Website Background Images: Best Practices and Free Image Sources
October 11, 2023
The new website launch checklist you should go through
October 11, 2023As you browse online, you will notice that there are many types of websites. It is estimated that up to 380 new types of websites are generated every minute. Every second, more than six web portals are visited.
As you can see, technology has advanced far too quickly, and there are now many websites running concurrently all over the world. So there are millions of types of websites, but their foundation is limited to a handful with certain priorities and criteria.
A good website enables you to build a strong brand identity and convey your story the way you want it told. Websites have grown into much more than text and information on a single page. Today's users want your website to amuse them, provide quality, and provide an easy, comfortable overall experience.
A well-designed website, created with a website builder or with the help of web designers, shows what you offer. It helps your company lead generation, engages your ideal target audience, and clearly conveys that you are a resource people can rely on.
It is critical to pay attention to website design while starting a business. Everything from the design of your website to the positioning of your CTAs may influence how long visitors remain on your page. Improving the usability of your website is simple. With so many distinct types of websites available, it makes sense to categorize them all. In fact, when it comes to different sorts of websites, the list might go on forever. The good news is that you can build an amazing website on your own when you first start. What is essential is that you adhere to specific rules when creating your website.
When it comes to the analyzing portion, each website is unique, with certain aims and best practices.
So, let's look at several different sorts of websites and how to build them.
- Websites for Blogs
- Websites for E-Commerce
- Individual Websites
- Websites for Portfolios
- Websites for Businesses
- Websites for Social Media or Entertainment
- Websites for Communities
- Websites for magazines
- Websites for Brochures
Blog Websites
Blog types of websites are updated on a regular basis with relevant articles, videos, and images. These are designed to enlighten, entertain, and educate your audience.
Blogs also serve as a source of content for social media postings and email marketing. When it comes to material, the world is your oyster when it comes to blogging.
Even if your site isn't going to be a blog, integrating a CRM system for effective customer management is a useful supplementary feature to add interest and authority to your site. Make sure you're dedicated to keeping both your content and CRM current and up to date.
These types of websites, blogs, are occasionally used to express an individual's viewpoint. They may also serve a corporation to provide value-added material to its consumers.
Often, blogs bypass the huge picture slider at the top and move straight to the text, which navigates through the site's many sections. The slider keeps the information fresh and consumers engaged. Users can travel at any point or use the arrows to forward or backward. Add a CTA and newsletter sign-up box to capture visitors' email addresses if you wish to expand your audience. You should also send your target audience emails on a regular basis. Use graphic elements to draw attention to a certain category or a fresh piece of information.
BeBlogger
An eCommerce website is an online shopping location. On eCommerce websites, where customers may buy your company's products or services.
The epidemic provided an open chance for many individuals to create their own businesses. As a result of that impact, most people launched businesses online with a variety of items - clothing, digital accessories, and crafts, etc.
Ecommerce types of websites such as Amazon, Flipkart, Best Buy, and others are good examples of a well designed eCommerce website.
These types of websites make it simple to add things to your shopping basket and pay with a credit card or a payment provider. Because the purpose of your eCommerce website is to generate sales, organize your items into categories so that users may explore by kind.
Also, make sure that the typefaces and color palettes contrast in some manner in order to attract the consumer. Every photograph must be professional and represent the goods.
Although explanations are minimal at first, with extra detail on the product page. To build confidence in your brand, use high-quality pictures. Easy navigation, personalization, simple buy features with multiple payment sections, style of the website from the homepage to the subpages... These are all critical to maintaining the look and feel of a connection with the client.
Finally, ensure that the web design and well-crafted categories improve the site's sales goals.
BeDenim
You've probably heard the term "personal brand" thrown about, and having these types of websites may be a big part of that. Not all websites are designed for public use, and there are benefits. There are some websites that can help you improve your self-esteem without being judged by anyone. Individuals who wish to have an online presence to voice their opinion, aid with career chances, or develop their own personal brand should create a personal website. You don't have to be a creative or a blogger to profit from having your own website, and you don't even have to spend money on it.
Most personal websites are quite basic, as these types of websites improve one's own thoughts and ideas to put on a platform, similar to a blog or picture diaries shared with the world. You can also pay greater attention to how it looks and feels. Personal types of websites are generally shared with friends, family, and coworkers, and they do not require any lead creation tools or SEO. These websites can sometimes grow into something that earns money if they become famous enough and the individual who created them wants to make that change, but they primarily exist to share your thoughts, ideas, and art with any friends or strangers who might be interested.
BeWebinar
A portfolio website provides a platform for creative workers to showcase their greatest work. If you're a writer, artist, or designer, you'll want to go beyond a personal website; here is where a portfolio website may come in handy. This sort of website is easier to create and more focused on a certain purpose such as gathering work examples.
A portfolio website is more creative by nature, therefore this is the area to experiment with different layouts and fascinating features.
