- \n
- Different website types serve specific business purposes. Matching your site type to your goals leads to better results.<\/li>\n
- Most successful business websites combine elements from multiple website categories.<\/li>\n
- The right website features depend on your industry, audience needs and how customers prefer to interact with you.<\/li>\n
- Start with core website functionality and add features as you grow.<\/li>\n
- Professional website builders make it simple to create any type of website without technical expertise.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n \n\n\n\n Ready to create your perfect website? <\/div>\n\n\n Explore templates, features and tools built for small business success. <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n \n\n Try Vista x Wix<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n1. Business website <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Today, the first thing most people do to understand a business is visit its website. Whether you\u2019re introducing innovative services or reaffirming the credibility of your traditional business, your website is crucial to your business.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Screenshot](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1600,h_975,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1748963312\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/Screenshot-of-a-business-website-with-clean-layout-and-navigation\/Screenshot-of-a-business-website-with-clean-layout-and-navigation.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBusiness website design by anna.uxui via 99designs by Vista<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your website\u2019s design should mirror your company\u2019s brand identity. For instance, a tech startup should use modern visuals and informal language, while a law firm should opt for a classic design and professional tone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Are you curious about what type of website and layout is best for your business<\/a>? A business site needs to clearly show who you are, what you offer and why someone should choose you. Think of it as your digital storefront. Ideally, it will have a strong homepage, a clear About page, simple navigation and visible trust signals like testimonials or case studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Design matters, but simplicity wins. A well-structured layout with easy-to-read content and clear calls-to-action is more effective than flashy animations. And for service-based businesses like consultants or contractors, it\u2019s often those quiet credibility cues, like licenses, reviews or professional tone, that matter most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re not sure where to start, check out our guide on how to create a business website<\/a>. And remember: Your website doesn\u2019t need to do everything, just the right things for your audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Features<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Detailed service descriptions<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Insightful company biography on the \u201cAbout Us\u201d page<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Essential contact details such as address, phone and email<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Clear mission statement<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Solutions for customer pain points and a strong value proposition<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Direct call-to-action for initiating business<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
2. E-commerce website<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
E-commerce websites turn your online presence into a sales channel, allowing customers to browse and buy directly. Compared to standard business websites, they require extra features\u2014like inventory management, secure checkout and user accounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With cart abandonment hovering near 70%, according to Statista<\/a>, a smooth, trustworthy shopping experience matters.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"E-commerce](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1600,h_1240,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1748963304\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/E-commerce-website-design-by-Mediaspace-via-99designs-by-Vista\/E-commerce-website-design-by-Mediaspace-via-99designs-by-Vista.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nE-commerce website design by Mediaspace via 99designs by Vista<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For retailers with extensive product lines, it\u2019s essential to create individual pages for each item. These pages draw in customers through engaging descriptions, vivid photographs and dynamic videos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As your inventory expands, website navigation can become more complex. An effective layout coupled with features like filters and category tags guides customers to their desired products more efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Given the inherent hesitation some shoppers feel towards online purchases due to the inability to physically inspect items, the quality of your visual content is vital. Employ crisp, well-angled photos and videos to provide a clearer understanding of what you\u2019re selling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This approach is particularly critical in apparel sales, where fitting is a major concern. Including comprehensive sizing charts with precise measurements significantly enhances customer confidence in how garments will fit, mitigating the lack of a physical fitting experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Features<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Gallery showcasing products with high-resolution images<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dedicated product pages<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Secure payment processing, including SSL encryption<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Personalization features like wishlists, saved shopping carts and customizable user profiles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Not sure where to begin? Our small business guide to e-commerce<\/a> and top e-commerce tools<\/a> can help you get started without tech headaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Blog and news websites<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In the digital era, blogs and news websites are taking over the roles traditionally held by newspapers and magazines. A significant majority of Americans\u2014around 86% according to Pew Research Center<\/a>\u2014prefer to access their news online, a trend bolstered by the free access most of these sites offer.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"News](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1600,h_1081,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1748963295\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/News-website-with-article-layout-and-categories\/News-website-with-article-layout-and-categories.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nNews website redesign by Anton S. via 99designs by Vista<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Given the large number of articles these sites host, it\u2019s essential to have easy navigation. Many sites use tags or categories, similar to sections in a newspaper like \u201cSports\u201d or \u201cEntertainment,\u201d to help readers quickly find the content they\u2019re looking for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blog websites are often featured on larger websites, including business sites, where they engage visitors and boost search engine rankings. Keeping blogs filled with fresh, keyword-rich content enhances a site\u2019s visibility online. However, it\u2019s crucial to focus on high-quality content to avoid the trap of clickbait, which can turn readers away as quickly as it draws them in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Forget design tricks: Content strategy is what counts. Focus on topics your audience is already searching for, and organize content into clusters to grow your authority over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ready to start writing? Explore how to start a blog<\/a> and find the best blogging platforms<\/a> for your needs. Done well, blogging builds long-term SEO results and lasting trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Features<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Comprehensive article directories<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Individual pages for each post<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Article tagging and categorization for easy navigation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Payment systems and user accounts, when necessary<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
