20 types of websites & how to pick the right one for you

Key takeaways:

• Sites with different objectives require distinct formats. Understanding the purpose behind your site ensures you pick a structure that aligns with your goals.
• Your website’s core function should drive every decision about its design, features, and platform choice.
• Conducting thorough audience and competitor research reveals which features, designs, and content formats resonate best, guiding your choice.

Your website is often the very first touchpoint for prospects, customers, and partners. What once began as static web pages has transformed into dynamic, goal‑driven platforms. This evolution has produced distinct website archetypes—each engineered to solve a specific business challenge and deliver measurable results.

In the following sections, we’ll explore 20 website types, highlighting their key features and design essentials so you can confidently choose the one that best aligns with your goals and serves your audience.

1. Business website

A business website is your company’s digital storefront. It is designed to build credibility, communicate your values, and convert visitors into customers.

When designing a business website, focus on showcasing your unique value proposition, and make it effortless for prospects to take the next step.

Key features and design considerations

• Story and mission: Clearly share your company’s story, values, and mission to foster transparency and emotional connection.
• Products and services: Use high‑quality images, concise descriptions, and clear calls to action so visitors instantly understand what you offer and how it benefits them.
• Contact options: Provide multiple touchpoints—contact forms, phone numbers, live chat, and a map. Make it easy for customers to reach you through their preferred means.
• Responsive design: Prioritize mobile‑first layouts and fast load times to ensure a seamless experience on every device.
• Content optimization: Optimize your content and metadata for search engines to boost organic visibility and attract new visitors.

Real‑world example

The Sill showcases its houseplants with crisp photography, straightforward navigation, and detailed care instructions. The website’s interface seamlessly guides visitors from browsing to purchase.

Most business websites are informational, so they’re easier to create compared to other types. If you plan to build a business website, check out our expert website-building tips for small and medium business owners.

2. eCommerce website

You want an eCommerce website if you plan to sell your products and services online. When building an eCommerce site, prioritize a frictionless shopping experience that guides visitors from discovery straight through checkout.

Key features and design considerations:

• Product catalog: Showcase items with high‑quality images, concise descriptions, transparent pricing, and stock availability so customers can find what they need quickly.
• Cart and checkout: Simplify the flow with minimal steps and add guest checkout options and progress indicators to reduce cart abandonment.
• Payment gateways: Integrate secure, trusted payment methods such as credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets to provide more options for customers.

Real-world example of an eCommerce website:

Rothy’s is a sustainable footwear and accessories brand celebrated for its eco‑friendly products. Its product catalog is clean, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. When you add an item to the cart, a mini dropdown preview appears letting you review selections without interrupting your browsing. Rothy’s also streamlined their check out process, minimizing friction and speeding up purchases.

Websites of this quality require time and expertise to build. If you’re interested in starting an online business, consider our online store builder or consult our team of experts.

3. Portfolio website

A portfolio website showcases your creative work, skills, and achievements. It is a powerful tool for reinforcing your personal brand and attracting clients. This format most benefits professionals in creative fields like photography, graphic design, and writing.

Key features and design considerations:

• Visual galleries: Showcase your past projects with high-resolution images or videos arranged in an intuitive layout. A well-organized gallery immediately grabs attention and demonstrates that you consistently deliver quality results.
• Project case studies: Include detailed case studies to illustrate your problem-solving process and showcase tangible outcomes, strengthening your expertise for prospective employers.
• Personal branding: Use your portfolio website to build and reinforce your personal brand. A cohesive presentation of your values, skills, and personality helps you connect authentically with your audience.

Real-world example of a portfolio website:

Doug Rodas is a Toronto‑based creative whose website presents his design portfolio in a clean, visually engaging layout. The site highlights his technical skills and unique creative personality through a thoughtful color palette and distinctive logo choices. He weaves his values, expertise, and aesthetic sensibility into every page, making the site a well-rounded example of personal branding.

If you’ve already decided to create a personal website, our tips on making a standout online portfolio can help you get started.

4. Personal website

A personal website (often called a blog website) is a digital space where you can share your stories, ideas, hobbies, and professional experiences. People often use it for self-expression and personal branding.

When designing yours, weave your personality and passion into the site to forge a genuine connection with visitors.