You might utilize slideshows, galleries, or portfolio animations to display your work. Depending on how you wish to present your work, you may even embed movies. There's no need to include every single project you've ever worked on while creating a portfolio. Instead, concentrate on organizing stuff into categories and emphasizing the finest work from each group. Visitors do not expect these sites to be stuffy or excessively professional. Because the emphasis is on real labor and the language is restricted, this layout and technique work. Images are processed and remembered more by users than text alone.
BeProfile
A business website is any website that represents your company. Any size business website gives an online presence. Through business websites visitors may learn about a firm, its workers, goods, services, and culture. A business website does not sell or buy anything, but it does offer consumers the information they are seeking about a certain firm. In today's technologically savvy world, even tiny local companies require a basic internet presence.
A website is one of the simplest methods to showcase your company's offerings and attract new consumers. Your website should have an about page as well as information on how people may contact you. For example, the wedding planner website includes detailed information on their event planning and services, as well as the pricing and other added features and contact information. Make sure you use colors, typefaces, and other styles that are consistent with your brand. Don't forget to include a clear call to action on your main page.
BeCompany
The material on media websites is dynamic, which means it is changed on a frequent basis. Entertainment is made up of various variables such as music, videos, blogs, hilarious skits, and fun quizzes that increase one's entertainment as well as creativity depending on one's mentality.
When generating the content, prioritize items that are likely to be shared on social media, such as amusing videos, infographics, memes, in-depth studies, free PowerPoint templates, and free giveaways. It’s especially helpful when you need to manage multiple Facebook pages and need fresh content for all of them.
Whatever your target demographic is, you'll most likely find them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, or LinkedIn.
This category includes both news and entertainment websites such as CNN and ELLE. Although you cannot alter the platforms themselves, you do have some influence over the appearance of your page and may produce content that encourages social media sharing. You should have a certain theme that you can develop through proper social media marketing.
We've all spent hours scrolling on our phones, which has kept us occupied with these interesting applications. Go through these pages and develop a distinct personality to light the globe with the greatest interesting stuff.
BeClub
Community websites give a structured platform for publishing debates on a certain topic. Users can sign up to initiate new topics or contribute to current ones. The WordPress support forum is an excellent example of a forum that assists users in resolving technical difficulties. Finding individuals with similar mindsets may be difficult at times, and these websites might assist in locating a community of people who have a shared interest. If you wanted to build your own discussion group, you could be creative with the design and work with a developer to make the backend run smoothly.
BeSimple
Magazine and news websites have a similar layout to blog websites, but they are focused on journalism rather than personal interests and opinions. It contains informative and instructive articles, images, and videos. The magazine website format is ideal for informational websites, those published by colleges and organizations. The companies that manage these websites seldom alter the design or collaborate with individual designers.
They collaborate with organizations or businesses that assist with design, development, and maintenance.
Begin by constructing a basic structure if you intend to create a magazine website. To ensure that your content is easily legible on both computers and smartphones, consider how responsive the overall design is to multiple screen sizes.
BeEBook
A ‘brochure' website is the most basic form of a website when it comes to functionality. The homepage content in the brochure website is comparable to a website that aids in the review of the business and provides information about the navigation specifics. It lays forth the company's aims, services, and contact information. This may seem like a little detail, but it makes a significant impact.
Brochure websites are generally simply a few pages long. Brochure websites are used by small enterprises that want a basic internet presence. The information on these websites is often ‘static,' meaning it is seldom changed.
Brochure website, like business cards or visitor profiles, serves as company marketing tools to deceive customers with intelligence and bring a new firm to the industry.
BePrint
Tips
The following are some general guidelines to help you get started on making your website more user-friendly.
Define Your Site's Objectives
The first step in building your new website is to identify what the main goal of your site is before going into real website creation. Clear priorities are the foundation of successful website design. Begin your website project by deciding what is most important to your company, so you know what your website should feature.
To be clear about your website's aims or purposes, try to answer the following questions:
- Why are you establishing this website?
- How does it need to work?
- Where do you envision your company in the next years?
- How are you currently marketing your company? Etc.
Choose a Webhosting Company
A website requires three major components to be set up: a host, a domain name, and a site builder. These three capabilities are frequently included in web host all-in-one bundles.
A Host is a service that keeps your website's files and serves them to users when they want them. There are dozens of web servers, and each provides a different set of services, making it difficult to choose one. Before you make a purchase, read evaluations of each hosting platform to save time and money.
Choosing a domain name is one of the most essential things you'll do because it acts as the URL of your website and serves as the site's internet presence. According to the latest statistics on domain registrations, there are around 130.6 million registered domains in the U.S. and over 350 million worldwide. The most prevalent extension is .com, making up about 37% of all domain names due to its status as the oldest and most recognized domain suffix. This is why it's a smart idea to start with a.com website, but you can also work with other domain extensions.
A site builder is an internet platform that allows users to construct their own website using a variety of themes. It is the tool that is used to build pages, add copy, and upload photos, among other things. Your initial step should be to look into what your host has to offer. With your hosting package, many hosting companies provide a proprietary site builder or access to a third-party builder. With the aid of templates and drag-and-drop site builders, you can now create a working website in a matter of minutes.
