Did you think that business websites were all the same and that they all followed some sort of one-size-fits-all format? Well, you might need to think again. Not all websites were born equal, and this also applies to those used for business purposes.

Creating a website for your small business can be a very fascinating and, sometimes, complex process. If you want the end result to truly hit the spot and speak to your audience, then you need to consider the different types of websites available. 

Not sure what these are, exactly? You've come to the right place. In this must-read guide, we will uncover some of the most popular and successful website design ideas for businesses like yours.

Sell Your Products: E-Commerce Websites

If your main goal is to sell goods online, then an e-commerce website is what you need. This will need to be engaging while at the same time easy to navigate. Your aim, in fact, is to showcase your products and sell them to as many people as possible.

In addition, you will need a secure platform to handle electronic payment transactions. People shopping online need and expect a maximum level of data protection when they are paying.

Setting up a great e-commerce website often requires the assistance of a professional. So, if you're not an expert in website design, then it's best to find a trusted and reputable agency to help you handle that.

Attract More Visitors: Lead Generation Website

A small business that aims to capture more visitors will do great with a lead generation website. You can think about this as a virtual salesperson, or a digital business card to promote your company.

A lead generation website usually includes plenty of web forms, tacked phone lines, call to actions, deals and offers, and more. To be effective, a lead generation website should be created by a skilled web developer who can use the right code to get more visitors to click, buy, and sign up for your products or services. 

Boost Awareness and Recognition: Branding and Brochure Websites

One of the crucial goals of many small businesses, especially in the very beginning, is to increase brand awareness and recognition. A branding or brochure website can be very useful to achieve this for your company.

This type of webpage helps you to provide information on your business, including where you are based, what products or services you offer, and how to contact you. 

Provide Information: News Websites

If you are a journalist looking to boost your online presence, then a news website is right up your street. Through this type of website, you can keep your audience in the know and up-to-date by publishing news articles on a range of topics.

Similarly, an online magazine will include news pieces but will have a more casual, informal, and entertaining look and feel.

Engage With Your Audience: Blog Websites

A blog can be a great option to build more engaging and compelling communication with your customers. Because a blog is essentially an online journal, you are free to use a more relaxed and easy-going tone as well as tackle as many topics as you like.

If you want your blog to be truly captivating, make sure to offer a clear and easy way for your audience to send comments and interact with you. By doing so, you will quickly build up a strong community of people who will gradually get to know you and your business.

Display Your Best Work: Portfolio Websites

Does your business operate within the creative industry? Photographers, writers, designers, and even architects and fashion brands will hugely benefit from launching their own portfolio website.

This is pretty much the same as old-fashioned, physical portfolios: a collection of your best work, ready to be showcased in an attractive and convincing way. Depending on your creative field, you might opt for a neat, simple, and polished portfolio, or choose to create one that makes a bold statement.

Sharpen Your Competitive Edge: Corporate Websites

Small businesses that aim to boost their competitiveness, raise brand awareness, and make more profit, should opt for a corporate website. And considering that less than 71% of small businesses have a corporate website, this can be your ticket to business success.

A corporate website can include pretty much all, or most, of the features of the types of website that we have listed so far. It's, without any doubt, the most complete in terms of content, and the one that has the widest scope in terms of business results.

Once again, if you are serious about building a corporate website that looks clear, engaging, and professional, you shouldn't do it alone. Ask an expert third party for assistance: it will be one of the best investments that you can do to help your small business thrive.

Understand the Different Types of Websites to Promote Your Small Business

Becoming familiar with the different types of websites is crucial if you want to select the best one to promote your small business. 

Before you start, you need to clarify what the aim of your website is. Is it selling products, displaying some of your best projects, capturing leads, or engaging with your customers? Perhaps, it's a combination of two or more of these?

Whatever goal you have in mind, you can be sure that there is a perfect website to help you accomplish it. Be sure to ask the expert assistance of a professional, if you are not well versed in web design.

For example, why not schedule a FREE 30-minute consultation with the experts at Optuno?