Having a social presence for your business is important, but having a website is also a critical way to connect with potential customers. That’s why it’s key to understand the different types of business websites you can choose from.
Business website examples: 9 different types of websites to consider
Whether you’re launching a new venture, formal business, or and taking existing to a new direction, or side hustle maybe, creating a website is an important step.
But what type of website is right for your business? The answer depends on what your business does, how you make money, and what your goals are for the website. Here are nine website types to choose from.
1. eCommerce site/online store
An online store where your customers are able to shop for them 24/7. An online store, like an online boutique or other retail store, provides a way for you to connect with customers and list inventory for purchase. A secured payment gateway connected to your bank or maybe you want to give the options of Cash On Delivery options to your customers.
A secured shop where a customer can buy in the comfort of their home.
2. Portfolio
If you sell services — especially creative services — you can use a portfolio to show off your work and share information on how interested parties can get in touch with you. In fact, it should be one of your first action items when setting up your business.
Portfolios are well-suited for artists, photographers, writers, designers, and other professionals who want to showcase their work to potential new clients
3. Booking website
Are you selling a service?
A booking website is a great solution for businesses like salons, medical offices, and appointment-based consultants. It enables your customers to take online appointments with just a click of a button any time. It replaces the process of taking phone calls.
4. Blog
A blog provides you with an online platform to share written content (and sometimes images and/or videos). You can build an audience and start affiliate marketing, drive sales and earn commision on each sale.
5. Landing page or lead generation site
A landing page is appropriate for your business if you want site viewers to take a targeted action such as signing up for a free trial, registering for a newsletter, or contacting you for more information.
6. Event website
Want to get attendees for an upcoming event, like a concert or fundraiser? Use an event website to showcase detailed information about your event — such as the location, venue, and agenda — and enable customers to register to attend and pay for their tickets.
7. Media website
If you’re starting a magazine, online news site, or other publication — or are otherwise looking to share collections of articles or videos — a media website is the place to do it.
Your media website can be monetized for placing ads from google adsense, or you can charge businesses to place their ads on your website.
8. Directory
Just think of yellow pages, where a user can search from the repository of the people or companies. For example a coffee shop in your locality. Businesses can place ads and in return you earn money.
9. Online forum
Looking to bring people together to parse out ideas? An online forum is a type of website where people can ask questions or hold conversations by posting messages. Reddit is the best-known online forum website.
You may include an online forum as part of your website — to serve as a place for customers to talk about your business and/or products — or you may build a standalone online forum that brings people together around one niche idea.