4. Portfolio website <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Portfolio websites are vital for visually driven professionals, such as photographers and design agencies. Their main goal is similar to that of business websites\u2014to convey ideas to visitors and capture potential business\u2014yet they specifically highlight actual work to set client expectations regarding style and quality.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Artist](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1600,h_1442,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1748963248\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/Artist-portfolio-website-with-image-gallery\/Artist-portfolio-website-with-image-gallery.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPortfolio website design for an artist by Soda Creek Digital via 99designs by Vista<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These sites are designed to show more than tell; they typically include galleries that are easy to navigate, possibly using tags or categories to sort the work effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key details like contact info and a concise professional biography are also crucial, providing authenticity and a personal touch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, an effective call-to-action, such as a messaging feature, is essential. This should be prominently placed across the website to facilitate straightforward and quick communication with prospective clients.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Photographer](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1600,h_1481,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1748963260\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/Photographer-portfolio-site-with-high-quality-food-photos\/Photographer-portfolio-site-with-high-quality-food-photos.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFood photographer\u2019s portfolio website design for a photographer by Armin Braunsberger via 99design by Vista<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Features<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Display of high-quality project images<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Information about the professional or agency<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Brief explanation of services<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Strong call-to-action for initiating contact<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
5. Landing page<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Landing pages are designed for a specific function, like gathering email sign-ups or promoting app downloads, with a layout that directs all attention to one action. These pages feature prominent, eye-catching CTAs and straightforward text that clarifies the CTA\u2019s value or offers reassurances like \u201cWe won\u2019t share your email.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Minimalist](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1600,h_1147,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1748963271\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/Minimalist-single-page-website-layout-with-CTA-button\/Minimalist-single-page-website-layout-with-CTA-button.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAn example of a single-page website (landing page) by Yevhen Genome via 99designs by Vista<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Landing pages are often part of larger marketing strategies, such as using a dedicated page for an online raffle to streamline links from ads directly to the action. They can be easily set up and taken down, making them ideal for temporary campaigns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Landing pages also serve as interim solutions while a full website is being developed, collecting emails to notify users upon launch. This approach not only builds anticipation but also helps plan for adequate hosting resources based on the anticipated traffic.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Promotional](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1600,h_808,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1748963358\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/Promotional-landing-page-with-email-sign-up\/Promotional-landing-page-with-email-sign-up.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nLanding page design by Akira X3 via 99designs by Vista<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Features<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Single, clear call-to-action (CTA)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Concise service description or pitch<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Landing pages are ideal for campaigns, launches and lead gen. Tailor them to specific audiences for better results than a general homepage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Event website<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Event websites streamline the management of events like weddings, conferences or social gatherings by centralizing critical details\u2014dates, locations, schedules and guidelines.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Event](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1600,h_1496,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1748963348\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/Event-website-with-event-details-and-RSVP-options\/Event-website-with-event-details-and-RSVP-options.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEvent website design by daffanauran via 99designs by Vista<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These sites eliminate repetitive communication, allowing attendees to access all the information they need in one place, with the flexibility to revisit details as needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While personal events might require basic websites, larger events may opt for more advanced setups with features like online ticket sales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ensure the site includes all vital information such as event timing, dress code, rules, directions, accommodation details and links to nearby facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"IMDb](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_930,h_591,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1748963341\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/IMDb-database-website-with-search-bar-and-movie-listings\/IMDb-database-website-with-search-bar-and-movie-listings.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n![\"Online](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1600,h_1538,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1748963327\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/Online-forum-interface-with-topic-listings\/Online-forum-interface-with-topic-listings.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n![\"Netflix](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1600,h_808,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1748963320\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/Netflix-homepage-with-featured-shows-and-sign-up-prompt\/Netflix-homepage-with-featured-shows-and-sign-up-prompt.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n