged coaching platform, depending on your services.
The key is to clearly define what you offer to determine the best website type.
Decide on the Number of Pages
The number of pages your website needs depends on how much information you have to share. A single-page site might be enough for minimal content, but if you have a lot of information, you’ll need multiple pages. Plan your site’s structure based on the content you want to share.
Pick the Right Content
Different businesses need different content. Informational sites thrive on well-structured, educational content, while e-commerce sites rely on product descriptions and images. Make sure your website's content aligns with your business goals.
Choose Your Lead Generator
Decide what will generate leads on your website. It could be a contact form, a downloadable resource, or a newsletter signup. Make sure it’s easy to find and use.
Outline Your Services
Your service page should clearly explain what you offer. Include detailed descriptions of your services or products, pricing information, and any other important details to help potential customers understand what you provide.
How Do I Design a Website?
Creating a website involves a few important steps to make sure it’s effective, looks good, and is easy to use.
Whether you’re making a personal blog, a portfolio, or an online store, these steps will help you build a great website.
What’s Your Goal?
Before you break ground, figure out your website's purpose. Are you selling products, presenting your work, or creating a blog to share information? Knowing your goals will shape your site's structure, content, and features.
Do Your Homework
Look at what your competitors are doing and find websites that you like for inspiration. Plan out your site’s content and layout with your audience in mind. Make a sitemap to organize your pages and make sure information flows logically.
Pick a Platform
Choose a platform that fits your needs.
Website builders like Webflow, Squarespace, Wix, and Shopify are great for beginners. They offer easy drag-and-drop features and lots of templates.
If you want more customization, think about using a Content Management System (CMS) like WordPress.
Create Your Brand Look
Decide on a visual style for your website, including colors, fonts, and images that reflect your brand.
Keeping these elements consistent will help your site look professional and cohesive. Well, it’s found that using a colored logo can boost brand recognition by 80%.
Plus, research shows that steady branding with logos and other visuals can raise income by as much as 23%.
Choose and Customize a Template
Pick a template that matches your vision and tweak it to fit your brand. Most website builders have a range of high-quality templates that you can easily adjust to include your content and images.
Make the Key Pages
Make sure your website includes key pages like a homepage, about page, contact page, and any other business-specific pages like a blog or product page. Each page should have clear, concise content that grabs visitors' attention.
Make It SEO-Friendly
Optimize your website for search engines by including relevant keywords, meta descriptions, and alt text for images. This will help your site get noticed and attract more visitors.
Test Before You Go Live
Before launch day, thoroughly test your website. Make sure all links work properly, pages load quickly, and the site functions well on mobile devices. Get feedback from friends or colleagues and make any necessary adjustments.
Launch and Keep It Up
Once everything is polished, it's time to launch your website! But the work doesn't stop there. Keep your content fresh, and make improvements based on user feedback and website performance data. A website that stays up-to-date will keep visitors coming back for more.
Conclusion
We’ve looked at different types of websites with examples, including blogs, online stores, learning platforms, and portfolios. Each one has a special role, meeting the needs of various audiences and objectives.
As the web continues to develop, we can expect even more website varieties to emerge, creating exciting new opportunities for interaction and growth.
So, whether you're a business owner, a creative professional, or part of an educational organization, you should choose the right website type. Remember, your website's features and design should reflect both your goals and your target audience's needs.
Last but not least, Musemind can help you every step of the way, from design conception to development and launch.
