Are you in the market for a new website? You’re probably wondering what’s needing to be done shortly after hiring us to start building a new site for your business. One of the first things you can do that will help everyone involved is to decide on a type of website.
If even that feels like a big decision, it’s because there are a lot of choices out there. Don’t worry, we’re here to help you out! Here’s a breakdown of the different types of business websites an owner can choose from, and how best to finalize your decision.
- Product/Ecommerce
The purpose of this website is to sell the products your business has to offer. The design and layout of this website will vary depending on how much you have to sell. For example, if you are trying to sell a book and there’s only the one, the site can be a straightforward single-page sites that sells with one click of a button. On the other hand, if you have hundreds or even thousands of different products, a more in-depth ecommerce website is what will best suit your company.
A blog can also be added to the more complex or even simple websites if you have a lot to say about your product. You can offer instructions online, promotions of events you plan to star in, tips relating to the industry you serve (depending on what it is you’re selling), and so on.
The reason we suggest this is because even if your main goal is to make sales, having that kind of content can draw in new potential customers that may return to your store. Keep this tip in mind for the other types of websites below as well!
- Lead Generation
The point of having this website for your business is obvious—to generate new leads, i.e. customers or clients. This type of website is ideal if you want to bring your visitors directly into a sales funnel, or you want to develop a deeper relationship with your visitors.
Usually, a lead generation website is how companies will use landing pages, i.e. as a completely separate presence from their own website. It gives you the means to focus on the calls to action and forms that you specifically want people to fill in, without distracting them with other bells and whistles navigating them to other areas of your website.
The best way for this website to work is to have clear, identifiable goals for your visitors that are consistent throughout the lead generation website. Every element, every page, and every tab should lead your visitor to sign up for whatever action you want them to make. This CTA should always be within their field of view, and not kept out of sight or mind when visitors are scrolling through the page.
- Business Card
This type of website is specifically a starting point for your brand. They’re basic one-page sites that include business information, contact info, and social media profiles. While they may not convert sales, they can help as a starting point to build your online presence and help people know where to find you. A memorable domain such as yourbusinesshere.com will usually help as well.
- Brochure
These are more complex than the single-page business card type of website, and it’s where you can explain what your business has to offer in much greater detail. While it’s still a very basic website, you can easily update it with new information about your company as it changes.
Though some contact information should definitely be included on this site and it should be easy to access, the main purpose of this website is to provide general information to your customers. When a customer tries to find you online, they’ll see that you are available online and you were sincere when you said you have a website. That all says a lot about your company—it shows people that you’re in touch with the online world and not stuck in the past.
- Blog
Do you have a lot to say about the industry your company is a part of? Do you have a lot of content worth sharing, such as stories, videos, recipes? If so, a purely blogging type of website is the best choice. You can share all of that content and then some. And, because that content lives on your business’s website, it’s searchable, permanent, and easy to connect to from social media channels.
For those who are still hesitant about the power of blogging, let it be known that any blog on your site, even if it’s one of the other types, can be your friend if used to its full potential. See our previous blog post about why all businesses need a blog if you’re still not sure.
- Portfolio
For any business who’s involved with the arts such as freelancers, photographers, artists, and writers, you need to show off your range of talents and the quality of your hard work. Portfolio sites are thus a must for these types of businesses. Usually these websites come with the ability to display work samples, testimonials, credentials, rates, and contact information that’s super easy to find. A portfolio website where adding and removing content from galleries is especially ideal. Again, the potential for blogging can also be present, if you want the option.
- Forum
While not the most popular type of website for businesses, if you’re in a specific niche where you need to cultivate a customer base or fans, this can actually be a good choice. Specific niches include video games, products, podcasts, or another product that gets people talking. If you run a tech support company, for example, this could be a good way to help provide that support to your customers. Everyone in the forum can ask each other questions, share experiences, and provide advice. Don’t be afraid to engage with their conversations as well!
Remember: whatever your company does, it will always appear to be way far behind everyone else if it lacks a solid online presence. Do you want to create more sales? Do you have a lot of content to share? Do you have a vision to share with the online world? For all of these reasons, you need a website. Give us a call at V3 Media. We can start building the great website your company deserves to have!