Does your business need a website?
I had an encounter with a local business owner a couple of months back. I told him I could design either a static or a dynamic website that would help him put his products ahead of his competitors by giving him an online presence so he could reach a wider audience and get enough sales to increase revenue for his business. I even told him, I could create a Google page for his business, manage it, and help him promote his business. As a website designer, I design static, dynamic, and e-commerce websites (context will be explained later). This was his response;
Business owner: "I have been in this service for the past 30 years. I already have my audience and I do not need a website for my business now. Maybe later".
I thanked him and left. Five (5) months along the line, he barely keeps up and his business rarely operates as it used to a year ago.
On the other hand, I approached a spray painter (auto mechanic), who bought into the idea of designing a website for his business. I created a static website (using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript- a landing page) for his business (link:https://bzautoshop.netlify.app/ ). A couple of months later, he called and told me that he wanted to relocate his business to a bigger space because he was getting a lot of calls for his business and his business had increased in revenue.
Our lives now revolve around the Internet, and having a website for your company is the first step towards building an online presence and reaching a wider audience.
What are the types of websites?
A website is an online collection of linked web pages that may be accessed via the internet. These websites are made to interact with users, display content, and offer functionality. The size and complexity of websites can vary, from straightforward one-page webpages to massive portals with numerous parts and services. These days, websites are essential to the digital world. They act as the main channel for credibility-building, product and service promotion, and information sharing. A well-designed website may help businesses increase brand visibility, communicate with potential consumers, and draw in new ones.
Websites can be divided into various categories according to their functions and purposes. There are three (3) main types of websites: Static websites, Dynamic websites, and E-commerce websites. Having knowledge about these three types will give you a better insight into which type you will need to increase your online presence.
What then is a Static website?
These websites don't need complicated server-side processing because they are usually created with HTML (Hypertext mark-up language), CSS (Cascading style sheets for styling the mark-up language), and animated with JavaScript. The text is prewritten and presented to users exactly as it is. Websites classified as static have fixed pages with material that is updated manually or stays the same. Static websites provide several benefits, such as ease of maintenance (you can easily add other sections, upgrade the website, or even change the format), speedy loading times, and simplicity. Static websites can be hosted on less expensive hosting plans because they don't use as many server resources. After all, the content is pre-generated. They are also ideal for individuals or small companies who desire a simple internet presence without a lot of features.
For portfolios, personal blogs, informational websites, and small commercial websites with infrequent content revisions, static websites are perfect. Additionally, they work well for landing sites or short-term campaigns with static content.
Dynamic Websites.
Unlike static websites, dynamic websites use server-side processing to create web pages instantly. These websites store and retrieve data using databases and computer languages like PHP or Python, e,t,c,. Database queries or user interactions can be used to tailor the content of dynamic web pages. Personalized user experiences, interactive features, and dynamic content creation are just a few advantages of dynamic websites. They let companies handle massive volumes of data, build intricate web apps, and provide customers access to real-time information. Furthermore, content management systems (CMS) that make collaboration and content updates simple are made possible by dynamic websites.
Numerous applications, including news portals, social networking sites, online forums, and e-learning platforms, might benefit from dynamic websites. Businesses that need regular content updates, user interactions, and customized experiences will find them especially useful.
E-commerce Websites.
Websites for online purchasing and selling of goods and services are known as e-commerce websites. To enable safe online transactions, these websites incorporate inventory management systems, payment gateways, and shopping carts. Depending on the needs and platform of choice, e-commerce websites can be either static or dynamic. E-commerce websites give companies the chance to access a worldwide clientele, work around the clock, and expedite the purchasing process. They improve the whole buying experience by offering services like order monitoring, user reviews, safe payments, and product catalogs. E-commerce websites also give companies the ability to monitor sales, evaluate consumer behavior, and improve marketing tactics.
For businesses to offer goods or services online, e-commerce websites are essential. They are appropriate for several sectors, such as digital services, fashion, electronics, and retail. Whether you are a small or large business, you can take advantage of the enormous potential of online sales by having an e-commerce website.
How to choose the type of website for your business.
There are several factors to consider when deciding to create an online presence for your business. You might consider the following steps;
1. Evaluate your objectives, your spending limit, the features you need, your content management system, and scalability. Assess the technical proficiency of your team members or think about seeking professional advice to help you make decisions.
2. Evaluate your needs regarding data management, e-commerce, interaction, and content upgrades. Ascertain whether you require a basic web presence, a dynamic application, or a comprehensive e-commerce platform.
3. Consult with web developers or digital companies if you have questions regarding the technical components of your website or about the ideal strategy. They may aid with the building and upkeep of your website, as well as in the analysis of your demands and the recommendation of appropriate solutions.
Conclusion.
The different types of websites have been discussed here. In all these explanations, the business owner and the web designer must take a key feature (design) into consideration. This is responsiveness. A responsive website is the ability of web page(s) to adapt to the user's screen. The intention is for a website to look and function as well as it can on any device, regardless of the screen size. When it comes to your online presence, first and foremost seek the advice of a web designer and decide on the objectives, requirements, and goals for your website.
We wish to get the best out of most technological advancements this year and beyond.
Thanks for your time.
References.
1.https://medium.com/@aruljothy007/what-are-the-3-types-of-web-b0ef99b7cc83#:~:text=Websites%20can%20be%20broadly%20classified,look%20at%20each%20of%20them. Assessed, 09/02/2024.
2.https://www.designrush.com/best-designs/websites/trends/types-of-website-designs.Assessed, 09/02/2024.
Daniel Kwasi Kpeglo
Physicist| SQL| Python| HTML| CSS| JavaScript| Looker| LookML| BigQuery| Power BI| Tableau| GCCP
Business page:https://dannyconsult.netlify.app/
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