Types of Websites: 6 Main Kinds and How to Design Them

There are many types of websites, and each one has a different job. A shop exists to sell, a portfolio to impress, a blog to inform. Knowing which type you are building shapes everything from the layout to the content and the features.

This guide covers the six main types of websites, what each is for and how to design it well. It also shows how to decide which one you need, with a few extra types to consider and practical tips that apply to all of them.

How to know which type of website you need

Start with the goal, not the design. Ask what one action matters most to the person who builds the site and to the person who visits it. The answer usually points to a type:

• Show your work and get hired: a portfolio website.
• Sell products online: an ecommerce website.
• Present a company and its services: a business website.
• Share knowledge and attract an audience: a blog.
• Connect people with each other: a social or community website.
• Share thoughts and personal projects: a personal website.

Many real sites mix types. A business website often includes a blog, and a portfolio may include a small shop. Choose the main type first, then add features around it. Once you know the type, it is much easier to find good examples for inspiration.

6 types of websites

1. Portfolio website

A portfolio website shows samples of your past work to attract clients or employers. It is often the first site a designer builds. You can see how we present our own work on Dribbble.

Every portfolio should be unique, but a few things hold true. Lead with your best projects, keep the design minimal so the work stands out, explain the result of each project and make contact easy. For a visual example, read our photographer portfolio website post.

2. Ecommerce website

An ecommerce website lets people buy products directly. Any site with a basket and a way to pay belongs in this group. It is a popular project for designers because new businesses start selling online all the time.

Think about brand, product organisation and trust. If there are many sizes, colours or variants, the customer must always understand what they are buying. Our guide to ecommerce website features lists what a good shop needs.

3. Business website

A business website represents a specific company. It should carry the same logo and positioning as the rest of the brand and explain clearly what the business offers. Customers expect to find one, and a company without it looks less established.

Collect as much information from the client as possible before you start. Do they have a logo, brand colours, a tone of voice and photography? If not, there is a chance to offer branding as well. Our guides on web design for tradesmen and affordable web design for small businesses show how this works in practice.

A typical business site includes a home page, a page for each main service, an About page, customer proof such as reviews or case studies, and a contact page with a clear call to action. Add opening hours, a map or a booking link if customers need them.

4. Social media website

Facebook, X and Pinterest are well-known examples of social networks. They let people share thoughts, photos and videos and connect with others. Features such as endless scrolling and notifications keep people coming back.

These sites need constant testing and maintenance, and design changes are made carefully because millions of users rely on familiar layouts. Most social companies have in-house teams, so work with them is usually contract based.

5. Blog website

A blog is a website that is updated regularly with articles. It can be run by one person, a group or a company. The aim is to share knowledge about a topic, build an audience and, for many businesses, bring in customers. This very blog is an example.

When designing a blog, think about structure. Decide how each post card will show the title, author, summary and a read more link, and how readers can browse categories and search. Good typography and fast loading make the experience pleasant, and well-written posts can rank in search results for the topics people look up.

Whatever the size, keep one rule in mind: a blog is only as good as its latest post. Plan a realistic publishing rhythm before launch, and design archive pages that still look good when old posts pile up.

6. Personal website

A personal website is just that: personal. It does not need to sell anything. It may be a one-page resume, a collection of links or a place to publish thoughts and projects.

Designers rarely get paid for these, but they are a great place to practise. Try a single-page site that shares the most important information about one person. With little content to work with, you have to make every choice count.

Other types of websites to know

• Landing pages: single pages built for one campaign or action. See landing page vs product page to know when each works.
• SaaS and web app sites: explain software and convert trials. Here are some of the best SaaS website designs.
• Non-profit and educational sites: focus on information, trust and donations or enrolment.
• News and magazine sites: high volume of content, strong categories and clear typography.
• Membership and community sites: content or features behind a login.

For more inspiration across all types, browse our top web design examples.

Tips for designing any type of website

1. Define the main goal first. Every page should support it.
2. Know the audience. Design for the visitor, not for yourself.
3. Plan content before layout. Real text and images lead to better design than placeholders.
4. Keep navigation simple. People should find what they need in two or three clicks.
5. Design for mobile. Most visits start on a phone, so check small screens first.
6. Make it fast and accessible. Compress images, use readable contrast and label buttons clearly.
7. Measure and improve. Use analytics to see what visitors do, then refine.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main types of websites?

The most common are portfolio, ecommerce, business, blog, social media and personal websites. Others include landing pages, news sites, educational sites, non-profit sites and web applications.

Which type of website is best for a small business?

Most small businesses need a business website that explains services and makes contact easy. Add ecommerce if you sell online, and a blog if you want to attract customers through search.

What is the difference between a static and a dynamic website?

A static site shows the same fixed pages to everyone. A dynamic site builds pages from a database or content management system, so content can change easily or differ by user.

Can one website be more than one type?

Yes. Many sites combine types, such as a business website with a blog and a shop. Pick a main purpose and add other features around it without losing focus.

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