If you want more freedom to manage your server, you can choose one of the Windows-based hosting options. This way, you can do everything easily, as almost everyone is familiar with the Windows user interface and the operating system in general.
Design With Your Audience in Mind
Focus on creating an asset to serve your audience as you progress through the phases of website design. Take the time to find out what your frequent visitors want to see on your page. Getting direct feedback from your target audience will help you identify missing aspects that you might not see on your own. When you put the user at the center of your design and content, your site will become more user-friendly by default.
Make sure that you consider your target audience's demands at every stage of website creation, from defining priorities to formatting to deciding navigation. Users frequently know exactly what they don't like about a website. It is your responsibility to take those negative remarks and convert them into positives by improving any aspects that your visitors hate.
FAQ on WordPress websites
How do I start with WordPress?
Ah, the age-old question! So, diving straight in, you'll want to choose between WordPress.com and WordPress.org. The former is hosted for you, while the latter requires your own hosting. Once you've made your pick, just sign up, choose a theme, and start adding content. It's like setting up a digital treehouse, but way cooler. Remember, the WordPress community is vast, so there's always help around the corner.
What's the difference between posts and pages?
Alright, imagine your WordPress site as a digital magazine. Posts are like the articles that change and update regularly. They're timely, and they appear in reverse chronological order. On the other hand, pages are the static stuff, like your 'About' or 'Contact' info. Think of them as the magazine's masthead or the editor's note. They don’t change as often.
How do I keep my WordPress site secure?
Safety first, right? Always keep your WordPress version, themes, and plugins updated. It's like giving your site a digital armor. Also, use strong, unique passwords and consider security plugins. Oh, and don’t forget to take regular backups. It's like having a safety net for your digital playground.
Why is my site so slow?
Speed bumps in the digital world, huh? Several factors can slow down a WordPress site. It could be your hosting, large image files, or too many plugins. Think of it like a car; sometimes you need to change the oil, replace the tires, or declutter the trunk. Optimize images, use caching plugins, and consider a Content Delivery Network (CDN).
Can I make my WordPress site mobile responsive?
Absolutely! In today's world, it's like asking if cars can run on roads. Most modern WordPress themes are mobile responsive out of the box. If yours isn’t, there are plugins that can help. Always test your site on different devices to ensure it looks snazzy everywhere.
How do I backup my WordPress site?
Backing up is essential, like keeping photocopies of important docs. There are plugins like UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy that can do the job. Alternatively, some hosting providers offer backup services. It's like having a digital safety deposit box.
What are plugins and how do I use them?
Think of plugins as the apps on your phone. They add extra features or functionalities to your WordPress site. To use one, head over to the 'Plugins' section in your dashboard, search for what you need, install, and activate. It's like downloading an app from the store, but for your website.
How do I optimize my site for SEO?
Ah, the golden question! SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is like the compass that guides visitors to your digital island. Use plugins like Yoast SEO or All in One SEO Pack. They'll guide you on optimizing content, meta descriptions, and more. Remember, quality content is king. So, write for humans, not just search engines.
Can I monetize my WordPress site?
You bet! It's like asking if you can put ads in a magazine. There are various ways: affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, or ads using platforms like Google AdSense. Just ensure your content remains top-notch and genuine. No one likes a sell-out, right?
How do I customize my WordPress theme?
Dressing up your site, huh? Head over to 'Appearance' and then 'Customize' in your dashboard. It's like your site’s wardrobe. You can change colors, fonts, layouts, and more. For deeper customizations, you might need some CSS knowledge or a page builder plugin. But hey, the sky's the limit!
Ending thoughts on the types of websites
With the variety of tools and solutions available today, putting your business online no longer necessitates learning how to code or investing thousands of dollars. A good design is more than just an appealing appearance; it also encourages user engagement and is highly targeted to the demands of the people seeing the site. Cheap web design will not provide you with the freedom and control you need to create your digital home uniquely and functionally on your own.
Remember that your website is the core of all of your marketing activities when you create it. It might be the first impression someone receives of your company, and you want it to be a good one, so don't skimp. Keep in mind that even the most basic elements are important. Don't cut corners on quality. Pay attention to what other firms have done with their website design so that you can quickly determine which format works best for each job. Remember that understanding what others have done with various page kinds provides you a good idea of the type of website that will be the best for you.
Check that all of your features operate on screens of various sizes so that users can browse and utilize your website. Otherwise, they'll simply go on to the competition.
Before you begin developing a website, pay attention to the small details and maintain the design of the appearance and feel in mind. Everything should be tested, and you should strive to see your site through the eyes of your target audience. Eventually, your site will become more user-friendly for your specific site visitors, perhaps leading to increased sales or new clients.
If you enjoyed reading this article on the types of websites, you should check out this one about cool looking personal trainer websites.
We also wrote about a few related subjects like hotel website design, the best looking tourism websites, best corporate websites, great looking spa websites, top notch musician websites, church websites, the most impressive luxury websites and impressive animated websites.