Key features and design considerations:

• Blog: Publish regular posts that share insights, personal anecdotes, or industry expertise to engage readers and demonstrate authority.
• Personal biography: Craft a concise, compelling bio highlighting your background, interests, and goals, giving visitors a clear sense of who you are.
• Social media: Link to your profiles so audiences can follow your journey or interact with you on multiple platforms.
• Interactive elements: Incorporate comment sections, polls, or contact forms to invite feedback and deepen engagement.

Real-world example of a personal website:

Tim Ferriss, the bestselling author and entrepreneur, uses his personal website to host blog posts, podcast episodes, and direct links to his social channels. This diverse content keeps visitors engaged while reinforcing his lifestyle design and entrepreneurship authority.

Thinking about building a personal website? Make yours unique with a design that mirrors your style, whether you’re going for a professional, creative, or casual look.

5. Educational website

An educational website provides learning resources through courses or interactive learning tools. For this type, you design your website to facilitate education for formal learning, professional development, or self-paced study.

A well-designed educational website prioritizes easy navigation, engaging content, and learning tools that motivate users to stay and complete their courses.

Key features and design considerations:

• Course modules: Organize your educational content into structured courses or lessons. Breaking down information into smaller, digestible modules helps learners absorb material at their own pace. 
• Multimedia content: Use videos, infographics, and interactive quizzes to cater to various learning styles and enhance engagement.
• User progress tracking: Allow users to track their learning progress with visual indicators like progress bars. Seeing their progress keeps learners motivated and on track to complete their courses.
• Discussion forums: Facilitate peer-to-peer learning by creating spaces where learners can ask questions, share ideas, and collaborate on projects.

Real-world example of an educational website:

Udemy offers thousands of courses with video lectures, quizzes, and discussion forums, making learning interactive and accessible on any device.

6. Entertainment websites

Entertainment websites are engaging online platforms built to captivate visitors with immersive multimedia content. When designing an entertainment site, your priority is keeping users entertained. Make content instantly discoverable and visually compelling so users spend more time enjoying your site than searching.

Key features and design considerations:

• Dynamic content: Update content regularly to keep the site fresh. If possible, analyze user activity on your site and acquire data on which type of content is the most and least viewed.
• User interaction: Enable features such as comment sections, social media sharing, or live chats to encourage user engagement. Cultivating a community within your site is helpful for your website’s growth.
• High-quality visuals: Use dynamic video thumbnails that capture key moments when building video-centric sites. For music sites, animated album covers keep things lively and visually interesting. Hover effects on images, clickable banners, or engaging animations can also add entertainment to written content.
• Mobile optimization: Optimize your site so it works seamlessly on mobile devices since many users consume entertainment content on the go.

Real-world example of an entertainment website:

Buzzfeed is a popular internet media company known for its entertaining, shareable content. BuzzFeed’s site visually captivates audiences using bold, eye-catching images and dynamic videos. Their articles are often accompanied by appealing visuals—from memes to GIFs — which add entertainment and enhance the storytelling.

7. Community forum

A community forum is an online platform where people gather to share ideas, seek advice, and discuss various topics. Besides seeking knowledge, users join to connect with like-minded individuals who share their passions or expertise.

A good community online platform fosters a sense of belonging and encourages meaningful conversations and collaboration. It provides a user-friendly interface, clear guidelines, effective moderators, and interactive features that make participation enjoyable and rewarding.

Key features and design considerations:

• Discussion boards: Create categories or threads that allow users to engage in discussions about specific topics.
• User profiles: Allow members to create customizable profiles, which helps foster a sense of identity within the community.
• Moderation tools: Implement tools to help moderators manage conversations, enforce guidelines, and keep the environment friendly and respectful.
• Search functionality: Ensure users can easily search the site to find relevant content quickly.

Real-world example of a community forum:

Reddit is the quintessential community‑driven platform. It lets users share content, ask questions, and engage in discussions across thousands of topic‑specific forums called subreddits. Each subreddit functions like a discussion board, where members post and comment on threads. It also uses a robust search bar that lets you filter results by posts, subreddits, or users, making it easy to discover and join relevant conversations.

8. News & magazine website

News websites provide current events and editorial content to inform and entertain readers. Its design aims to deliver timely insights on several topics of interest.

This type of website blends the authority of traditional journalism with modern digital design. It creates a dynamic platform for delivering in-depth reporting, opinion pieces, and interactive content. Readers visit these sites for breaking news, expert commentary, and engaging storytelling that captures diverse perspectives on current events.

