What Type of Website is Best for Your Business?

Choosing the right type of website is essential to aligning your online presence with your business goals.

I've found that websites can generally be broken down into four main categories, each serving a distinct purpose depending on what you aim to achieve.

In this post, we’ll explore these categories and highlight examples of each to help you determine what’s best for your business.

eCommerce

An eCommerce website is designed with one clear objective: selling products online.

These websites are all about showcasing products, using high-quality photography, and providing a seamless shopping experience.

The user journey should be focused on guiding visitors from product discovery to checkout with minimal friction.

Key features include product galleries, shopping carts, secure payment gateways, and user-friendly navigation.

Example: Allbirds
Allbirds’ website is a great example of a clean, visually appealing eCommerce site.

The product photography is central, the navigation is intuitive, and the checkout flow is simple and seamless.

‍

Marketing / Business

A marketing or business website serves as the front door of your business.

It should clearly communicate who you are, what you offer, and why customers should choose you.

These websites typically include a homepage, services or product pages, an about section, and contact information.

The focus is on presenting a strong value proposition, building credibility, and driving users to take action, whether that’s getting in touch, signing up, or learning more.

Example: Slack
Slack’s website is an excellent example of a marketing website that communicates its value proposition clearly.

The site’s design is simple, aesthetically pleasing, and provides quick access to all key information about the product.

‍

Blog / Media Publication

For content creators, writers, and media companies, a blog or media publication site is all about delivering content in an organized and engaging way.

These sites focus on categorizing articles by topic, year, tags, and more, making it easy for users to browse large volumes of content.

The design often includes striking imagery to draw attention to key posts while ensuring the content remains the focal point.

Example: The Verge
The Verge, a popular tech publication, is an excellent example of a content-driven site.

It organizes its articles into categories like news, reviews, and guides, allowing users to navigate vast amounts of content with ease.

‍

Portfolio Website

For creatives, artists, and freelancers, a portfolio website is where you showcase your work and express your unique style.

These websites are often visually driven, using imagery, video, and design elements to convey mood, personality, and artistic direction.

The goal is to leave a lasting impression while highlighting key projects or case studies.

Example: Tobias van Schneider
Tobias van Schneider’s portfolio site beautifully balances clean design with creative flair.

It highlights his work while providing a glimpse into his personality and design philosophy.

‍

Define Your Goal, Then Build

If you’re ready to build your website but unsure which direction to take, start by defining your primary purpose—this will guide you toward the right type of site for your business.

If you get stuck, we're always here to help.

‍