Regardless of the purpose of your website, a well-designed site will help you reach the right people online and make you look legit, which ultimately builds trust and sales. We’ve already convinced you that every business needs a website. Now, we’ll help you choose the right one. Here are four types of websites to help determine which is best for your brand or business:
1. Business Websites (AKA Brochure Website)
A business website is any website that represents – you guessed it – a business. A business website should display its branding, show relevant but relatable language and communicate who the company is and what they do. For example, the Sims Advertising website clearly shows our branding, capabilities and background. It’s also a good idea to include a blog on your business website to keep the content fresh and improve your SEO and search ranking. This type of website is also known as a “Brochure Website” since it communicates what a company does and engages the customers in ways other than making a purchase (i.e. to sign up for a newsletter or contact them).
2. E-Commerce Websites
An e-commerce website is a business website with the added benefit of enabling consumers to make a purchase directly. It will include a catalogue of products, a ‘shopping cart’ and an online payment system. If you have a product or service to sell, you may benefit from an e-commerce website. An e-commerce website can also include digital product sales such as software or plugins, audio recordings or other downloadable items. It’s essentially a classification of a website that takes payment for a product or service.
3. Event Websites
You may benefit from an event website if your business hosts big events. An event website should have a clear description and include a call to action (i.e. to RSVP or purchase tickets). The event website design should reflect the theme with creative content and create buzz. Link back to the event website on social media, event listings, invites and your business website for cross-promotion. Common event websites are associations websites that pay to host regular events or seminars.
4. Portfolio Websites
These days, creative professionals will often have an online portfolio or CV to share with potential clients and prospective employers. An online portfolio is a great way to showcase some of your best work and position yourself as a competitor in your field. You can showcase and link to different projects you’ve worked on, have downloadable items and share some of your passions with the world.
It’s important to note that although you can include more than one feature on your website, the “type” of website above is usually used to classify the main goal of the site. For example, your accounting business might want to offer regular webinars, sell branded pens or mugs and showcase your work. However, if the #1 goal of the site is about telling your business’ story, then we would classify that as a ‘business website’.
Sims Advertising can help design a beautiful yet functional website that meets your needs, aligns with your brand and ticks all the right boxes. Contact our digital team today to get started.
