Are you planning on starting a business or personal project but don’t know what type of website you need? Don’t worry. It happens to many of us. For a beginner, all of the websites look the same. They all impart helpful information, and users don’t distinguish which type of website they are using. But when it comes to building one, you need to be knowledgeable about what will best suit your interests.
Thus, to learn and decide what kind of website you need, here is a compiled list of all the types of websites. It will guide you in what niche your website will fall into. You will also find some relatable examples to help you understand it better.
But first, you must learn about a website and what makes one different from another.
What is a Website?
Understand the internet as a globe and a website as a plot of land. It is a small area on a huge globe that allows you to make your presence felt in the extensive world. You create a website offering a service, imparting information, selling products, and fulfilling many other purposes. This site is also the website on which you are reading this blog. The domain name that has led you here is the address of how you can find this intellectual property on the internet.
In technical terms, a website is a collection of interlinked web pages that share a single domain name. A web page is any document written in a markup language, more commonly in HTML, that a browser displays to users.
But not every website is the same; each has a different purpose and content based on which it is categorized. So, how do websites differ from each other? Let us discuss it below.
How do Websites differ from One Another?
Websites differ based on the kind of information they share. Many websites offer services; some share business information, while others sell products, etc. For example, makemytrip.com is a website that offers services like booking hotels and flights, while Amazon.com offers to sell products, and TechCrunch, Mashable, Techgeekbuzz, etc., are some popular blog websites.
So, every website is different, but they fall under some particular niches.
27 Most Popular Types of Websites
With many types of websites available out there, it can be unclear to decide which type suits your business or service. To help you out, we have curated a list of the most popular types of websites. Let us discuss below.
1. Blog Website
It is the most common type of website and one that is often heard of. A blog or personal blog is a website created by a person or a group of persons who wish to share their personal opinions, memoirs, thoughts, experiences, or personal updates in a conversational and friendly way. The tone of a blog is informal, like two friends talking.
A personal blog is genuinely personal. The blogger decides the blog's content, frequency, quality, etc. Publishing a blog is called blogging, and the person who writes it is called a blogger.
Diaries were used earlier to write diaries, but today, things have changed. People have started using them to sell their products and make money online.
A personal blog website generally entails the following aspects:
- A header that represents the entire content and tone of the blog.
- Main content area.
- A sidebar to navigate through the website.
- A footer to provide information about the website.
If you are a traveler and love to write about places, you can create your own blog and share your stories.
Some of the popular blog sites are Huffington Post, Lifehacker, Talking Points Memo, etc.
2. Business Website
This type of website is a digital address for your business where customers can find you and learn about your business, the products, and the services you offer. You can also ass your history, your portfolio, etc.
A business website is a broader term that includes e-commerce websites and even a blog. A blog created to promote a business is a business website. For example, a company’s blog imparts information about its products and how one can use them.
An e-commerce website that sells a company’s products is also a business website. You can even consider a website as a business website that only shares a company’s history, work, renowned clients, what the future holds for the customers, etc.
Today, people trust a company more if it has an online presence. It is considered a sign of credibility. If you have a few great business ideas and are about to implement one of them, consider creating a website.
Examples of business websites include a gym’s website, a doctor’s website, a mechanic’s website, a law firm’s website, a packer and mover company’s website, etc. These websites may or may not sell any products, but they inform the visitors about the business.
3. eCommerce Website
This type of business website offers its visitors the luxury of checking out different products the company offers and paying for the desired ones via a secure payment gateway and home delivery. The best examples are Amazon.com and ebay.com.
Any type of organization that wishes to sell its products can own this type of website, or it can be a place where several companies sell their products. Microsoft is a website that offers its products on its own site and others. Amazon.com is a website that offers products from multiple sellers.
An e-commerce website allows visitors to check out different products, filter them, add them to carts, choose different billing methods, shipping methods, etc.
If you are a vendor and wish to sell your products online, you can sign up on eCommerce websites like Amazon.com, Walmart.com, eBay, Alibaba, etc., or create your own eCommerce website to sell your products exclusively.
4. Educational Website
Educational websites have gained huge prominence in the past few years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. An educational website is one where a student can find relevant information regarding their studies and relevant courses. It includes platforms where multiple universities share their online courses. Alternatively, it can be an educational institution's or school’s website to impart helpful information to their existing and potential students.
These websites offer videos, podcasts, paid courses, etc. They allow visitors to find the relevant category, search for a course, navigate the course, and pay for it to use over some time. Also, students can track their progress.