Key features and design considerations:

• Breaking news sections: Display the latest headlines prominently to update visitors on real-time developments.
• Editorial content: Feature in-depth articles, opinion pieces, and investigative stories that build authority and offer valuable perspectives.
• Multimedia integration: Use images, videos, and interactive infographics to make articles more engaging and visually appealing.
• Subscription models: Offer premium content or ad-free experiences to generate steady revenue while providing exclusive value to subscribers.

Real-world example of a news website:

The New York Times combines in‑depth reporting with rich multimedia storytelling. They organize and label their content, making it easy for visitors to navigate between sections. The NY Times also use live blogging for major news events to deliver minute‑by‑minute updates as stories develop.

9. Subscription website

Subscription or membership websites offer premium content behind a paywall, creating predictable recurring revenue instead of relying on one‑off sales or advertising.

Because content is your core product, consistently publishing high‑quality, exclusive material is important to meet subscriber expectations and minimize churn.

Equally important is frictionless user experience. Subscription sites should have an intuitive, self‑service portal where visitors can sign up, upgrade plans, update payment details, or cancel in just a few clicks — all optimized for desktop and mobile.

Key features and design considerations:

• Membership portals: Provide secure, personalized access for subscribers to view exclusive content, track usage, and manage subscriptions.
• Recurring billing systems: Implement seamless payment integrations for easy recurring payments and automated billing.
• Exclusive content: Offer high-quality, members-only content that gives subscribers more value than free alternatives.
• User analytics: Track subscriber behavior to refine your content and offer personalized recommendations.

Real-world example of a subscription website:

Raw Spice Bar is a subscription service delivering freshly ground, small‑batch spice blends alongside chef‑tested recipes. Subscribers also receive an exclusive email newsletter that explores each blend’s origin, cultural context, and cooking tips beyond the products themselves. Members can easily review past orders, update payment details, and manage subscription settings through a dedicated account dashboard.

Subscription‑based businesses are one of the fastest‑growing revenue models for online ventures. If you want to capitalize on this trend, learn how to launch an online subscription business in this article.

10. Crowdfunding website

Rather than relying on a third‑party marketplace like Kickstarter or Indiegogo, a crowdfunding website is a self‑hosted fundraising portal hosted on your domain. It lets you raise capital directly from supporters without sharing revenue or data with a platform provider.

Beyond a great pitch, a crowdfunding site should consider ease of use. Supporters should be able to discover projects, make secure pledges, manage their contributions, and track reward fulfillment seamlessly across any device.

If you want to start your crowdfunding site for a particular venture, seek legal advice first. The government regulates the crowdfunding industry under the JOBS Act. The law requires you to register your site as an SEC‑approved funding portal, comply with Regulation Crowdfunding’s disclosure requirements, and adhere to strict investment limits.

Key features and design considerations:

• Project pages: Build trust and inspire donations by providing detailed information about the project, funding goals, rewards, and deadlines.
• Progress bars & timelines: Display funding progress and deadlines to create urgency and motivate users to contribute.
• Reward tiers: Offer various rewards to backers at different contribution levels, providing incentives to donate.
• Social sharing: Make it easy for backers to share the project with their networks. In return, your site will gain greater exposure, attracting more supporters.
• Secure payment systems: Integrate trusted payment gateways, so contributors feel safe when donating.

Real-world example of a crowdfunding website:

After being rejected by Kickstarter, Lockitron started its own “self-starter” platform and raised $1.5 million in one week. This happened in 2012, and Lockitron’s site is no longer active. But their success shows that it’s possible to raise capital for your idea without the help of third-party crowdfunding platforms.

11. Review website

Review websites collect, evaluate, and rate products and services online to help users make informed decisions. It aggregates expert opinions alongside user‑generated feedback to foster transparency in crowded marketplaces.

A review website’s design should prioritize credibility and ease of comparison between two or more service providers so visitors can quickly find reliable information and weigh options.

Key features and design considerations:

• Rating systems: Display clear star or numerical ratings to offer instant, at‑a‑glance insights into quality.
• Detailed reviews: Structure reviews with pros, cons, and summary sections to help readers digest information efficiently.
• Comparison tables: Enable side‑by‑side product or service comparisons to highlight differentiators.
• Advanced search & filters: Allow users to narrow results by category, price range, rating, or feature.

Real-world example of a review website:

Goodreads is one of the largest book‑tracking and review communities in the industry. It lets readers catalog what they’ve read, post star‑rated reviews, and join discussion groups.

12. Nonprofit website

Nonprofit websites champion a cause, raise awareness, and mobilize support through donations and storytelling. They serve as a hub for mission-driven organizations to connect with supporters.

