One of the most frequent questions asked by entrepreneurs, freelancers and enthusiasts is: Do I need a website? The answer seems simpler than it is. Of course, it depends on several factors, such as the industry in which you operate, the goals you want to achieve and the expectations of your target audience.
In this article, we will take a look at the key factors for having a website. We will also describe the most common types of such sites. We invite you to read on, which we hope will dispel any doubts and help you make an informed decision.
What is a website?
A website is a set of related sub-pages, accessible at a common web address (URL), forming a unified whole. Sub-pages are usually maintained in a consistent aesthetic and theme. A website allows users to access its content via a web browser. It is hosted on servers or, in the case of smaller projects, on hosting accounts.
Websites can perform a variety of functions – from simple business card sites to advanced information portals, online shops, blogs and educational and social media platforms. In its simplest form, a website may consist of a single page, while more complex designs may include hundreds of interlinked sub-pages, offering a rich array of content and functionality. Depending on your needs and expectations, a website can include text, graphics, multimedia and other interactive elements that support communication with your audience.
Nowadays, with the internet being the primary medium of communication, a website is often the first place where potential clients or customers look for information about a particular company, product or service. Having a website is often considered an essential part of a brand’s visual identity and strategy, offering unlimited opportunities to reach potential customers and build relationships with them.
What types of websites do we differentiate between?
Before we proceed to discuss the types of websites, you will learn about the differences related to technical issues. These can be divided into two main categories: static pages and dynamic pages.
Static pages are websites whose content is generated once and then saved. This means that the content of the page does not change until the file is updated or replaced. Static pages are usually simple and easy to maintain but can be less interactive and less engaging for users.
Dynamic pages are websites with content generated on the fly, based on a user’s request. This means that the content on the page can change depending on who is visiting and what they are doing. Dynamic sites tend to be more complex and more difficult to maintain but can be more interactive and more engaging for users. Sites that generate content in real-time in response to user actions allow for a more interactive experience, including logging in or personalizing products or services. It also makes it easier to update content, which is crucial for blogs, for example. However, the greater complexity of dynamic sites carries some risk, which is the potential vulnerability to cyber-attacks through the injection of malicious code.
Blog
A blog is a type of website that consists of posts organized chronologically, usually including comments and other interactive features. Blogs can be maintained by individuals or companies. They are used to share information, ideas and opinions on a variety of topics.
Blogs are regarded as a subcategory of dynamic websites because their content is frequently updated with new posts and comments. They tend to have a more informal and personal feel than other dynamic sites, such as company websites or online shops. They are a great way to build a community around shared interests, promote your business or express yourself. There are many different blogging platforms to choose from, making it easy to get started. The most popular of these is WordPress. See why many people choose it:
Accessibility. WordPress is open source, which means it is free to download and use. There are also many free plugins and templates available, making WordPress a very affordable option for those on a tight budget.
Ease of use. Even people with no web development experience will easily find their way around this system. The intuitive interface and numerous tools make adding content, creating pages and managing your site simple and enjoyable.
Flexibility. WordPress is extremely flexible and can be adapted to almost any type of website. There are thousands of free and paid plugins and templates that allow you to extend the functionality of your site and customize its appearance.
Scalability. WordPress is scalable, meaning that it can support small websites as well as larger sites with high traffic. As your site grows, you can easily expand it with additional features and plugins.
SEO optimization. WordPress includes many features to help optimize your site for search engines (SEO). This will make your site easier to find in search results, which can lead to increased traffic and conversions.
Security. WordPress is regularly updated with security patches to help protect your site from malware and hackers. Several security plugins can be added to your site to increase its security
In addition to the advantages mentioned above, WordPress also offers many other features and benefits that make it a great choice for websites of all types.
If you are looking for a way to share your thoughts and ideas with others, setting up a blog is a great idea.
Online shops (e-commerce)
Online shops, also known as e-commerce sites, are a type of website that allows users to buy products or services online. These shops typically include a product catalog, shopping cart, secure payment system and shipping options. What are the main features of online shops?
Product catalog with photos, descriptions and prices of the offered products. Ability to filter and sort products.
Basket, which allows users to add products for purchase. It calculates prices, informs about delivery or allows the user to enter a discount code.
A payment system that allows users to securely pay for purchases using credit cards, debit cards or other online payment methods.
Various shipping options are available, including the option of personal collection.
A user account containing shipping information, allowing users to track orders and view purchase history.