Educational institutions today offer all the relevant knowledge on their websites to make things easier for students, from enrollment, syllabus, and admin, to exams and results.
Some popular educational websites include the Harvard University website, the University of Toronto, Udemy, etc.
If you own an educational institution, such as a school or a college, you should create an educational website for your students.
5. Portfolio Website
A portfolio website’s name is self-explanatory. It showcases the best work of an individual or corporation. It reflects your potential and skills that get you more work and recognition. For example, if you are a photographer, your best photographs should find a place on your portfolio website. It is important for freelancers to display their best work on their websites. It is a graphic representation of your work and achievements, unlike a CV.
Your business card should bear your portfolio website address so people can check out your work and offer you more. It is a professional approach to your work.
If you are an artist, a traveler, a painter, a filmmaker, a designer, etc., your future website will fall under this niche.
Some common examples of portfolio websites are Leo Messi and JK Rowling.
6. News Website
Organizations that publish online news create news and magazine websites. Every news channel and magazine owns a news and magazine website today. It is a way to register a digital presence and reach out to the people who use the internet as a medium for reading.
These websites publish news based on their niche. For example, Business Insider only publishes news related to business. India Today publishes news on a vast number of topics.
The Washington Post has broader criteria for news. These websites require people to sign up or become members after paying a subscription fee to receive regular updates.
The Washington Post, Daily Mail, The Guardian, etc., are some examples of news and magazine websites.
If you write the local news in your area, you can instead create a news website and reach out to your local audience this way.
7. Entertainment Website
Almost every person follows an entertainment website to sneak into the lives of their favorite celebrities or learn about their daily lives. That’s what entertainment websites do. They publish news about celebrities, upcoming movies, movie reviews, gossip, fun facts about their lives, etc.
Entertainment is a broader term, and entertainment websites publish all the news. They also include websites that offer songs, gaming information, fun facts, funny videos, movie streaming, etc.
If you follow entertainment news daily, you can write about it and publish it on your own entertainment website.
Some popular entertainment websites are IMDB, ESPN, Spotify, YouTube, Netflix.com, etc.
8. Membership Website
A membership website allows only internal members to access its stored information. Generally, corporations, institutions, businesses, etc., create them and make them available to their members. The members have their login credentials. These websites can be free as well as paid.
For example, a university’s membership website can allow members and students to log in and find relevant info. A business corporation’s website may allow the employees to learn about any specific information concerning them.
The most common example can be the website of your school, college, or office, which is exclusive to members.
9. Search Engine Website
When you enter a browser to access certain information, search for it via a search engine. Today, all browsers have a default search engine webpage where you can enter the search query. Say Google, but in order to get there, you must type Google.com. This is what a search website is.
A search website is one that allows you to send your query via the internet to get the desired results. Yahoo, Bing, Google, Ask, etc., are some of the most popular and widely used search engines across the globe.
10. Job Website
In present times, most people search for jobs via online job portals. These job websites have both employers and potential employees onboard. Employers post a job, and employees who match their skills can apply for it.
Also, online job portals offer jobs that completely work from home. The website allows workers to sign up with their information, complete the task online, and get paid.
These sites can offer work themselves or mediate between the employer and employee.
Upwork, Indeed, Fiverr, LinkedIn, etc., are some of the most popular job websites.
11. Forum Website
A website where you can ask your questions and get answers from different members is a forum website. This type of website allows people to answer a given question or share their knowledge whenever required. Several experts and experienced people are part of these websites who share valuable information with the newbies.
If you have questions about how to feed your dog, start investing, deal with teenage kids, if a game is worth the hype, etc., you can ask them, and those who know about it will answer them. The questions can come from a wide variety of topics.
You can think of creating a forum website for your college or a general one. For this, you should check out WordPress and its helpful plugins.
Some examples of forum websites are Quora, Reddit, Final Thoughts, GitHub, etc.
12. Non-Profit Website
These websites are created for non-profit organizations that are working for the betterment of society. These non-profit organizations do not work for profit but for a cause. They do not aim to earn but to receive donations and use them for the cause.
They need a website that promotes their cause and connects them with potential donors.
These websites have an integrated payment method for organizations that require funds. Some organizations only need volunteers who can help them with their events. These websites help them reach interested people and spread the word.
Some examples of non-profit websites are Greenpeace, RobinHoodArmy, SafeNight, etc.
