So you want a website for your business. You want it to be gorgeous, functional, and to make your dream clients fall in love with your brand. And then go on to want to spend their money with you. Sounds pretty simple, right? But which Type of Website is Right for Your Business?
If only it were that easy! As any developer or designer will tell you, there are tonnes of aesthetic options to choose from. Not to mention the fact that there are many different types of websites for your business. Determining what you really want, and which kind of website will serve your business, is a pretty extensive process, to put it mildly.
Here’s a conversation we have almost every time we begin a website project with a client.
Client: I need a website for my business. How much will it cost?
Us: We’d love to help you with that! The price depends on what type of website you need. What were you thinking?
Client: Just a simple site. You know, with slideshows, contact forms, pop-up windows, an online shop, a login area for our clients… oh, and a blog too…
You get the picture.
So what do you need to know about developing the right type of website for your business?
Firstly, understand that a website is not just a website. Above all it’s an extension of your business; a shopfront that’s open 24/7. Most importantly also a reflection of your brand, and communicates volumes about you to potential customers. For instance, imagine if you owned a dress shop where all the shelves were in disarray. The window featured undressed mannequins and there was no one at the till ready to take your order. Sadly, this is what some businesses’ websites feel like. Instead of creating a site that functions well and is appealing to their target market, these businesses choose to toss up any old thing on the web and call it a day. Clueless to the fact that they are doing damage to their brand.
Perhaps the problem is that ‘website’ is too vague a word to convey what it actually contributes to your business. In addition, the options of what you can do with your website are practically limitless. However for a business starting out, or even adding an online store, the process is daunting.
Which kind of site will work for your business?
Below is a list of several types of websites, and the businesses and clients for which each type is best suited. I’ve included some examples of sites we’ve designed (and a few designed by others), for your visual inspiration. Read on to determine which kind of website can help your business shine online!
Type of Site:
Basic web presence
Description: A simple site intended to establish credibility and provide basic, yet essential information to customers.
Good For: Brand-new businesses, small businesses, businesses with no ‘products,’ businesses offering familiar services such as doctors, dentists, lawyers, mechanics, etc.
Essential Content: Basic business description, services or products offered
Calls-to-Action: Contact/enquiry form
Cost: $
Sites We’ve Done: Fulham Consulting; Dr. Simone Page
For Instance: The Minus Firm, Nicola Potts
Type of Site:
One-page site with blog
Description: Modern, minimalist site for creative, service-based startups with a web-savvy clientele
Good For: Service professionals, designers, artists and other creatives, bloggers, consultants, wellness startups
Essential Content: Easily located contact information, hiring details
Calls-to-Action: ‘Work With Me’ page, email opt-in/offer
Cost: $$
Sites We’ve Done: AFI Balance, Nice Threads, Common Good, Johanna Anning
For Instance: Rosewater Market & Takeaway, Mind Journal
Type of Site:
One page site, lots of photos with menu
Description: Aesthetically pleasing, yet simple site to communicate services and atmosphere
Good For: Restaurants, coffee shops and other service industry businesses
Essential Content: Opening and closing hours, location, menu
Calls-to-Action: Phone number, booking form, map with directions, social media links
Cost: $$$
Sites We’ve Done: Donna Bionda
For Instance: Tavares, Chick’s Fry House, Restaurante Baobab, Maaemo, Saboc
Type of Site:
General business site
Verve’s Online Entrepreneur Site Package
Description: Informational site, useful for a variety of business types
Good For: Professional services, information-based businesses
Essential Content: Clear, concise copywriting, intentional branding, easy-to-use navigation
Calls-to-Action: Contact forms, call/consultation scheduling, download information kit
Cost: $$$
Sites We’ve Done: Your Unique Matter, Dr Hannah Bourke, Purcell Taylor, Live and Breathe Yoga, Chatswood Central, Brazier Motti, Coral Sunscreen
For Instance: Australia Fair Shopping Centre
Type of Site:
Showroom / portfolio site
Verve’s Online Entrepreneur Site Package
Description: Gallery-style site intended to showcase a business’ products, a residential or retail space, or an artist or maker’s creations
Good For: Architects, builders, interior designers, graphic designers, hotels, tourism industry businesses
Essential Content: Quality imagery, clear explanation of the business’ role in the images, contact information
Cost: $$$$
Sites We’ve Done: Honey Atkinson, Insight Creative, Townsville Texture Coating, Roux Blond, Turek Road Interiors, Lancini Property & Development
For Instance: Taxonomy of Design, The Greenwich Hotel Penthouse, Blu Homes, One John St., Dumbo Townhouses
Remember that your website may be the first (or only!) impression a customer has of your business. Therefore, make it count!
Type of Site:
Information-heavy site
Verve’s Online Entrepreneur Site Package +
Description: Site used to communicate detailed information to visitors and to allow interactive and/or downloadable forms.
Good For: Universities, colleges, government agencies, organisations
Essential Content: Logical site structure and navigation, good search functionality, easy-to-use forms, accessibility across multiple browsers and for visually challenged visitors
Calls-to-Action: Downloadable forms, signup forms
Cost: $$$$
Sites We’ve Done: Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership, YWAM Townsville
For Instance: The University of Sydney, Australian Government
Type of Site:
Shop site
Description: E-commerce site, enabling visitors to browse products and shop online
Good For: Retailers
Essential Content: Organised shop- and sub-shop categories, easy-to-navigate buy buttons and checkout functionality
Calls-to-Action: Voucher discounts, sign-up to email list
Cost: $$$$$
Sites We’ve Done: Brynn & Co, Botanical Style, Geo Junkie, Becalm Baby, Me Mo Stationery, The Organic Pantry
For Instance: Bare and Boho, Aesop, Patagonia, Anthropologie
Type of Site:
Online magazine / editorial site
Verve’s Online Entrepreneur Site Package
Description: Design-centric site with images and written content for a discerning audience. In other words, a well designed editorial website with lots of white space, large gorgeous images and most importantly eye catching layouts.
Good for: Magazines, newspapers and individual writers
Essential Content: Excellent writing and/or photography, unique layout that doesn’t look like a blog and allows for easy reading and navigation
Calls-to-Action: Email signup, social sharing links
Cost: $$$$$
Sites We’ve Done: Confetti Magazine
For Instance: New York Times, The Great Discontent, Quotes Magazine, The Forecaster Interactive
In conclusion, why not give them a unique online experience and convert them into raving fans before they even meet you? After that, when you’re ready to upgrade your presence on the web, see our branding and web packages – we’d love to help!
Co-owner of Verve Design, Stephen’s 15+ years of experience in design, illustration and web brings creativity, innovation and the kind of tech knowledge most of us are envious of!