Today, every business must have an online presence. But what that presence looks like depends on your business goals, size, and the customers you want to attract.
A well-designed website does more than inform. It persuades visitors, builds trust, and guides them toward action.
However, not all websites serve the same purpose. For example, a start-up business may only need a few pages, while a corporation might need a large website with multiple service pages and advanced functionality.
We develop five main website types at Select Web, each designed to meet different business needs. These are:
- Start-Up Websites
- Brochure Websites
- Corporate Websites
- Catalogue Websites
- E-Commerce Websites
In this blog post, you’ll learn more about what makes each type unique, and help you understand which one is right for your business.
Start-Up Website
A start-up website is perfect for new businesses that need to establish an online presence quickly and affordably. It typically includes three essential pages: Home, About, and Contact.
Home page: This is where you introduce your business. It provides a concise overview of what you do and why visitors should care.
About page: This page helps build credibility by sharing your story, values, and the people behind the business.
Contact page: A straightforward way for potential customers to reach out to you, whether by phone, email or through a simple form.
This type of website is ideal for freelancers, small service providers or start-ups who need to establish credibility but don’t need a complex site.
The goal here is to get something professional online fast, without overwhelming visitors with too much information.
For example, a new landscaping business could use this type of site to display its services, a bit about its story, and a way for customers to get in touch. It’s simple, efficient, and gets the job done.
Examples of start-up websites:
Brochure Website
As your business grows, so do your needs. And that’s where a brochure website comes in. A brochure website typically has five pages: Home, About, Services, Blog or News, and Contact.
It acts as a digital brochure that provides visitors with more in-depth information about your company and services.
Services page: This is the heart of the brochure website, where you can outline your key offerings and explain how they benefit your customers.
Blog or news section: This helps showcase your expertise. By regularly posting relevant content, you can position yourself as an authority in your field, which builds trust with potential customers.
Who benefits from this type of site? Small to medium-sized businesses, such as local service providers, consultants and professionals.
Let’s say you’re a financial consultant who wants to showcase your services, your background and your industry knowledge.
A brochure website offers you just the right balance between being informative and persuasive without going overboard on content.
A key feature of this type of website is Calls to Action – directing visitors to engage, whether that’s signing up for a newsletter or scheduling a consultation.
Examples of brochure websites:
Corporate Website
A corporate website takes things to the next level. If you’re a larger business or have multiple services, this type of site – typically more than 10 pages – is perfect for you.
Corporate websites often include individual landing pages for each service, in addition to detailed sections like case studies, client testimonials, a team page and a blog.
Landing pages: Each service gets a dedicated page. This allows for more detailed descriptions and targeted SEO strategies to attract the right audience.
Case studies and testimonials: These provide social proof, showing potential customers how you’ve helped others in similar situations.
Team page: Introduces visitors to key members of your team, personalising your business and making it more approachable.
This type of website is ideal for law firms, industrial businesses, or larger corporations that need to project professionalism and authority.
For example, a law firm may want to highlight the specific legal services it offers, complete with case studies, lawyer bios and a blog discussing current legal issues.
A corporate website allows you to build trust and establish thought leadership in your industry.
Examples of corporate websites
Catalogue Website
A catalogue website is the perfect solution for businesses that want to showcase their products online but don’t need an integrated payment system. Think of it as a digital storefront without the checkout counter.
These websites are designed to display products with detailed descriptions, photos, and specifications. However, customers will need to contact you to make a purchase or arrange a consultation.
Product listings: Each product has its dedicated page or section, complete with images, descriptions and any relevant technical specifications.
No payment gateway: There’s no option to purchase directly on the site, but that doesn’t mean it’s less valuable.
This type of website is often used by businesses with complex or high-ticket items where the purchasing process is more consultative.
Who benefits? Manufacturers, wholesalers and companies with products that require a conversation before a sale.
For example, a machinery supplier might use a catalogue website to showcase various models and their features but would need to engage directly with potential customers to finalise details.
Examples of catalogue websites:
E-Commerce Website
For businesses looking to sell directly to consumers, an e-commerce website is the ultimate tool.
It’s more than just a digital storefront; it’s an integrated platform where customers can browse products, add items to their cart and complete their purchases – all in one seamless process.
Product listings and shopping cart: Customers can easily browse and select items, and then proceed to the checkout.
Payment gateway: This feature is critical for any e-commerce site, allowing customers to pay directly on the site using secure payment methods.
This type of website is ideal for retail businesses, boutiques, and brands looking to sell their products online.
Whether you’re a fashion retailer or a small artisanal business, an e-commerce website allows you to reach a global audience and provide a smooth purchasing experience.
Examples of e-commerce websites