Choosing the right type of website for your business can feel overwhelming. There are so many designs and features to choose from that it’s easy to get caught up in how a site looks without asking whether it actually fits your customers or your goals.
It’s tempting to point to a website you like and ask a designer to make one just like it. But that site was built for someone else’s business. Copying it can leave out what makes yours unique, and you could end up with a website that looks great but doesn’t bring in customers. The key is building a website around your own business goals.
Here’s how to figure out which type of website is right for you.
Types of websites
There are several common types of websites, and each one serves a different purpose. Knowing the options will help you and your web designer build a site that looks great and works hard for your business.
- Small business: Usually several pages that explain your products or services, share your contact information and turn visitors into leads.
- Portfolio: Great for project-based businesses like construction, photography or design, where showing off your work is the best way to win new clients.
- E-commerce: An online store where customers can browse products and buy them right on your website.
- Booking or appointments: Lets customers schedule appointments, reserve times or sign up for events online, any time of day.
- Membership: Gives members their own logins, member-only content and online renewals. A good fit for associations, clubs and organizations.
- One page: A simple online business card for businesses that only need to share the basics and how to reach them.
- Blog or directory: Built around content like articles, news, job listings or business listings, with easy ways to post, search and filter.
Many websites combine a few of these. A small business site might also have a blog and online booking, for example.
Things to consider
The right type of website depends on your goals and your audience.
- What do you offer? Decide what your website’s main job is: bringing in leads, selling products, booking appointments or simply helping people reach you.
- Who is your audience? Think about what your customers expect, including things like their age and how comfortable they are with technology.
- Where are you in your journey? If your business is new, focus on the basics. You don’t need every feature on day one.
How to choose
- Write down your website’s main goal. One sentence is enough, like “Get more quote requests” or “Sell our products online.”
- Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves. A contact form might be a must-have, while a blog could wait.
- Look at competitors’ websites for ideas. Notice what works and what doesn’t, but don’t copy them.
- Start with the core and grow from there. A well-built website can add features like booking or an online store later.
Getting started
A custom website doesn’t have to break the bank. At Five Point Web Solutions, we build custom WordPress websites at prices small businesses can afford, focused on the features you need now, with room to add more as your business grows.
Not sure which type of website is right for you? Send us a message and we’ll help you figure it out.
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