14 Different Types of Websites With Examples for Each

With the internet being an integral part of our daily lives, it’s no surprise that websites come in various designs and sizes. The types of websites are endless, from e-commerce sites where you can buy and sell products, to personal blogs where individuals can share their thoughts, to educational sites providing valuable information. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of websites and give you some real-life examples. This way, you can get a better understanding of the purpose and audience of each. Get ready to take a deep dive into the world of websites.

According to Statista, as of September 2021, search engines have the largest market share of 67.72% among the most popular website categories in the US. With a 9.66% market share, social networking websites came in second. Websites for e-commerce and online shopping came in third place, with a market share of 4.23%. Certainly, designing and building a website requires thoughtful consideration of the audience and purpose to create a captivating and engaging user experience.

Here are 15 different types of websites for your reference:

#1. E-Commerce Websites

These websites allow businesses to sell products or services directly to consumers. Subsequently, these websites feature user-friendly interfaces that enable customers to browse and purchase products easily and secure payment systems that protect sensitive information. 

E-commerce websites may specialize in a specific product category, such as clothing or electronics, or offer a wide range of products across multiple categories. In addition, they may provide extra features like customer reviews, product recommendations, and personalized shopping experiences.

Examples

• Business-to-Consumer (B2C) e-commerce sell products or services to individual customers directly. Examples include Amazon, Flipkart, and Walmart.
• Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C) e-commerce websites enable individual customers to buy and sell products or services. Examples include eBay and Craigslist.
• Business-to-Business (B2B) e-commerce websites facilitate transactions between businesses. Examples include Alibaba and ThomasNet.
• Subscription-based e-commerce websites charge customers a recurring fee in exchange for exclusive content, products, or services. Examples include Netflix and Spotify.
• Dropshipping e-commerce websites allow businesses to sell products without keeping them in stock. Examples include Oberlo and AliExpress.

#2. News and Media Websites

There exist different types of websites, each with specific characteristics and objectives. For instance, news and media websites employ reporters and journalists who gather data and produce news articles, videos, and stories. To provide accurate and fair news coverage to their audiences, they draw on various sources, such as interviews, press releases, and government comments.

News and media websites may provide multimedia content, including podcasts, live broadcasts, and interactive tools that let visitors interact with the material in novel and fun ways. Further, on-demand news and information are available on various subjects, including politics, business, sports, entertainment, health, science, and technology, on news and media websites. 

Examples

Websites like CNN, BBC, The New York Times, The Guardian, Al Jazeera, and HuffPost are well-known news and media outlets. In short, news and media websites are essential for keeping people up to date with the most recent local and international news and events. 

#3. Blogging Websites 

Blogging websites are online platforms that enable individuals or groups to create and publish written content as blog posts. These types of websites feature a succession of posts, appearing in the order the blogger posted them, newest post first. Further, blogging websites serve various purposes, including personal expression, journalism, marketing, and more. Typically, blogging websites offer a platform for users and organizations to create and share their content with the world. These websites also provide various options to suit different needs and preferences.

Examples 

Some of the popular blogging websites include:

• WordPress.com: A free platform for creating and hosting blogs.
• Medium: A platform that features articles and stories from many authors.
• Blogger: A platform owned by Google that enables users to create and publish blogs for free.
• Tumblr: A microblogging platform that offers users to post multimedia content such as images, videos, and GIFs.
• Ghost: A paid platform designed specifically for professional bloggers and writers wanting to monetize their content.

#4. Social Networking Websites

Social networking websites are among the different websites that enable people to connect through online communication. Subsequently, these websites create communities of people with similar interests, hobbies, and backgrounds. Moreover, these social networking websites are changing how people connect and interact, making it easier to stay in touch with friends and family, network with colleagues, and share interests and experiences with people worldwide.

Examples

Here are some examples of social networking websites:

1. Facebook is one of the most popular social networking websites, with over 2 billion active users. It allows one to create a profile, connect with friends and family, and join groups based on interests.
2. LinkedIn is a professional social networking website. It allows users to connect with other professionals, network with colleagues, and showcase their professional skills and experiences.
3. Twitter is a micro-blogging social networking website. It enables users to post brief messages called “tweets.” It is popular among celebrities, politicians, and journalists.
4. Instagram is a photo-sharing social networking website. One can share photos and videos with their followers. It is popular among influencers, artists, and photographers.
5. TikTok is a video-sharing social networking website. You can create short videos set to music. It is popular among younger generations and has recently gained a large following. 

#5. Educational Websites

Educational websites provide learning resources, tutorials, and other educational content to help individuals acquire new skills and knowledge. 

Examples 

Some examples of educational websites include Coursera, Khan Academy, edX, and Codecademy, which offer science, math, coding, and language learning courses. Among the different types of websites, there are educational websites that cater to younger audiences, such as PBS Kids, National Geographic Kids, and Funbrain, which offer educational games and activities. Also, universities and colleges have websites that provide online courses, degrees, and resources for students and faculty.

#6. Portfolio Websites

Portfolio websites showcase an individual’s work or services. Therefore, they are suitable for artists, designers, writers, photographers, and other creative professionals to display their work to potential clients and employers. 

Examples 

Some portfolio websites examples include Behance, Dribbble, and Coroflot for designers and Writerfolio and Contently for writers. These sites feature high-quality images, graphics, and descriptions of the projects or services offered. In shot, a portfolio website aims to impress visitors with the creator’s skills and attract new business opportunities.

#7. Government Websites

Government websites are among different types of websites under the maintenance of various levels of government agencies, including federal, state, and local governments. To clarify, they serve as a central location for citizens to access information, services, and resources provided by the government. Equally, government websites serve as a valuable resource for citizens and provide access to critical data and services other government websites offer.

