When it comes to designing and organising your website, determining the most effective structure can be pretty overwhelming.
With so many different styles out there, it can be tough to choose the one that fits your content and brand the best. Each type of website serves various purposes and caters to distinct audiences, making it important to carefully consider your options before settling on a particular approach.
To help you out, we’ve put together a handy list of the most common types of websites, along with tips on how to use them effectively.
One-page
A one-page website design puts all the content on a single, continuous page. This means users can easily find different types of info without having to click through multiple pages. The navigation links act like shortcuts, taking people to specific sections of the page. This setup makes for a smooth browsing experience since visitors can quickly get to what they're looking for without searching around. It's best for sites where the copy is connected and not too extensive, so users can dive into the content without feeling lost in endless scrolling or searching.
If you want your one-page website to really pop, think about adding some movement to the design. For example, you could use parallax scrolling, where the background images move slower than the content in the front, giving a cool sense of depth. Another fun option is a text marquee, which is when text scrolls across the screen either sideways or up and down. It could add some nice flair to your site!
Check out this super simple one-page website we designed here!
Multi-page
A multi-page website organises your content into distinct sections, which can be particularly helpful if you have a lot of text and various topics to cover. Just keep in mind that too many pages can overwhelm users, so it's important to create them thoughtfully to improve the user experience. Good navigation is key here, as it helps users easily find the info they're looking for.
From a design standpoint, having multiple pages gives you more freedom to mix things up. You can customise each page to showcase important info, add fun effects, and use eye-catching visuals since the content is compartmentalised. For instance, you could include an interactive map on your contact page or add cool scrolling animations on a gallery page to make the experience more engaging for visitors.
We’ve added an awesome multi-page site designed by us here!
Portfolio
Typically, a portfolio site follows a clear structure that showcases a person or team. This usually means including short descriptions that let visitors connect with you or your team on a personal level. Don’t forget to feature your work prominently, especially if you can show it off with cool visuals like images or videos. Having a dedicated contact page or section is key so potential clients or collaborators can easily get in touch.
On top of that, make sure the content on your site is tailored to your specific goals. For example, adding client testimonials can really boost your credibility and highlight the positive experiences of those you've worked with. Giving detailed info about your services can help potential clients see what you can do. Including pricing info can also be a good idea for those who want to plan their budgets.
The biggest thing to keep in mind for your portfolio website is that visitors should get a clear idea of what you do right away. Once you nail that, you can play around with the design to show off your own unique style and personality. So, even if the overall layout is pretty standard, there’s plenty of room for creativity to make your portfolio stand out.
Here’s an example of a one-page portfolio!
We’ve also added a more standard portfolio site here.
Blog
A blog can be a great way to draw people to your website. A blog can act as a complementary page to a website focused on a specific topic, such as our website, or can be dedicated solely to the posts, like news sites. Getting your blog set up right is key to making it easy for users to navigate and keeping them engaged. So, it’s worth thinking about things like design, categories, and overall layout to make sure your blog draws in visitors.
A simple blog is pretty easy to set up yourself. If you need a blog that’s part of a wider website or requires unique features, you might be looking for something more bespoke. Knowing what will work for your website is important. If you decide to go with a custom-designed blog, you’ll open up a world of options just for your needs. With the right design team, you can add features that make posting your articles super easy and create a more engaging experience for your readers.
At the end of the day, whether you pick a ready-made platform or go for a custom option, a blog that’s easy to navigate and manage should be the most important feature. That way you can focus on creating awesome content!
E-commerce
Thinking about starting an online shop? There are tons of options out there, and it can be a bit overwhelming to figure out where to start. One of the easiest routes is to go with an e-commerce platform. These platforms are super user-friendly, but they do have some design limits. You might find it tricky to customise themes, tweak the checkout process, or add cool features like background videos or unique layouts without diving into some coding or relying on third-party apps.
If you need a more custom website design, a common approach is to create a main site with a unique look and then link it to a separate e-commerce site that matches your branding. This way, both sites have a consistent feel, and you still get to express your style on the main site.
Here's an e-commerce site designed by us!
Membership sites
When you're setting up a membership site, it's important to really understand your audience so you can create a site that makes them want to join. It needs to be user-friendly, especially for new people who want to check out the content. The design should really focus on keeping users engaged and making it easy for them to get started. If your site has a paid membership model, it’s a good idea to offer different subscription options. Additionally, security is an important aspect. Consider making strong passwords and two-factor authentication a requirement for your members.
The best membership sites focus on meeting the varying needs and preferences of their audience. This kind of flexibility can really boost user satisfaction and keep them coming back!
See this membership site we made for an example.
Archive
Creating an archive for a website can be complicated, it’s important to keep things user-friendly and effective. You definitely want to prioritise accessibility and have a clear structure, whether your archive is just a small sidebar or a full-on page.
But hey, this is also a great chance to get creative! For example, using bold and eye-catching category headings can really liven things up and help users understand the layout. Or, think about adding some cool interactive features, like a timeline that moves as you scroll - like the one we’ve added below! This not only makes it more fun for users but also helps them navigate the archive easily. With some smart design choices, your archive can become a lively and accessible tool that really improves the user experience on your site.
We've made this awesome archive linked here.
We hope this explanation of common types of websites helps you figure out what you need! By getting to know these different formats, you’re better equipped to make a choice that improves your online presence and gets your message across to your target audience.