Types Of Websites

A website is like a car or a shirt. There are unlimited styles, sizes, varieties. A “car” can be a giant wheeled killer lift kit job from the county fair, or it can be a practical pick-up truck, or a sporty racer or a Yugo. Someone somewhere bought each one of those, and used it as their vehicle. Shirts and blouses are the same… endless possibilities. And so are websites. A website is today what a poster on a wall used to be, or a store front, or a place to play games or do things. It will be what you want it to be; and that implies thought. A computer used to compute numbers like an adding machine. Today is it a communications medium, a window to the world, even a window INTO your world. So where do you want yours to take you?

In business we need a few things we always have needed; customers who know where to find us, a product list if we are selling things, a service list if we are doing work, and perhaps an image as we want the world to see us. So it follows that a few basic styles are evident. Obviously, there are many more.

PRODUCT ORIENTED SITE: This is the site you browse through when you are looking for a specific product. A shoe company will show you a few categories of footwear – boots, high-heels for ladies, steel-toe work shoes, loafers etc. Then you’ll be led to pictures and data within the category you chose, and finally a way to purchase them, with all their options. A store on the web if you will.

INFORMATIONAL WEBSITE: A college, an historical museum, a medical site won’t be selling you much, but they want you to have huge amounts of information about their services and productions. Theatres and festivals, instructional services use these to promote your joining them. Sports teams and stadium facilities use this type too.

INTERACTIVE WEBSITE: This is used to gather information or present a two-way flow of information. Police agencies are now using these sites for tips, “APB’s” and “BOLO’s”. America’s Most Wanted TV show has such a site. Another use of this type is in commerce where memberships, affiliate programs and such are required to both present and gather data. Some commercial sites have forms to collect vital data right on line. You can fill them out in the privacy of your home.

INSTITUTIONAL WEBSITE: This is a site which is a display for a business which is intended simply to build an image. Law firms, professional services often use this type of site. It’s not going to make money directly on the screen, but it shows the high level of scholarly qualification and sophistication offered.

You run your business in your way. You are probably successful because you have directed your efforts and investments into a direction you deemed best for your company. You are the best source of direction for your website as well. When you contact us at JS Design, we suggest you give these ideas some consideration first, and perhaps surf through other websites in your profession already on the web. See what appeals to you, and what you DO NOT want. Never copy someone’s exact style or data, but peruse what your protential clients will find there when they start looking, Then let us help you shine. Scribble those www addresses and call us. 760-289-7848. We’ll pay attention to what YOU wish to achieve, and help you do that.

– JS Design