Examples

Typical examples of government websites are:

• USA.gov is the official website of the United States government. It offers access to various information, services, and resources.
• Gov.uk is the official website of the UK government. It provides access to information and services provided by the British government.
• Canada.ca is the official website of the Canadian government and offers access to information and services provided by the Canadian government.
• IRS.gov is under the maintenance of the United States Internal Revenue Service and provides information and resources related to taxes.
• NASA.gov is maintained by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and provides information and resources related to space exploration and research.
• Whitehouse.gov is owned by the White House and offers information and resources related to the President of the United States and their administration.

#8. Entertainment Websites

Have you ever been bored on a lazy Sunday afternoon, but didn’t know what to do? Well, that’s where entertainment websites come in handy. In short, these online platforms are a one-stop shop for all your entertainment needs. You can find anything from movies and TV shows to music and games, all in one place. However, the best part is that you can access all this unique content from anywhere, at any time, and on any device. 

Examples

Entertainment is just a click away with websites like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Amazon Prime, and Spotify. These popular websites offer a wide range of content to entertain and engage you.

• BuzzFeed is an excellent choice for those who love staying updated and entertained with its viral content, quizzes, and news stories.
• Twitch is a live streaming platform that focuses on video game live streams and includes different types of content, such as music and talk shows. 
• Hulu is a streaming service that provides TV shows, movies, and original programming.
• IMDB is the go-to website for movie and TV show enthusiasts, providing information about movies, TV shows, actors, and filmmakers.
• Cracked is a website that features humorous articles, videos, and podcasts.
• Rotten Tomatoes aggregates review from critics and users to provide ratings for movies and TV shows.
• Spotify is a music streaming platform that offers a vast collection of songs and podcasts.

#9. Personal Websites

Personal websites showcase an individual’s identity, personal brand, and interests. These websites often include a personal blog, a resume, and a portfolio of work. 

Examples

Here are a few examples of personal websites:

• Portfolio websites showcase an individual’s work samples, such as photographs, writing, design projects, and more. Examples include Tania Rascia’s portfolio website and Aaron Walter’s website.
• Blogging websites feature an individual’s writing on a specific topic, such as fashion, travel, or cooking. Examples include Cup of Jo and Smitten Kitchen.
•  Resume websites feature an individual’s resume, professional experience, and skills. Examples include Alyssa X’s website and Ryan Resella’s website.
• Personal branding websites focus on creating a personal brand for the individual, including their skills, achievements, and interests. Examples include Gary Vaynerchuk’s website and Marie Forleo’s website.
• Lifestyle websites showcase an individual’s lifestyle and interests, such as fitness, health, or beauty. Examples include Goop and The Skinny Confidential.

#10. Marketplace Websites

A marketplace website is an online platform that connects consumers and sellers to enable transactions. It allows buyers to explore and buy from various vendors’ listings of goods and services on a single platform. In short, it serves as a go-between, allowing the delivery of items and offering a safe payment method.

Examples

Amazon is a booming marketplace website that facilitates the sale of various products, ranging from electronics to groceries to clothing items. Another example is Alibaba, which connects suppliers with buyers.

#11. Membership Websites

Membership websites provide members who pay a fee or subscription access to exclusive material, services, or items. The website may also offer a community for users to connect and the material or services can be educational, informative, or entertainment-based.

Examples

The Wall Street Journal or the New York Times offers access to their archives and articles through a subscription-based model. Another example in this category is Amazon Prime, which provides access to streaming content, discounts, and free shipping.

#12. Apparel Designer Websites

Apparel designer websites are essential for designers and brands to showcase their products and connect with their target audience. Further, they offer an opportunity for brands to tell their story, highlight their unique selling proposition, and showcase the quality and craftsmanship of their products. Typically, these websites feature high-quality images of the products, product descriptions, and information about the designer or brand.

Examples

One perfect example of an apparel website is Nike. The website showcases its brand and products via a dynamic and interactive website. Other examples in this category are Gucci, Prada, and Chanel.

#13. Booking Websites

Booking websites are online portals that allow users to search for and book various travel-related services, such as flights, hotels, vehicle rentals, and excursions. In addition, these websites offer comparison tools, customer reviews, and other resources to help users make informed booking decisions.

Examples

Expedia is an example of a booking website. The website provides travel-related services, car rentals, flights, and hotel services. Booking.com, where you can search for apartments, hotels, and accommodations globally, also ranks high in this sector. Lastly, Airbnb is a booking website that connects travelers to local hosts who rent homes and apartments.

#14. Web Portal Website

A web portal serves as a website that functions as an entry point, connecting users to many resources, information, and services available online. To clarify, it offers a unified interface, granting users access to various features like email, news, social media, and various web-based applications.

Examples

There are quite some websites in this category; an excellent example of a web portal is MSN. This website provides news, weather, sports, and other information from various sources on a single platform. Yahoo is another example of a web portal that offers multiple services, including email, news, finance, and search.

Different Types of Websites: Conclusion

Overall, websites serve various functions to meet their users’ diverse needs. For instance, e-commerce websites cater to those who prefer online shopping, while social networking sites connect people worldwide. Blogs allow writers to express their thoughts and ideas, and news websites inform people about current events. Business websites offer information about companies and their services, while government websites provide access to essential resources and services. Thus, with the constant evolution of technology and changing demands of society, it’s evident that different types of websites will continue to play a crucial role in our daily lives.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©McLittle Stock/Shutterstock.com.