It often seems that there are a bewildering number of types of website available for your business or project. Knowing some of the options helps you work out the best solution. This blog post helps you to identify what options are available, their advantages and disadvantages.
When we discuss website design projects we try to avoid introducing too much jargon too soon. Working out what are the main website objectives and calls to action come first and then we work with our clients to identify the types of website that best meets these needs.
Here are the main types of website that we are available:
- Brochure or Static websites – as the name suggests these aren’t intended to change frequently and are normally created with HTML, CSS and graphics. Like a print brochure they are not intended to be updated frequently.
- Dynamic websites – the website pages are generated on the fly using a Content Management system that allows the client to edit and update the content. The website content management system can be enhanced with commercial or bespoke plugins to improve the features.
- E-commerce website – products are available to buy or order online and this is integrated with a payment gateway such as Paypal, Stripe, Worldpay or banks like Barclays or HSBC.
- Web applications – whenever there is a very specific functionality requirement that is developed from scratch this then falls under the web application category.
Next we delve into a little more detail on each type of website.
Types of website
Brochure or static websites
These are normally snapshot documents that are updated very infrequently. They can have multiple pages that describe a particular product, service or company.
Advantages
- Can be fast loading.
- Cheap web hosting requirements.
- Low maintenance costs if contents are not changed frequently.
Disadvantages
- Need someone skilled in HTML, CSS and graphics to update or a commercial website editor program.
- Infrequent changes means the website contents become inaccurate.
- Lack of regular updates can have a negative impact on SEO.
- Infrequent changes lessen the incentive for someone to revisit a website.
Dynamic or Content Management System websites
These websites are created and the contents managed using a content management system.
The term ‘dynamic’ is sometimes used as the website contents only exist in a database held on the web server and the content is dynamically generated on the fly when a user visits a page. We use WordPress the content management for most of our dynamic websites which is the world’s most used system and is sometimes used by major brands.
Advantages
- Your staff can maintain the website themselves.
- The website can be improved easily and cost effectively by installing commercial or bespoke plugins.
- Better user experience from accurate and updated website contents which is good for SEO.
Disadvantages
- You need a skilled developer to setup and configure the content management system.
- Web editors may need training in using the content management system.
- Dynamic or Content Management Systems need higher specification web hosting.
E-commerce websites
These are specialist types of dynamic website which are designed to display information about products and then enable visitors to place an order and pay for the product online.
The website should work out all shipping costs and handle all the communication such as order confirmation and delivery status. We use Woocommerce plugin for WordPress or Prestashop.
Advantages
- Your staff can maintain the website themselves.
- The cost of a sale is usually less than a purely high street shop.
- Contents and special offers can be easily amended and publicised.
- A well optimised website can generate excellent revenues and reduce advertising costs.
Disadvantages
- You need a skilled developer to setup and configure the website.
- Web editors may need training in using the e-commerce system.
- E-commerce websites need higher specification web hosting.
- You will need a merchant account to take payments online and use secure pages.
- You still need to market your website.
Web applications
These are websites with very specialist requirements that aren’t available elsewhere. For example, Facebook would have been considered as a web application at the time it was first launched because it had very specific functionality.
Advantages
- You have exactly the functionality required to succeed in your business or project.
Disadvantages
- You need skilled developers.
- You need to spend time specifying and managing the project effectively.
- Unknowns or lack of experience due to novel application can cause delays.
Your choice of website type depends on your budget and requirements. We encourage people to contact us as early as possible as we can help with identifying the best types of website for your needs. People are often pleasantly surprised at what can be delivered for the price.
Please get in touch if you need any help with web design, web hosting and domains on 01788 844014 or visit our contact page.