A good nonprofit website design focuses on showcasing clear storytelling and creating a frictionless, self‑service experience for supporters.

Key features and design considerations:

• Mission and impact statements: Communicate your purpose and measurable outcomes to build trust and inspire action.
• Donation portals: Offer one‑click contribution options with preset amounts and recurring gift functionality.
• Volunteer sign‑ups and event calendars: Make it easy for supporters to get involved locally or virtually to strengthen community ties.
• Success stories and testimonials: Showcase actual beneficiaries and volunteer experiences to reinforce credibility and motivate donors.

Real-world example of a nonprofit website:

Charity: Water is a clean‑water nonprofit that uses its website to tell stories and drive donations. Visitors can easily give one‑time gifts, set up recurring donations, and track funds within the site.

Feeling like taking your mission online? Follow our step‑by‑step guide on how to create a nonprofit website.

13. Real estate website

Real estate websites showcase properties for sale or rent. They act as digital storefronts to match buyers or renters with their ideal homes.

A real estate website should display comprehensive property information and have intuitive search filters for easy navigation.

Key features and design considerations:

• Property listings: Include high‑resolution photos and detailed property descriptions to give users a complete view of each listing.
• Advanced search and filters: Enable searches by location, price, size, and amenities to quickly connect prospects with relevant properties.
• Interactive maps: Add maps that display neighborhood details, schools, and transit options to add value.
• Lead capture forms: Provide easy “schedule a tour” or “request info” forms to convert visitors into qualified leads.

Real-world example of a real estate website:

Zillow offers comprehensive property data, intuitive filters, interactive maps, and instant agent contact options to streamline the home search process.

14. Job board website

Job board websites amass employment opportunities and facilitate connections between recruiters and candidates. They serve as centralized marketplaces for career seekers and employers.

Simple job posting workflows, powerful search filters, and streamlined application processes are some of the features a job board website should have.

Key features and design considerations:

• Job listings: Organize postings by industry, location, and role to quickly help candidates find relevant openings.
• Resume and profile creation: Let users build searchable profiles and store resumes for one‑click applications.
• Search and filter tools: Provide filters for salary range, experience level, and company size to efficiently narrow down job searches.
• Employer dashboards: Offer hiring managers tools to review applications, communicate with candidates, and track hiring metrics.
• Notifications: Keep job seekers engaged with personalized alerts for new listings matching their criteria.

Real-world example of a job board website:

Indeed, one of the world’s largest job marketplaces aggregates millions of job listings from company career pages, staffing agencies, and other job boards. It has robust search functionality, resume hosting, and employer review features that streamline hiring and job hunting.

15. Directory and listing website

Directory and listing websites compile local businesses into organized, searchable catalogs. They function as digital Yellow Pages for consumers to discover and connect with nearby businesses.

Key features and design considerations:

• Categorized listings: Group entries by category, location, or service type for intuitive browsing.
• Search and filter options: Enable keyword search with advanced filters for precise results.
• User reviews and ratings: Enable user reviews to validate listing quality and encourage user contributions.
• Interactive maps: Show listing locations through an interactive map to add geographic context.
• Claim listing functionality: Allow businesses to update their profiles to keep listing information updated.

Real-world example of a directory website:

Yelp is a business directory that helps people discover, evaluate, and choose nearby services. It combines comprehensive listings with authentic user feedback to make local search fast, transparent, and trustworthy.

16. Event website

Event websites promote, manage, and facilitate registrations for various events. They function as promotional storefronts and registration portals for event attendees.

Key features and design considerations:

• Event calendar: Display dates, times, and locations clearly to help attendees plan using an event calendar application.
• Ticketing system: Integrate built‑in ticketing widget displaying tiered pricing, promo codes, and secure checkout.
• Speaker/performer profiles: Dedicate pages with bios, headshots, social links, and session details for event performers.
• Countdown timers and reminders: Create urgency by showing countdown timers and reduce no-shows using automated email or SMS reminders.
• Social sharing tools: Encourage attendees to share event details to expand reach.

Real-world example of an event website:

Eventbrite is an event management and ticketing platform that provides a complete ecosystem for organizers and attendees in one place. It centralizes the entire event lifecycle by combining planning, promotion, registration, execution, and analytics in a unified platform.

17. Travel and tourism website

A travel and tourism website helps people plan and book trips. It guides travelers in researching, comparing, and purchasing travel services.