Online shops are run by small and large companies and may specialize in a particular product niche or offer a wide range of products. As e-commerce technology continues to evolve, online shops can be expected to play an increasingly important role in retail.
There are several different e-commerce platforms available for creating online shops, such as Shopify, WooCommerce or Magento. Choosing the right platform depends on your business size, budget and technical needs.
If you’re looking for a team to build an online shop for you, introduce new functionality or improve existing functionality, get in touch. For more than 20 years, we have been helping companies develop their dreams of a smoothly-running online shop. We can do this for you too!
Online forum
An online forum is a type of website that allows users to discuss various topics. They usually consist of categories or bulletin boards where users create threads and respond to others’ posts. Forums are devoted to a variety of topics, from general discussions to specific hobbies or interests. They are a great way to connect with other people with similar interests, learn new things and get help or advice. They are a valuable source of information and support. There are many different online forums available online, from large and popular forums to smaller and more specialized ones. You are sure to find a forum online that is dedicated to your interests.
Knowledge base
Knowledge bases are a type of website that provides structured and categorized information on a specific topic. They typically contain articles, tutorials, frequently asked questions (FAQs) and other types of content that aim to provide users with comprehensive answers to their questions. Knowledge bases are often created by companies or organizations to provide better customer service or technical support to their users. They help businesses or organizations save time and money on customer service, as users find the answers to their questions themselves.
Business card page
Business card pages are a type of website that is used to present information about a company, organization or individual. They usually contain basic information such as name, contact details, a description of the business and often images or videos. Business card pages usually have a simple and clear layout and are easy to navigate.
There are many various ways to create business card pages, from coding them yourself to using drag-and-drop website builders. Choosing the best method depends on your technical skills, budget and individual needs.
If you need a simple website, use our services. We’ll be happy to develop a site to suit your needs!
Why do I need a website?
This is a question that everyone who runs any kind of business is asking themselves these days. Is it worth building a website and why? For what purposes can it be useful? A website has many advantages:
Increases reach and visibility. Enables companies or individuals to reach a wider audience and increase brand visibility online. Potential customers can find a business by browsing websites, using search engines or social media. This is a great way to showcase yourself online and share your story, skills and experience. This can be useful for job seekers, companies looking for employees or looking to network.
It influences credibility and professionalism. Having a website helps build credibility and the perception of companies or individuals as professionals. Potential customers are more likely to trust brands that have websites because the products and services become more accessible and the company is more trustworthy.
It serves as a place to contact customers. It is on the website that we look for a phone, chat or email address. It is the same with your customers. If you don’t have a website, you don’t even know how many customers you are losing!
Selling products and services. Having an online shop allows you to reach a wider range of customers, which we cannot speak of with a stationary shop.
A website can be used to advertise products and services through online marketing, and this in turn attracts potential customers.
These are only some of the arguments why you should set up a website. Of course, whether it is an online shop, a business card website or perhaps a blog is entirely up to you and the business you are running. Think about how you can get started and what you need to set up a website. For our part, we offer the implementation of a website along with a hosting account for one year. You can register a domain at Domeny.tv, where you can find extensions from all over the world. This way, you can quickly create a website to suit your needs!
What do you need to remember when deciding on a website?
When setting up a website, keep in mind the following investments: hosting, domain and often commissioning work. A website needs updating. By this we mean not only the software, but also the addition of information, news or, in the case of a blog, new posts. In the same way as updating the content on the website, you can also have the software updated!
At Dotinum we offer two services:
WPSiteSupport service, which provides end-to-end support for your WordPress-based website. We offer ongoing support for your website, which means that in the event of a breakdown or configuration problem, you can count on our quick intervention. We make sure that our work is professional and efficient, and that your website runs flawlessly.
A software development service, where we will take care of all technical aspects of your website. We will perform the installation, and regular software updates, make sure it is properly secured and make modifications according to your requirements
Having the technical work outsourced and the content updated will make your website attractive to potential customers, and allow you to get on with what you are good at!
Do you need a website?
The answer seems self-evident, as a website is a great tool for contacting potential customers, an opportunity to showcase your products and services and make your presence felt online. If you are confronted with the choice of implementing a website, ask yourself these questions:
- Which target group is my website aimed at?
- What is the purpose of my website? To present information, make sales, put customers in touch with customers, search for employees?
- What content do I want to include on the website?
By answering these questions you will get information about the purpose and need for your website. You will know what kind of website you want to implement, how often to update the information and who you will be attracting with your website. No matter what decision you make and what kind of website you will be implementing, we can help you!