Types of websites: what types of websites exist, features and purpose of their functioning

A modern online resource is a key element of competent business, advertising, and communication with a wide audience. A huge number of functions that are assigned to online resources gives rise to another problem - which page option to choose for the project. Let's consider the types of websites and their functional features in this article.

Everyone needs web resources, which means that there is a need to understand what types of websites exist and for whom (what) they are intended. The wrong configuration of a resource can become an obstacle to business promotion and development, and to establishing communication with the audience.

Let's consider the main types of websites and their typical purpose.

Business card website

This is a fairly common resource option. The development of website is necessary for a small business/entrepreneur, so you can spread information about yourself through media resources and social networks.

Pages of this format represent the owner to a wide audience. Content, design, and navigation should be as convenient as possible for a potential client. Adaptability of business cards for different devices is often used: PC, gadgets, Smart TV, etc.

Corporate website

Corporate websites are an essential element of modern business. Brand credibility, expansion of the customer base, and search for new markets largely depend on a corporate resource. Sometimes it is called the "company's image".

Analyzing different types of websites and their features, you can see a clear distinction between corporate models. Such resources are an image and at the same time a powerful tool for communicating with the world.

Online store

Among all kinds and types of websites, online stores are familiar to the largest number of users. Their features:

• maximum content so that the user can familiarize him/herself with all the offers;
• availability of sales and payment tools on the page;
• customer service: personal accounts, stories, etc;
• corporate design.

An important factor in the success of an online store is the reliable operation of the website and prompt feedback - the customer wants to order, pay, and receive quickly.

Showcase website

Special types of websites are showcases or catalogs. Their function is to present detailed information about the brand's activities, offers, and price. The showcase gives users full access to the characteristics of goods, and some options may have instant purchase tools. A showcase resembles an online store, only in a simplified form.

Websites of government agencies and educational institutions

Resources are mostly informational in nature. They cover the work of a particular organization, changes and plans. Government agencies often post relevant updates on legislation and other important issues.

The principle of creating educational institutions: advertising their services, achievements, administrative and student sections. Design and structure are chosen depending on the depth of content.

Informational

Informational types of websites are quite broad in structure. However, they are united by a common criterion: maximum content and communication tools for the audience of visitors.

• What types of information websites are divided into?
• highly specialized - such pages contain information about a specific area (medicine, science, IT, etc.);
• general topics.

The development of information websites is primarily needed for users who are given the opportunity to receive, discuss, and share information with other participants.

SaaS products

Software as a service or SaaS is a variant of software delivery to users, where the software acts as a service and its developer is the service provider. A typical example is Google's services, such as Google Docs. Users receive a text editor without having to install it on their PCs.

According to the purpose, websites are divided into the following types:

• commercial types of websites - any resources aimed at selling goods, services, brand names and making a profit;
• informational websites - websites with a clear informational connotation, focused on self-promotion.

This model of division is simplified, but more informative for ordinary users. There are dozens of types of websites depending on their purpose. However, all resource options can be reduced to the two categories described above.

While developers distinguish dozens of types of websites by purpose, there are only three types of websites based on the criterion of resource availability:

• open - available to all users;
• semi-open - access to the main sections of the resource is possible only after authorization (phone, e-mail, name, etc.);
• not for a wide range of users.

A limited number of people can access such resources. Such models are usually used by government agencies.

Types of websites by geographical coverage:

• local - intended for one country;
• international.

The last point leads to the criterion of language localization. What types of websites are there in terms of content: monolingual and multilingual (two or more interface languages).

Professional web resource developers understand that there is no single approach to creating pages. This statement is especially true for highly specialized websites.

When creating a resource, the following issues come to the fore:

• target audience;
• the purpose of the website;
• design - for example, in business cards or branded pages, the design is of great importance;
• functionality - a blog website does not require a set of tools like a large online sales platform.

These and other points are analyzed in depth at the design stage of the future resource.