Many newbies get confused about the different types of websites that they can make. In fact, most don’t even know there are different types of websites. Here’s a question that I often get from my subscribers.
What is the difference between a website, minisite and blog. What are their advantages/disadvantages.As a beginner what would you recommend I start off with?
Today, I’m just going to cover briefly on what type of sites are available out there and in the next few days I’ll go through the whats and whys of the more popular types.
Why Choose a Website Type
Why do you have to decide what type of website to build? Can’t you just open up Dreamweaver and use it to build everything and anything?
Ummm … no!
It would be great though wouldn’t it, if you could just buy that one magic software that could build any site you want easily and quickly. Unfortunately, there isn’t such a software. Especially not for us non-techies.
The reason you have to choose a type of site to build is because they require different web building tools to build. In fact, for each type of software there are many different tools to choose from. In a later post, I’ll cover the tools that are non-techie friendly but for now all you have to know is different types of sites requires different type of tools.
What to Choose From
Here are the different types of websites you can build. There are more but these are the more popular ones.
- A micro site: This type of site usually consist of one or two web pages. It is used to create landing pages, opt in pages and sales letter type pages.
- A mini site: A mini site has slightly more pages, usually about 5. This type of site is commonly used by small businesses to build an online presence. The site normally includes a homepage, a page about their services and products, a contact page, and maybe a pricing or rates page. These are also commonly known as brochure type websites.
- A content site: A content site is just what the name implies. Its a site filled with content. Example content sites include news sites, article sites, how to sites … Many content sites offers visitors various ways to interact with the site. You could comments on their articles, for example, or rate them and cast your votes.
- A blog: This is a smaller version of a content site. You’ve probably visited many of these. In fact, you’re on one right now. The distinguishing feature of blog site is the way content is added chronologically.
- A forum site: I think this one needs no explanation. Although, many would add a forum to an existing site, such as a content site, you will also come across sites that are standalone forums with nothing else.
- An ecommerce site: This site consist mainly of a shopping cart that showcases products. Pop quiz: What’s the most popular ecommerce site on the internet? You guessed it – Amazon.com.
How to Choose?
The big question now is, how do you choose what type of website to build? Fortunately, there’s only one determinant – the purpose of your website. You have to decide what the purpose of your website is. What are you trying to achieve. Why do you need a website on the internet. When you’ve answered that question, it’ll be easier to choose.
In coming posts, I will cover the more popular sites in more detail. What the purpose of the site is and how they can benefit you. So come back soon.
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Thanks for all the encouragement. I’m rather slow when t comes to building things – such as a Blog or a website. Not only that but I’ve had to stop work due to ill health and have to exist on the british governments idea of a ‘living’ pension + a small works pension (from a begrudging employer).
So with cash tight I have to set my priorities to rent, food, and transport.
When these are paid for whats left is my ‘play’ money.
I’m not complaining – heavens forbid! There are people out there far worse off than me and I count my blssings each day that I wake up!
Bless you my dear, I enjoy you emails and tutorials and am waiting for more on Blogs!
hi this isn't what i was looking for but the content that you have is wrong i should know as i am an ICT teacher at Cambridge University
Hi there. Thank you for dropping by. The content on this blog is written for internet marketers for real life applications in the internet marketing world. They are not meant as theory for an academic course. My apologies if the title has led you to believe otherwise.