13. Brochure Website
A brochure website works as a brochure for your company. It does not sell anything like your e-commerce website but offers basic information about your company. It has a few pages, such as a homepage that defines who you are and what you do, a portfolio page where it advertises your products and services, a history page displaying your journey, a contact page, etc. Your contact page may contain the address to your business website or eCommerce website to guide interested customers.
It can be helpful when you have only started your business and want to upgrade it to an e-commerce website. To register an online presence, this type of website is perfect.
If you are a small business, go to WordPress and create a brochure website.
14. Social Networking Website
These types of websites are very common nowadays. Many young individuals are active on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and several social networking platforms.
A social networking website is a platform that enables people to connect with friends and family and share views, photos, and experiences. Also, many small and home-based businesses take advantage of social networking websites to promote their businesses and reach the target audience.
Besides, these websites allow individuals to establish connections with people they wish. They can either confirm or deny any new connection.
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn are popular social networking websites.
15. Event Website
An event website is a platform that provides information to the target audience about the event location, host, timing, venue, agenda, session, etc. This type of website streamlines event management.
Creating an event website will help you reach more audiences if you are an event organizer. An event website serves as a digital equivalent of the actual event. Moreover, event organizers can easily carry out the entry process for a specific event.
The best example of an event website is the 2022 Creative Retail Award website. Here, the event organizers designed a form that people who wish to attend the event must fill.
16. Personal Website
While a portfolio website is beneficial for the purposes of showcasing your work, a personal website is an environment where you can be you. Build one to share your accolades, to investigate your interests or to craft your personal brand. What goes on your personal website and web pages will depend on your purpose. You may want a resume, clips and a bio if your intention is to launch the next step of your career. If you are creating one for self-expression, perhaps you'll only need a blog and links to social.
Laura Baross, a visual artist living in New York City, has a personal website where she curates her delight for sustainable living and zero-waste design. Her site presents a blog of self-portraits, a collection of her past work, and a gallery of photography.
17. Informational Website
Informational websites are helpful to individuals who are interested in obtaining information about a specific subject, service, or product, and are created with the goal of sharing detailed information mostly in long-form to answer readers' main questions. An informational website can also position you or your organization as an expert in that subject via mass communication and knowledge sharing.
The Wix Encyclopedia functions as a web directory, providing users with a complete dictionary of the terms used in business, marketing, and web design.
18. Startup Website
Few experiences can energize you like starting your own business. Having a startup website allows you to share that energy and introduce your breakthrough idea to the world. Startup websites can host landing pages, product demos, and evaluations. Lastly they might include a crowdfunding page or other funding mechanisms. In all, the main purpose of your site should be to attract customers and investors.
Ception provides an AI-based solution to improve the safety, productivity and sustainability of the mobile-machinery operations of construction and mining companies. The website conveys Ception's value proposition, informs visitors of company news, and introduces the startup's founders.
19. Consulting Website
Is there a specialized skill you have, in which others can gain value from, and then you can utilize that skill in a consulting website? A website will help you monetize your consulting. Your website should include what services you offer, and then a little background on you and who your services will help. For example, if you are a financial advisor, you may want to use your website to explain how you will help your clients protect their nest eggs. If you are a human resources group, you may want to explain how your expertise can help businesses be more efficient.
Mikaela Reuben is a culinary nutrition consultant who creates meal plans, provides recipes, and offers private chef bookings. On her website, she utilizes photos, videos, testimonials and a free recipe ebook to help capture potential leads.
20. Landing Page Website
A landing page is an independent web page that is made to achieve specific objectives. Goals can include some examples, like promoting a service or product, generating leads, and pushing visitors to do something.
When a landing page functions on its own without other subpages, this solitary page is considered a website.
There are numerous types of landing pages such as: squeeze pages, splash pages, pricing pages, coming-soon pages, and more.
We all know straightforward content is a necessity for a landing page. As applied to Hick's law, there would not be a lot of unnecessary information on the page to prevent users from facing obstacles to complete any actions.
Mailchimp followed that code in the first section of its landing page design. They made persuasive use of copy and a signup action to create conversion.
You can check out this site for your landing page design.
21. Directory Website
Directory websites provide a searchable reference for something visitors might be seeking on a more frequent basis, such as local businesses or a particular artist. For visitors to the website a directory offers both variety and eventual vetted curation. Visitors can view a number of options in the same location and may be inclined to trust the owner of the website to have vetted the directory options for them.
