categories of websites

Search engine optimization, Internet marketign, Social marketign


There are basically two main types of websites – static and dynamic. Under these two broad categories are more specific site types, but we will discuss those in a moment.
A static site is where you update each page page independently of one another in an HTML editor (or WYSIWYG). Originally this was how sites were created. They were a pain to manage and update which is why most newbies to the web choose the dynamic website option. In my opinion, static sites have become obsolete, unless you only have a few pages. With so many free content management systems available, its much easier for a beginner to make a website without any coding knowledge at all. Example: My web portfolio is an example of a static site. It’s only one page and I only update it once I finish a new project – on average once every two months.

A dynamic site is typically a site that is connected to a database so you can easily store and pull information in an organized and structured way. WordPress and Joomla are dynamic sites. The majority of the information you add to your WordPress or Joomla administrator area will be stored in a database and be populated on your sites frontend – automatically.

Now under the main category of a static or dynamic website there are more specific types of sites that can be created. When reviewing this list, make note that your future site can be a combination of several different types.


Types of Sites

Affiliate: A site where you post link to products and services you recommend and when a visitor clicks the link or purchases the product the website owner receives a commission. Example affiliate agency sites are Commission Junction, ClickBank, eJunkie, etc. (see Affiliate Marketing)


Archive site: This kind of site is used to store older information about a particular subject, intended for research or entertainment. Two examples are Internet Archive and the Way Back Machine, both store entire copies of current and past websites.


Blog (or weblog) site: Sites that are generally used to post online diaries which may include discussion or forums. Blogs have evolved over the years to do much more than post your random thoughts. The blogging system you choose can be modified and be used for any type of site on this list. Example blogging sites are WordPress, Movable Type and Blogger. (see Make a Blog)


Corporate or Business site: Used to provide background information about a business, organization, or service. Example corporate sites are General Motors, General Electric, and PepsiCo.


Commerce site or eCommerce site: For purchasing good or services such as Amazon, Walmart or Target.


Community Site: A site where a person with similar interests communicate with each other, usually by chat or message boards.


Database site: A site who’s main purpose is to search a display stored data such as the Internet Move Database or the Political GraveYard.


Development Site: A site where information and resources are provided for subjects related to software development, web design and programming.

Directory site: A site that contain lists of information organized into categories and subcategories such and Yahoo! directory, Google Directory and Open Project Directory.


Download site: Strictly used for downloading electronic content like software, games, demos and desktop wallpaper. Example sites are Tucows and ZDNet.


Employment site: Allows employers to post job announcements for a position so prospective employees may apply. Example job sites are Monster, HotJobs and CareerBuilder.


Erotica sites: Show sexual videos and images. Sorry folks, I’m not posting any examples for these. Do your own dirty work!


Gripe site: A site devoted to the critique of a person, place, corporation, government or institution.


Humor site: The sole purpose of these sites are too amuse and entertain. Example sites are Stuff White People Like and Bored.com.


Information site: Contains content that is intended to inform visitors, but not necessarily for commercial purposes. Such as Rate My Professors and Encyclopedia. Most government, educational and no-profit institutions have an informational site.


Intranet site: A site created for a group of employees that work for a specific company. Intranets are only viewable by employees currently working there and typically store information on internal projects and corporate happenings.


Mirror site: A complete reproduction of a website.


News site: Similar to an information site, but dedicated to dispensing news and commentary. Such as CNN, The New York Post and Fox 5.


Personal homepage: Run by an individual or a small group (such as a family) that contains information or any content that the person wants to include. Such as my portfolio site.


Phish site: A website created to scam people and acquire sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card details, by masquerading as a trustworthy person or business (such as Social Security Administration, PayPal) in an electronic communication.


Political site: A site on which people may voice political views. Such a the Huffington Post and Politico.


Pornography (porn) site: A site that shows pornographic images and videos. No examples again buddy!


Rating site: A site on which people can praise or disparage a product, place or service.


Review site: A site where people can post reviews for products or services.


Search Engine site: A site that provides general information and is intended as a gateway or lookup for other sites. Some examples are Google, Yahoo! and Bing. (see Make Money with Google)


Warez: A site filled with illegal software and other electronic media for download.


Web portal: A site that provides a starting point or a gateway to other resources on the Internet or an intranet.


Wiki site: A site which users collaboratively edit information to serve as an online resource. Such as Wikipedia


No comments:

Post a Comment