This website type should have immersive visuals and intuitive search filters so customers can easily find their preferred travel experience.

Key features and design considerations:

• Destination galleries: Showcase high‑quality photos, videos, and itineraries that spark inspiration.
• Booking engines: Integrate flight, hotel, and activity booking applications that show real-time availability.
• User reviews and ratings: Create a page where users can share their feedback and recommendations.
• Interactive maps: Include interactive maps to help visitors plan routes and discover nearby attractions.
• Responsive website: Create a website that works well with mobile devices. Most users prefer to use their phones for browsing and booking.

Real-world example of a travel website:

TripAdvisor helps visitors plan and book trips. It aggregates over one billion user reviews and eight million ratings for accommodations, restaurants, attractions, airlines, and cruises. Because of this, TripAdvisor creates a powerful network for travelers and service providers that generates more reviews and richer data for better recommendations.

18. Knowledge base website

Knowledge base websites are online repositories of organized information. They’re designed to help users find answers and solve problems on a specific topic. They feature articles, FAQs, guides, and tutorials that mostly appeal to self‑directed learners seeking to deepen their expertise in a particular subject.

Key features and design considerations:

• Content: Provide articles, video walkthroughs, infographics, and downloadable resources covering everything from basic concepts to advanced techniques.
• Search and navigation: Place powerful search bars that allow users to quickly find what they need.
• Community contributions: Allow users to contribute to the site. Many knowledge bases rely on volunteer editors and subject‑matter experts to create, review, and update content.
• Accessibility: Mobile‑friendly layouts and clear formatting ensure users can consume information on any device.

Real-world example of a knowledge base website:

WikiHow is an online how‑to resource that hosts a comprehensive collection of instructional content — from everyday tasks like tying your shoelaces to specialized expertise such as performing CPR.

Their articles follow a consistent structure that makes instructions easy to follow and digest. They also allow registered volunteers to create, update, and improve articles in real time to ensure all content remains current and accurate.

19. Gig economy marketplace

Gig economy marketplaces connect independent professionals with clients offering project‑based work. They streamline hiring, payment, and review processes for both parties.

Key features and design considerations:

• Provider profiles: Allow freelancers to upload their portfolios and work history to help them establish credibility.
• Job posting & bidding: Enable clients to post detailed project briefs and freelancers to submit proposals with clear pricing.
• Secure payment systems: Use escrow and milestone payments to protect both parties and ensure fair compensation.
• Review & rating systems: Capture post‑project feedback to maintain quality standards and build reputation.
• Dispute resolution tools: Provide structured processes for conflict management to keep transactions fair and transparent.

Real-world example of a gig economy marketplace:

Upwork is one of the largest online marketplaces in the industry. It connects businesses with freelancers for remote, project‑based work. Upwork consolidates every hiring and project management step into a single interface, eliminating friction.

20. Web tools platform

Web tools platforms deliver browser‑based utilities, including SEO analyzers, graphic editors, and website builders. These platforms aim to help you accomplish specialized tasks without installing software on your device.

Key features and design considerations:

• Interactive tool interfaces: Has drag‑and‑drop editors or form-driven wizards that simplify complex tasks.
• User dashboards: Includes a dashboard that centralizes access to all tools, usage stats, and saved projects.
• Integration options: Allows exporting or connecting data with other services to fit user work demands.
• Templates: Provides ready-made templates and step‑by‑step guides on how to use them.

Real-world example of a web tools platform:

Network Solutions provides small businesses and entrepreneurs online services, including domains, web hosting, and website builders. The platform allows you to build your own website with AI and customizable templates without installing anything on your device.

How to choose the right website type

Choosing the right website starts with your goals. Want to sell products? An eCommerce site delivers a seamless buying experience. Looking to showcase your work and attract clients or employers? A portfolio site is the better choice.

Before you build, research your audience and study competitor websites. Note which features, content formats, and design patterns resonate and which fall flat. Then apply those insights to craft a site that meets your users’ needs and sets you apart.

Transform your ideas into a website that works

You’ve explored 20 distinct website types and know which one aligns with your goals—now it’s time to move from planning to action. Whether you’re launching an online store, showcasing your portfolio, or creating a membership hub, the right platform transforms your vision into a high‑performing website.

Our AI website builder delivers customizable templates for every website type alongside intuitive drag‑and‑drop editing, built‑in SEO tools, and mobile‑optimized layouts that look great on any device.

Ready to bring your idea to life? Visit our template selection to help you create a website for any industry.

Website types FAQs