Gay & Sober is a web directory that promotes a safe, fun, and enriching experience for the sober LGBTQ+ community. The site features an extensive directory of events, meetings, and supportive resources to help individuals celebrate sobriety and one another.
22. Content-driven Website
Although it might give the impression of a blog, a content-driven website is designed for more than written content. Content-driven or content-focused may contain many different formats; written or video or photo or audio-based content, like worksheets, art, tutorials, music, or podcasts.
Having a content-driven website puts you in the driver’s seat for the content you share and how your audience will consume it. A content-driven website is made to enhance your content and be hard to miss. For example, as a creator who creates both written and video content, I would have active pages for each content type or topic.
If you have a loyal following, you could use a website to take more control over your revenue as well. On platforms like Squarespace for example, you can add paywalls to video and blog libraries and membership subscription content for your audience.
23. Booking Website
The booking website is a valuable tool for entrepreneurs and business owners that provide services at scheduled times or locations. Businesses and services that provide services that require scheduling could include career coaches, therapists, hair stylists, and workshop/retreat facilitators. Anything that could be an event, or requires advance notice, could provide a scheduling or booking option on their website.
The most important aspect of any booking website, regardless of the products or services being offered is identification of the booking or calendar option. Many booking or scheduling websites will have a booking button in their header navigation, and in addition to that they will feature a booking button on most any part of the home page of their website. Provide detailed information about anything you are providing to consumers, and share your value through page copy and imagery. Focus on results produced, and express testimonials that would encourage visitors to schedule an appointment or consult, or sign up for service.
Nutritionist Diana Javanovic, integrates her booking website Nutri Me, to provide a simple option for her clients to book their initial consultation, follow up visits, or scheduled periods for their 21-day detox diets, and more.
24. Petition Website
If you aim to be a change-maker, a petition website will support you in your advocacy for a cause you cherish most. You can use an online petition to rally support for a political position, social justice cause, or environmental issue.
Explain The Asterisk is a petition website that advocates for legislation requiring universities and colleges to disclose sexual assault dismissals on the transcript on the perpetrator's college or university. The site is built to encourage visitors to sign its petition through several strategies including an FAQ so that visitors can get more details about the cause, media to help explain the impact of the legislation, and a homepage that is organized and highlights the agenda to create easy access to the petition link.
25. Hobby Website
Are you passionate about reading, gardening, or arts and crafts? If so, a hobby website is a great way to share your own interests with others who feel the same way. Hobby websites usually have online forums, learning resources, and tutorials to help engage people with a given hobby, and help them understand ways they can improve their skills, such as tips and techniques. Additionally, a very popular hobby website can be, or even become, a profitable business.
Liv White turned her talents in award-winning design into Dopple Press, a business focusing on eco-friendly screen printing.
26. Interactive Website
Interactive sites utilize elements such as graphics, games, and quizzes to transform users from simple passive participants to an active part of the web browsing experience. More recent iterations even lend themselves to augment some or all features to the site. For example, some eCommerce shops now offer ways for you to see how new furniture might look in your home.
27. Wedding Website
Building a wedding website makes your special day an unforgettable experience. It can be helpful to share information with your guests, detail the celebrations and share your registry. You can also share videos, photos and stories about you, your relationship and your bridal party.
Lexi & Robert use their wedding website to share their love story with guests, provide guests with resources and make it easy for their guests to RSVP.
Final Thoughts
Here ends our list of popular types of websites. Now that you have an idea about what types of websites there are, you can make an informed decision and choose the right kind of website for your purpose. More interestingly, you can even combine two or more types of websites and fulfill your needs. For instance, you sell certain products but still want to write blogs related to your products. In such a scenario, you can create a website that serves as an eCommerce as well as a blog website.
We hope this article has enlightened you about the types of websites. If you still have a doubt, feel free to ask.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many types of websites are there?
There are different types of websites available out there. This article lists some of the most popular and commonly used types of websites that anyone wishing to have a digital presence must know beforehand.
2. What are the two broad categories of websites?
The two broad categories of websites are static and dynamic or interactive. A static website has stable content that does not change and remains the same for every user. On the other hand, a dynamic website is one whose content changes as per users.
3. Is Yahoo! A website?
Yahoo! is a search engine that responds to user requests. It is a kind of search engine website that provides the desired content to its users.
4. What kind of website is Facebook?
Facebook is a social networking website where people across the world can connect with others and have conversations. It lets you connect with your friends and your friends’ friends.
